There’s a lot to look forward to in 2022. As COVID-19 restrictions lift, we’re going to be able to go out more, do more, socialise more – basically, get back to having fun!
Two things that have been hit hard by the pandemic are set to make a big comeback this year – overseas travel and music festivals. So, why not kill two birds with one stone and head abroad to enjoy the festival experience of a lifetime?
Spain is famous for lots of things. Its beaches, great weather and great food are just some of the reasons why more British holidaymakers head there than any other country. But it also happens to be home to some of the best music festivals in Europe.
So if you’d like to combine a little downtime on the beach with an unforgettable festival experience, Spain definitely has all bases covered. Here are five of the best music festivals in Spain to check out in 2022, including line-up details!
Primavera Sound
Primavera means spring in Spanish. When it was first dreamed up nearly 20 years ago, Primavera Sound was intended to offer the ultimate Spring Break party experience. Now an international brand with spin-offs in Portugal, Los Angeles, Brazil, Argentina and Chile, the original Barcelona extravaganza this year takes place over not one but two weekends in June (5th to 7th and 9th to 11th).
Despite the springtime tag, expect temperatures in Barcelona to be as hot as the line-up. With headline turns from the likes of Beck, Meghan Thee Stallion, Interpol, Gorillaz, Massive Attack, The Strokes and Tame Impala, it’s an eclectic mix that perfectly captures one of the world’s great metropolitan festivals.
And the best part is, once you’re done partying, you’ve got Barcelona’s excellent beaches to unwind and recuperate on.
Festival Internacional Benicassim
Affectionately known as FIB or just ‘Benicassim’ to fans, the Festival Internacional Benicassim has become a major draw for overseas visitors as well as the Spanish festival crowd. Taking place at the height of summer in a beach resort just north of Valencia, this is a celebration of all the things that make the Spanish party scene tick – great weather, great vibes, great music.
It’s also a great deal, with four-day tickets considerably cheaper than those for Primavera Sound. This year’s event takes place over the weekend of 14th to 17th July, and for just €60 you can catch sets by the likes of Kasabian, Two Door Cinema Club, The Kooks and Lost Frequencies.
Bilbao BBK Live
The Basque Country’s premier music festival boasts one of the great festival locations – Kobetamendi, a stunning hillside park that soars above the city with spectacular views of the surrounding coast and countryside.
After two years off, Bilbao BBK returns with a line-up that is every bit as spectacular as the scenery. Headline acts include The Pet Shop Boys, LCD Soundsystem, Placebo and The Killers. Pencil in Thursday 7th to Saturday 9th July if that tickles your fancy.
Mad Cool
A relative newcomer to Spain’s festival scene, Mad Cool has certainly put the country’s capital Madrid on the festival map. And the 2022 edition is an absolute monster – five days from July 6th to 10th with a line up that reads like a who’s who of rock royalty.
Metallica, The Killers, Stormzy, Muse, Queens of the Stone Age, Kings of Leon, Pixies, Jack White – it’s a heavyweight blend indeed. And backing all of these international names up, you can check out the cream of the current crop of Spanish bands.
Monegros Desert Festival
Finally, for a truly unique festival experience, look no further than Monegros. Now into its 29th year, this is billed as Europe’s only ‘desert’ festival. For one night only, an otherwise empty corner of the arid badlands outside Zaragoza is turned into the ultimate rave city – 50,000 revellers, 20 hours of continuous music, more than 100 acts.
This year, that one night is Saturday July 20th. The music is a heady mix of techno, house, drum & bass, hip hop and more, with New York legends Wu Tang Clan providing the main draw.
One more thing
Taking in a major festival abroad is an unforgettable experience. But it doesn’t come cheap. On top of flights and accommodation, you of course have to buy your festival tickets. Although we all hope the threat from COVID-19 will continue to fade into the summer, don’t take anything for granted. All it takes is one positive test just before you are due to travel, and your plans are in ruins.
Missing out is one thing. Losing all your money on your trip is another. But you don’t need to take that risk. Take out Spanish travel insurance as soon as you book, and you will be covered for any potential losses.