The Vila Galé Albacora hotel is the result of the refurbishment of the old Ferreira Neto Arraial, where the “people of the sea” linked to the tuna fishing trade lived from March to September.
This hotel in Tavira, in the heart of the Ria, is therefore an architectural testimony to the way of life of the fishermen and their families, when the typical Almadrava - the trap used to catch the tuna - was still used.
In the complex, the houses, workshops and warehouses have given way to 161 rooms, with inspiring views of the estuary. The existing chapel has been preserved and is now prepared for weddings and baptisms, as well as the school, which has been transformed into a club for children. And the old bakery has become a free museum open to the public.
Here you can see a model illustrating the great engineering feat that was the almadrava, as well as centenary documents from the Algarve Fishing Company. There's also a video showing the process of catching tuna.
Breathing the tradition of this region, this hotel in Tavira has also become an eco-hotel, whose sustainable environmental practices have earned it awards and distinctions.
Activities linked to ecotourism and the outdoors, such as birdwatching, boat trips or extreme sports, are a good way to enjoy the full potential of this destination.
With free Wi-Fi, the Vila Galé Albacora hotel has two bars and two restaurants where tuna and Algarvian specialities are a must. To relax, take advantage of the spa with indoor pool, sauna, turkish bath and massage rooms at this hotel in Tavira.
And if you're dreaming of the sandy beaches as far as the eye can see on the island of Tavira, just a few steps away is the pier at the Vila Galé Albacora hotel, where a boat* will take you to paradise in just a few minutes. Don't miss Praia do Barril, accessed by a picturesque tourist train, and boat trips on the tranquil waters of the Ria.
For more cultural moments, the centre of Tavira promises an authentic journey through time, with its traces of Arab influence. Take a look at the Ribeira Market and the Castle.
If you play golf, the challenge lies in the 18-hole greens of Benamor Golf, Quinta de Cima, Quinta da Ria and Monte Rei Golf & Country Club, all close to the Vila Galé Albacora hotel.