Near the sea
Catalonia has nearly 600 kilometers of coastline, so it's no surprise that many festivals are held by the sea, taking advantage of spectacular views and the breeze to refresh concert nights. Here are some of the beachside offerings.
Portalazul. Music and art of the Mediterranean | June 7–August 26
Reclaiming the Mediterranean as a space for encounter, light, and resistance is the festival's motto. With this declaration of intent, they celebrate the diversity of sound—through music, the performing arts, and thought—taking advantage of such exceptional heritage settings as the Mar de Manassa, the Riba, the Clos del Pastor Garden, the countryside of the Greek city, and the archaeological site of Empúries. And to all these attractions, you must add the music: Blaumut, La Ludwig Band, Cala Vento, Pau Vallvé, Valeria Castro, and many others.
Alma Occidente Barcelona | From June 26 to July 21
Awarded Best New Festival at the 2024 Iberian Festival Awards, ALMA Festival Barcelona is the reinvention of a festival that has been based in Barcelona for many years, and which moved to the iconic Poble Espanyol in 2023. Wilco, The Cult, Guitarrica delafuente, Zahara and Natalia Lacunza, Fangoria, Julieta Venegas, and Rita Payés are some of the big names in an eclectic and curated lineup where you're sure to find the music you love.
Idyllic Festival | June 27 and 28
The Guíxols Arena will be filled with music at the end of June. Its appeal is unmistakable:We are Costa Brava, and everyone knows that the Costa Brava is synonymous with quality. Taking advantage of the idyllic setting, you'll enjoy open-air music—Alizzz, Melendi, Higo Flawas, Ruslana, Dani Fernández, and Depol—and local cuisine. This third edition features two intense days that begin at 6 p.m. and last until well into the early hours. You can purchase day tickets or a season ticket.
Montjuïc Hall | June 27 to August 6
Open-air cinema is synonymous with summer. Sala Montjuïc knows this very well, having programmed the best films for over 20 years.hitsof the year, modern and classic classics, live music, and al fresco dining. New for 2025 is the location; after two decades, they've left the Santa Eulàlia pit for Les Tres Xemeneies in Sant Adrià del Besòs. A complete unknown, Anora, The 47, Conclave, Blade Runner, All about my mother…and up to 18 movies. Don't forget your jacket, it gets chilly at night!
Habaneras sung from Calella de Palafrugell | July 5
Since 1966, the most legendary habanera singing has been held on the first Saturday in July, attracting some 30,000 people. This classic event marks the start of the summer season on the Costa Brava. Pau Vallvé performs, which is part of the Ítaca Festival program.
Summer | June 30th to July 6th
The Castelló d'Empúries and Empuriabrava music festival reaches its 5th edition and consolidates its presence with 14 concerts, 6 free and 7 at very affordable prices. The Istiu festival is very special: a basilica, a stage overlooking the canal, the orchard and cloister of a convent, a cobbled street, and the Town Hall Courtyard.
Barcelona Nights | July 2-21
Since 2023, the Palacio de Pedralbes has hosted these evenings packed with musical and cultural experiences. Discover new emerging talents on the Village's Alhambra stage, where you can also grab a bite to eat in the hours before the concert.
nochesdebarcelonapedralbes.com
Torroella Festival | From July 3 to August 22
This cultural initiative, bringing the best music to the people, was born 45 years ago. This year, there will be 17 concerts that combine tradition and innovation with major international names and new generations of performers. The opening ceremony will be led by Les Musiciens du Louvre, with Marc Minkowski performing Handel's Concerti grossi, Op. 3, and the closing ceremony will take place in Plaça de la Vila with a free concert by viola da gamba player Lucile Boulanger and electronic music artist Calling Marian. In the middle, pianist Joaquín Achúcarro will return, 35 years after his debut at the festival; the young Catalan soprano Serena Sáenz will also be accompanied by the Vallès Symphony Orchestra under the direction of Óliver Díaz; the Marco Mezquida Trio will commemorate the 150th anniversary of Maurice Ravel's birth; and we will feature El Niño de Elche accompanied by poet and singer Abdullah Miniawy.
Cabo Rojo | From July 12 to August 19
One of this year's slogans is25 years of music in an incomparable setting, and being in one of the most important botanical gardens in the Mediterranean, right by the sea, leaves no one indifferent. Celebrating the festival's first quarter-century, the Village will also feature a carefully curated culinary selection every concert day, from 6:30 p.m. to 10 p.m.
Puerta Ferrada Festival | From July 12 to August 20
When festivals weren't commonplace, Sant Feliu de Guíxols launched its own festival. Pioneers! It all started in 1958, and since then, year after year, they've given us a musical offering that strikes a balance between established artists and emerging talents from the national and international scene in various disciplines. Europe, Andrés Calamaro, Ginestà, Miguel Poveda, Fangoria and La Casa Azul, Rosario, and Els Pets are some of the stars who will make this 63rd edition even bigger. Of course, there will be Village areas next to the main stages, with live performances and DJ sessions before and after the shows. And if you're looking for a drink, you'll also find excellent food here.
Reggaeton Beach Festival | July 19 and 20
Who would want to miss Europe's largest urban beach festival? Especially if you like reggaeton, this is the festival for you. It has several venues in Spanish cities, all of them coastal—except Madrid—and Barcelona is definitely part of the tour. Alejo, Blessed, Dei V, Justin Quiles, Kevin Roldán, Yan Block, and many more will make youto twerk.
Terramar Festival | From July 25 to August 10
The Beach Boys, Zaz, India Martínez, Duncan Dhu, Camilo and Pecos will be some of the artists who will liven up the summer nights at the Terramar Gardens in Sitges, some centuries-old gardens that are expected to receive around 36,000 people. In addition to the gastronomic options that will delight the audience, at 8 pm there are small-format performances, the pre-concerts, to get you ready.
