The Best Bars In Portimo Portugal

Split between the lively waterfront promenade of Praia da Rocha and the cobbled streets of the old town, Portimão‘s nightlife offers all sorts of bars. From trendy beach spots to friendly Irish pubs, there’s no lack of options for a fun summer night in the Algarve. To help find what suits you best, check out Culture Trip’s pick of the top bars in Portimão.

1. Outro Bar

Bar, Beer, Wine

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.

2. Ireland’s Eye

Pub, Beer

Irish pub in Portimao in the Algarve Portugal. Image shot 2008. Exact date unknown.

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.

3. Casa Inglesa

Cafe, Coffee

Casa Inglesa Restaurant, Largo Manuel Teixeira Gome n2, Portimao, Faro District, Algarve Region, Portugal. Image shot 2011. Exact date unknown.

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.

5. NoSoloÁgua

Bar, Cocktails

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.

6. Beer & Co.

Bar, Beer

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.

7. Sunset Bar

Bar, Cocktails

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.

8. Bolan Bar

Bar, Wine

Bolan bar in Alvor, Algarve, PORTUGAL. In the design of the bar used posters of famous people

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.

If you’re going to have a hangover after visiting these bars, you may as well do it in style. See Praia da Rocha’s top hotels or discover the best places to stay in the Algarve, now bookable via Culture Trip. Lagos isn’t far from here either – see what there is to do there and which local restaurants call your name.

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