Top 5 Festival Destinations for Summer

One of the best things about summer is Festivals. Weird and wonderful mini-cities are built just for the purpose of a mere week or weekend, where music, art, performance, and food come together in a colourful cacophony of positive energy. Festival destinations celebrate local cultures, and with so many across the world, they offer plenty of travel opportunities to add to the experience. Here are top five festival destinations to visit this summer:

Benicàssim, Valencia

Benicàssim is a beautiful beach resort in the province of Castelló, on the Costa del Azahar in Spain. With the Desert de les Palmes Mountain Range sheltering the bay from winds, soft sands, and turquoise waters, it is an idyllic destination.

benicassim summer festival

Have you been to Benicàssim?

It is also home to the Festival Internacional de Benicàssim (FIB) an indie music festival held over eight days each year in this charming coastal town. Music lovers are joined by some of the finest artists of rock and indie through to hip-hop, pop and dance, with stages set upright on the sand.

The music doesn’t start until the early evening most days, so the sunny hours are saved for exploring everything else this destination has to offer. Enjoy water activities such as scuba diving, windsurfing, and sailing, or relax and top up your tan on the beach.

Enjoy an array of food stalls within the festival or walk out to the local supermarket to stock up on affordable snacks to fuel yourself for a night of dancing. Head into Benicàssim town and treat yourself to tapas and a cold glass of white wine, or enjoy an atmospheric dinner at Ciento 2 Taberna, serving sumptuous Spanish dishes.

Head back to the festival when the music gets going, ready for a night of partying from 7 pm to 7 am!

There are a number of camping options available at FIB from hammock hanging to gorgeous glamping, but due to high temperatures, you might opt for a nearby Airbnb or hotel instead. Hotel Voramar is a casual beachside hotel, offering sea views, comfortable rooms, and a terrace bar.

Burning Man, Nevada

Described as a week-long experiment in a temporary community, Burning Man is more of a destination than just a festival. With community, art, and self-expression at its heart, an adventure at Burning Man is a truly unique experience.

The festival destination is known for unconventional art forms, community-driven performances and an anything goes spirit. Spread over six days in the harsh conditions of the Nevada Desert, this is not one for the faint-hearted.

It is best to prepare yourself with water and supplies, and familiarise yourself with the rules and regulations, as well as the camp ‘survival guide’, to make the most of the iconic Black Rock City.

A creative community!

Outside the festival, Nevada state offers so much to explore. Explore the beauty of the desert at the Valley of Fire State Park or Red Rock Canyon. Head to Lake Tahoe to enjoy crystal clear water, lake sports, and a chance to relax and cool off after the heat of Burning Man. If the festival doesn’t wear you out, head to Las Vegas to continue the fun in Nevada’s party capital. festival destinations

Perhaps one of the coolest things about Burning Man is the accommodation. Serious festival attendees spend the whole year converting buses and vehicles to make their perfect festival home in the Mutant Vehicle Camp. Stay in one of the Theme Camps or an Art Support Camp to immerse yourself in the experience.

Book your summer festival destination with JourneyHero!

Hong Kong

With a unique landscape for adventure and nature lovers, a thriving city centre, and an incredible food and nightlife scene, there’s not much Hong Kong doesn’t offer. The Clockenflap Music and Arts Festival is just the cherry on the cake.

You can’t go wrong in Hong Kong!

Held over a long weekend, the stage is set with the striking backdrop of the Hong Kong skyline, making this urban event unique from the usual festival fields. Clockenflap incorporates international indie artists and regional and local talent, as well as film and art installations.

Outside the festival, browse through the market stalls in Stanley, or head out to Big Wave Bay for some sun, surf, and sandy relaxation. Hike the Dragons Back for incredible views over the city and islands or take out a junk to explore the beaches further afield.

Enjoy dinner at 22 Ships where tasty tapas and an incredible wine list are served in this atmospheric setting. Sushi Ku is best for sumptuous Japanese dishes, or head to Shek O Thai before hitting the beach.

Dance the night away at Dragon’s Eye in Lang Kwai Fung, or Typhoon in Wan Chai. Enjoy cocktails at Caprice, or rooftop views at SEVVA.

There is no camping at Clockenflap, so treat yourself to a stay at The Mandarin Oriental, for lavish rooms, excellent food, and a prime location.

Montreux Jazz Festival, Switzerland

Held on the strikingly beautiful location of the Lake Geneva shoreline in Switzerland, Montreux Jazz Festival is a fantastic event. The festival is the second largest of its kind after the Montreal International Jazz Festival in Canada. festival destinations

The festival takes place over two weeks in July, showcasing an incredible catalogue of musical diversity. The stages have amazing acoustics which generates legendary and memorable performances, with previous acts including Ella Fitzgerald and Aretha Franklin. Artists get up close and personal with spectators, in this unique and stunning setting, for a festival experience like no other.

What’s more, the festival founder, Claude Nobs has a passion for fine dining as well as fine music, and the Montreux Jazz Café is not to be missed. Enjoy delicious and thoughtful dishes in this welcoming space where music and cuisine come together.

A striking stage!

Enjoy sweeping views and incredible Thai dishes at Maï Thaï, or feast on a fantastic Italian lunch by the castle at Il Brigantino.

After the festival, continue the jazzy vibes at Funky Claud’s Bar or enjoy DJs and dancing at Black Pearl.

Stay at Le Mirador Resort & Spa and enjoy panoramic Lake views and luxurious rooms. Treat yourself to a post-festival treatment at the hotel’s spa.

United Kingdom

Albeit drab and dull in the winter months, the UK comes alive in the summer with festivals across the country on almost every weekend. There are hundreds of festivals to choose from, from day festivals in the cities to surf festivals on the beach, to one of the best music festivals in the world, Glastonbury.

Glastonbury is its own mini-city built for the enjoyment of one week in the Worthy Farm fields. It is iconic, hosting world-renowned acts, impressive stages, the best of the UK’s food trucks, and a community feel that prides itself on love and connection. Head to the Healing Fields after a night of partying and take part in (optional) nude yoga sessions or treat yourself to a deep tissue massage and a whole foods breakfast. festival destinations

Glastonbury festival

Glastonbury is at the top of the festival pyramid!

In the county of Oxfordshire, the Wilderness Festival is another popular boutique festival, where the main draw is the food. Over the course of an August weekend, Wilderness hosts music and art events, as well as world class chefs and restaurants.

Book a table at The Dining room for a chance to experience everything from Michelin starred feasts to champagne dinners. Relax by the river in the day or explore the Oxfordshire countryside before returning to the music in the early evening. festival destinations

UK Festivals have fabulous glamping options with tents that boast double beds, fans and even Wi-Fi, as well as hot tubs, private bars, and cold showers on the sites.

Whether it be dancing in the mountains, frolicking in a field, or partying on the beach, each of these festivals destinations brings a cheek-aching smile to all who attend. Make your way to each of them and your heart will dance along with you.

Love,

Isabella