What could be better than mixing sun, sea, sand and music? Not much, so why not forget the legendary rain and mud of UK festivals and head instead to the sun? Here’s our pick of the best beach music festivals for summer 2013.
Gnaoua Festival, Morocco – June 20 – 23
Known as Morocco’s answer to Woodstock, the Gnaoua Festival feels perfectly at home in the laidback coastal town of Essaouira. With its roots laid in the mystic traditions of the Gnoua brotherhood, each summer the soulful sounds of reggae, jazz and rhythmic drum beats drift through the town’s maze-like streets, around its whitewashed walls, up to its ancient ramparts and along its beach. Find yourself in a Sufi-like trance while listening to this eclectic mix of African sounds.
The Garden Festival, Croatia – July 3 – 10
Set in the gardens of an old abandoned hotel near the idyllic whitewashed town of Tisno, The Garden Festival lies on a pine covered peninsula complete with its own sandy beach and private bay. Laze on the sand wiggling your toes to the music, chill out at the festival’s own Tiki Bar and dance in the calming waves of the Adriatic to the sweet sounds coming from the Beach stage (built in the water itself). And when the sun goes down, hop on the Argonaughty party boat and sail out into the bay to the romantic Kornati Islands nearby. The line up for this year includes Auntie Flo, BJ Smith, Crazy P and Face and Heel.
EXIT Festival, Serbia – July 8 – 11
OK so this one may not actually be on the beach, but set on the sand banks of the River Danube in the atmospheric Petrovaradin Fortress, its close enough. Over 600 artists will perform over the four days of the EXIT Festival, pulsating tunes through its cobbled streets, ramparts and tunnels. The atmosphere is electric, especially when night falls and 20,000 revellers pour into the ancient fortress, standing like a beacon over the river. The festival started as a protest against the Milosevic regime in 2000 and although the festival has changed much since, it still promotes change, education and humanitarian issues. Artists playing this year include Bloc Party, Fatboy Slim, Snoop Dog Aka Snoop Lion, CeeLo Green and Atoms for Peace.
Benicassim, Spain – July 18 – 21
Possibly the most famous of the European beach music festivals,Benicassim is often referred to as Glastonbury in the sun. Set on the beach close to the Spanish city of Valencia, this is the place to top up your tan while dancing to the beats of world class acts. A hedonistic mix of stimulating sounds, scorching sunshine, sun cream and sand, Benacassim is sure not to disappoint. Artists confirmed for this year are The Arctic Monkeys, Queens of Stone Age, Kaiser Chiefs, The Killers and La Roux.
