Nightlife in the Algarve
For the tourist who loves the vibrant nightlife buzz, Algarve can cater to your desire for fun. Three coastal towns in the Algarve, Albufeira, Pria da Rocha, and Lagos are known for their swing!
Albufeira
Albufeira’s amazing, pristine beach that stretches almost the full length of the town-centre is the major focus during the day. Stretched out on the sand or shaded by beach umbrellas, bathers while-away the lazy daytime hours, often returning to their hotels only for a sumptuous midday meal and a siesta. The beach is flanked on the one side
by sandstone cliffs that project a protective armout into the sea. Above them, the town appears at first glance to be a jumble of stark white buildings clinging tenaciously to the hillside like coral.
In the casual atmosphere of Albufeira’s narrow streets, the white jumble resolves itself into individual buildings neatly painted in shades of white, grey, and terracotta. Boutiques and blue-and-white canopied shop-fronts invite shoppers to explore each wonderfully and individually paved street.
For other pleasure-seekers sightseeing, or a day-trip along the coast to one of the many little towns in the vicinity is an excellent option, or perhaps a hike and the discovery of a secluded cove. But once the sun sets on the Algarve, the real entertainment begins in Albufeira…
This is the Algarve’s major tourist centre where not much Portuguese is spoken locally,
but top-class hotels, restaurants, bars and sports bars abound. Music rings out across
the night from a host of different sources, calling revelers to new discoveries. The Strip,
a 2 km avenue of clubs and bars is situated in the Montechoro area, about 3 km from
the centre of town. The bright neon lights draw the mostly youthful crowd like moths to
the abundant drinking spots and eateries on the Avenida Sá Carneiro. From there, the
partying and dancing continues into the early hours. From the rowdy and boisterous to
the mellow and romantic, there is something for everyone in Albufeira!
Pria da Rocha
The mild weather in the Algarve makes it a particularly good holiday destination for a large portion of the year. May to October are likely to be the best months for a visit. July and August are generally the hottest with temperatures of around 30 -35 degrees C January is cold and wet so not the best time of year for the holiday-maker.
Praia da Rocha is in competition with Albufeira with those almost endless beaches of sun-bleached sand nearly as broad as it is wide. Then there are sparkling sands and aquamarine coves such as Ponta da Piedade where the ocean eddies and flows around fascinating rock formations. Take a boat cruise to the Benagil sea caves, or a sailing cruise along the stunning coastline.
If it’s nightlife you’re seeking though, Pria da Rocha boasts a wealth of restaurants catering to every taste. There are also world-class hotels,
swinging bars and clubs, and the Algarve Casino Hotel situated in the heart of the town.
Pria da Rocha
While Lagos has not succumbed to a massive influx of tourism, it is still a popular destination for those who enjoy a vibrant nightlife. The city is set like a jewel in the scenic beauty of the Western Algarve. On the east side of Lagos is the Meia Praia Beach, the largest sandy beach of the western Algarve, a four kilometer stretch of pristine sand.
But your holiday would simply not be complete
without a coastal boat trip. The weathered cliffs of the Ponta da Piedade headland are the most spectacular natural feature of the Algarve. The constant wash of the sea has sculpted arches, caves, and hidden grottos, from the rock, and the surroundings cry out to be explored.
Not to be missed are the scenic cove beaches of Praia da Dona Ana, and Praia do Camilo.
The pristine marina complex in Lagos has been designed to complement the local architecture while retaining a distinctly contemporary feel.You may not have a yacht anchored in the yacht basin, but you could have a meal in one of the marina’s many restaurants and luxuriate in the view.
Lagos retains its Portuguese character and a rich sense of its seafaring past. At the estuary, not far from the marina complex, lies the old fishing harbour with colourful fishing boats constantly pursued by a host of hopeful gulls.
Many of Lagos’ hotels and restaurants welcome families. There are sheltered beaches supervised by lifeguards, theme parks, water parks, a local zoo, and boat trips from the harbour to watch the dolphins at play.
Lagos is far less frenetic at night than Albufeira or Praia da Rocha and, as such, more suited to a family holiday. Take a week in Lagos to explore the city and visit some of the surrounding areas such as the towns of Portimão, Sagres, Silves, and Praia da Luz.
There is a charm to the city – a delicious sense of the traditional; cobbled streets, genuine Portuguese restaurants all set against the welcoming pleasure of the modern hotels and tourist attractions.
