A guide to nightlife in Albufeira

Away from the two-kilometre-long Montechoro Strip of bars and big, out-of-town clubs, the old town of Albufeira provides a slower pace for your Portugal holidays with lots of music and Irish bars. Bar Street is also in the town centre and does what it says on the tin by providing a line-up of every kind of bar, the best of which we’ve detailed below. If you’re planning a holiday to the Algarve soon, check out this list of some of the best places to spend an evening out.

Three bars and a steakhouse at Wild & Co

This massive bar on Albufeira’s main strip has enough space to host live bands each evening in one area, show sports on TV screens in another and have a steakhouse on the top floor. Choose from either the American, Irish or Sports bar and settle in until 4am all year round.

Top of the cocktails at Sal Rosa

Down at the beach and away from Bar Street is this classy wine and cocktail bar. The cocktails are put together to your exact preference and even take into account what mood you’re in that day, making the service by the expert mixologists top notch.

Going strong since the sixties at Sir Harry's

This bar isn’t quite as old as its surroundings, but it has been going since the sixties. It’s a prime meeting spot in the main square and has shaded seats to people-watch from. Live acoustic guitar music is accompanied by cocktails and a good bar menu.

Guinness, games and green walls at Shamrock Irish Bar

A small and very green bar, Shamrock gives a friendly welcome whether you’re there to drink Guinness, play in the games room, listen to music or all three. In the heart of the old town, make it your starting point for a busier night elsewhere or stay until 2am for a low-key night.

Beachside chill out at Bar Bizarro

Nowhere near as bizarre as you’d expect given its name, Bizarro is a pretty white and blue bar beside the beach with outdoor seats shaded by parasols. The place to sit and sip sangrias, it’s utterly peaceful and a world away from other bars on this list – they don’t even have a TV.

Whole family entertainment at Blues Bar

A brilliantly family-friendly place, there are big screens and a quiz night with a popular music bingo round. Plus the games room downstairs has pool and air hockey. The drinks are excellent value, especially the offers on four-pint pitchers.

Seven screens of sport at 33 Sports Bar

A classy joint full of mahogany wood and stripy furnishings, this bar’s seven screens show different sports and games at the same time. Plus there’s a games room out back, including pool and an electronic darts board. The choice of spirits is vast alongside plenty of cold beers.

Another Irish bar in Albufeira’s ensemble, Sherry’s opens every day at 12pm and has regular offers on drinks. This cosy place in the old town has heaps of atmosphere and the owners are happy to put music on by request, often resulting in a good old Irish singalong.

Another Irish bar in Albufeira’s ensemble, Sherry’s opens every day at 12pm and has regular offers on drinks. This cosy place in the old town has heaps of atmosphere and the owners are happy to put music on by request, often resulting in a good old Irish singalong.

Old town terrace views at Blue Bell Bar

The Blue Bell is a corner bar housed in a traditional Portuguese building painted in white and blue. It has a quirky, narrow roof terrace to sit and drink on with views over to the church. Just off the square in the old town, it’s conveniently located but never gets too busy.

Marina-side drinks and snacks at Sharky's Bar

Beside the marina and away from the centre of Albufeira is Sharky’s Bar. This modern, colourful building serves Lavazza coffee, as well as far stronger beverages and bar snacks. There are tables inside and a few on the wide paved area outside that look out to the boats.