Guide to the best bars and nightclubs in Algarve
An insider’s guide to the best bars and nightclubs in Algarve, including the top spots for live music and beachside partying.
Below are a selection of the nicest bars for an elegant cocktail or a crisp, white vinho verde – Soalheiro is a good one – but do explore the red and rosé Portuguese wines as well, there are some excellent choices.
Please note that these locations are general due to the vagueness of many of the restaurants’ addresses – if you get lost ask a local
Bar Havana, central Algarve, nightclubs Algarve
This Cuban inspired cocktail Bar in pretty Carvoeiro, is a great place to meet friends in the evening. With well priced cocktails (4.75 euro), good bar snacks (chilli beef burritos with tortillas) and inviting window seats to install yourself in against a backdrop of house music.
Carvoeiro offers a huge selection of bars, restaurants and cafés all within easy walking distance of the centre and with a wide choice of food
Address: Estrada do Farol 68, Carvoeiro
Contact: 916 407 988
Opening times: October to May – 7.00pm – late
June to September – 6.00pm – late
December – open Friday, Saturday and Sunday 7.00pm – late. Closed Christmas weekend but open for New Year’s Eve. Happy Hour: 2 for 1 cocktails Normally from 7pm to 9pm every day but June to September 6 – 8pm
Prices: €4.75/£3.80 for cocktails; €2.50/£2.00 for a 30 cl. beer
Caniço, central Algarve, nightclubs Algarve
If you want to dance on the beach with the sand between your toes, this is the place for you. Caniço is a bar with a difference, built between the cliffs by a lovely cove and reached by an elevator from the cliff tops. During the regular live music and party nights, a DJ sets up on the sand (tide permitting) and you can dance till (almost) dawn.
Each night, the cliff walls are illuminated and DJs spin tracks for guests to kick off their shoes and dance in the sand
Address: Aldeamento da Prainha, Praia dos Três Irmãos, Alvor
Contact: 282 458503; canicorestaurante.com
Opening times: 9am to 4am daily
Prices: €3 for 30cl beer
No Solo Agua, Central Algarve, nightclubs Algarve
This highly popular Beach Bar now runs right along the Sea’s edge with the Marina. It works as a whole day destination with a pool, sun loungers and food. In high season there is an entrance fee (7.50 euros) to get in and a string of musical events are held in the evening.
No Solo Agua works as a whole day destination with a pool, sun loungers and food
Address: Bloc 4, Loja 1, Marina de Portimao
Contact: 910 789 991; nosoloagua.com
Opening times: 10am – 8pm for the pool; 10 am – 11 pm for restaurant and Bar
Prices: €2.50 for a 30cl. beer
Stevie Ray’s Blues Jazz Bar, western Algarve, nightclubs Algarve
This is an elegant place with great live music on Fridays and Saturdays, ranging across the whole blues/jazz spectrum. The atmosphere is warm and welcoming.
The intimate two-level candlelit joint is the best live-music bar in town, attracting a smart-casual older crowd
Address: 9 Rua Sra da Graça, Lagos
Contact: 914 923883/5; stevie-rays.com
Opening times: 9pm to 4am Tuesday to Saturday
Prices: €2 for 30cl beer
Bar at Bela Vista, central Algarve, nightclubs Algarve
In summer, head for the terrace that overlooks the beach and sample the superb range of cocktail; if its winter, enjoy the historic surroundings indoors, in what is one of the oldest bars in the Algarve, complete with original painted ceiling.
In summer, head for the terrace that overlooks the beach and sample the superb range of cocktail
Address: Avenida Tomás Cabreira, Praia de Rocha, Portimao
Contact: 282 460280; hotelbelavistaalgarve.com
Opening times: 3pm to midnight
Prices: €2.50 for 30cl beer
Setima Onda, nightclubs Algarve
A restaurant above, bar below – both of which are excellent. The sunsets are as good as the cocktails – try the Gin Sétima Onda – a mix of gin, mint leaves and passionfruit juice. Popular for late-night music, too.
Algarve’s beaches offer spellbinding sunsets and a sense of calm
Address: Rua Almirante Gago Coutinho, Albufeira
Contacts: 289 516904; setima-onda.com
Opening times: daily except Tuesdays; bar/terrace: 11am to 4am; bar/disco 11pm to 4am
Prices: €2.50 for 30cl beer
