Vila Gale Albacora

Occupying a former tuna-fishing village, the secluded Hotel Vila Galé Albacora faces the confluence of a river and an estuary in Ria Formosa Natural Park, 3 kilometres from Tavira. A boat makes the 5-minute trip to Tavira Island, where guests can take part in water sports during summer. The hotel also provides discounts at 3 golf courses, all within 10 kilometers. Faro Airport is 30 kilometers from the hotel, a drive of around 30 minutes.

Gardens, pines, palms, and flowering gardens - all heavily populated by birds - grace the property of Hotel Vila Galé Albacora. Tranquility-seekers and bird-watchers flock here year-round, while families arrive in summer for sun-and-swimming holidays. Surrounded by a sundeck furnished with cushioned chairs and umbrellas, the outdoor swimming pool and children's pool lie within a central garden courtyard. The hotel health club (daily surcharge) offers use of the heated pool, spa tub, steam room, and fitness room, which is equipped with weight and cardio machines. The health club also contains massage rooms, and spa services are available.

The salt ponds flanking the hotel provide entertainment from spring to late summer, with migrating flamingos arriving in April and workers harvesting salt by hand from June to August. The grounds also include the village's chapel, a tranquil retreat featuring wrought-iron chandeliers, a stained-glass window, and a lower wall clad in blue-and-white tiles. Children's activities are offered in summer both inside the former schoolhouse and outdoors. Babysitting/child care is available, for a fee. Complimentary wireless Internet access is available in common areas, and 4 meeting rooms are available for hire. Free parking is available.

The 162 guestrooms at Hotel Vila Galé Albacora are located in 1-story white and ochre buildings (formerly the fishermen's homes), all of which include patios furnished with dining sets and fringed by flowering bushes. Decor features pale yellow walls, terracotta tile floors, and locally-woven rugs. Modern amenities include air conditioning, free WiFi, cable LCD televisions, minibars, and safes.