Welcome to Albufeira’s premier nightlife guide.
On this page, you’ll discover the vibrant and varied nightlife scene in Albufeira. You’ll find the perfect venue for you and your preferred night out. Whether you want to go all-out clubbing or if you’d like a more laid back dinner and drinks with a view, we’ve got your covered.
Enjoy!
Albufeira is a city and municipality in the district of Faro, in the southernmost Portuguese region of the Algarve. It is indeed a famous and frequented tourist destination due to its coastal surroundings, Albufeira expands to approximately 300,000 residents during the summer, during the Christmas, and on New Year celebrations, owing to the number of hotels and lodgings in the district, which includes marina facilities, golf courses, restaurants, bars and night clubs for the annual flood of visitors and locals.
Albufeira is an outstanding holiday destination, as it offers so much more than just gorgeous beaches and great weather. The city is divided into the old town and the Strip. The old town is a beautiful white city with cobbled streets where you can find over 100 family-focused restaurants. Whereas, the Strip is renowned for its nightlife attractions having countless fine dine restaurants, lovely bars, delightful night clubs, and other cozy establishments to boost night life attraction of the city.
Albufeira has the largest selection of restaurants, cafes, and bars, with over 500 different establishments. The wide selection covers all styles of cuisine, including Portuguese, English, Indian, Chinese, Italian, and Spanish. The evening meal is an important part of the Portuguese day, and meals tend not to be rushed. Portugal is one of the least expensive countries in Europe and is significantly cheaper than many of the other established holiday destinations, such as Greece, or the Balearic Islands.
Here in this article, we will provide all the necessary information related to nightlife features of Albufeira, including a comprehensive list of the best destinations. You will find all the tools and necessary information here to organize your holidays in Albufeira the most complete way to make your journey a beautiful experience.
The Nightlife in Albufeira
Albufeira is the largest, liveliest and most energetic of all of the resort towns that line southern Portugal’s beautiful Algarve coastline. Albufeira provides stunning beaches, a glorious climate, varied eating, and buzzing nightlife attractions. There is so much to love about Albufeira, and that is why this once peaceful fishing village has been transformed into the Algarve’s most popular holiday destination. So check out our recommended options here for the best venues available in Albufeira and all are ready to make you happy while you are enjoying your nightlife experience over there:
Sunset Boat Trip
Sunset boat trips can be a great way to spend the later part of the afternoon, into the early evening. You board the boat at the colorful Marina and then set sail towards Ferragudo, passing the stunning cliffs and caves along the way. Some include dinner and drinks and that makes it a fabulous way to combine dinner, relaxation, sightseeing, and fun!
Marina
If you are down at the Marina, it is very pleasant to enjoy a leisurely stroll along the pedestrianized promenade with a good selection of bars and restaurants offering the perfect place for a pit stop.
Go Karting
You can Go Karting on a cool karting track at the marina located in the underground car park that consists of 400m of twisting and challenging corners to blast the karts around. They have a selection of 160cc or 200cc Karts that you can hire.
Snorkeling along the coast
Snorkeling is a great choice for a hot summer day when you are looking to cool down! The Atlantic coastline is home to a wealth of marine life including fish, crabs and you might also find one of the Mediterranean’s famous octopus’ hiding in the crevasses and rocks that line the shallow waters around Albufeira’s beaches. Use your own equipment, hire some for the day, or book an organized snorkeling trip with an experienced guide and a boat transfer to find the best locations. Well-equipped boats can be found at Albufeira marina if that is your preference.
Bowling
Hot Shot Bowling overlooks the Marina and has seven lanes, so it is a great venue for groups too. Show off your skills at the bowling alley or play a game of Air Hockey or foosball. They also have an amusement arcade, pool table, and darts on offer.
Private Yacht
There is nothing quite like the sound of the waves, but the sound of them on your own private charter is just a little bit sweeter. You can hire a fully crewed luxury yacht with drinks and catering included from the Marina and head off on an Atlantic adventure.
Sunset Parties
Some like it hot and if that is what you are looking for, head to NoSoloAgua at the end of Falesia / Vilamoura. With party nights, every night in the summer, you can rock up and enjoy a fabulous lounge setting by the sea with DJ’s pumping out tunes all day long. Pedras Amarelas is on Gale beach, and they host weekly sundowners with guest DJ’s, but they start slightly later, after dinner.
Fado
A little more cultural, Fado is traditional folk music from the mid-1820s where the singers tell stories of the hardships of historical life in Portugal. The music is on the mournful side, and the lyrics are powerful and melancholic but very moving. Jardim Rustico in Montechoro does a great Fado dinner which is excellent value and lasts for around 3 ½ hours.
Vilamoura Casino
One of the few places that you can gamble in the Algarve, Vilamoura Casino is a great night out venue with high-quality shows, slots and of course tables to keep you entertained all night long. Indeed it is a must go-to place for an outstanding nightlife experience in Albufeira.
Live Music
In the old town, you will find that loads of bars have live music in the summer months, Sir Harry’s, Vertigo, Central Planet, Dominos and Steps bars have a good variety of styles ranging from Irish to cover bands, and The Rock Café has a house rock band who play every night. Surrounding the Montechoro Strip, there’s a load of venues from the family-friendly Fat Cats, Absolbar and Erin’s Isle and then deeper into The Strip you will find Wild & Co that has regular live music and Libertos and Matts Bar that cater for more clubby crowds with live DJ sets.
On the outskirts, Casa do Cerro is a pretty funky place that’s worth a mention. Decorated in an Arabic style, has live music, shishas, and the occasional belly dancer. The comprehensive drinks list and varied crowd create a good vibe.
Best Bars in Albufeira
There are so many drinking establishments alongside the town strip that it would fill the page to list them. Suffice to say, you won’t have any problem finding a spot to satisfy your booze desire outside in the sun or sink a few after sundown before heading to one of the many night clubs. Most will have plenty of special offers on drinks – practically every bar employ staff to lure you in with their deals. So if you are taking a trip to Albufeira very soon, here your recreation for the nightlife attraction and liquor need is sorted with the list of best bars, pubs and cocktail lounges available in Albufeira. Go out with your friends and loved one to have a memorable experience on your vacation:
Piccadilly Cocktail Bar
Voted as one of the best cocktail bars in Albufeira, Piccadilly Cocktail Bar combines delicious cocktails with a fun and lively atmosphere and great music making it the perfect venue for socializing with friends. The modern décor with plenty of seating options inside and outside means you are never left waiting for a table.
Casa Do Cerro
Take a stroll up the winding stairs that lead you to the entrance of this cool and quirky cocktail bar known as Casa do Cerro. Its Moroccan décor with a prominent theme of the Buddha that creates a chilled atmosphere. There are two large bars which provide plenty of space to lounge and the draped linen ceiling gives a cozy and intimate feel as well as making it one of the most unique cocktail bars in Albufeira.
Blue Bell Bar
The Blue Bell is a corner bar housed in a beautifully traditional Portuguese building painted in white and blue. Its quirky, narrow roof terrace is the perfect place to sit and enjoy a delicious cocktail whilst enjoying views over the church. Located just off the square of the Old Town, Blue Bar is located conveniently but never gets too busy, so you are guaranteed tranquil drinking experience.
The Market
This restaurant and wine bar focuses on providing the best products Albufeira has to offer. Supported by an original and distinctive cocktail list and an exclusive wine cellar, the menu tells a story of its ethnic influences from the North to the South of the region, transforming antiquity into modernity through a selection of crafted cocktails. The Market is proud of its top quality staff and service that equates to an unforgettable wining and dining experience, making it one of the best cocktail bars in Albufeira.
Atlantic Piano Bar in Vilamoura Marina
The Vilamoura Marina is an excellent place for an evening stroll, and while there you may stumble across the Atlantic Piano Bar. A lively spot with a welcoming crew, it is a fantastic location to begin the night and get your engines revving. Keep an eye out for the live entertainment while visiting over there.
Sal Rosa
Sal Rosa is renowned for its high-quality wine and cocktail menu as well as exceptional service making your experience memorable. Thanks to the expert mixologists, each cocktail is put together to your exact preference and even takes into account what mood you are in that day to carefully craft a cocktail made just for you. The bar is located down at the beach and away from Bar Street with sea views making it one of the best cocktail bars in Albufeira.
Best Bar Restaurants in Albufeira
The Portuguese coastal city of Albufeira is a magnetic travel destination for a slew of travelers who want to immerse themselves in the serene Mediterranean lifestyle. And of course to indulge their palate in all the best that the Algarve coast has to offer. Whether you are a fan of choice seafood or you are looking for something more robust in your dining, these eateries will be sure to grace your plate with the best that Albufeira has to offer. Here we have come up with some of the best and premium restaurants available in Albufeira so you don’t find yourself in the hassle of looking for:
Alquimia
The winner of a 2014 Best Newcomer Award from the prestigious Boa Cama Boa Mesa panel, Alquimia is a modern fine dining experience integrated into the upmarket Epic Sana Algarve Hotel. Open to hotel guests and outsiders alike, the restaurant has an intimate ambiance and a classy feel. Its menu includes gourmet twists on a broad range of meat, fish and seafood favorites, from cod and beef to lobster and foie gras.
O Marinheiro
O Marinheiro has a casual vibe and is located a short way out of the City Centre. Here you can find Mediterranean influenced food and a full range Portuguese of meat and seafood options. A great spot for families, the restaurant has a playground area for kids, as well as a charming outdoor terrace to kick back on during those warm Algarve evenings.
Vila Joya
In 2014, Vila Joya was rated 22nd on a list of The World’s 50 Best Restaurants, the only Portuguese restaurant to make the list. Run by double Michelin Star-winning Austrian chef Dieter Koschina and the seat of an annual gourmet food festival, Vila Joya is an exclusive smart dining experience, just don’t make the mistake of popping in without a prior reservation.
Dom Carlos Restaurant
It is a husband-and-wife operation venue, this restaurant can often be seen packed to the gills on a weekend evening but as long as customers reserve in advance they can expect a real treat. Offering a popular five-course evening meal alongside a broad selection of wines, indeed they are offering Portuguese fine dining at its best.
Tres Pammeiras
It is the perfect place to try some Portuguese favorites like rabbit stew, or Algarve specialties like rich cataplan-cooked seafood stews. The restaurant caters to families with its children’s menu and as well as offering vegetarian alternatives. A little way off from the tourist-trap restaurants of the central area, Três Palmeiras is a great chance to experience Michelin-listed Portuguese cuisine at reasonable prices.
Eurasia
Eurasia is one of Albufeira’s few restaurants that cater exclusively for vegetarian and vegan diners. As the name suggests, the interior and cuisine bring together Asian and international influences, though still making space for some reliable Portuguese dishes. Operating a good-value buffet system, the restaurant is the perfect place for a fresh and slightly different kind of lunch.
Palacete
The Palacete is a local favorite, serving up hearty Portuguese meals in a traditional and friendly atmosphere. The menu is translated into five languages and a separate children’s menu is also available. Like many good Portuguese restaurants, the Palacete prides itself particularly on its range of hearty steaks and fresh seafood and is great for an intimate dinner or a night out with friends.
Best Nightclub in Albufeira
Albufeira is probably known and famous for its nightlife attractions as it is for its beaches and other establishments. The Strip, in the Montechoro area of town, is the heart of Albufeira’s nightlife activities with a plethora of night clubs and bars. In the summer The Strip becomes absolutely heaving with mostly young Northern European tourists and stag / hen parties pushing alcohol consumption to its logical limit!
Check out our recommendations here, grab a group of friends or special someone and explore Albufeira’s glamorous nightlife activities going on at the optimum best night clubs:
Wild & Company
The Wild & Company Bar is a local spot that is very particular due to the mix of styles that it has, inspired in sites like “Hard Rock”, el “Planet Hollywood”, el “Coyote Bar” to the typical “English Pub”. You will find a place of great excitement, with live music and dancers of the style “Crazy Horse Show”. Not only that! You will be able to enjoy great shows like freestyle bartending, while you enjoy a drink from their long list of cocktails.
Club Vida
Enter la vida loca is the mantra of Albufeira’s club that instantly became a hit when opened in 2014. Club Vida is a beautiful club where the lighting, interior and waterfalls create a chic style. Flip flops aren’t allowed if you want to get access to the best party in town. Popular DJs are ready to rock your world with the latest sounds of house, hip-hop, and techno.
Matt´S Bar
Matt´s Bar is a complete classic in this Portuguese city, this bar has offered the best nights week after week for 17 years. What will you find here? An immense terrace, no exaggeration! The best music from national and international scenes with VIP areas that will leave you speechless. Thematic parties weekly, the best DJ invited, boat parties, but especially a mechanical bull that will make a night totally out of the ordinary! This and much more that you will discover when you arrive at Matt’S, will be at your disposal to make for a great night!
Le Club
Le Club, formerly known as Locomia, is the most upscale nightlife experience Albufeira has to offer. This newly renovated place is located on Santa Eulália beach and is known to invite the best DJs. The classy concept has even won the Portugal Night Awards for Best Club. The establishment can host a crowd of 600 people who can move around two dance floors, a terrace, and a lounge area. Le Club attracts an older crowd who can spend more, in comparison to the discos that are based in the old town of Albufeira.
Kiss Disco Club
It is an entirely renovated place and is considered as the epicenter of all the madness of the Portuguese city. The new design of KISS will leave you all open-mouthed! Light, music and live videos all create the clubs new image. But that´s not all! It also has private and exclusive sections personalized for your group, 4 distinct areas! In addition, a “Lounge Club Marrakech” on the second floor. National and international DJs, live performances, parties, and a huge number of internationally renowned events put KISS on the highest level of standing.
Libertos Club
Libertos Club is a place filled with excellence, glamour, and sophistication. It is wrapped in a tasteful atmosphere that takes you beyond attractive people, public figures of the sports world, and of international fashion. Covered in a unique and relaxing decoration, Libertos Bar bases all its design and decoration around Buddha. The latest musical trends from all corners of the world come from the best DJs.
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Conclusion
To sum things up, here in this article we had a brief introduction of Albufeira along with highlighting some of its prominent norms, culture, and nightlife features. We also went through different activities and places to enjoy the nightlife of the region, Musical venues, Bars, Restaurants and Nightclubs as well. Such activities provide a great source of entertainment for tourists and locals as well.
As already elaborated, the nightlife attraction of Albufeira is scattered throughout the city. There are several streets / bustling areas of the city where cafes, concert and dance venues, galleries and restaurants offer something special to everyone who loves the culture, shopping and nightlife attraction. There are plenty of pubs & bars throughout the City areas and they are truly satisfying the desire of thirsty visitors where you can enjoy your cocktails with the mesmerizing architectural beauty of the hand-crafted beers and their decors.
You don’t feel any hunger during your trip, that is why we also suggested some of the finest restaurants in the city that offer exotic and delicious food along with your favorite drinks. You can enjoy the taste of good food along with some great booze.
And lastly, we went through comprehensive options of nightclubs of the city that offers great music and fun with some delightfully exotic choices of drinks and cocktail that will delight your overall experience of charming nightlife during your stay at Albufeira.
All of the experiences as mentioned above will work together to make your journey to Albufeira absolutely a memorable one. A perfect and balanced blend of the above-identified activities can actually boost your experience and make your trip extremely unforgettable for you.
