Europe has plenty of festivals that are worth traveling across the pond for. From Portugal to Croatia, here's a list of festivals to hit this summer:
Prague, Czech Republic
United Islands Music Festival, June 22-25, 2017
This celebration of world music—now in its 11th year—hosts names from the European and world club scene. Genres includes rock, pop, indie, electronic, world, folk and jazz, as well as new music trends and experiments. Held outdoors on Kampa, Strelecky and Slovansky islands, all located in the Vltava River in Prague, admission to the festival is free. More information is available at www.czechtourism.com/e/united-islands-prague/.
Where to stay: The Aria Hotel and the Golden Well Hotel are less than 15 minutes from the festival.
Frankfurt, Germany
Opera Square Festival / Opernplatzfest, June 28-July 7, 2017
Opera Square sets the stage for this annual festival offering food and a diverse schedule of music ranging from jazz to pop. More information is available at www.frankfurt-tourismus.de/en/Discover-Experience/Events/Festivals-in-Frankfurt/Opera-Square-Festival.
Where to stay: Villa Kennedy is just nine minutes away from festival grounds.
Madrid, Spain
Festival Flamenco, June-July (dates TBD)
One of Spain’s top dancing competitions, the Festival Flamenco draws competitors from all over the world, accompanied by classical guitar concerts. The festival takes place at some of Madrid's top venues, including La Casa Encedida and the Teatro Canal de la Comunidad de Madrid. More information is available at www.worldtravelguide.net/madrid/events.
Where to stay: Gran Melia Palacio los Duques, TÓTEM Madrid, and Barcelo Emperatriz are all within six minutes.
Lisbon, Portugal
Lisbon Investment Summit, July 6 & 7, 2017
The Lisbon Investment Summit brings together Europe's top investors, entrepreneurs and executives. More information is available at http://www.lis-summit.com/.
Where to stay: Valverde Hotel and Internacional Design Hotel are located 11 and 13 minutes away, respectively.
Rome, Italy
Festa de Noantri, Mid-to-Late July, 2017
The festival kicks off with a procession honoring the Madonna del Carmine, followed by two weeks of arts events and street performances. More information is available at www.festadenoantri.it/
Where to stay: Gran Melia Rome and Hotel Palazzo Manfredi are 12 and 17 minutes away respectively.
Paris, France
Bastille Day Parade & Fireworks, July 14, 2017
Visitors will enjoy the military parade down the Champs-Elysées followed by the night’s fireworks display around the Eiffel Tower. More information is available at en.parisinfo.com/discovering-paris/major-events/bastille-day-in-paris.
Tour de France Ends in Paris, July 23, 2017
After pedaling for three weeks and more than 2,000 miles, cyclists in the world’s most famous bicycle race complete the last leg through the streets of Paris for the grand finale at the finish line on the Champs-Elysées. More information is available at www.letour.fr/le-tour/2017/us/overall-route.html
Where to stay: Hotel Marignan Champs-Elysées and Hôtel Vernet are less than five minutes from the Champs-Elysées and Eiffel Tower.
Split, Croatia
Split Summer Festival, July 14-August 14, 2017
More than 50 years old, the Split Summer Festival attracts thousands of visitors with its spectrum of performances, jazz concerts, film festivals, exhibitions, street theater and more. It is held in the Croatian National Theater, the city’s historic squares, and other venues around town. More information is available at www.visitsplit.com/en/1295/split-summer-festival.
Where to stay: Hotel Vestibul Palace and Hotel Park are just five minutes from the festival venue.