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Our top 8 European music festivals for music lovers this summer
Enjoy some sun and music this year at a summer European festival
There's no better feeling than being in a crowd with your friends, a drink in your hand and the sun beating down on your face, as your favourite band plays their best tunes live. For many, music festivals are a key part of their summer holiday schedule – so why not make one part of yours in 2025?
There are heaps of European festivals to choose from too – from legendary UK options like Glastonbury to farther-flung events near golden sand beaches which allow you to combine dancing with a little tanning time. And when it comes to differing music tastes, you'll be spoilt for choice by festivals that focus on everything from rock and pop to electronic dance.
Ready to clip on your bumbag, slap on some glitter and dance those summer nights away? Here we take a look at eight awesome festivals to experience across Europe with friends in 2025:
1. Primavera Sound, Spain
Hop on a flight to Barcelona from Heathrow in early June and you'll arrive in the city in time for Primavera Sound. It's one of Spain's – if not the world's – most sought-after music festivals, featuring three jam-packed days of incredible live performances.
The line-up at Primavera is always impressive, with a mix of popular artists and smaller European acts. Its sheer variety means it's a good all-rounder festival, especially if you're travelling with a group of mates who all have slightly different music tastes.
2. Worldwide Festival, France
If the south of France is on your holiday bucket list, why not jet off there in July to combine sun-soaked beach days with epic tunes at the Worldwide Festival? It takes place in the charming city of Sète (which is often referred to as the 'Venice of the Languedoc') and its line-up mainly focuses on electronic music from some of the world's top DJs.
3. Dekmantel Festival, the Netherlands
The Netherlands is no stranger to epic electronic dance music festivals – and Dekmantel Festival is easily among the best. This cool European music festival takes place in leafy Bloesempark in the heart of Amsterdam, across three days in early August. It's the flagship festival of the city’s trendy Dekmantal music company, known for its amazing house and techno music events.
4. Kala Festival, Albania
Albania is set to be a hotspot for beach getaways this summer thanks to its balmy climate and amazing affordability. It additionally hosts the Kala Festival in June: an event described as a 'dance paradise'. This boutique festival is hosted on the dreamy shores of Dhërmi along the Albanian Riviera – one of the country's most breathtaking beach resorts.
The line-up typically features a mix of both dance tunes and more relaxed music (perfect for lazy afternoons sipping cocktails on the sand). Dhërmi is additionally relatively easy to reach from Tirana – which you'll be able to fly into direct from Heathrow.
5. Benicàssim International Festival, Spain
Another Spanish music festival worth having on your radar is Benicàssim International Festival. This mid-July event is hosted in the city of Benicàssim, just north of Valencia, which has some of the area’s best beaches right on its doorstep. The line-up is always impressive and features a mix of rock, pop and indie acts from all over the globe. This year, headliners include The Black Keys and Foster the People.
6. Rock in Rome, Italy
When in Rome this summer, why not have a break from sightseeing and rock out for the day at the city's main music festival? Rock in Rome takes place throughout the summer, with events hosted at the city’s vast Capannelle Racecourse.
Performances vary from popular Italian bands to world-renowned rock stars. As Rock in Rome is a summer-long festival, it’s a great one to combine with a last-minute city break. Plus, what’s better than spending a few hours going crazy in a mosh pit followed by a refreshing Italian gelato?
7. NOS Alive, Portugal
This next pick could see you flying from Heathrow Airport to the sunny streets of Lisbon. NOS Alive is hosted just outside the city and it is hands-down one of Europe's best music festivals for anyone keen to hear some of the biggest mainstream acts perform live. The festival takes place in mid-July: one of the best times of year to visit Lisbon and Portugal in general.
8. Hideout Festival, Croatia
For the ultimate island music festival, book a flight to Zadar from Heathrow and then head up the coast to Pag. This scenic island has hosted Hideout Festival for 15 years and is another of Europe's most beloved dance music festivals. It usually takes place in late June and combines live performances and DJ sets with pool raves and boat parties on the sparkling Adriatic Sea.
Planning a summer festival getaway with your mates? Take the Heathrow Express to start your holiday off right
If one of the above European festivals has caught your eye, it’s time to start planning your trip – and that includes grabbing return tickets for you and all your friends on the Heathrow Express.
There’s no doubt that you’ll be very glad of some quick, stress-free transport to get you home after a few days stomping around stages and dancing in the sunshine.