Everyone knows that the hardest part of travelling is the planning part. Therefore if you’re struggling to find something to plan your travels around, then look no further than our guide to some of the Best festivals in Europe. Very often festivals are overlooked when travelling, however if you really want to get to know the people of a given nation then there is surely no better way than in the informal, relaxed and somewhat alcohol fuelled atmosphere of a festival.
The Festival Internacional de Benicassim, Spain
Serious music lovers seem to be the only people outside of Spain who have heard of Benicassim. However, Benicassim is a small port town with stunning beaches perfectly positioned between both Barcelona and Valencia, and every year plays host to a fantastic music festival. The four day event takes place in the middle of July and predominantly features both alternative rock and electronic artists, but is also a great venue to get raving. Unlike most music festivals that have a 2am curfew, at Benicassim the music starts at 5pm and continues until early the next morning, only finishing when the DJs and artists decide it’s over. In addition to the late curfew, Benicassim is also one of the few festivals in the world to offer a sunny long white beach to relax on during the day, and a nearby supermarket where you can buy any essentials at normal prices instead of the usual hiked up festival prices. So whether you are travelling or have just got yourself one of the many available late deals to Spain, then Benicassim is the perfect event to plan around.
Dates: 12th July – 15th July 2012
INmusic Festival, Croatia
Inmusic is Croatia’s biggest open-air festival. The festival is held annually in June in Zagreb and takes place on Youth Island in the middle of Zagreb’s Lake Jarun. The festival was started in 2006 and is usually held over two or three days. It separates itself by having a number of genre specific stages with world renowned indie rock, heavy metal and electronic artists.
Rated as one of Europe’s best festivals in 2008 and 2009 by the Times newspaper, many people who have gone are surprised to find that the area has more to offer than just the 2 to 3 days of festival. Once most festival goers leave, they tend to continue the fun by having an extended break exploring some of Croatia’s beautiful coastal resorts.
Dates: 29th June – 30th June 2012
Super Bock, Super Rock, Portugal
Super Bock Super Rock is one of the biggest music festivals in Portugal, and is located just an hour outside of Lisbon. Since its inception in 1994, this rock festival has rapidly increased in size, luring in many rock and metal fans.
Like at most festivals, the temporary toilets, provisional showers and camping, combined with a dusty ground makes it difficult to stay as clean and fresh as you would normally do. However, one of the key draws of the festival is that not only is it only an hour from Lisbon, but it is also situated right next to the sea, thus allowing you to go for a refreshing swim should the midday heat get all too much. After a gentle swim and a few hours lounging in the sun, you will be more than ready to head back for some festival action.