Algarve Nightlife or What to Do at Night in the Algarve

All you need to know about the Algarve nightlife. The Algarve region of Portugal is known worldwide for its beaches, golden sand cliffs, and sea caves, but it also has some of the best nightlife in the country. During the summer, the Algarve coast is one of the top party destinations in all of Europe and offers many different types of nightlife and activities, so there is sure to be something to suit every style. 

By nightfall, many of the bustling resort towns turn into lively clubbing hotspots with some of the most active locations being Albufeira and Praia da Rocha in the town of Portimao. For more upscale venues, Vilamoura, Vale do Lobo, and Quinta do Lago are the top choices.

With so many options, it is important to plan your travels so you can take advantage of everything the days - and nights - have to offer!

Here’s our take on the Algarve nightlife:

The Bar and Nightclub Scene

If you stay in a resort like the Vila Vita Parc in Porches, you will have plenty of fun, live music, bars, and restaurants right on your doorstep but for those who choose to stay in a vacation rental or another form of accommodation, you might be wondering what the Algarve nightlife has to offer!

 Albufeira Nightlife

Some of the best Algarve nightlife can be found in Albufeira. It is one of the largest resort towns on the Algarve coast and is the region's party central, so if nightlife is a priority for your trip, consider this one of the best places to stay. It is located about 40 minutes away from Faro Airport and has no shortage of bars and live music venues.

For a relatively low-key night out, the historic centre of old town Albufeira has many great bars, pubs, and restaurants to choose from. If you are looking for a wilder party, you'll want to check out the Albuferia strip (also known as the Montechoro strip), which is the heart of the Albufeira nightlife scene.

The strip is located on Avenida Sá Carneiro and is full of bars, discos and clubs trying to lure in tourists with enticing deals, as well as restaurants ranging from traditional Portuguese food to more ethnic cuisine. You can walk up and down the strip to your heart's content until you find a place that suits your taste.

Matt's Bar is the quintessential bachelor and bachelorette party destination in Albufeira. You are sure to find a good time here if you enjoy a more wild party. One of the main draws is its mechanical bull, as well as its famous sunset boat party where you will have a chance to swim and paddleboard.

Sal Rosa is a popular cocktail bar in Albufeira, offering a unique cocktail menu, relaxing atmosphere, and stunning views of the Atlantic Ocean.

Sherry's Bar is the place to go if you're looking for a traditional Irish pub. It is a relatively small locale, but it more than makes up for it with its great service, atmosphere, and the best Guinness in Albufeira.

In terms of nightclubs, one of the most popular in Albufeira is Liberto's, which is located right on the Montechoro strip. It has an elegant vibe and an outdoor area to allow guests to make the most of the pleasant Algarve weather.

Le Club is a chic spot where you can have a delicious meal and then sip cocktails and dance well into the morning hours. Located with views of the beach at Santa Eulalia, it isn’t hard to see why this club is a true local hotspot.

Kiss is another great spot and one of the oldest dance clubs in Albufeira and is made up of three stories, each with its own theme and type of music. Check out the different resident DJs and find the floor that best suits your taste, or go back and forth between the three until your heart’s content!

Nightlife in Praia da Rocha

Praia da Rocha, a bit further down the Algarve coastline in the town of Portimao, is another hotspot for Algarve nightlife and a truly great place to stay.

Most of the bars and clubs in the Portimao area are located in Praia da Rocha. The resort is relatively small, so everything is within walking distance and it is easy to explore the different bars and nightclubs along the town streets.

Popular bars near the beach include Spot 3 and Bar Diagonal. Spot 3 is located right on the beach and has an outdoor terrace where you can sip your drink and take in the beautiful ocean view.

Praia da Rocha is home to the original NoSoloÁgua club (the others are located in Vilamoura and Albufeira), which offers an upscale and classy nightlife experience. There is live music every Wednesday as well as several festivals during the summer.

Katedral is another popular club in this resort town, featuring two rooms from you to choose from. When you need a break from the main party, you can retreat to the smaller room for a more relaxed vibe.

The resort town is also home to the Hotel Algarve Casino, which provides another evening entertainment option. In addition to the typical casino games, it also features live shows and performances and several restaurants.

 Faro Nightlife

The Algarve capital of Faro has a vibrant nightlife scene year-round, thanks in part to its large student population at the University of Algarve located in the city. If you are starting your travels in Lisbon, it is easy to hop a train or bus to Faro to take full advantage of the fun.

For the best Algarve nightlife in Faro, you'll need to head to the old town. Although there are bars throughout the city, the largest concentration is in the old town, where you won't need to walk far to find a good drink.

Faro has several great rooftop bars with fantastic views of the coast, including Hotel Faro and Rooftop Eva, the former of which offers a more relaxed atmosphere, and the latter of which hosts sunset parties every day during the summer.

For high-end signature and custom cocktails, Columbus Bar needs to be on your to-do list, and for the best clubbing experience in Faro, head to First Floor, which is open every night from Tuesday to Saturday.

Algarve Nightlife in Vilamoura

Vilamoura, sometimes referred to as the Portuguese Monaco, is most famous for its marina, which is one of the largest in Europe. It is a popular vacation destination for celebrities, and as such, there are many higher-end bars and venues near the luxury marina.

The best casino in the Algarve, Casino Vilamoura, makes for a fun evening out, often featuring music and dance shows in addition to its high-end game rooms and restaurants. Dice Club is located inside the casino and usually caters to an older crowd. You can expect a luxurious environment and top-notch service from this nightclub.

For the younger crowd looking for the best Algarve nightlife, the place to be is Lick. This well-known club is huge in the summer, often featuring performances by world-famous DJs. The nearby hotel resorts of Vale do Lobo and Quinta do Lago also offer exclusive, high-end venues for those looking to escape the touristy bars and clubs in some of the other Algarve towns.

Other Things To Do At Night In The Algarve

If the nightclub and bar scene isn’t your thing, there is still plenty to do at night in the Algarve. If your ideal version of the “Algarve nightlife” involves something a little more lowkey, here are some options:

FIESA Sand City

If you are staying in or near Lagoa, pay a visit to the FIESA Sand City. Open until midnight during the summer months, this is a great way to spend an evening. Each year the park has a different theme and forty thousands pounds of sand is used to create the stunning sculptures. Around 100 sculptures cover the 1500 square meter park and the artistry must be seen to be believed.

Theme Parks

In Almancil, about 20 minutes from Vilamoura by car, you will find Karting Almancil. Open until midnight 7 days a week this park allows you to get in touch with your inner adrenaline junkie by giving you access to go-karting, off-roading, and paintballing. It’s some wild and intense fun for all generations!

Water parks like the Zoomarine Park and Aquashow Park tend to close by 8 pm but are activities that can take you well into your evening.

Sunset Cruises

Whether you’re staying in Tavira, Alvor or any other coastal town, book yourself a ticket on a sunset boat cruise or boat tour. Few things in the Algarve are more breathtaking than watching the sun set on the golden cliffs while viewing the stunning old-world architecture.

These boat trips are more low key than the famous Albufeira boat parties. They are a quiet, relaxing, romantic way to take in the coast.

Yacht Charter

From Vilamoura or Albufeira, you can book a sunset trip on a private yacht. This is a great way to escape the crowds and spend some quality time with your small group, family, or partner. If you want something a little more than just a sunset cruise, you can charter a yacht for an overnight. Spend your day on the water taking in sites like Benagil Sea Cave and the Ria Formosa and your evening, unwinding in complete custom luxury.

Take It Easy

Sometimes the best way to spend an evening in the Algarve is to do nothing at all. The streets in places like Tavira are often full of performers and the history of the Algarve region can take on a whole new vibe at night.

Strolling the shores in a place like Santa Luzia can really provide some perspective. Standing on the edge of a cliff, or walking along the sandy shores, and looking out from the coast into the Atlantic, it’s hard to not be humbled by the sheer enormity of it all.

Throw down a blanket on the lovely Praia da Marinha, relax on the golden sands, breathe the salt air, and watch the stars above. It sounds so simple but sometimes, it is these quiet moments that can mean the most.

The Algarve coast has all the makings of a perfect holiday destination, including stunning beaches, amazing food, and a vibrant Portuguese nightlife. Whether you enjoy partying late into the night or sipping a few drinks and enjoying amazing views before retiring for the evening, the Algarve nightlife caters to all different tastes and styles and will make you wish you had discovered it sooner.