Music Festivals in Spain

Putting music festivals to one side for a moment, you probably don’t need too much reminding as to why Spain is such a popular destination for travellers from across the world.

First things first there’s the almost unfailingly glorious weather. Then there are the famously fantastic beaches. Add to that the delicious food, rich culture and fascinating history and it all adds up. As if that wasn’t enough, the largest of the Iberian nations is also home to some of the most respected music festivals in Europe.

Sitting right near the very top of the pile of Spanish festivals is Primavera Sound, a festival whose lineups are the annual envy of others across the globe as they bring a consistently interesting, eclectic and exciting mix of performers to the Barcelona’s Parc del Fòrum every spring.

And Barcelona does not just boast this alternative gem; in fact you’ll find that Spain’s most frequently visited city also plays host to a diverse array of other favourites.

For the ultimate experience of underground, alternative and experimental club music there is Sonar. While DGTL Barcelona offers an annual showcase of house and techno’s finest, and BBF: Barcelona Beach Festival caters to the more bombastic end of the dance music spectrum with its lineup of EDM and big-room favourites.

Madrid is not to be overlooked, however, especially since the introduction of rock giant Mad Cool Festival in recent years, complete with its lineups overflowing with giants of the scene. The capital also has its own versions of DGTL, Download Festival, Sensation, Don’t Let Daddy Know and more, all spread across the year.

Beyond Spain’s two biggest cities you can experience everything from the picturesque indie idyll of Bilbao BBK Live in the mountains above the northern Spanish city; the beachside revelry of FIB: Festival Internacional de Benicàssim on the Costa del Azahar; or the week-long reggae extravaganza that is Rototom Sunsplash. Santiago de Compostela, northern Spain, is the home of O Son do Camiño, which has played host to The Killers, Jamiroquai, Lenny Kravitz and Martin Garrix. Motorbeach is a festival that is held on a site that overlooks the Playa de la Espasa in the Asturias region of northern Spain. It combines motorbikes, classic cars, surfing and live music. The Holika Festival takes place in the town or Cortes in northern Spain, and is loosely based around the traditional festival of colours. Expect EDM, house, hip hop, trap, reggaeton, pop music and more. Festival de la Luz is held in the countryside town of Boimorto, in northwestern Spain, and features pop, rock and alternative acts, alongside traditional and folk music.

Wherever you travel across the beautiful country, you won’t be far from somewhere that a music festival calls home. Discover the top 10 music festivals in Spain.