- A new study identifies Lisbon as the best party holiday destination in Portugal, with a score of 83.41 out of 100.
- Nazaré is the worst destination for people looking for a party holiday in Portugal, with a score of 33.51.
- The study uses Trip Advisor, Google Reviews, Booking.com and Skyscanner to determine the best party destinations.
In a new study conducted by travel experts at Lisbon Tickets & Tours, the best destinations in Portugal for party holidays were identified.
The study examined the number of bars and clubs in ten different destinations, along with their ratings, hotel prices, and return flight costs. These factors were combined into a weighted overall score out of 100 to determine the best party holiday location.
Party holidays are incredibly popular during the summer, especially among young people celebrating their A-Level results or simply looking to enjoy time with friends. This study aims to help them choose the best party destinations in Portugal.
Lisbon ranks first with an overall score of 83.41 out of 100. The city boasts 127 bars and pubs that have an average rating of 4.30 out of 5. In August, a week’s stay in a hotel for four costs around £1,354 and return flights average £610 per person.
Portugal’s second-largest city, Porto, ranks second, with a score of 76.32 out of 100. Here, the city has 71 bars and pubs which have an average rating of 4.31 out of 5; a week’s stay for four people costs around £1,174 and median return flights cost £709.
Madeira, an autonomous region of Portugal, ranks third with an overall score of 57.70. It has 67 bars and pubs with an average rating of 4.33 out of 5, along with 79 hotels averaging 8.30 out of 10.
Praia da Rocha, a small area in the Algarve, ranks fourth with a score of 48.02. Despite its size, it offers four pubs and bars with an average rating of 4.50 out of 5. Flights to Praia da Rocha are also affordable, averaging around £512 for a round trip.
Faro, the largest city in the Algarve region, holds fifth place with a score of 42.99. The city has 15 bars with an average rating of 4.31 out of 5. For a group of four, two hotel rooms cost around £1,393, making Faro an affordable option.
The ten Portuguese destinations ranked from best to worst for a party holiday.
| Location | No of Bars/Pubs on Trip Advisor | Average Rating for Bars and Pubs | Median Price for Hotels (GBP) | Median Cost of Return Flight (GBP- Pp) | Overall Weighted Score /100) |
| Lisbon | 127 | 4.30 | £1,354 | £610 | 83.41 |
| Porto | 71 | 4.31 | £1,174 | £709 | 76.32 |
| Madeira | 67 | 4.33 | £2,070 | £1,166 | 57.70 |
| Praia da Rocha | 4 | 4.50 | £2,469 | £512 | 48.02 |
| Faro | 15 | 4.31 | £1,393 | £512 | 42.99 |
| Coimbra | 8 | 3.90 | £774 | £709 | 38.56 |
| Vilamoura | 8 | 3.95 | £2,401 | £512 | 38.46 |
| Albufeira | 35 | 4.39 | £2,777 | £510 | 38.22 |
| Lagos | 9 | 4.06 | £2,481 | £512 | 36.09 |
| Nazaré | 6 | 3.71 | £1,202 | £610 | 33.51 |
Coimbra, a city and municipality in the Centro region of Portugal, ranks sixth with a score of 38.56. Though it has only eight bars and pubs, it stands out as one of the most affordable options, with a weeks’ stay for four people costing just £774.
Ranking seventh is Vilamoura, a luxury coastal resort in the Algarve, with a score of 38.46. The resort has eight bars and clubs with a combined average rating of 3.95 out of 5, return flights also cost an average of £512.
Albufeira, a commonly known party destination in Portugal, ranks eighth with a score of just 38.22. The town has 35 bars and pubs, with a combined average rating of 4.39 out of 5. Return flights are also reasonably priced, averaging around £510 in August.
Lagos ranks ninth with a score of 36.09. The town has nine pubs and bars with a combined rating of 4.06 out of 5. While hotels are a bit pricier at £2,481 for four people in August, return flights are priced at £512 per person.
Finally Nazaré, a town in the Oeste region of Portugal, ranks tenth with a score of 33.51. It offers six bars with an average rating of 3.71 out of 5. Return flights cost around £610, and a hotel for four in August is priced at £1,202.
Commenting on the findings, Magdalena Petrusic, travel expert from Lisbon Tickets & Tours, said:
“Lisbon’s ranking as the top destination for party holidays underscores its vibrant nightlife and appeal among young travellers. This study highlights not only Lisbon’s dominance in nightlife offerings, but also the broader trends in Portugal’s party scene.
“By evaluating bars, clubs, and overall affordability, the findings offer valuable insights for both partygoers and travel planners, showcasing which destinations deliver the most dynamic and memorable experiences in Portugal.”