Most resorts on the Costa del Sol have a year-round calendar of events, but during the summer months they come into their own. Balmy evenings and clear skies make it a perfect time for open air concerts given by the world’s very best artists across the whole range of music and dance types. Read on to discover four Costa del Sol festivals you shouldn’t miss this summer. 

Under the stars in Marbella

Perhaps the best known of the summer festivals on the Costa del Sol is Starlite Marbella, held in the Nagueles Auditorium in the foothills of the Sierra Blanca mountains. This festival attracts a star-studded list of singers and performers every year and 2018 is no exception.

Top of the international line-up this year are super famous names from the 80s – Texas and the Pet Shop Boys – along with perennial artists such as Sting and Jamiroquai who are joined by James Blunt.

Starlite Marbella always includes a big nod to Spanish and Latin America music too. On the stage this summer are local favourites Pablo Alborán and Pablo López, along with David Bisbal and Estopa. One of Spain’s most famous singer songwriters, Joan Manuel Serrat, also gives a concert this year.

And if you’re not a pop and rock music fan, flamenco star Sara Baras will be showing off her flamenco skills and the world famous Il Divo also take centre stage this year.

Starlite Marbella takes place from 11 July to 25 August. More information. 

Within the castle walls in Fuengirola

Just a short drive from Rio Real Golf lies the popular resort of Fuengirola, home to a fine Moorish castle set to host the 23rd Fuengirola Festival this year. You don’t have to wait until the summer for this one – concerts are already underway.

Highlights on the stage set out within the castle walls this year include pianist James Rhodes and one of the world’s best-loved rock groups, Santana. They’re joined by Spanish singer Luz Casal and flamenco legend José Mercé who performs with a symphonic orchestra on this occasion. Check the website for the latest confirmations for this Costa del Sol festival.

Fuengirola Festival takes place from 30 March to 13 August. More information.

As hot as it comes in Malaga

Named after the hot wind that occasionally blows during the summer in Malaga, the Terral Festival celebrates its 14th year this summer. Taking the theme of the root of music, this year’s line-up includes a truly international set of artists, all performing in the city’s central Cervantes Theatre.

One of the most popular Costa del Sol festivals, Terral kicks off this year with Belgian Wim Mertens on the piano. The eclectic list of performers also includes Salvador Sobral, the acclaimed Portuguese winner of Eurovision 2017, singer songwriter Jorge Drexler from Uruguay whose accolades include an Oscar for best song track, and the singer Ala Ni from the UK.

Terral Festival takes place from 22 June to 7 August. More information. 

Deep underground in Nerja

Another big favourite for Costa del Sol festivals is the International Festival of Music and Dance held every year in Nerja Caves. The concert hall lies deep underground within a magical world of stalactites and stalagmites, and concert goers are treated to a unique experience.

On the stage underground this year are two flamenco performances, the renowned Carmen and the National Ballet of Cuba who bring the most classical form of dance to the caves. Make a day out of your trip to this Costa del Sol festival – visit the caves by day and follow with a concert in the evening.

The International Festival of Music and Dance takes place from 10 June to 1 July. More information

Make Rio Real your base

All these Costa del Sol festivals are within easy reach of Rio Real Golf and Hotel. Make a real holiday of it and combine a round or two of golf and a stay at one of the finest boutique hotels in Marbella with a world-class concert. It really doesn’t get any better! 

 

Imagen: Photo by Jens Thekkeveettil on Unsplash