The hotel Vila Galé
Albacora is the result of the restoration of the former tuna fishing camp
Arraial Ferreira Neto, where the “people of the sea” linked to tuna fishing
lived from March to September.

This
hotel in Tavira, set in broad Natural Park of Ria Formosa, is thus an
architectural witness to the way of life of fishermen and their families, when
the typical Almadrava – the frame to capture the tuna – was
still used.

The
old fishermen houses, workshops and warehouses gave place to 162 rooms with
beautiful views of the Ria Formosa. The existing chapel was preserved and is
now adapted for hosting weddings and christenings, as well as the old school,
converted into a kids’ club. And the former bakery became a free small museum
that is open to the public.

This
is where you can observe a model illustrating the great engineering work that
the almadrava was and century-old documents of the Algarve
Fisheries Company (Companhia de Pescarias do Algarve). As well as a video
showing the tuna capture process.

Filled
with the region’s tradition, this hotel in Tavira also became an eco-hotel that
has received awards and recognition for its sustainable environmental practices.

The
activities related to nature tourism and the outdoors, such as birdwatching,
boat riding or extreme sports are a good way to harness the full potential of
this place.

With
free wi-fi, the Vila Galé Albacora hotel features two bars and two restaurants
where tuna and the Algarve specialties could not fail to be the main dishes. To
relax, enjoy the spa with indoor pool, sauna, Turkish bath and massage rooms of
this hotel in Tavira.

And
if you are dreaming of the sandy beaches that reach out of sight of the island
of Tavira, it takes only few steps from the Vila Galé Albacora hotel to get to
the pier where a boat will take you to paradise within minutes. The Barril
beach with access via a picturesque tourist train and the boat trips to the Ria
waters are not to be missed either.

For
more cultural moments, the center of Tavira promises an actual trip back in
time, with its traces of Arab influence. Also, be sure to visit the Ribeira
Market and the Castle.

If
you play golf, the challenge is on the 18 holes’ greens: Benamor Golf, Quinta
de Cima, Quinta da Ria and Monte Rei Golf & Country Club – all of them near
the Vila Galé Albacora hotel.