Best bars in Albufeira:
Casa do Cerro, Cerro da Piedade
Step into Casa do Cerro for a touch of exotic Moroccan-style décor and a totally laid back vibe. Drinks are reasonably priced and there’s ambient music early in the evening. Shisha pipes in a variety of flavours finish off the night perfectly.
Wild & Co, Francisco Sa Carneiro
In Wild & Co you can enjoy live music from the bar’s resident band while indulging in a wide range of beers and signature cocktails. From 1am onwards the stage turns into a dancefloor. With professional dancers, freestyle bartending and themed parties, Wild & Co promises to entertain you every night of the week.
Best clubs in Albufeira:
Capitulo V, Praia da Oura
The best venue for house music in the Algarve, Capitulo V has played host to some world class DJs. Overlooking Praia da Oura beach, it offers an unbeatable selection of cocktails and beers spread out over four bars, two of which are outside.
Food: eat like a local:
Many of Portugal's popular dishes are fish-based due to the country's location on the Atlantic, with a local favourite being salted cod or bacalhau, which can apparently be cooked in 365 different ways. The Portuguese also love their meat too – expect to see roast suckling pig (leitão assado) and pork marinated in wine and garnished with clams (carne de porco à Alentajana). Or for those keen on some comfort food, tuck into cozido à Portuguesa, a sort of hotpot of beef, sausages, potatoes, vegetables and rice.
One of the most popular restaurants in Old Town, Cabana Fresca is known for its spectacular sea view overlooking Fisherman’s Beach. As well as delicious traditional Portuguese cuisine, Cabana Fresca’s dessert menu is legendary, with mouth-watering treats like their chocolate lasagne and Grand Marnier parfait.
Only a few doors away, Cabana Fresca’s sister restaurant Flavours opens from 8:30am until midnight. Freshly-cooked seafood and meat dishes are particular favourites, and all at very affordable prices. Look out for special offers and ‘happy hour’ deals. Staff are friendly and are more than happy to accommodate large groups, including stags and hens.
Also in Old Town, A Tasca Terraço serves up an excellent platter of fresh seafood, with house specialties including Monkfish Cataplana, Shellfish rice and Dogfish stew.
One of Albufeira’s oldest restaurants Casa da Fonte offers lunch or dinner in small garden surroundings. Fresh fish and meat are charcoal grilled and served in a typical Algarvian pateo.