Nightlife in the Algarve – the complete guide [2020]

Looking for the perfect party destination in 2020? The Algarve is the ultimate pick for party girls and boys who like their booze and love to dance. From Faro, the capital of the Algarve, to the famous towns of Albufeira, Portimão and Vilamoura you will find a cosmopolitan vibe where the nightlife lasts till early morning.

If you want to jump right ahead to the best bars, pubs and clubs in a specific town in the Algarve, click one of the links below.

Legal drinking age in the Algarve

The legal drinking age in Portugal is 18. This applies to the buying and consuming of all types of alcohol. However, many bars and clubs are not very strict in enforcing this law.

Nightlife in Albufeira

In Albufeira you can walk around the busy centre and you can find lots of bars and clubs with their own performances, live music and entertainment. Also famous for its night scene is the so-called Strip area with all sorts of discos, pubs and bars. The Strip is a popular place to paint the town red. You will see many hen & stag parties and people hopping from one bar to another in search of the best happy hour!

Irish Pubs

Albufeira wouldn’t be Albufeira without its Irish Pubs. Below we listed some of our favourites of the town.

Sherry’s Bar

Small in size, big in experience. Sherry’s Bar is not your typical Irish Pub, but the real deal. Highly rated bar because of the sensational service and staff. Start your holiday here and you will leave with new friends. Sometimes bigger just isn’t better! For the best Guinness in Albufeira, this is your pick.

33 Sports Bar

Another highly rated bar that is famous for its amazing vibe is 33 Sports Bar. The staff goes above and beyond to make you feel welcome. Perfect place to watch the live games, play pool and enjoy the freshly made cocktails! Great selection of beers on draught and bottles. The beers are cheap, cold and served in a glass, just the way you like it.

Cocktail Bars

Sal Rosa

The number one cocktail bar in Albufeira is called Sal Rosa, which is the translation for ‘pink salt’. This charming bar has an Arabic inspired décor and offers stunning views of the sea. This is your go to place for delicious cocktails, from classics to specials and signature cocktails. Not much of a cocktail lover? Then why don’t you try the passion fruit sangria? Sal Rosa is a highly rated little gem that is beloved for its relaxing vibe, music and world-class cocktails. Also worth to mention is that the cocktails only cost 6 euros.

Matt’s Bar

A famously infamous bar in Albufeira is called Matt’s Bar. This is the go-to-place for hens and stags parties. At Matt’s Bar, binge drinking is more the standard than the exception. People come here for a crazy ride on the mechanical bucking bronco bull. Which probably is best to do before you have stopped counting your drinks. Matt’s Bar also organizes cocktail making classes and boozy brunches. On Saturday from 18 till 21 o’clock, you can kick off the night at their legendary boat party. The boat party guarantees an epic experience with the hottest music and chances to swim and paddle board. One thing is for sure: it’s always a wild and crazy time at Matt’s Bar.

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Nightclubs and discos

Kiss Nightclub

The most popular and oldest club in Albufeira goes by the short and sweet name ‘Kiss’. Long night clubbing is possible over three stories, with a capacity of 1500 people. Each story plays its own type of music and there is a special VIP section. Commercial house, techno and urban songs are played by the resident DJs and regularly there are British and Dutch DJs performing. During summer, the organization organizes many themed dress up parties such as the Glow in the Dark and the White party. Kiss is open every night from 01.00 o ‘clock till 07.00 o ‘clock.

Club Vida

Enter la vida loca is the mantra of Albufeira’s club that instantly became a hit when opened in 2014. Club Vida is a beautiful club where the lighting, interior and waterfalls create a chic style. Flip flops aren’t allowed if you want to get access to the best party in town. Popular DJs are ready to rock your world with the latest sounds of house, hip-hop and techno. Open every Friday, Saturday and Sunday from 23.00 till 07.00 o’ clock and during summer open every night.

Le Club

Le Club, formerly known as Locomia, is the most upscale nightlife experience Albufeira has to offer. This newly renovated place is located on Santa Eulália beach and is known to invite the best DJs. The classy concept has even won the Portugal Night Awards for Best Club. The establishment can host a crowd of 600 people who can move around two dance floors, a terrace and a lounge area. Le Club attracts an older crowd who can spend more, in comparison to the discos that are based in the old town of Albufeira. Le Club is open throughout the year on Fridays and Saturdays. During summer, Le Club is open every night!

After the busy summer season of last year, we recommend to book your hotel now, as it will probably sell out. Below you can find a map with the location of hotels in Albufeira. By changing the date of your holiday, the map will show you the current prices.

Booking.com

Nightlife in Portimão

Nightlife in Portimão is mainly concentrated around Praia da Rocha. After a perfect day on the beach and a full stomach, you can choose from the many bars, ranging from trashy to trendy. You will never have a dull moment in Praia da Rocha. The best thing: it hardly requires any effort to have a good night out. In this relatively small area you can find all the bars within walking distance. On the main street you will stumble on the Cheers Bar, Royal Teaser, On the Rocks Bar and Irelands Eye, practically sitting all next to each other. More closely to the beach are the popular Moonlight Bar, Aloha, Outro Bar and Bar Diagonal. Our absolute favourite bar, possibly from the entire Algarve, is Spot 3.

Spot 3

Once you spot this bar, you never want to leave. Spot 3 is everything you ever need on your holiday. Spot 3 is a beach bar  and the straw sunshades give it that perfect tropical look & feel. The views, music, drinks and service are second to none. Just pick your spot, order your cocktail and feel the holiday vibe. Open from 09.00 o’clock in the morning till 00:00 at night. Even if you are not staying at Praia da Rocha, Spot 3 is a worthwhile destination to add to your agenda.

Nightclubs and discos

Katedral

God is a DJ according to the British band Faithless. Perhaps the owners of this popular nightclub in Praia da Rocha agreed and named their home where the people worship their DJ ‘Katedral’. Either way, the black building stands out and has an appealing attraction. The club is the hottest place to be during the summer and is packed with locals in the weekends during off-season. In the main room commercial house is what gets the crowd moving and in the smaller room a more relaxed vibe is created by the pop, R&B and Latin sounds. This more intimate room is perfect for prepping into party mode, as the party gets fully pumping from about 4 o’clock in the night.

The club doesn’t impose a dress code and this results in a blend of people in casual holiday attire in combination with people all glamorously dolled up, and everything in between. On Mondays and Fridays during peak season, it is Ladies Night in Katedral. This means all the ladies can drink on the house until 4 o’clock in the night. Who isn’t interested in a free booze party? Secret tip: accept the flyers that are handed out by the promo boys and girls as you are strolling down the boulevard. These flyers will give you a discount on the entrance fee or sometimes even get you free entry. Otherwise the minimum consumption for women is € 10 and for men € 15.

Opening hours
October to May (except Easter): open Thursday, Friday and Saturday.
High season: open every day. Doors open at 1.30 a.m. in the night and close at 6 a.m. in the early morning.

NoSoloÁgua Club

The NoSoloÁgua Club is the most upscale nightlife experience of Praia da Rocha. This classy beach club has a swimming pool and canopy beds. It offers a relaxed daytime destination, where you can enjoy food and cocktails with a perfect view. At night, the beach club transforms into the hottest party scene with great DJs and live music. In addition, the club hosts the Summer Sound Portimão music festival and is the home for the BPM Festival. There is live music on Wednesdays as well as sunset sessions, colour parties and theme nights. Open from 10.00 o’clock in the morning till 02:00 in the night.

Nightlife in Vilamoura

Fine days on vacation don’t stop when the sun goes down. When days turn to night, Vilamoura lights up the marvellous marina and the buzzing boulevard. To see and be seen is the credo of this stylish place, that is endearingly termed the Monaco of Portugal. The touristic hotspot is a favourite nightlife destination for every of type of traveller. There is a wide range of restaurants, from local to international, to select from before you go into party mode.

There are numerous bars for travellers who prefer to start the night with tantalizing drinks, such as the famous Bar Sete. Children and lovers can choose between the many flavourful ice cream parlours, including the popular chain from Italy Amorinos. Party peeps who are ready to mingle can dance the night away in clubs and discos such as Lick for a seductive night out. Vilamoura is especially vibrant at night during the summer, but basically throughout the entire year the area is filled with locals, retirees and tourists who are enjoying their evening out.

Irish Pubs

Love it or hate it, Irish Pubs are undisputedly renowned for their entertaining nightlife. In Vilamoura you can find several Irish Pubs.

The Irish Pub Vilamoura

The most legendary one goes by the no frills, easy to remember name ‘The Irish Pub’. Here you can find everything you ever expect from a proper Irish Pub: live music, a beer garden, happy people who never turn down a dance on the table, and large TV screens scattered around so you don’t have to miss all the important sports activities. What elevates this petite piece of Ireland is of course its wonderful location. The prominent venue sits along the Vilamoura marina, making The Irish Pub the ideal place for people watching and sipping cocktails while watching the sun go down. Irish Pub lovers: there is no doubt you will feel right at home in this beautiful traditional pub, with a huge wooden terrace completely decorated with Tiffany lamps and Irish relics.

O’Neills Irish bar

Another famous Irish bar situated right on the marina of Vilamoura is O’Neills. This popular pub is second to none in creating the genuine Irish vibe that offers good food and beverages, while being entertained by live music and live sports. O’Neills serves a grand range of beers, spirits and wines that go well with the traditional Irish pub food. Travelling to Vilamoura and looking for a guaranteed fun night? Then O’Neills is your go to spot. Don’t be surprised to find yourself dancing on the table at the end of night.

Cocktail Bars

Salmora Live Kitchen & Bar

Nothing screams more like celebration than cocktails. World-class cocktails are served in the chic and trendy bar of Salmora Live Kitchen & Bar in Vilamoura. This beautifully decorated bar and restaurant has an extensive menu of gin cocktails. Do you prefer something different? Then we recommend their famous Porn Star Martini or cocktail special Drake The First Vampire. Love is in the details and each cocktail is presented like an Instagram-worthy piece of art.

Vintage Gin and Cocktail Bar

Gin tonics have made an immensely popular comeback for quite some time now and for some probably never even left. Gin lovers can taste heaven at the Vintage Gin and Cocktail Bar in Vilamoura. Here you can find over 50 different qualitative gins. A popular choice is called Spice Me Up. If you are planning to sample their variety of drinks and decide which one is your own favourite, then we recommend you to arrive at Happy Hour, which lasts from 18 to 21 o’clock.

Nightclubs and discos

BLISS

In summer, the number one club of the Algarve is Bliss Vilamoura. Forget Ibiza, this popular place is packed every night with many beautiful people from all around the world. Here you can dance to the hottest sounds and performances of great artists such as Steve Aoki and DJ Snake. Bliss has an indoor, outdoor and VIP area and every space plays its own type of music. So whether you are into R&B, house or minimal, at Bliss you will find the music of your taste. For the party animals who like to live it large, there are seven private VIP areas surrounding the DJ booth. VIPs have exclusive access to the Grey Goose wodka bar and  the Veuve Clicquot champagne bar. Bliss is the ultimate spot for the young and trendy.

Opening hours

Bliss is open every night during peak summer period. Doors open at 23:00 and close at 06:00 o’clock in the morning.

DICE CLUB

Vilamoura wouldn’t be termed the Monaco of Portugal without having its very own glamorous club located within the casino. The Dice Club is the favourite choice for the well-off older crowd who expect first-class service in a luxury environment. The most prominent feature of the Dice Club is the baroque inspired bar. A wonderful evening at the Dice Club typically starts at 9 p.m. with live music that can be enjoyed from the comfortable white Chesterfield sofas, while enjoying a fine bottle of champagne. As the night progresses, the club slowly changes into a dance club. The Dice Club regularly organizes themed nights and invites special guests to perform. Looking for a classy night on your holiday? Then the Dice Club is your place.

Opening hours

The Dice Club is open throughout the entire year on Friday and Saturday.
Weekend from 23:00-06:00 o’clock. Entrance is often free if you arrive before 1.30 p.m.

Casino Vilamoura

The casino is the ultimate nightlife experience for those who love the risk, seek the thrill and ace in having the best poker face. For the best casino in the Algarve you have to go to Vilamoura. The elegant venue is home to 520 slot machines and a gaming room with 21 tables, where you can test your luck. In addition to the gambling facilities, the casino regularly organizes live entertainment, cabaret shows, and other special events. Furthermore, you can have an excellent dinner at one of the three restaurants.

In Casino Vilamoura the old James Bond lifestyle is still being embraced, as the casino is one of the few public places where smoking is still allowed. There are areas for non-smokers, but people who absolutely hate smoke in general are being advised to spend the night elsewhere. The dress code is smart casual, but if you prefer the 007 style, then this is a place where you can dress to impress.

Games

American roulette – 5 tables
Blackjack – 4 tables
Poker Texas Hold’em – 9 tables
Portuguese dice game – 3 tables

Opening hours   

Weekdays and Sundays: from 15.00 o’clock to 03:00 o’clock in the morning
Fridays and Saturdays: from 16 o’clock to 04:00 o’ clock in the morning
Summer season: from 16 o’ clock to 04:00 o’ clock in the morning

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Nightlife in Faro

In Faro, being the capital of the Algarve and a university city, you can find a vibrant nightlife throughout the entire year. After dinner you will have no problem finding a lively bar where you can head to for drinks. However, if you are looking to show off your dancing skills then you have to wait a while, since clubbing starts around midnight. Faro nightlife mainly concentrates around the Old Town. You can find the bar zone in Rua do Prior, Rua Conselheiro Bivar and Rua Infante Dom Henrique. The bar zone is easy to spot; just walk towards the crowd of people that are laughing and drinking on the streets. Since the climate in Faro is very mild, not only during summer, many people stand outside, in front of the bars.

Rooftop bars

Nothing can beat a good city rooftop bar that offers magnificent views to enjoy your refreshing drink. If you can only make it to one bar on your trip to Faro, then go to one of the following rooftop bars.

Hotel Faro

The best rooftop bar in the city of Faro is Hotel Faro. From here you look over the beautiful harbour, which makes the perfect backdrop for the sunset. Cute bonus are the storks that you spot on top of the other buildings and lampposts. Another big advantage is that the prices are not expensive at all, making it tempting to order another cocktail. There is a very chilled out vibe and easy listening music is played.

Rooftop Eva

Rooftop Eva is the ultimate destination for the young and fashionable. This is the rooftop bar of the Eva Senses Hotel. This bar has it all: a magnificent view, the pool and the best drinks. In summer, the hotel organizes sunset parties every day. In 2020 the parties are happening from July 30 until September 30. The Eva Senses Hotel is your go to place for your picture perfect holidays and for meeting cool people.

Cocktail bars

Columbus Cocktail & Wine Bar

The number one cocktail bar in Faro is called Columbus Cocktail & Wine Bar. They serve a wide selection of gorgeous cocktails. From your classic mojito and cosmopolitan to the innovative popcorn cocktail. If you prefer to have a custom-made cocktail, they can whip something up for you too. Or try their delicious virgin cocktails if you want to skip the alcohol. Popular choices are the Asia mojito, the Zombie Lychee and the Razz. Columbus is your go to place for signature cocktails that are highly photogenic.

Studio 4

Studio 4 is the new hotspot of Faro. This trendy bar serves the interesting combination of cocktails and ice cream. The creators probably think they make the prettiest, most colourful Instagram-worthy cocktails, and they are right. Go there for their AFTER WORK Concept, where you get a free snack with every drink you order. AFTER WORK lasts from 18h till 21h. The bar is situated in the bar zone on Rua Conselheiro Bivar.

Nightclubs and discos

First Floor Club

Are you wondering where everybody in Faro goes to party at night? The answer is: First Floor Club. The leading club of 2020 hosts parties and theme nights from Tuesday till Saturday. On Thursdays the club will mainly be packed with the local and international students of Faro, since Thursday is the student night of the week. The slogan of the club is RHYTHM | MUSIC | ENERGY | LIFE, which says it all. When the clock hits midnight, head over to the First Floor Club for a fun night where you can dance to popular sounds together with energetic likeminded people.