Faro may be Portugal’s sun-drenched Algarve capital, but its cocktail scene holds a special, spirited allure. The intimate bars with artisanal menus and atmospheric design touches are local treasures, after all. Debate the merits of a classic Negroni, a smoky mezcal creation, or a gin-infused Portuguese twist all you want—that’s not what this guide is about. Based on the sheer craft and character of each spot, here are Faro’s eight best cocktail bars.
Catita & Companhia
We’ve officially entered the “cocktail bar” section of the guide, which is when all the trendy spots really start to blur together. The Catita & Companhia one, however, is arguably the best of them, assuming you don’t mind the lively terrace that faces the bustling Faro street.
The friendly-but-cozy space sits on a pleasant corner location, which means easy access from anywhere in town, and it’s attached to a lovely karaoke setup (the highly enjoyable evening entertainment, with its great music and super atmosphere), making it ideal for a little drink-snack combo.
ZONA – Cocktail Lounge
$ | 910 433 096 | WEBSITE
Faro is a charming Portuguese city, but this cocktail lounge on the waterfront warrants a special shout-out for being surrounded by a full-on harbor. Yes, a harbor. Granted, the only boats we saw nearby were docked peacefully, but if you’re considering skipping the sunset view, think twice. The waterfront setting is exactly the kind of stunning detail we expect from a top-tier cocktail destination, and the ZONA team nailed the assignment.
GAME OVER “Eat, Drink n Play”
GAME OVER is a true wild card. It does have board games and video games, but it’s more well-worn classics than cutting-edge entertainment. There’s an escape room, but it’s reserved for groups, and the karaoke setup is currently showing its age (the enthusiastic patrons have clearly taken their toll on the microphones over the years). Also, aside from two spectacular murals—including one that reads “Game Over” in pixelated font—the decor is surprisingly muted.
Still, being able to play counts for something, even if the result is $8 strawberry mojitos. Consider this the budget version of a full-blown arcade bar.
Spikes (Spikes restaurant)
$$$ | WEBSITE
Two things elevate Spikes from just another golf course restaurant: the terrace with its sweeping views over the putting green and the perfect escape from Vilamoura’s bustle. Our main gripe with this spot, however, is the service, a seemingly friendly and chatty staff that turns out to be completely inconsistent. Come dinner rush the formal restaurant and lounge areas jam up with golfers and non-golfers faster than the 18th hole on a tournament Sunday.
Columbus (Columbus Culinary Bar)
$$ | 917 776 222 | WEBSITE
We haven’t visited the other cocktail bars in Faro, but we imagine Columbus might share some DNA with the best of them. This place is surprisingly spacious for a cocktail bar. It features a generous outdoor patio that’s actually kid-friendly, a welcoming entrance that feels like a neighborhood favorite, and a bar area that seems to stretch on forever with its impressive drink selection.
Despite all that space, it still gets packed regularly, and even on weeknights you’ll be vying with both locals and tourists for a seat. If you want to experience cocktails done right, head to Columbus, my friend.
Varandas Bar
If Varandas Bar’s romantic rooftop terrace had even a glimpse of the marina, it might have been in contention for the ultimate Faro experience. Regrettably, you’re overlooking the historic city center here, which isn’t the worst perspective, but it’s a squandered chance considering the Ria Formosa lagoon is just a few streets away.
Credit is given for the cozy, confidential atmosphere on the terrace (date nights shine here) and the tucked-away staircase that leads you directly from the bustling alley to the rooftop sanctuary. Otherwise, we’re left imagining what might have been.
The Old Town
There is nothing inherently offensive about The Old Town. It merely commits the cardinal sin of the cocktail bar scene: being exceptionally predictable. The old town it’s located in is charming enough already (sorry Loulé fans, whoever you are), but after trying desperately to find anything unique or memorable about this place, we just couldn’t. It’s a cocktail bar with cozy walls, a piped music situation, and a social atmosphere that looks onto the always-busy streets where tourists meet locals.
Sunset Bar
Sunset Bar in the heart of Faro is not without its quirks: the occasional wait for a table during peak hours, the lively chatter that can drown out conversation, and the fact that visiting on a weekend evening means navigating through a cheerful crowd of locals and tourists. That said, there’s a certain warm, familial charm that’s impossible to ignore.
It begins with the welcoming smile from the mother-daughter team running the place and ends in the cozy, inviting atmosphere that often features live performances. A seat near the window with a view of the bustling street scene? Nothing pairs better with their excellent mixed toast and fresh ingredients.