Unlike Vilamoura, Albufeira is a real town, where fishermen still set out to sea and return with enough fresh fish to supply the restaurants that cater to beach goers. Its nightlife is a bit more laid-back, or at least less expensive, with casual bars offering happy-hour prices. The heaviest concentration is on “The Strip” – avenida Doutor Francisco Carneiro – which leads inland from the beach. The best restaurants are in the old town, but a little tourist train shuttles between there and the action on The Strip. On the Praça de Touros, Crazy Bull Dancing opens at 10 pm with dancing, DJs, live music and performance, even drag shows (tel 289 244 070). Although fado – the soulful Portuguese singing and guitar form, isn’t traditional in this region, it is performed during dinner at Atrium, at Rua 5 de Outubro 20, three evenings a week (tel 289 515 755). And movie-lovers can choose from nine screens showing original sound-track films, at Guia Castello Lopes on the Estrada Nacional 125 (tel 289 560 351).

Lagos Night Life

The largest town in the western Algarve, Lagos keeps night owls occupied until 6am in the four-level Bon Vivant, each level with a different sound and vibe. And overlooking the sea at neighboring Praia de Rocha is the huge disco Katedral ........