European festival route

The summer is full of music festivals. There are many festivals in which you can enjoy good music; if it is also in a nature setting and away from the crowds, much better. If you want to go on a trip to an alternative music festival, here are four of them that will interest you.

In them, you will live new experiences that will bring you off the beaten path. And, in addition, you will tour Europe getting to see new places, different people and enjoying live music. Because commercial festivals are not the end-all.

Sierra Nevada All Over

If you are looking for live music in Europe, but in unique locations, this festival is held at 2,100 meters altitude, specifically in Pradollano. This year’s edition will be the 10th, and will be held on August 23 and 24; as always, it will focus on alternative rock and pop punk. Sierra Nevada is a place of reference, especially for mountain tourism, so if you decide to drive to the festival, do not fear, it is very easy to get there.

The German band Art Brut, fronted by Eddi Argos, is one of the bands that have already confirmed their appearance. The Spanish band Texxcoco, fronted by Adriana Moscoso, and Número Primo will also be there.

Bands like Morgan, Acapulco Apartments and Elemento Deserto will also perform. Therefore, Sierra Nevada is much more than skiing, it also has life and entertainment in summer.

Paredes do Coura Festival

If the previous natural enclave was beautiful, the setting of this Portuguese event is even more spectacular, in its twenty-sixth edition (it is one of the longest running European music festivals).

It is based in the impressive forest of Praia do Toboao, a relaxing enclave near Viana do Castelo. Just over an hour and a quarter from Oporto, this river beach is a spot surrounded by mountains, valleys and waterfalls with crystal clear waters, where you can breathe a special atmosphere.

This festival will take place from August 14 to 17, with an offering that includes the most varied musical styles. Here are some of the artists: The National, Suede, New Order, Spiritualized, Patti Smith and Father John Misty have confirmed their appearance. At their side lesser-known bands will perform, such as Parcels, Kokoko or Car Seat Headrest. Local artists like Capitao Fausto will also perform.

Ypsigrock Festival

Another event that you can not miss is one that will take place on the island of Sicily, in the small town of Castelbuono, home of the impressive Ventimiglia castle. You can get there by car in just over an hour if you leave from Palermo.

This veteran rock-focused Italian festival reaches its twenty-third edition. Among the participants there are Giant Rooks, David August, Whitney, Whispering Sons, I'm Not a Blonde or The National, along with emerging Italian groups like La Rappresentante Di Lista. The event will take place on August 8 to 11.

On top of that, you should know that the festival is closely linked to the Tutti Inclusi Project, which aims to promote social cohesion in Sicily.

Cretelia Festival

From Italy you can go to Greece, specifically to Matala. This small Cretan village located an hour and a half from Heraklion was once a hippy stronghold. In fact, music legends of the 60s and 70s like Jimmy Hendrix or Janis Joplin had their residence there.

However, today the Cretelia Festival is more focused on music created by disc jockeys. Among the participants, there will be DJ Frank Koopmann, DJ Motte or DJ Wolf Kolster.

If you like to make the most of every summer, this may be a good option for you, since this festival is held from September 16 to 22. And, although the music of Hendrix and Joplin is no longer playing in Cretalia, the dance-till-dawn parties near the Mediterranean will make you feel a truly free spirit.

In short, a trip is always something special. It allows you to explore new places, meet new people, and see different customs and habits of life. No doubt music is part of the culture of each place, so if you go on a trip to a music festival, you will get to know even more about your destination. Did you take note?