Must-see nightlife in Mediterranean Europe

  • Saxo Bar

    Ierapetra

    Generations of locals have bopped their heads to rock of all stripes at this classic party den since it opened in 1990. Redone in 2015, it now flaunts a…

  • Oionos Blue Bar

    Skopelos

    Cool, cosy and always busy, little Oionos serves up blues and soul plus a good selection of single malt whiskies, behind sky-blue doors and hibiscus…

  • a:m The Bar

    Central Greece

    Strictly a late-evening affair; arrive at 9pm and you'll be the first one there on most nights. Cocktails, coffee, beer on draught, plus good and loud DJ…

  • Coffee Department

    Istanbul

    Roasting its own beans and using them to make good espresso, cold brew, cold press, Chemex and Aeropress coffees, this cafe has a simple but stylish…

  • Rahati

    Ikaria

    In the main square, this cafe serves exquisite galaktoboureko (custard slice) and other traditional Greek desserts, as well as perhaps the best coffee on…

  • Kourdisto Portokali

    Corfu Town

    A cool haven for the Old Town’s retro rockers, on a hilly alleyway just south of the cathedral; the name means 'Clockwork Orange', hence the splendid…

  • Bierkeller

    Friuli Venezia Giulia

    Venture down into this ancient vaulted cellar for a little piece of Bavaria, with pretzels, football on the big screen or DJs on weekends. Staff are…

  • Cafe 'N Bistro

    Black Sea Coast

    Just across the Roman Bridge, this friendly little pub pours Tuborg draft beers from ₺15, has a small range of Belgian bottled brews (Leffe ₺25) and there…

  • Platanos Jazz Cafe

    Skopelos

    Near the north end of the old quay, on a cobbled sea-facing square under a vast spreading tree, this is a favourite local spot for a coffee or a quiet…

  • Botzio

    Kythira

    A lovely little cafe with ever-so-soft seating directly overlooking the water; drop in for a breakfast coffee and you'll be coming back for days to linger…

  • Love Dance Point

    Nişantaşi, Bomonti & Harbiye

    Well into its second decade, LDP is the most Europhile of the local gay venues, hosting gay musical icons and international circuit parties. Hard-cutting…

  • Plato’s

    Nicosia (Lefkosia)

    Atmospheric bars are spread over several rooms at this early 20th-century building complete with original tiles, arches and a courtyard. Expect rock and…

  • La Spezia Brewing Company

    La Spezia

    Founded by two Swedes back in 2016, La Spezia Brewing Company makes some of the finest beers in the Italian Riviera. The taproom keeps irregular hours,…

  • Skala

    Ioannina

    An old stone house with several rooms, this cafe-bar has a cosy, slightly jumbled feel that's not unlike a rural English pub. In warm weather, there are…

  • Jabeque

    Andalucía

    Of the many bars overlooking Plaza Kebila, this pub is one of the best with outdoor summer seating and a cosy brick and wood interior. Beers are €2 a go…

  • Bar Flexas

    Palma de Mallorca

    A lively locals' bar with a hint of grunge, Bar Flexas took up residence long before the streets southeast of the Plaça Major became trendy and remains a…

  • Coo Bar

    Ios

    Minimalist, cave-like Coo is the only R&B bar on the island, the mellow beats going well with the original cocktails on offer – many made using homemade…

  • Yorgo Şarapevi

    South Aegean

    Simple place that nevertheless has a fine collection of wine, with everything from fruit wines (₺25 to ₺40 a bottle) to real red and white grape şarap …

  • Medusa Bar

    Turquoise Coast

    With cushioned benches and walls hung with old photos and posters, laid-back Medusa plays blues, jazz and rock until the wee hours. Owner Pamir is a…

  • Zeus Faber

    Cyclades

    Kea's hippest bar by far sits up above the waterfront tavernas, with a deck gazing over the water and a dimly lit interior furnished with wooden benches,…

  • Deck Cafe & Bar

    Pafos

    This is a chilled-out place place to kick back while listening to feel-good lounge music and sipping a (feel-good) cocktail. The terrace is vast and…

  • Beyrut Kitap-Cafe

    Kars

    This folksy, student-vibe book-cafe is a good choice for a leisurely çay in a female-friendly atmosphere decked with chess-sets, kilim-topped tables and…

  • Beanies

    Turquoise Coast

    A lovely little village cafe on one side of the Sim Bar, serving flat whites, cappuccinos, Turkish and filter coffee to the caffeine needy. Also teas and…

  • Canavan's Theatre

    Segovia

    This is no cheesy disco – the decor is sumptuous with exquisite friezes, flocked wallpaper, chandeliers and an overall extravagant theatrical feel. It's…

  • La Terraza del Yandiola

    Bilbao

    Start off the night at this sophisticated rooftop bar, which has first-rate cocktails and fine views over town from its third-storey perch inside the…

  • Jazz Bar Dalyan

    Dalyan

    With a fine array of cocktails on offer (try a gin fizz), this cool neon-lit place has a garden for enjoying the river views and live music nightly …

  • Enoteca la Trappola

    Friuli Venezia Giulia

    Head to dark and moody Trappola for crowd-pleasing platters of prosciutto (from €6), cheese (€6 to €8) or smoked trout (€8) and well-priced wine and craft…

  • Alexandros Roof Garden

    Agios Nikolaos

    Mark your turf amid hanging plants, shrubs and funky decor in this high-in-the-sky bar overlooking lake and harbour. Wallet-watchers invade before 10.30pm…

  • Bottega Roots

    Siena

    Located in Siena's student quarter, this bar stages live-music acts in a vaulted interior with a mezzanine area. Artisan beer is the tipple of choice…

  • Kross Coffee

    Hania

    Locals in the know get their caffeine at this corner cafe, bedecked in pastel green and pink and plenty of greenery. It also has a small branch in the old…

  • Pastis

    Turin

    A cute take on Paris in the '60s, this day-night bar has a loyal local following. Young Torinese come for big weekend brunches, a nightly aperitivo spread…

  • Ocellum

    Castilla y León

    Not many of the bars around Zamora's Plaza Mayor stand out, but Ocellum has a good range of cocktails and suitably comfortable chairs to enjoy them in. In…

  • Asterisco

    Logroño

    Just outside the old town, Asterisco serves up coffees by day and microbrews and cocktails by night. It's a lively, welcoming space, with a few outdoor…

  • Cafetería Guzmán El Bueno

    Sanlúcar de Barrameda

    Sink into plump cushions amid antique furnishings, or linger in the hibiscus-dotted garden, for coffee and homemade cakes courtesy of the old-world cafe…

  • Cult

    Corfu Town

    Classic metal’n’motorbikes bar, near the New Port, with a hard-rock ambience and booze to match – and, a little incongruously, quieter sea-view tables…

  • In Vino Veritas

    Olbia

    Bottles line the walls at this inviting wine bar. Snag a table to taste Sardinian wines from Vermentinos to Cannonaus, artisanal beers and a tasting plate…

  • Punto BCN

    L'Eixample

    A big bar over two levels with a slightly older crowd, Punto gets busy on Friday and Saturday nights with its blend of Spanish pop and dance. It’s a…

  • Bar Il Palio

    Siena

    Arguably the best coffee on the Campo; drink it standing at the bar or suffer the financial consequences. Service on the terrace, which is a popular…

  • Marina Yacht Club

    Bodrum Town

    This big, breezy waterfront nightspot has four bars and offers live music (more MOR than cutting edge) and shows most nights year-round. In winter, the…

  • Bodega Obregón

    El Puerto de Santa María

    At this wood-beamed, family-run, spit-and-sawdust-style bar, the house sweet stuff is siphoned from woody barrels, and the home-cooked Saturday-lunch…

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