The dramatic cliffs of Arrifana are home to two chill beach bars: Bar da Praia da Arrifana and Ti Raul Arrifana. you could rent a surfboard at Ti Raul Arrifana and head out, but if surfing doesn’t tempt you, set back on the street behind, but still with ocean views as well as food, is Cal Arrifana. Or drive down to Sagres and grab a drink at Laundry Lounge, serving up unpretentious tastes only the West Coast can offer.

A stand-out in Salema is Solecci, although it is first and foremost a brunch spot with its beach front location and views of Praia de Salema, and a short hop away is Beach Bar Burgau, while serving up similar vibes in Luz is ZaZu Beach Club; another spot perched right on the beach promenade.

Rolling into Lagos, which punches well above its weight on the cocktail front, there are several options to choose including Forbidden Door, and Indigo Bar, which also serves up all day brunch.

In Alvor, a place you cannot miss is Caniço. Set among the clifftop of Praia da Prainha, and boasting a Michelin Guide restaurant, is a busy busy, and always good. The must-to-try here is the Watermelon Margarita – you’ll thank me for the suggestion later.

Green Heart @ Cloque in Portimao is more laid back, no reservations are needed, but don’t go there if you are in a rush.
Staying in beach club mode, NoSoloÁgua in Portimao is a good spot (and has partner bars further east in Alburfeira and Falesia) but if you fancy a more secluded option, try Edd’s Beach, or Club Nau, in Ferragudo, both in a rustic setting with food and cocktails and often live music.

Over in Albufeira, two spots that come to the top of the list are Sal Rosa and Matts Bar. Sal Rosa is an elevated cocktail-only experience, with stunning views over the Praia do Penedco Beach. A sunset reservation is recommended. Matts Bar is the place to party – their sunset rooftop parties have live music, good vibes and lots of drinks.

Stepping into sophistication, you have The Argo Cocktail Bar at Tivoli Marina Vilamoura, which has won its fair share of accolades. If you’re serious about what’s in your glass, go here. For more laid back vibes, head to Shacka or Pelican bar in Quarteira, or go to Loulé for views with a bit of castle at Oliwanders or Cafezique.

But if your sunset drink must be served by the ocean, then you can head to any of the many beach restaurants from Restaurant Rocha Baixinha all the way up to Gigi’s in Quinta do Lago.

Julia’s Beach Bar in Vale do Garrao, is a must, always. The snazzy beach bar answers many wants and the choice of cocktails is a delight.

Now we head East. Get ready for some possible vertigo, as both Faro and Tavira offer elevated experiences, in every sense. Faro’s LAB Terrace Sunset Bar, and Tavira’s Rooftop Nomad Bar & Restaurant in the AP Maria Nova Lounge Hotel, and especially the Roof Top Gastro Bar A Ver Tavira hit the spot, but if you want to stay closer to the ground try Columbus Culinary Bar in Faro instead, with live music on Sundays and opposite a small park, so good for those with kids as well.

For your last views over the Portuguese Atlantic Ocean, try Guaita Terrace in Castro Marim, Prime Beach Club in Monte Gordo, and Sambé Beach in Vila Real de Santo António.