Vila Joya
A small Moorish-style villa by the sea with one of Europe's great restaurants.
Our insider guide
Vila Joya is an intimate retreat on the cliffs at Galé with only a few rooms and suites, gardens and a pool overlooking the beach.
The restaurant is the reason many guests come, and the whole house revolves around it.
Highlights
- Very intimate, around 20 rooms
- Gardens above the beach
- Destination restaurant
- Personal service
Dining
The restaurant is internationally acclaimed and one of the most decorated in Portugal.
A stay, imagined
Life at Vila Joya
Picture your arrival: your driver meets you at Faro Airport, the luggage is taken care of, and before long you are in Galé, Albufeira, where Vila Joya waits. A small Moorish-style villa by the sea with one of Europe's great restaurants.
Very intimate, around 20 rooms and gardens above the beach set the tone for the days ahead. The restaurant is internationally acclaimed and one of the most decorated in Portugal. It is a stay we recommend especially for food lovers, couples.
Beyond the hotel, Algarve unfolds at your own pace. The Algarve is Europe's sunniest coastline, with more than 300 days of sunshine a year. In the west, golden cliffs, grottoes and sea stacks frame hidden coves; in the east, the Ria Formosa lagoon shelters islands, flamingos and quiet fishing villages.
Signature experiences
What to do in and around Galé, Albufeira
Benagil sea caves
A private boat early in the morning to the famous caves.
Seven Hanging Valleys trail
A guided clifftop walk along one of Europe's finest coastal trails.
Ria Formosa islands
Boat trips to island beaches and lunch in Olhão or Tavira.
Championship golf
Tee times at Quinta do Lago, Vale do Lobo and more.
A perfect day
A day in Algarve, with your driver
- Morning
Private boat to the Benagil caves.
- Midday
Seafood lunch overlooking a cove.
- Afternoon
Spa, pool or a round of golf.
- Evening
Dinner at one of the Algarve's starred restaurants.
Private chauffeur drive times
| Faro Airport | 20–60 min |
| Lisbon | 2 h 30 |
| Lagos–Tavira | 1 h 15 |
| Alentejo | 2 h |
Approximate times by private Mercedes-Benz, outside rush hour.
The Magik note
Book both room and restaurant well in advance, especially in summer.
How we include Vila Joya in your journey
Every Portugal Magik journey starts with a private Mercedes-Benz and driver for every transfer and day out. We then reserve this hotel, the restaurant tables and the experiences around it, and pair Algarve with Alentejo at an easy pace.
See sample journeys →Begin your journey
Include Vila Joya in your trip
Tell us your dates and wishes. We reserve the hotels, a private Mercedes-Benz with your own driver, and every table and experience in between.
More hotels in Algarve
Algarve · Porches
Vila Vita Parc Resort & Spa
Clifftop gardens, a private beach and one of Portugal's most celebrated dining rooms.
Algarve · Quinta do Lago
Conrad Algarve
Polished contemporary luxury in the Golden Triangle of Quinta do Lago.
Algarve · Lagos
Casa Mãe
A design-led boutique hotel in Lagos with its own organic garden.
Independent editorial guide; Portugal Magik is not affiliated with Vila Joya. Details change and we confirm availability when planning.