Praia da Luz drinks well. Within a few streets you will find a proper sports bar, a cocktail sunset, cold Sagres on tap and at least three places where the barman will remember your name by Thursday. These are not picks from a directory; they are where the people behind this publication actually drink, week in, week out.

In the village

Kelly's Sports Bar. The place in town to watch sport, with a great crowd, good food and a welcome that remembers your name by the second visit. When something big is on, get there early.

Ollie's Bar. Chilled, friendly, and blessed with the kind of regulars who make a bar worth returning to. The village local, done properly.

Worth the short drive: Burgau

Hugo's Bar. Lovely views over the village and the sea, and the right place to sit back with an ice cold Aperol Spritz as the light goes gold.

Pinga's Bar & Tapas. Comes alive in the evening: cosy, friendly and well loved in the village. The kind of small bar Portugal does better than anywhere.

Nova Beach Club. Part bar, part pool club: drinks inside in the air conditioning or outside by the pool, with decent food and honest prices.

And in Lagos

Lagos Beer & Co. Our favourite bar in Lagos by a mile: craft beer, live music, sport and friendly staff. Good luck getting a seat, and go anyway.

McCabe's Bar. An Irish bar in the heart of the old town. A proper pint of Guinness, live music, and the warmth the genre promises but rarely delivers. This one delivers.

Skybar. Lagos's old town from a rooftop, with great drinks and cool music. The golden hour spot.

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And dinner?

Here is the local truth: the best tables out west are not found on lists, they are booked by people who know the kitchens. The team behind this publication keeps a private little black book of the restaurants worth your evening, in Luz, Burgau, Lagos and beyond, and Mark the Concierge will happily match you to the right one and book it: just e-mail hello@marktheconcierge.com with your dates, party size and what you are in the mood for. Some restaurants pay a small commission on bookings; recommendations are always on merit.

Opening hours in the Algarve flex with the seasons, so check before a special trip.