Much of the tourist expansion in this region has occurred outside the immediate confines of Quarteira, so you're likely to find only a handful of sleepy bodegas and tascas (taverns) inside the city limits. Most cater to locals and serve beer and wine.

Glossier diversions are the norm in the massive marina and tourist developments of nearby Vilamoura. Foremost among these is the Casino Vilamoura, Vilamoura, 8125 Quarteira (tel. 28/931-00-00; www.solverde.pt), one of the finest nightspots in the Algarve. Its most appealing feature is a gambling salon that offers roulette, blackjack, French banque, and baccarat. It's open every day from 7pm to 3am. To enter, you must present a passport or photo ID and pay 10€. A separate, less glamorous slot-machine salon at the casino, open daily from 4pm to 4am, doesn't charge admission.

The casino's 600-seat supper club serves meals nightly starting at 8:30pm; one of the Algarve's splashiest floor shows and cabaret revues begins at 10:30pm. A fixed-price meal costs 40€, including the show. You must make a reservation at the supper club. The show alone costs 14€, which includes one drink. Physically part of the casino, but with a separate entrance and separate staff, is Vilamoura's most action-oriented dance club, Black Jack (tel. 28/938-91-47). Every clubber in the region comes to dance here. It's open Thursday, Friday, and Saturday 11pm to 6am. The cover charge is 30€ and includes the first drink. The casino and its facilities are open every night except December 24 and 25.

Note: This information was accurate when it was published, but can change without notice. Please be sure to confirm all rates and details directly with the companies in question before planning your trip.