The Best Bars in Vilamoura, Portugal

Slap bang on the waterfront, this Ibiza-style beach bar – part of the Purobeach chain – is somewhere you could base yourself for the day. There are multiple areas to hop between, with a more formal restaurant setup and tempting loungers around a swimming pool. Expect decadent treats, from lobster salad to moreish chocolate brownies and refreshing cocktails to wash it all down. The Moscow Mules here are top-notch.

For a bustling pub atmosphere, swing by the Hole in One. This pub has prime positioning in the Vilamoura Marina, with a large terrace overlooking the boats below. Inside, you’ll be able to catch your favourite sports games, thanks to multiple TV screens. If karaoke is more your thing, there are sessions every night during the high season. Along with a range of different beers, this pub also serves up cocktails, with everything from daiquiris to punchy mojitos on offer.

Sail over to this characterful bar for nautical-inspired interiors and a friendly welcome. The bar was founded in 1987 by a keen sailor and has become a popular spot. Along with indoor seating, there is a large outdoor terrace, which gets busy during the summer months. For keen gamers, there are game machines, and, for sports fans, there are multiple TVs. In terms of drinks, there’s something to suit all tastes, with Amaretto sours, cooling beers and vodka shots among the many choices.

Feast on top ocean views and a satisfying selection of food and drink at this relaxed beach bar. The Maresia is open all year round, with attractive indoor and outdoor seating areas. Come here for the setting, friendly staff, delicious frozen strawberry daiquiris and piña coladas. There are also an accompanying sushi bar and live music every evening to coincide with sunset.

Work your way through the superbly made concoctions at this classy cocktail joint. AL’s, which is tucked away from the marina on a little square, has a great selection of libations, with some of the standout choices including a mango-infused margarita and a caramel espresso martini. If you’re after something a little more exotic, the Caribbean Sensation should fit the bill (a heady blend of Kraken rum, coconut milk, passion fruit puree and pineapple juice), or, if cocktails aren’t your thing, there’s everything from Guinness to sangria on offer. There are plush bar stools inside, and a section of the square outside is decked out with tables during the summer months.

With an art deco theme, the Atlantic Bar will inject a bit of glamour into your evening. This spot boasts great views over the marina and is popular for its live music performances. The well-crafted signature cocktails definitely earn an Instagram snap or two. One of the most popular picks is the Absolut Agatha, which features a mix of vodka, raspberry and passionfruit juices, orange liqueur and ginger ale. Meanwhile, the Drunk in Love blend is a little more unusual: pink port combined with sliced cucumber, freshly squeezed lemon and ginger ale. There’s also an extensive list of shots if you want to get the party started.

For a good dose of Irish charm, head to this bar, which is easy to spot, thanks to its striking wooden exterior close to the marina. The interiors are cosy and characterful, with tables fashioned out of barrels and beer-themed wall hangings. As one would expect from an Irish pub, there are cooling pints of Guinness on tap, along with a nice selection of other ales. Come nightfall, the pub transforms into quite the party spot, with live bands and dancing on the tables encouraged.

Be prepared for a night you may well not remember at Biddy Jane’s, where live music and punchy drinks are at the heart of affairs. Come for the party atmosphere, the friendly staff and for the central location close to the marina. There are tapas and beer deals, hearty pub food and karaoke on offer. During the summer months, there is outdoor seating at the front of the venue, so you can cool off a little before returning to the throng.

If you fancy a little slice of sophistication, skip over to the four-star Four Seasons resort, which is located in the centre of town and next to the 18-hole, par-72 Pinhal Golf Course. This hotel (which is not a member of the famous Four Seasons chain) serves as an oasis of calm, with palm tree-filled grounds and an expansive pool area. By day, there is a casual pool bar. Come night, there is a classy cocktail bar with bow-tied mixologists serving up all the classics, from whisky sours to Moscow Mules.