A guide to nightlife in Alvor

Algarve holidays are known for their exciting nightlife, and although Alvor is not a massive party town there’s a good selection of bars, often with terraces to lounge around on. Cocktail bars are very popular here, however if you’re after beers and ales, the Irish pubs should tickle your fancy. Many venues also offer live music, whether acoustic or traditional Portuguese Fado music. And as this is a family-orientated area, the bars mingle nicely with the restaurants.

Feel at home in Hickey's Irish Bar

Pat Hickey, the Irish owner of this bar, is keen to make you feel at home and might even provide some top tips for the area. You can even enjoy your beverage or sandwiches on the roof terrace. Beers including gluten-free versions and ales are the order of the day, there’s always sports coverage, often live music, and as it’s Irish, you’re almost guaranteed a good old sing-a-long.

A lively night at The Black Stove

Order yourself a Guinness, or even a cocktail at this Irish pub and enjoy the obligatory football coverage on the giant TV screens. The Black Stove gets busy but you can cosy up inside or relax on the terrace area on those warm balmy evenings. The food is recommended and there’s live music on most nights.

Enjoy the Caribbean vibe at Bolan Bar

This bar welcomes you in with its vibrant exterior and brightly coloured interior. Cheap holidays to the Algarve don’t just have to be about Portugal, and the Bob Marley posters and reggae music at this venue prove it. Try one of their wonderful Caribbean cocktails as you look down over the harbour.

A chilled night at Michael's Bar

Enjoy a prosecco or one of many fantastic cocktails served in this bar with a smart interior. The large TV screens stream live sports coverage, while the karaoke evenings are also very popular. The owner Michael might even pop by to say hello.

A spot of karaoke at Stars Bar & Bistro

Like many of the other bars in Alvor, food is served here which means you can start early, before moving onto your favourite tipples. There’s a great atmosphere, which is really ramped up on weekends when the karaoke kicks in.

Do as the hippies do at Gastrobar 13

This gem of a bar is slightly off the beaten track in a hidden side street. Try the tapas or just relax with a drink in the courtyard filled with gorgeous plants, flowers and vines, where you might even spot a gecko. There’s live music and fairy lights pop on as dusk sets.

Lovely boho experience at Old'up Bar

This bar offers a fantastic boho roof terrace, which you won’t want to leave as you while the evening away. The indoor bar is something to behold too, with its purple decor and black and white photos on the walls.

Freddie’s is a small and friendly bar with TV screens for sports. You can order anything from a mojito to beer or gin and tonic. The indoor space has high stools helping to create a bit more space, but for some people watching you can sit outdoors.

Freddie’s is a small and friendly bar with TV screens for sports. You can order anything from a mojito to beer or gin and tonic. The indoor space has high stools helping to create a bit more space, but for some people watching you can sit outdoors.

Great cocktails at Los Puros Cuban Bar

This bar is a real gem, particularly if you’re into the Cuban cigars they sell here. They serve a great selection of cocktails and have a long mojito list, as well as an impressive choice of rum. Free popcorn offerings will keep you sipping until late.

Relax with wonderful views at Sunset Bar

Boasting a colourful interior to match the cocktails, this bar is a lovely choice, or you could sit outside and watch the fantastic sunsets streaming across the harbour into the cobbled street. It’s a beautiful spot and there’s even a pizzeria next door for dinner first.