"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 resort in Ria Formosa Natural Park, converted from a tuna fishing camp
Accommodations & Grounds
The 180 rooms at Vila Gale Albacora occupy former houses, workshops, and warehouses of a rehabilitated tuna fishing camp. Each guest room includes a furnished patio area overlooking the resort's gardens and the Ria Formosa estuary. An on-site museum details the historical significance of the tuna fishing industry, and a recovered chapel hosts weddings and christenings.
Dining
Restaurant Versátil serves Portuguese cuisine with a selection of Alentejo wines and cocktails. The high-quality breakfast buffet includes local options and fresh eggs cooked to order. A pool bar offers snacks and drinks, and a snack bar provides light meals throughout the day.
Wellness & Recreation
The spa and wellness centre offers a heated indoor pool, steam room, sauna, and hot tub, plus massage treatments including back, foot, and full body massages. Three outdoor swimming pools include a kid's pool with a water slide and a pool bar. The fitness centre has basic gym equipment, and bicycle rental allows guests to explore the surrounding salt pans and gardens.
Family & Kids
A former school building houses the modern kids' club, and the indoor play area includes board games and colouring tables. The kids' outdoor play equipment includes a playground and mini football pitch, while the entertainment team runs daily activities, evening shows, and themed dinner nights. A boat from the hotel's private pier takes guests directly to the pristine beaches of Tavira Island every day.
Location & Services
The hotel sits inside Ria Formosa Natural Park, a 15-minute drive from Faro Airport, with free parking and an electric vehicle charging station. A free shuttle runs to the sister hotel in central Tavira, and the property offers wheelchair-accessible rooms with grab rails. Currency exchange and luggage storage are available at the 24-hour front desk.
Highlights
Accommodation: 180 rooms with private patio and garden views
Dining: Restaurant Versátil with Portuguese cuisine and Alentejo wines
Wellness: Heated indoor pool, spa, sauna, and hammam
Kids: Former school kids' club, water slide, and private ferry to Tavira Island beach
Location: Inside Ria Formosa Natural Park, 15 min from Faro Airport
Eco-certification: Certified eco-hotel with sustainable practices
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.
Select your room type
Vila Gale Albacora offers a variety of rooms including double rooms, family rooms, and suites with breakfast, free cancelations, and special deals
Superior Single Room
2 persons
23 sq. feet
2 Single beds
Air conditioning
Balcony
room details
Standard Single Room
2 persons
23 sq. feet
2 Single beds
Air conditioning
Bathtub
room details
Twin Room
2 persons
23 sq. feet
1 Double bed
Air conditioning
Heating
room details
Show all rooms
Price and Room Availability Calendar
Check availability and prices for your dates now!
September 2026 - September 2027
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Check-in/ Check-out
Facilities
Vila Gale Albacora offers amenities for your comfortable stay and unforgettable experiences
Facilities: Great
8.7/10Review 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
Guest Parking
Private parking is possible on site for free.
Services
Room service
Housekeeping
Car hire
Laundry
Dry cleaning
Tours/Ticket assistance
Welcome drink
Dining
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
Show more
Vila Gale Albacora Location
Quatro Aguas, Tavira, 8800-901,
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!
Getting around
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
Guest Parking
Private parking is possible on site for free.
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
Reviews and Ratings
Feedback about Vila Gale Albacora from previous guests about their experience.
Review score
Based on 791 verified reviews
8.3 /10
Great
89 %
Recommend
Breakfast
8.1/10
Cleanliness
8.8/10
Comfort
8.7/10
Facilities
8.7/10
Free WiFi
8.1/10
Location
8.9/10
Paid Wi-Fi
8.8/10
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 2019 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.