Top Five Festivals Abroad

Image: Exit Festival 

For some of us, the whole muddy wellies and sweaty tent ordeal is worlds away from how we'd like to embrace our favourite music. Festivals abroad have provided an alternative option for music enthusiasts everywhere, with almost guaranteed weather and no compromise on colossal line ups. 

Whether its a trip to the slopes or sipping cocktails on the Adriatic coast, these festivals let revellers enjoy a full holiday alongside the music. They provide the best of both worlds and unsurprisingly the demand for them has spawned an abundance of these festivals overseas and to give you a helping hand, we've selected five of our favourite for this year. 

Sónar Thursday 18th - Saturday 20th June - Barcelona, Spain

Sónar, the International Festival of Advanced Music and New Media Art, has put Barcelona on the festival map. The three-day-long event is unique in both its format and content, it's a visual treat, featuring the highest level of production, but it also boasts a giant and diverse line up across various venues in Barcelona. 

Sonar have their finger on the pulse of the development of electronic music, as well as recognising pioneering artists. The line up so far features The Chemical Brothers, Duran Duran, A$AP Rocky, Skrillex and Jamie XX. Not forgetting the array of OFF Sonar parties that take place alongside the festival as well. Get your tickets here. 

Exit Festival Thursday 9th - Sunday 12th June - Novi Sad, Serbia 

Serbia's approach to creating an electronic music festival is nothing short of epic. It is held at the Petrovaradin Fortress and is home to over 20 stages, all boasting cutting-edge rosters. The award winning gathering is grounded in dance music and the line up this year includes The Prodigy, Hardwell, Dixon, MK and Faithless. Head here for tickets.

Festivals at The Garden Site July - August - Tisno, Croatia

Technically cheating here as there's five festivals all on the same site, but each has their own charm. The Garden Site in Tisno is a heaven for music lovers that want to partner their festival experience with the bliss of a relaxing holiday.

It's home to the likes of Electric Elephant, headlined by DJ Harvey and Todd Terry, the eclectic Soundwave Festival now moved to August and Suncebeat which was curated by the team behind the Southport Weekender.

It also hosts Croatia's founding electronic music festival, The Garden Festival and Stop Making Sense. The creative minds behind all these festivals make The Garden Tisno as hassle-free, musical paradise. 

Croatia Rocks Sunday 19th - Thursday 23rd July - Novalja, Croatian Island of Pag 

Another treasure which sits on the Adriatic Coast is Zcre Beach, one of the most popular spots for party-goers and the back drop for the inaugural Croatia Rocks. They'll be ringing their signature Ibiza Rocks spirit to another European hot spot, along with established live acts and DJs including Clean Bandit, Years & Years and Hannah Wants. Secure your tickets here.   

Snowbombing Monday 6th - Saturday 11th April - Mayrhofen, Austria 

If beaches aren't really your thing, Snowbombing takes place in the alpine mountain tops, giving you the opportunity to get to grips with skiing, snowboarding or even the luxury spa. There's no shortage of unique venues, with some of the night time events taking place in an igloo and an enchanted forest. Basement Jaxx, Carl Cox and Fatboy Slim are set to play. Head here for tickets. 

For more on foreign festivals including tickets and full line ups, head here.