The Best Bars In Praia Da Rocha Portugal

It may not be the Algarve’s premier party town – that title goes to bar-packed Albufeira, just along the coast – but Praia da Rocha’s laid-back crowd of sun-worshippers prefer it that way. Still, if you’re looking for cocktails, pints and sunset views, there’s a cluster of characterful venues around Avenida Tomás Cabreira. Alongside the inevitable Irish pubs, you’ll find neon-lit dive bars, shot-pouring metalheads, and al fresco pool parties with guest DJs.

1. NoSoloÁgua

Bar, Cocktails

The resort’s sole glam beach club is spread around a circular pool, right on the waterfront. Ramshackle bamboo pagodas provide shade for a crowd of clubbers, who come for a sushi lunch and stay for DJ sets that spill onto the sand. Check the website for a list of upcoming guest spinners, find your most resilient credit card, and you’ll be ready for unlimited rounds of bubbly, rosé, and tequila shots.

2. Bar Diagonal

Bar, Cocktails

The faces of Led Zeppelin, Kiss and Metallica scowl down from posters pasted all over this heavy metal bar, complete with pinball table and booming sound system. Look up at the handwritten A4 signs above the bar to find out which shots are currently going for €1. If you’re into hard drinks and hard music, you’ll surely bond with the alternative crowd of locals who come here post-beach.

3. Outro Bar

Bar, Beer, Wine

One of the resort’s late-late bars, Outro thumps on until 4am, luring clubbers to its neon-streaked space with unpretentious pop, before switching to house and Latin-tinged dance music. It’s larger than most of the competition, but does fill up, so don’t leave it until the wee hours to bag a spot on the dancefloor. Out back is a slim terrace for smokers and sea-gazers. It’s open every night during summer, but only Thursday-Saturday in the winter months.

5. Ireland’s Eye

Pub, Beer

Don’t be put off by the lack of local culture. This venerable old Irish joint is part of the fabric of Praia da Rocha’s nightlife – and, more importantly, has a fab location, with sweeping views over the main beach. Live guitarists and televised sport pull in the punters, Irish or otherwise, and happy regulars sink pints of Guinness. Brace yourself for singalongs.

6. The Manhattan Cafe

Bar, Cocktails

This kitsch, Big Apple-themed bar is decorated with a twinkling skyscraper mural, a fizzing neon sign above the bar, and diner-style accoutrements. Try lava-lamp-bright cocktails like the electric popsicle or the alabammer slammer, amid Empire State posters and Route 66 licence plates. There’s a good selection of mocktails and milkshakes for non-drinkers, too.

7. Boogie Bar

Bar, Cocktails

Get ready to belt out your best Bonnie Tyler at this unpretentious karaoke bar, which attracts an older, international crowd of fun-loving late-nighters. Fairy lights and glitter balls adorn a bar topped with TV screens; an inflatable goal pinned to the wall gives a nod to the venue’s big match broadcasts; and holidaymakers in Guns N’ Roses wigs bellow golden oldies into the mic. A down-to-earth spot, where everyone gets a star turn.

8. Birimbar

Bar, Cocktails

Fancy a spot of live music? Duck slightly into the Algarve city of Portimão (a 25-minute walk from the beach) for this hidden-away bar, a legend among afro-latin music fans. Run by seasoned musician José Manuel Martins, it attracts Brazilian, African and traditional Portuguese musicians, popping in for a jam session from 11pm. It’s a small, quirky space with wall-mounted instruments and a raucous vibe.

Nurse your head in one of the best hotels in Praia da Rocha, or explore further and spend the night in another Algarve location, now bookable via Culture Trip. Nearby towns include Lagos, with a host of things to do, and Tavira, where you’ll be able to spend the day in a museum before relaxing with a glass in hand at one of the many bars in the area.

Since you are here, we would like to share our vision for the future of travel - and the direction Culture Trip is moving in.

Culture Trip launched in 2011 with a simple yet passionate mission: to inspire people to go beyond their boundaries and experience what makes a place, its people and its culture special and meaningful — and this is still in our DNA today. We are proud that, for more than a decade, millions like you have trusted our award-winning recommendations by people who deeply understand what makes certain places and communities so special.

Increasingly we believe the world needs more meaningful, real-life connections between curious travellers keen to explore the world in a more responsible way. That is why we have intensively curated a collection of premium small-group trips as an invitation to meet and connect with new, like-minded people for once-in-a-lifetime experiences in three categories: Culture Trips, Rail Trips and Private Trips. Our Trips are suitable for both solo travelers, couples and friends who want to explore the world together.

Culture Trips are deeply immersive 5 to 16 days itineraries, that combine authentic local experiences, exciting activities and 4-5* accommodation to look forward to at the end of each day. Our Rail Trips are our most planet-friendly itineraries that invite you to take the scenic route, relax whilst getting under the skin of a destination. Our Private Trips are fully tailored itineraries, curated by our Travel Experts specifically for you, your friends or your family.

We know that many of you worry about the environmental impact of travel and are looking for ways of expanding horizons in ways that do minimal harm - and may even bring benefits. We are committed to go as far as possible in curating our trips with care for the planet. That is why all of our trips are flightless in destination, fully carbon offset - and we have ambitious plans to be net zero in the very near future.