The Best Bars in Portimão, Portugal

This bar, set atop cliffs facing the ocean, is one of the most chilled-out places in Praia da Rocha. The music completely fits the location, with laid-back Mediterranean vibes for enjoying the last hours of sunshine before dancing well into the night. There’s a happy hour from 6-9pm, best spent savouring the tropical delights of the caipirinhas and morangoskas.

If live music is more your thing, look no further than this hard-to-miss Irish pub, also in Praia da Rocha. Set in a large villa with a terrace facing the ocean, Ireland’s Eye is a great place to have a drink with a view and, later on, sing along with the band on the dancefloor.

More of a coffee house than an actual bar, this historic venue is located on a large square with dancing fountains, overlooking the river in the old part of town. It’s pretty much a locals’ place, known for its wide variety of delicious pastries. Take the opportunity to savour a dom rodrigo, a local delicacy made of sweet egg.

Feel like trying karaoke and dancing with a joyful crowd? Then this cocktail lounge is where you need to go. The house speciality is of course the mojito, which the friendly staff are always quick to recommend. The bar has a few lounging areas where you can enjoy your drink, but its heart is the dancefloor, supervised by local DJs.

NoSoloÁgua is the city’s best known beach club – and rightly so. This carefully decorated space by the beach is the perfect setting for relaxing during the day and, later on, enjoying sophisticated company. On party evenings, a regular occurrence during summer, be ready to take off your shoes and dance on the sand to the sound of international musical guests.

In the narrow streets of the small fishing village Alvor, craft beer lovers will find their home away from home, with good music accompanying great brews. As well as the beers made on-site, the bottle menu features labels from all over the country, making this the perfect place for a taste of Portuguese craft brewing. The owners are happy to help you choose the right beer, lending this hip spot a personal touch.

Blessed with the perfect location to watch the sunset over the old harbour, this small bar in quaint Alvor is very easy to find, mostly due to its bright colours. Owner Kate and her friendly staff are full of local information and make all cocktails fresh to order. It’s a venue that takes pride in making you feel warm and welcome, and as such, a must-visit.

One of the oldest bars in Alvor, and still one of the best, Bolan is the perfect place to keep watch over the comings and goings of this small fishing community. The decor, inspired by the great Bob Marley, plays a big part in the laid-back atmosphere, with reggae beats in the background and interesting pictures across the walls.