"The hotel is unusual and nicely situated beside the sea and the grounds and buildings are very nice."
Mary from Ireland
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"Great pool with lots of trees which provide a lot of shade."
Ad from Netherlands
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"Really good they have a private boat to the beach."
Filipa from Portugal
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"The spa other than massages is all included."
Sa L from United Kingdom
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"The hotel grounds and breakfast. Free spa area."
Iana from Portugal
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4-star eco-resort converted from a tuna fishing camp in Ria Formosa Natural Park
A Living Museum
Vila Galé Albacora occupies a former tuna fishing camp that has been rehabilitated into a certified eco-hotel in Ria Formosa Natural Park. An on-site museum details the historical significance of the location and its original tuna workshops. The recovered on-site chapel provides a setting for weddings and christenings.
Accommodations
Guest rooms are former houses, workshops, and warehouses that have been furnished and renovated, each offering a private furnished patio. Rooms look out onto the resort gardens and the Ria Formosa Natural Park. The hotel provides free parking, an electric vehicle charging station, and accessibility features for guests with mobility needs.
Dining & Entertainment
Guests can choose from buffet and à la carte dining at Restaurant Versátil, which serves Portuguese cuisine. A selection of Alentejo wines and cocktails is available at the bar, and room service is offered. Evening entertainment, live music, and staff-run activities are scheduled regularly.
Wellness & Recreation
The hotel has three swimming pools, including a heated indoor pool and a water slide. The spa and wellness centre includes a sauna, steam room, hammam, and Jacuzzi. A fitness centre, bicycle rental, and billiards are available on the property.
Location & Access
The resort is set in Ria Formosa Natural Park, a 15-minute drive from Faro Airport and close to the Island of Tavira. A private ferry from the hotel's pier provides direct boat access to the beaches of Tavira Island. Nearby Luz de Tavira has been a place of pilgrimage for many centuries.
Highlights
History: Former tuna fishing camp with on-site museum and chapel
Pools: 3 swimming pools, including heated indoor and water slide
Wellness: Spa with sauna, steam room, hammam, and Jacuzzi
Access: Private ferry from hotel pier to Tavira Island beaches
Family: Kids' club in former school and children's playground
Dining: Portuguese cuisine at Restaurant Versátil and Alentejo wines
Must-do experiences
Visit the Tavira Castle for stunning views and rich history.
Try the regional dish, Ria Formosa octopus, at Restaurante Brisa do Río.
Explore the local market at Praça da República on Saturdays for fresh produce.
Take a boat trip to Tavira Island for pristine beaches and relaxation.
Discover the hidden beauty of the Nossa Senhora da Ajuda Church.
Choose the room type you prefer
Vila Gale Albacora features a mix of doubles, family suites, and larger suites across the Algarve, often with breakfast, flexible cancellation, and seasonal deals included
Superior Single Room
2 persons
250 sq. feet
2 Single beds
Air conditioning
Balcony
room details
Standard Single Room
2 persons
250 sq. feet
2 Single beds
Air conditioning
Bathtub
room details
Twin Room
2 persons
250 sq. feet
1 Double bed
Air conditioning
Heating
room details
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Rates & Room Availability Calendar
See today’s rates and availability for your selected dates.
Amenities
Vila Gale Albacora provides amenities designed to make your stay comfortable and memorable
Facilities: Great
8.6/10Review score
General
No smoking on site
Wi-Fi
Parking
Safe deposit box
24-hour reception
No pets allowed
Rooms/ Facilities for disabled
Wheelchair access
Security
Luggage storage
Currency exchange
Coffee shop
Smoke detectors
Electric vehicle charging station
Fire extinguishers
Key card access
Sports & Fitness
Fitness centre
Wind surfing
Diving
Snorkelling
Canoeing
Hiking
Horseback riding
Cycling
Tennis court
Bowling
Golf course
Billiard tables
Fishing
Services
Room service
Housekeeping
Car hire
Laundry
Dry cleaning
Tours/Ticket assistance
Welcome drink
Dining
All inclusive
In-room breakfast
Restaurant
Poolside snack bar
Snack bar
Dinner
Special diet menus
Business
Business centre
Meeting/ Banquet facilities
Fax/Photocopying
Children
Cots
Babysitting/Child services
Children's buffet
Board games
Children's pool
Water slides
Children's play area
Kids club
Game room
Facilities for people with disabilities
Toilet for disabled
Bathroom for disabled
Spa & Leisure
Indoor swimming pool
Outdoor swimming pool
Beach access
Beach umbrellas
Sun loungers
Live entertainment
Sun terrace
Garden area
Leisure/ TV room
Spa & wellness centre
Sauna
Turkish bath
Steam room
Jacuzzi
Back massage
Full body massage
Foot massage
Shallow end
Room features
Air conditioning
Heating
Mini-bar
Sitting area
Terrace
Garden furniture
Ironing facilities
Bathroom
Free toiletries
Media
Flat-screen TV
AM/FM alarm clock
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Location of Vila Gale Albacora
Quatro Aguas, Tavira, 8800-901,
Map view
City landmarks
Island
Tavira Island
1.2 mi
Historic Site
Tavira Castle
1.4 mi
Landmark
Praia da Ilha de Tavira
1.2 mi
Landmark
Forte do Rato
3100 ft
Landmark
Praca da Republica
1.3 mi
Landmark
Historic town walk
1.3 mi
Landmark
Ponte antiga sobre o Rio Gilao
1.3 mi
Church
Ermida de Sao Sebastiao
1.1 mi
Landmark
Arraial Ferreira Neto
1.5 mi
Landmark
Camera Obscura
1.4 mi
Bridge
Roman Bridge of Tavira
1.4 mi
Gallery
Tavira d'Artes
1.3 mi
Church
Church of Saint Mary of the Castle
1.4 mi
Landmark
Convento das Bernardas
1.0 mi
Church
Misericordia Church
1.4 mi
Museum
Tavira Science Centre
1.2 mi
Landmark
Estacao Experimental de Moluscicultura
2300 ft
Landmark
Tavira Island Surf Spot
1.2 mi
Church
Igreja de Nossa Senhora das Ondas
1.3 mi
Camping
Parque de Campismo da Ilha de Tavira
3000 ft
Church
Igreja do Antigo Convento de Santo Antonio dos Capuchos
1.1 mi
Landmark
Statue Dom Marcelino Franco
1.4 mi
Church
Igreja Nossa Senhora do Carmo
1.3 mi
Church
Igreja de Sao Bras
1.3 mi
Museum
Museu Islamico
1.4 mi
Museum
Tavira Stadtisches Museum
1.4 mi
Landmark
Costabeach Tavira Island and Tours
4000 ft
Church
Mother Church of Santa Maria do Castelo
1.4 mi
Mall
Tavira Gran Plaza Shopping Centre
2.1 mi
Nearby
Beach
Praia Arraial Ferreira Neto
1100 ft
Restaurants
Vista Mar Marisqueira
1.3 mi
Estrada 4 Aguas
A Casa Di Carlo E Franco
1.5 mi
Edificio Doca R1 Quatro Aguas
Restaurante Agua Viva
5100 ft
Ilha de Tavira
Sal
1.1 mi
Ilha de Tavira
Explore Tavira
Local Highlights
Top Attractions
Activities
Dining
Entertainment
Forte do Rato
12 minutes' walk
Historic coastal fort showcasing stunning views of the Atlantic. Perfect for a peaceful stroll.
Estacao Experimental de Moluscicultura
10 minutes' walk
A fascinating marine research station offering insights into mollusk cultivation. Interesting guided tours are available.
Tavira Castle
25 minutes walking
A medieval castle with panoramic views of the town. Features historical architecture and beautiful gardens.
Ponte antiga sobre o Rio Gilao
25 minutes walking
An ancient bridge rich in history. It's a perfect photo spot and connects key areas of Tavira.
Beach Day at Praia Arraial Ferreira Neto
6 minutes' walk
Enjoy sunbathing and swimming at this serene beach. Seasonal rentals for umbrellas and loungers are available.
Tavira Bike Tours
12 minutes' drive
Guided bike tours through scenic routes ideal for adventure seekers. Rentals can be booked easily.
Yoga Retreats at Praia da Ilha de Tavira
25 minutes walking
Relax with beach yoga sessions available in season. Classes cater to all levels, perfect for unwinding.
Restaurante Agua Viva
19 minutes walking
A seafood restaurant renowned for its fresh catch and friendly ambiance. Reservations recommended for dinner.
Sal
20 minutes walking
Contemporary cuisine with a cozy vibe, offering local flavors and vegetarian options. Reservations advised.
Vista Mar Marisqueira
25 minutes walking
Known for delightful seafood dishes and beautiful views, this restaurant is perfect for a sunset meal.
Cine-Teatro de Tavira
25 minutes' drive
A cultural venue offering movies and live performances. Check schedule for diverse programming suitable for families.
Local Night Market (Seasonal)
25 minutes walking
A vibrant evening market with local crafts and street food. A great way to experience local culture!
Local transportation options
City Centre
Tavira 27 min · 1.4 mi
Airports
Faro (FAO) 67 min · 27.6 mi
Portimao (PRM) 151 min · 62.5 mi
Train
Tavira Train Station 32 min · 1.6 mi
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Property information and rules
Check-in
from 15:00-23:30
Check-out
from 08:00-12:00
Internet
Wireless internet is available in the entire hotel for free.
Breakfast
A full breakfast is served at the price of EUR 8.0 per person.
Pets
Pets are not allowed.
Languages
Spanish
Year renovated:
2009
Number of rooms:
180
Former name
Hotel Vila Gale Albacora
Guest Reviews & Ratings
See what past guests have shared about their stay at Vila Gale Albacora
Cleanliness
8.8/10
Comfort
8.7/10
Facilities
8.6/10
Free Wi-Fi
8.1/10
Location
8.9/10
Staff
9.1/10
Value for money
8.1/10
Pros
Fine gardens
Attentive staff
Excellent food quality
Comfortable accommodation
Cons
Inconsistent room cleaning
Dated facilities
Limited evening dining options
Guest reviews
based on 1143 reviews
4/5
based on 1961 reviews
8.6/10
No reviews yet on our siteUnfortunately, our guests have not yet left any reviews for this hotel, but you can read reviews from Booking.com.
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Questions of the users
About Vila Gale Albacora
What are the options for parking at Vila Gale Albacora?
22 November 2024
Free private parking is available on site, but reservations are not possible.
Is there air conditioning available in the rooms?
18 January 2025
Every room at Vila Gale Albacora is equipped with air conditioning for your comfort.
Can a child stay in the same room as two adults?
29 February 2024
Yes, an extra bed can be provided for a child up to 6 years old sharing a room with two adults.
How can I rent sun umbrellas or cabanas on the beach?
11 March 2025
Sun umbrella rentals must be arranged directly on-site at the beach.
Is there a service to arrange airport transfers from Faro Airport?
5 May 2024
Airport transfer services can be arranged; please contact the hotel directly to confirm details and costs.
Are there rooms available that feature a balcony?
17 April 2024
Yes, rooms with balconies are available. It is recommended to check availability based on your selected dates.
Does Vila Gale Albacora provide breakfast for guests?
8 August 2025
Breakfast options are available; please check the list of rooms to confirm availability.
What times do check-in and check-out take place?
13 June 2024
Check-in is from 15:00 to 23:30, and check-out is until 12:00. Early or late requests can be made but are not guaranteed.
Are there any restaurants located within Vila Gale Albacora?
15 December 2024
Yes, the hotel features a restaurant where guests can enjoy a variety of meals.
What outdoor activities can guests enjoy near Vila Gale Albacora?
25 September 2025
Guests can engage in ecotourism activities such as bird watching, boat trips, and water sports, taking advantage of the beautiful surroundings.