The city hosts three of the most anticipated festivals in the country. We’re talking about Primavera Sound and its alternative sounds, taking place from 3 to 7 June at the Parc del Fòrum; Sónar with over 100 performances at Fira Montjuïc from 18 to 20 June; and the Cruïlla Festival, from 8 to 11 July, making attendees dance to indie and rock beats at the Parc del Fòrum.

Tips to make the most of them? For Primavera Sound, we recommend keeping an eye on the parallel programme Primavera a la Ciutat. It’s like a festival within the festival, featuring 90 shows across eight venues in Barcelona from 1 to 7 June. As for Sónar, the organisers once again bring Sónar+D, two days (18 and 19 June) of talks, exhibitions and performances at the Llotja de Mar. And for Cruïlla, we’d suggest relaxed mornings with a dip at Bogatell Beach and refuelling at the bars in Poblenou, near the Parc del Fòrum.

Where to stay: few things are better than knowing that during a festival, your only concern is planning your day to see as many gigs as possible. The rest is taken care of by Sercotel hotels in Barcelona.

This summer’s Mad Cool will be very special—its tenth anniversary doesn’t come around every day. It runs from 8 to 11 July at the Iberdrola Music venue in Villaverde, with five stages hosting much-anticipated artists like Nick Cave, Moby, Foo Fighters, Florence + The Machine…

A big question for any Mad Cool attendee is how to get to the venue. Public transport is the easiest option, especially the Cercanías trains (C3 and C4) and Metro Line 3, both departing from Puerta del Sol. If we’re asked, the pre-festival warm-up happens in the Las Letras neighbourhood, enjoying drinks and tapas in bars that have the charm and cheekiness that locals love.

Where to stay: the Sercotel hotels in Madrid are ready for your arrival, offering rooms where you can rest at any hour, beds so comfy you’ll fall asleep instantly, hearty breakfasts to fuel your day, and excellent connections to the festival venue…

On 9, 10 and 11 July, Bilbao will be one big party. And what a party: Bilbao BBK Live celebrates its 20th anniversary with a lineup at Kobetamendi, featuring bands as diverse as Belle and Sebastian, Interpol and La M.O.D.A. It also hosts Bereziak, a series of free daytime open-air concerts across different city locations, keeping the festival vibe alive even in daylight. And of course, nothing pairs better than some pintxos in the Seven Streets.

Where to stay: with only a few hours to rest, you’ll want to make the most of them. Total comfort and a homely feel are what Sercotel hotels in Bilbao deliver.

The FIB (16–18 July) hardly needs an introduction, and its lineup, mixing pop, rock, indie and electronic music, speaks for itself. Millennials and Gen Z head to this Benicàssim festival to sing along with their favourite bands until they can’t anymore. Once it’s over, we recommend taking a well-timed break to enjoy what the area has to offer during the day: beach and sun for night owls, guided tours for the culture seekers, and surf lessons for the endlessly energetic.

A couple of weeks later, from 30 July to 2 August, it’s time for Arenal Sound in Burriana. Reggaeton, trap, electrolatino and pop attract a very young crowd, combining almost endless nights with days at the festival’s beach club.

Where to stay: what we love about Sercotel hotels in Castellón, whether Plana Onda, Plana Parc or Plana Suites, is that they’re perfect for a festival getaway. Rooms and apartments for up to six people, swimming pool, parking, 24-hour reception, buffet breakfast…

Probably one of the most enticing festivals in Spain this summer 2026. Despite its size, it’s still manageable and not overcrowded. Yet it’s large enough to attract interesting bands like Carolina Durante, Baiuca or Amor Líquido. Scheduled for 27, 28 and 29 August, it’s perfect for closing out your holidays.

A key point: the costume party is serious business. No throwing on an outfit at the last minute—the standard is high, so start planning ahead.

Where to stay: less than half an hour’s drive from Torremolinos, Málaga awaits. Both Sercotel Tribuna Málaga and Sercotel Rosaleda Málaga offer total tranquillity with a location close to the city centre—perfect for a stroll before heading back to the festival.