Incredible Venues
In the heart of nature or in historic sites, some festivals offer unique experiences thanks to their idyllic setting. The location is often the starting point in the creation of a festival and is sometimes an integral part of the programme, adding to the magic. Let yourself be enchanted by the arts and by artists specially selected to best capture these extraordinary venues.
If you're looking for a change of scenery in Europe for your July holidays, we've selected a non-exhaustive list of festivals with dreamy panoramas that are well worth the trip.
Savonlinna Opera Festival
5 July - 4 August 2024 | Savonlinna, Finland
In a medieval castle, you will be able to enjoy a programme renowned the world over. Olavinlinna Castle, the most northerly castle in the world and witness to 550 years of history and hidden secrets, still stands proudly in times of war and peace and today hosts operas and concerts of the highest quality.
Savonlinna Opera Festival is set on an island amidst the breathtaking beauty of Finland's lake district illuminated by the white nights of the Finnish summer. Combine the castle’s extraordinary atmosphere with its excellent acoustics and covered auditorium in the courtyard, and it’s easy to see why the festival promises such an unparalleled opera experience. Find the programme here.
Picture credits: Savonlinnan Oopperajuhlat’s Facebook page
Ancient Ilida Festival
6 July - 31 August 2024 | Amaliada, Greece
The Ancient Ilida Festival is today one of the most important Festivals in Greece with its programme hosting major productions dedicated to Ancient Greek Drama. And what better place to host such a programme than an ancient Greek theatre?
Every summer, the Ancient Theatre of Ancient Elis is the meeting point of internationally recognised directors and actors. The ancient festival of Elis was recognised for its ancient theatre, a tradition that continues to this day, but which has acquired a multidisciplinary character, now hosting major international productions.
If you want to travel back in time this summer, this is the place to go.
Picture credits: Φεστιβάλ Αρχαίας Ήλιδας - Ancient Ilida Festival’s Facebook page
Manas Festival
4 - 7 July 2024 | Lengyeltóti, Hungary
Manas Festival is nurtured and inspired by many iconic transformative festivals, sacred places where you can find refuge from the chaos of a hurried world and the boredom of an existence on autopilot.
Set beside a sublime lake, this is a safe and idyllic place for you to journey into yourself. The diverse programme (music, yoga, healing workshops...) will anchor you in the present moment. Come and take part in a festival from which you won't emerge unscathed. Grab your tickets here.
Picture credits: Manas Festival’s website
Marvão Internacional Music Festival
19 - 28 July 2024 | Marvão, Portugal
The Marvão International Music Festival is held in the midst of a unique and unforgettable scenery at the summit of the highest mountain south of the Tagus, in the walled town of Marvão.
This village in the Alentejo is one of the most beautiful places in Portugal. Here you find the perfect combination of the town’s architecture and its proud castle with the surrounding landscape of the Serra de São Mamede. Its vast horizons and peaceful background, offer truly idyllic scenery for an outdoor music festival, where century old infrastructures are put to good use. It was here, amongst the rare natural beauty of Marvão, that Christoph Poppen felt the urge to combine his love of classical music with a land seeped with history and create a high-quality classical music festival. Take a look at the programme here.
Picture credits: Marvão Internacional Music Festival’s FestivalFinder page
Perelik World Music & Jazz Festival
27 July 2024 | Smolyan, Bulgaria
Perelik World Music & Jazz Fest is the embodiment of the understanding that in our life we need spiritual supports, respect for the nature and the ecological lifestyle.
This unique event in Bulgaria is staged in a spot of magical beauty, at altitude of 2091m, in the heart of a region famous for its ancient traditions, specific lifestyle and unique culture. The ambition is to create a meeting place for nature, art and spirituality.
Come and hear, for the first time in your life, local and international jazz bands in a barn on a mountaintop, where they play by the light of fire and candles only. This festival is an unforgettable experience for the million-star sky above you, the fires, and the opportunity to camp in the Rhodope Mountains.
Picture credits : Perelik world music and jazz festival’s website
