Languid beach days, lively summer festivals, an action-packed cultural calendar and cities that truly dazzle in the sunshine: summer in Spain is a real treat. There’s a lot to look forward to this year, from big names in concert to major sporting events. Whether you’re passing through Spain on your European summer holiday or still laying out your travel plans for the next few months, here’s a handy guide on what’s on in Spain this summer season:
Music
Catch Taylor Swift live at the Eras Tour in Madrid
Get ready to shake it off and feel like you’re 22 again because Taylor Swift is bringing the Eras tour to Madrid’s Santiago Bernabéu Stadium. Scheduled on May 29 and 30, this highly anticipated concert will feature songs from her second latest album ‘Midnights’ as well as top hits from across her career, spanning across her debut in 2006 with ‘Taylor Swift’ to her latest release ‘The Tortured Poet’s Department’. Taylor Swift is undeniably a force and her fans in Spain have a lot to look forward to this summer. Ticket prices start at 342.30 euros (Rs 30, 631) and can be booked here.
Watch Olivia Rodrigo at the Guts World Tour in Barcelona and Madrid
Olivia Rodrigo’s Guts World Tour comes to Palau Sant Jordi in Barcelona on June 18 and WiZink Center in Madrid on June 20. Known for her chart-topping hit ‘Good 4 U’, Olivia Rodrigo will bring her characteristic groove to Spain’s major cities this summer. Olivia will also be joined by young rising stars like PinkPantheress, Chappell Roan, Remi Wolf, as well as The Breeders for the opening set. Tickets start at 177.57 Euros (Rs 15,872) and can be purchased here for June 18 and here for June 20.
Mallorca Live festival, Magalluf
From June 13 to 15, the Mallorca Live festival returns to Old Aquapark in Magalluf with a stellar lineup that includes the Pet Shop Boys, Blondie, Underworld, and Michael Kiwanuka, along with Spanish artists like indie band Love of Lesbian, Dani Fernandez, Funzo and Baby Loud, Lori Meyers, Julia Colom, Maria Hein and many more. This lineup promises an eclectic mix of genres from rock to folklore, spread across five stages over three days. Ticket start at 102.72 Euros (Rs 9,181) and can be booked here.
Dance the night away at A Summer Story in Madrid
Six stages, two days, renowned DJs from around the world. On June 21 and 22, A Summer Story comes to Ciudad del Rock de Arganda, Madrid from 8pm to 8am. A banger of a music festival, it brings together big names and underground acts over two nights of nonstop music and dancing. Expect sets by techno legend Carl Cox, DJ Snake, DJ Nano, Juicy M, Brenda Serna, Brian Cross, Don Diablo and many others. Tickes start at 57.31 Euros (Rs 5,123) and can be booked here.
Art
Check out cool exhibits at the industrial-style Serrería Belga
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Set in an early 20th-century industrial building, the Serrería Belga Cultural Space is a part of Madrid’s Landscape of Light, a UNESCO World Heritage Site that includes broad avenues, monuments, museums and green spaces. Since its opening in 2022, the Serrería Belga has been a lively cultural and art hub hosting exhibits and events. This summer, journey through Madrid's hidden treasures and iconic landmarks with "Eight routes to rediscover Madrid", on until June. Film buffs shouldn't miss "City of Dreams: The Urban Cinema of Bigas Luna #YoSoyLaJuani" until July 14, exploring Madrid's cinematic history.
Culture
Explore Cordoba’s Insta-worthy courtyards at the Courtyards Festival
From May 2 to May 12, Cordoba comes alive with pulsating streets and air is filled with the sweet scent of jasmine and orange blossoms. Locals in the historic old quarter proudly open their picturesque courtyards to the public, decorated with vibrant flowers against the backdrop of typical whitewashed walls. Visitors are warmly welcomed, treated to captivating Flamenco performances and mouth watering tapas perfectly complemented by Montilla-Moriles wine. While the festival lights up the city in the first half of May, there are many opportunities to experience Cordoba’s pretty courtyards throughout the year with a visit to the Trueque Cuatro Courtyards Centre or the Palacio de Viana.
Experience Madrid’s vibrant energy at Fiesta de San Isidro
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Experience the vibrant spirit of Madrid during the Fiesta de San Isidro, set to take place from May 3 to 15. The festival is a celebrated part of Madrid’s heritage and the life of San Isidro Labrador, a 12th-century farmer and the patron saint of Madrid. One of the highlights of the festival is a pilgrimage to the Hermitage of San Isidro, where there is music, dance and traditional dishes like gallinejas. Walk through the streets of town to see people dressed in colourful traditional attire and as the night falls, watch fireworks paint the sky in vibrant colours.
Sports
Attend the Mutua Madrid Open in Madrid
Get ready to witness some top notch tennis action as Madrid prepares to host the Mutua Madrid Open from April 22 to May 5 at the La Caja Magica stadium on Camino de Perales. The annual event is a major draw on Spain’s sports calendar, promising a memorable experience for all tennis enthusiasts. This year’s tournament has over 154 pro players battling it out in both singles and doubles, and will include players like Rafael Nadal, Novak Djokovic, Carlos Alcaraz, Emma Navarro, Danielle Collins, Diane Parry and many more. Ticket prices start at 50 Euros (Rs 4,472) and can be booked here.
Watch the Formula 1 Spanish Grand Prix in Barcelona
The Formula 1 Spanish Grand Prix comes to the Circuit de Barcelona-Catalunya from June 21 to 23, promising an action-packed weekend for all F1 enthusiasts. The 4.6km track has seen some memorable moments since its inauguration in 1991, including Schumacher’s first win as a Ferrari driver. On the race track this year, you’ll be able to watch big names including Lewis Hamilton, Max Verstappen, and Fernando Alonso. Ticket prices start at 1192 Euros (Rs 1,06,540) and can be booked here.