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Arguably the most famous of all the Algarve nightclubs, Kiss is known for its memorable party nights and zany theme festivals. Three dance floors reverberate to cutting-edge house, techno and hip-hop, attracting seasoned clubbers from all over the continent. Kiss starts to smoulder around 3am and is still sizzling at dawn.

A sprawling venue of gargantuan proportions, the nightclub can accommodate up to 7,000 party-goers on five dance floors illuminated by a spectacular tricolour laser system. The clientele is young and energetic. A landscaped open-air terrace set in a tropical garden offers a great spot for those chill-out sessions. It’s always the last club to wind down, closing around 7am.

While neigbouring Praia da Rocha remains one of the Algarve’s hottest nightclub districts, the town’s nearby marina boasts some wonderful new bars including this one. The first-floor terrace is perfect on those balmy summer evenings when you’d rather chat quietly over a drink than join the throng on the dance floor where the music matches the mood – hot!

One of the must-see nightclubs, rivalling Kiss in popularity. Football and TV stars number among its summertime clientele. The esplanade (a favourite location for fashion shows) is replete with swimming pool and palm trees. Inside, a giant screen relays 24-hour cable TV broadcasts. By midnight, however, the DJ takes centre stage and the speakers positively shudder with sound.

Dubbed “Music Heaven” by seasoned clubbers, Locomia rules near Santa Eulália beach and rivals the best of them for sound and atmosphere. Boasting two big dance floors, revellers rejoice to cult DJ mixes. Friday night is Techno night, Saturday is House.

The Round Up looks and feels like a Texas saloon, where “outlaws” are locked up in a jail on the whim of Big Will the bartender and freed only on the promise of a beer. Live rock music is on most nights, and budding musicians are encouraged to jam. At weekends the karaoke cavalry arrives.

Clubbers who pile out of Discoteca Ubi at 6am on a Sunday morning swear it’s the best time they’ve had in their lives. It’s not just the heavy house and trip-hop that packs them in. Ubi also stages some great theme nights, including wild foam parties.

Toe-tapping live jazz on Saturday nights lifts this already excellent late-night bar to new heights. The atmosphere is pure Dixie, with the music varying from blues to mellow swing. Smart/casual dress code.

A popular lunchtime haunt, Amuras buzzes at night with a mix of smooth soul and sexy jazz funk on the modest dance floor. Live music every Friday night usually comes with a Latin twist.

Bright red neon announces this temple of sound, dedicated to playing whatever’s current. Its three bars flank a central dance floor that’s never big enough to accommodate the throngs of party people. A sprawling terrace bar at the back affords great views of the beach and is an ideal chill-out spot, fanned by sea breezes.