In Barcelona, San Juan does not truly begin until the Flama del Canigó reaches Plaça de Sant Jaume. This tradition sees a flame, kept burning throughout the year, carried from Mount Canigó to different towns and cities. From that moment on, it is not simply that each neighbourhood has its own bonfire; the revetlla de Sant Joan takes over the city.

In 2026, Barcelona will once again celebrate the night of 23 June with street parties, authorised bonfires, neighbourhood dinners and music in different parts of the city. Fireworks light up the sky and firecrackers can be heard all around. Locals gather in squares, on rooftops and on beaches, especially in Barceloneta, to welcome summer by the sea. On the table, there is always coca de Sant Joan; and in the glasses, cava for the toast.

Where to stay: Sercotel Rosellón, Sercotel Caspe and Sercotel Ámister Art Hotel.

San Juan may be one of the shortest nights of the year, but that does not mean there is not time for everything Sitges has planned. In this town, the traditional celebrations of the festival blend with the festivities of the Poble Sec neighbourhood, which in 2026 will take place from 20 to 24 June.

So yes, there will be people heading to the coves with picnics where coca de Sant Joan and cava will not be missing. There will be midnight swims and rituals to burn away the bad and make wishes. But there will also be the traditional esclat dels 12 morterets, the arrival of the Flama del Canigó and Plaça de Catalunya once again becoming one of the main meeting points of the celebration. And, of course, there will be music, a festive atmosphere and that neighbourhood spirit that gives Sant Joan in Sitges so much personality.

Where to stay: Sercotel Kalma Sitges.

If anyone understands the magic of celebrating around fire, it is the Valencians. That is why the Nit de Sant Joan once again fills the city’s urban beaches, especially Malvarrosa and Cabanyal-Canyamelar, with families and friends gathering to welcome summer.

In 2026, the tradition of free firewood distribution will continue at several points along the seafront, allowing visitors to light their bonfires in authorised areas. People also jump over the fire and the waves to cast out the bad and make room for the good. Some say that, around here, jumping over the waves only works if you do it backwards. Either way, the night invites you to dine by the sea, make wishes and begin summer with your feet in the sand.

Where to stay: Sercotel Sorolla Palace.

For Sant Joan, Castellón turns towards the sea. Before night falls, before the bonfires are lit and people start jumping over the waves, the atmosphere is especially concentrated around the Grau area and the beaches of Pinar and Gurugú, where one of the most eagerly awaited celebrations of the start of summer traditionally takes place.

Fire, music, fireworks and swims under the stars once again take centre stage on a night that feels part popular celebration, part shared ritual. The sand becomes a meeting point for locals and visitors, and the Mediterranean does the rest: a night for dining outdoors, looking up at the sky and letting summer begin as it should.

Where to stay: Sercotel Plana Parc, Sercotel Plana Suites and Sercotel Plana Onda.

In Málaga, the midnight swim is non-negotiable. In fact, tradition says it guarantees good health for the whole year. You will want to take yours on the beaches of La Malagueta or La Misericordia, two of the main settings for a night when the city welcomes summer facing the Mediterranean.

Here, San Juan smells of espetos, warm sand and a long night ahead. One of the most recognisable symbols of the Málaga celebration is the júas: figures representing what people want to leave behind, which are thrown into the fire so they can disappear. Then comes the swim, the wishes and the rest of the celebration, with the feeling that summer has just opened the door.

Where to stay: Sercotel Rosaleda Málaga and Sercotel Tribuna Málaga.

Vigo’s relationship with San Juan is one of genuine devotion. And also respect, because some say that, on this night, a door to other worlds opens. In 2026, the City Council has regulated the fogueiras and cacharelas of San Xoán, requiring prior authorisation and safety measures, so the bonfires will take place in permitted spaces organised by associations and local groups.

People jump over the fire, share sardiñadas and leave aromatic herbs soaking in water overnight to wash their faces with the next day. The best plan? Wander through the neighbourhoods and parishes where authorised celebrations are taking place, with music, traditional food and that mystical Galician touch that gives everything a little extra magic. In Vigo, San Xoán is not just a night: it is a way of welcoming summer with a hint of mystery.

Where to stay: Sercotel Tres Luces.

In Las Palmas de Gran Canaria, San Juan coincides with the city’s Foundational Festivities, meaning the magic of the evening is joined by concerts and popular activities scheduled before and after midnight.

On the night of the 23rd, Plaza Jerónimo Saavedra, next to Las Canteras Beach, will host live music. At midnight, the fireworks display from La Puntilla will once again light up one of Spain’s most iconic urban beaches. Families and friends arrive before sunset, lay out towels, unfold chairs and do not leave until summer has officially begun.

Where to stay: Sercotel Playa Canteras and Sercotel Parque Las Palmas.