Faro is the capital of Portugal’s Algarve region. It has the region’s only airport and has long been a jumping-off point for visitors heading to coastal Algarve towns. However, Faro has been creeping up in popularity in recent years, rivalling nearby Albufeira for its nightlife and bar scene. And with a wealth of culture and history, there’s so much more to do in Faro than pick up your hire car and head off for the beach towns. Whether you’re adding a few nights in Faro to your Algarve itinerary or visiting for a sunny city break, you’re going to want a cosy spot for a late-night tipple. Here are the best bars in Faro.
From sunset cocktails to late-night dens, here are the best bars in Faro
1. Columbus
This laid-back, chic cocktail bar mixes some of the best drinks in the city. It’s a one-stop shop: restaurant, bar, DJ sets, and live music. The bar and restaurant are separate, so you can enjoy your carefully crafted drink with a buzzy bar vibe. If you do get peckish, you can tuck into the unique menu of Asian and South American flavours – think ceviche, prawn tacos, and black rice with tiger prawns. Much like the specialised cocktail menu, nothing is done accidentally in Columbus. The chef created a menu that will perfectly pair with the drinks, earning its status as a gastronomic powerhouse in Faro. A DJ set is on post-dinner service from Wednesday to Saturday, and there is live music on Sundays.
2. Bar ChesSenta
Hop over to Bar ChesSenta for live music, karaoke, cocktails, and an all-around good time. There’s a bit of an Irish drinks theme going on here, with Guinness on tap and Irish coffees available, but the vibe is distinctively Mediterranean. There’s a buzzy and warm atmosphere, with friendly staff and a long list of drink options. It’s a small, cosy place, so it fills up quickly, but this only adds to the infectious energy.
3. Rooftop Eva
Watch the sun go down over the city’s white buildings from Rooftop Eva, atop the Hotel Eva. It’s right in the heart of Faro, offering views of the Marina. The crowd-pleasing menu of cocktails, wines, spirits, and beers will have something for everyone, although we recommend their crushed ice fruity cocktails on balmy summer evenings. However, the main draw to Rooftop Eva is its pool – the perfect place for cooling off under the lowering sun. There’s always something going on here, from live music to DJ sets. With DJ sets comes a packed dancefloor and an energetic vibe.
4. O Castelo
Sip sangria from the sunny terrace of O Castelo. It’s one of the best sunset-watching bars in Faro, perched on the historic city walls with views across the sparkling sea. It’s also a great place to tuck into traditional Portuguese dishes, as well as catch live music with a beautiful backdrop. Stay after sunset and get involved with the dance evenings, or catch DJ sets on Friday and Saturday nights. On Monday nights, you can watch the moving songs of Fado – a traditional Portuguese music style.
5. Varandas
Located in the old town, Varandas has a charming hole-in-the-wall quality. It’s in an old Portuguese building, where you’ll find a small but cosy bar. Head upstairs for a compact terrace, with views across the old town. Watch the sunset with a cocktail from the extensive list – Varandas is known for its cocktails – and enjoy the soft music. It’s certainly a romantic spot. The bar doesn’t serve food, but it is next door to one of Faro’s best restaurants: Ato.
6. LAB Terrace
LAB Terrace is another fantastic bar to watch a beautiful Faro sunset. There is a wide selection of drinks to suit every preference, and they are reasonably priced too. While you can pretty much get anything you want, a sangria is only right when looking out to the Portuguese sea. Tuck into bar snacks of tortilla chips and guacamole, olives, and local favourite lupini beans while reclining in a deck chair, watching the sun go down. The vibe is relaxed and laid-back, with the views taking centre stage.
7. Baixaria Bar
Want somewhere to go when the sun goes down? Baixaria Bar is just the place. It’s an all-around good time, with cheap drinks, live music, and a Brazilian theme. Sip the best caipirinha in Faro and dance along to the Bossa Nova music. It’s undeniably one of the most unique and energetic places in Faro, where the owner gets involved in the fun, the live band roars, and the dancing goes on longer than the closing time of 2 am.
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