The Best Bars in Albufeira, Portugal

Find some Zen at this quirky bar, which serves up a mix of Buddhist and Moroccan influences. This venue, which is located up a hill and away from the bustle of the seafront, has a magical ambience come nightfall. Soft lighting and warm furnishings make for an attractive mix. Live DJs add to the club-lounge-like atmosphere. Work your way through the cocktail menu, with the Fancy Medina (a blend of gin, black tea, Moroccan spice syrup, lemon juice and egg white) and the Oriental Bramble (a combination of gin, ginger syrup, lime and blackberry liqueur) being two of the house favourites. The flavourful tagines here are also a must-try, while the shisha is popular among many guests.

Boasting one of the quirkiest exteriors and interiors in town, this cosy bar is popular with local people. It’s well worth paying a visit just to see the intricate decor, with the walls and ceilings adorned with thousands of shells. It took three years for the owners to collect enough molluscs, and it appears that their dedication has paid off. Visitors love the champagne cocktails, tasty sangria, friendly service and live music acts.

Lap up top sunset views while gorging on well-crafted cocktails and tasty tapas at this tucked-away terrace bar. This place prides itself on providing an authentic Portuguese experience: it uses locally sourced ingredients, and there’s pretty tile detailing running throughout. This is the perfect place for a pre-dinner drink, but get here early to ensure you can get a seat.

Transport yourself to the Caribbean at this quirky bar, which combines Cuban and Jamaican influences. Customers rate the exotic, eclectic interiors and the tropical playlist, with live music on certain nights of the week. Along with foliage at the entrance, expect punchy cocktails, with daiquiris being the house favourites. On the shot menu, the specials include the Havana and Bob Marley. If you’re feeling peckish, the tosta XXL comes highly recommended.

You’re bound to make some new friends at this pint-sized Irish bar. This dinky spot features cosy interiors with flags and Guinness-logoed bunting hanging from the wood-beamed ceiling; the outdoor terrace also attracts a good crowd. Punters flock to this bar – which is located just off the square in Old Town – for its authentic Irish atmosphere, reasonable prices and friendly staff.

Soak up prime views of the Atlantic Ocean at one of this hotel’s two bars. The Sol e Mar is located slap-bang on the golden sands of Peneco Beach. There is a beachside bar serving up refreshing cocktails and moreish glasses of sangria during the day; after sunset, the smart Rainbow Bar on the fifth floor is a top spot for an Instagram shot or two, with a round central bar and colourful ceiling.

Get the full Irish pub experience at this vibrant bar, with live music, friendly service, lovely customers and cooling pints of Guinness to perk things up. This lively spot is located in the centre of Albufeira’s Old Town, on the first floor next door to the California Shopping Centre. If you’re a sports fan, the bar is home to three large-screen satellite TVs showing all of the major events. Other draws for customers include a pool table and darts board.

Colourful cocktails topped with cherries and sparklers await you at this lively spot. This venue, named after the central London hangout, becomes quite the party scene come nightfall. Come here for the friendly bar staff, who have the tendency to dish out free shots as the night goes on. If you fancy a more sedate atmosphere, the bar is open from 9am, with hearty breakfasts on offer.

If you’re looking for a place to let your hair down, this lively cocktail bar in the heart of Old Town should fit the bill. There are regular themed nights, sports games shown on the big screen and live music throughout the week. There is plenty of seating indoors, and the outdoor patio is bustling during the summer months.