Algarve Night Life

Once the sun has dipped below the horizon, the varied choices of Algarve night life begin to beckon.

It's a way of filling those hours of darkness until you can hit the beaches again.   (Although I suppose you could always throw a night-time beach party)....

But, broadly, nightlife activities can be divided into two categories:

• cosmopolitan activities i.e not specifically 'local' and...

• enjoying some traditional Portuguese and Algarvean culture

 
If you're young, energetic or just want to work off some of those holiday calories, then you'll be keen to sample the delights of Algarve clubbing.
 

Algarve Night Life - Clubbing

While it might not be as 'cool' as Ibiza or the Balearics, it's certainly lively.  Albufeira is where you'll probably go if your idea of night life is to stay out until the early hours.   When I asked some young clubbing enthusiasts where were the best places to go, I almost started a fight, they disagreed so heatedly.   Suffice to say that the hotspots tend to change as often as the weather does in the UK.

It's probably best to ask around once you've arrived at your Algarve destination.   I find that people virtually fall over themselves to tell you their favourite night spots!

Algarve Night Life - Bars

You wouldn't expect to accommodate lots of British and German tourists and their night life requirements without a motley collection of 'drinking holes' springing up (would you?).   Whatever your tipple, there's a good chance you'll find it (and plenty of relaxing company) in one of the resort bars.

Restaurants

Night life is the norm in the Algarve.   If you've succumbed to the temptation to siesta during the middle of the day, you'll probably be eating fairly late in the evening.

The Algarve's climate means it's great to dine al fresco beneath the stars.    That always makes me feel more 'cosmopolitan' somehow.   (Perhaps because I'm not very cosmopolitan to start with?)

See the Eating Out page to learn more about the regional cuisine and Algarve night life in local restaurants.

And, for my current favourite eating out spots, see my Fave Restaurants page.
 

Casinos

Not as brash or flash as Las Vegas but, whether you're a committed gambler or just like 'a flutter', the Algarve won't disappoint.   It's all part of modern Algarve night life, and you can indulge yourself until the early hours.

(You'd probably best be staying near Portimão, Monte Gordo or Vilamoura though, to avoid having to hitch-hike back to more distant accommodation after you've blown all your holiday money at Blackjack).

Those clever marketing people have even thought up ways to get non-gamblers spending money in their establishments. You can see a professional show and eat a relaxing dinner (or just see the show and have a drink) for a rather reasonable charge.  Check out the What's On page and see what they're offering at three of the most popular Algarve casinos this month.

Algarve Night Life - Regional

Folk Music

If you fancy something more in tune with your host country, you could try some 'local' Algarve night life.   There are restaurants and bars that regularly feature live fado music.   Most of what you'll hear in the tourist spots isn't necessarily authentic, though, as I believe it's often 'livened up' for the non-local ear.  It's entertaining enough for all that, I find.
 

Festivals

I love Algarve festivals! They take place in February and, apart from the 'biggie' (the original in the region) in Loulé, they happen in many smaller towns and villages throughout Algarve.

Check out recent fun and frolics and see what you'll be missing if you don't make it to any Algarve Festivals.

Folk Dancing

OK, so it's not flamenco, by any stretch of the imagination, but the regional folk dancing is rather enjoyable to see (in a quaint, old-worldly way). Usually performed in restaurants and bars with acoustic instrument accompaniment, it makes for a charming example of local culture in Algarve night life.   Catch it while you can, is my advice.
 

And, last but not least...

'Promenading'

What a lovely, old-fashioned word that is.   Of course, in such a fantastic climate as the Algarve's, there's usually the choice of a leisurely evening stroll, if you're danced-out, cleaned-out or just plain tired-out.   After a day on the beach, a relaxing stroll through a balmy Algarve evening is my idea of bliss.

I can walk off my evening meal while enjoying the sights and sounds of Algarve night life and culture.   And the bonus is, it's free!
 

Learn more about Algarve culture on the page I devoted to it.

If you have any suggestions for inclusion on this page (either some Algarve night life experiences you've enjoyed or something you'd like to know more about) please tell me about it on the Your Algarve Best form and I'll see about including it.

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