The Algarve
Descend 33 shallow steps, then take a lift through the sandstone and walk through an underground tunnel to reach this hidden bar opening onto a little…
Must-see nightlife in The Algarve
Aljezur
Directly across the beach, with glass walls buffering the wind and sand, O Sargo is a great place to slake your postsurf thirst, with cold-pressed juices,…
Lagos
Filled with flowering hibiscus, bougainvillea and citrus trees, with a mural of a barrelling wave, this fabulous beer garden is a brilliant spot to lounge…
Faro
O Castelo is all things to all people: bar, restaurant, club and performance space. Its location atop the old town walls provides stunning Ria Formosa…
Lagos
Spread across five levels, including two underground rooms and a roof terrace, each with its own bar, cherry-red-painted Bon Vivant shakes up great house…
Faro
Over 250 Portuguese wines are stocked at this stylish wine bar (which opened in 2018), 30 of them by the glass. All of the country's major wine regions…
The Algarve
Loulé’s oldest cafe is a replica of an old Brazilian coffee shop, opened in 1927 and virtually unchanged since, with a gorgeous art-deco interior and…
Monchique
Monchique’s coolest hang-out, in converted horse stables on the side of a hill, has hot-pink arched walls, red-velvet alcoves, ornate mirrors and…
Sagres
Natural timber features throughout the rustic-chic interior of this lively cafe-bar, which has a great postsurf vibe. The upper level has a sun-drenched…
Sagres
Founded in 1985, Sagres' original cafe-bar is still its best, and a cool spot to hang out after a day on the waves. Spot its namesake dromedário (camel)…
Faro
In the heart of town, this Faro hotspot has a paved terrace and seating by the central square, and a vast, vaulted-brick interior. House-speciality…
Carvoeiro
Hidden in the rock formations at Algar Seco, 750m east of the beach in Carvoeiro (just below the cliff-side car park and reached by a steep staircase),…
Lagos
One of half a dozen bar-restaurants overlooking the marina and the town beyond, this breezy spot is especially popular for a sundowner in its interior…
The Algarve
Decorated in rustic style, with wine barrels on the pavement out front and striking cross-vaulted ceilings, this taberna serves Portuguese wines by the…
Tavira
Abstract oils and watercolours cover the walls of Pessoa's, but in summer the best seats are on the sunny, south-facing riverside terrace, so get in early…
Silves
Located below the castle entrance, Café Inglês has a wonderful, shady terrace for a coffee or ice-cold beer (pub-style food is also available). One of the…
Tavira
By day it’s a cafe-restaurant, by night a cafe-bar. At all times, it’s a relaxed place to kick back with a smoothie or cocktail. Its inviting spaces…
Tavira
One of the few summer hotspots with any atmosphere out of season, Sítio is divided into three parts: outside, light-inside and neon-lit dark-inside…
The Algarve
Arabic-themed Bar Marroquia has an inviting interior with a fireplace and pool table with a red baize. Seasonal fruit mojitos, caipirinhas and punches…
Lagos
An essential hang-out on the sand at Meia Praia, busy Bahia has homemade sangria, fruit-based cocktails, Algarve and Alentejo wines, gourmet dining …
Faro
A miracle of split-levelling has managed to fit two floors, toilets and a stage for live music (mainly indie) into this tiny space in the heart of Faro's…
The Algarve
The best bar in town by some distance, Nana's has much more local character than the others, pours better drinks (local wines, craft beers and generous…
Sagres
One of Sagres' liveliest bars, sky-lit Agua Salgada has a party vibe thanks to DJs and occasional live gigs. Fresh fruit forms the basis of its extensive…
Lagos
This late opener has good DJs and a lively atmosphere, fuelled by enormous fishbowl cocktails; you'll often see people (or find yourself) dancing on the…
Lagos
This classy place has three bars, nightly DJs and lots of gold leaf, kitsch, red velvet and cherubs. Given its central location, it's a popular spot to…
Lagos
This straight-up rock 'n' surf bar makes a top spot to kick off the night (happy hour runs from 8pm to 10pm), with a pool table, darts and fun-loving…
Portimão
On a bougainvillea-draped laneway inside a lovingly restored former house with timber ceilings, this atmospheric bar is decorated with antique knick…
The Algarve
Everything is brutal about the Cathedral, from the grey-granite cladding and industrial metal doors to the 1am opening time (though it doesn't really get…
Olhão
A real slice of historic Portugal, this no-frills old-timers bar in the centre of town has a nicotine-stained interior and is so authentic you can forgive…
Tavira
Laid-back Ref has a lounge-like, 1970s feel but plays contemporary music. Punch is served in summer (when the action spills out into the laneway) and…
Lagos
A good-natured and buzzing dive bar, this dark-wood place gathers plenty of surfers and backpackers, who spill out onto the street-side tables. Live music…
Lagos
Bang on Meia Praia beach, this poolside hotel bar-restaurant draws a 'resort-chic' crowd.
