With a location that’s hard to beat, the Blue Bar at Hotel Baía has always been worth the climb (you’ll find it on the 5th floor, just across from Praia do Peixe). But since reopening for the 2025 season, it’s had something of a glow-up. Gone are the classic cocktails that once ruled the menu – in their place, a new line-up of signature drinks, paired with a more refined food offering.
The décor has had a revamp too, making the space more inviting and better suited for full meals. One thing, however, hasn’t changed – and we’re glad it hasn’t: the blue that gives the bar its name. It’s still in the striped awnings, the rippled bar, the terrace chairs and, of course, in the 180-degree ocean view that steals the show.
On the drinks menu, you’ll find some surprisingly creative sangrias (€25), like the Pêra Bêbeda – made with red wine, ruby Port, pear and cinnamon syrup – or the Cosmo, a refreshing mix of rosé wine, Smirnoff Red vodka, Triple Sec and cranberry syrup. Prefer something stronger? Classic crowd-pleasers like mojitos, caipirinhas and Cuba Libres are all here (€10), but the spotlight shines on the more daring mixes, like the Porn Star Martini – vanilla vodka, passion fruit juice and purée, M&M sparkling wine, vegan foam and orange (€12) – or the Berry Sour Affair, blending Gordon’s Pink gin, Campari, strawberry purée and vegan foam.
If you’re going alcohol-free, there are indulgent milkshakes (€6.50) and a good list of mocktails (€6–8). On the shake front, don’t miss the Berry Best, with raspberry sorbet, lactose-free milk, grenadine and whipped cream, or the Pistachio & Mint, featuring pistachio ice cream, milk, mint syrup, toasted hazelnuts and whipped cream. As for mocktails, highlights include the Abstinence on the Beach – a zingy blend of orange juice, peach juice and cranberry syrup – and the Mango Mule, with ginger beer, mango juice and lime.
On the food front, the new menu brings fresh flavours to match the view. There’s the Blue Sandwich with seared tuna (€16), a crispy lobster taco (€18), and a buttery brioche filled with scrambled eggs and chives (€15). You can also snack on a cheese board (€30) or keep it simple with one of two classic pizzas – margarita or pepperoni (€14).