Esplanade casino “Miramar” & Refúgio ABOIM / ASCESÃO / Shelter for children

In the 1940s, major sports competitions organized by local recreational and sports clubs were held on the beach, attracting hundreds of people. Sporting events such as boxing matches, the “1o Cruzeiro da Ria de Faro”, a sailing event organized by Ginásio Clube Naval and the “Ria do Vale Formoso Tournament”, organized by Sport Lisboa e Faro.

There were several boats (photo 10 & 11) that sailed back and forth from “Portas do Mar” in Faro between the city and the beach, transporting large numbers of people to the beach every day. On weekends and especially on Sundays, the people of Faro went to the beach.

In addition to various measures to improve the beach, in 1937 there was the inauguration of alanding stage on the island and the opening in 1945 of the Esplanade casino “Miramar” (photo 9), which not only served the many tourists but also the place where cultural and recreational events were held. In 1958, the Refúgio ABOIM / ASCESÃO / Shelter for children was established in the adjacent building - with its shell roofs. Probably based on a design by 'state architect' Jorge Gomes de Oliveira.