A guide to nightlife in Algarve

All day entertainment at On the Rocks Bar, Praia da Rocha

On the Rocks is one of those places you won’t have any trouble spending all day in. It’s open for lunch and afternoon cocktails with daytime soaps on television to keep you occupied. Then there’s the view, of course – On the Rocks is quite literally overlooking the rocks of Praia da Rocha, so you’ll be treated to lovely panoramic vistas of the waves crashing onshore.

Once the sun goes down, On the Rocks transforms from friendly hangout to boisterous bar and the atmosphere really gets kicked up a notch. There’s a spacious dancefloor and live music towards the end of the week, plus TVs screening the latest sporting matches.

Sophisticated nights at Libertos Club, Albufeira

The Libertos Club is a villa turned nightclub, classy in atmosphere and laid-back when compared to the other neon-lit bars on Albufeira’s main strip. The decor is clean and sleek with dancefloors both inside and out, along with cocktail bars, plush white loungers and disco balls overhead.

This chic spot is a go-to for easy-going nights with a dash of luxury. Don’t expect to hear cheesy pop hits at Libertos. During the week, it’s known to host dance nights and parties, though the house DJ is around every evening keeping the energy up until well in the morning. There’s even a live singer providing entertainment every night until midnight.

Cocktail heaven at Mourisco Cocktail Bar, Alvor

Cocktail-lovers be advised – if you’re after a regular watering hole away from home, look no further. There isn’t a cocktail you won’t find here, from fruity sips to drinks so sweet, they’re practically a dessert, like the lemon meringue pie cocktail.

Mourisco is reminiscent of a cave, with stones framing the archways and above the bar. It’s a top spot to hole yourself up for the night, complete with a drink in a mason jar piled high with fruit and fresh mint. There’s also patio seating outside, so you can cosy up with a mojito and watch the night owls coast down the streets of Alvor. Holidays to the Algarve aren’t complete without a few well-earned cocktails at a bar like this.

Drink deals at Blues Bar, Albufeira

Dull nights are highly unlikely at the Blues Bar in Albufeira. It’s one of those spots where there’s always something going on, whether it’s sports on TV, quiz nights or name-that-song bingo. The Blues Bar is renowned for being a family bar, so if you’re travelling with little ones they’re sure to enjoy a fun time here as well. They won’t be able to make the most of the long list of cocktails or the range of deals on beer, but that’s what you’re there for after all.

Live singers at Atlantic Piano Bar, Vilamoura

The Atlantic Piano Bar in Vilamoura is a lot of things. It’s a place to relax along the marina and watch the sun go down, it’s a place to catch live music every night from the in-house singer and it’s a place to sip a delectable cocktail long into the night.

Also on the agenda here are karaoke nights and DJs that take the stage after the live music is through. There’s also a drinks menu for kids, with mocktails and milkshakes to ensure that everyone stays happy and hydrated.