T.H.E Selects – The 12 best locations to party in Europe in 2017

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With 2017 well and truly under way, many of you will already be planning your holidays this year around European locations where there are a host of brilliant festivals to attend.

Every location on this list offers up a blend of beautiful locations, unique delicacies, historic sites and, of course, music for every enthusiast out there.

We take a look at the 12 best locations to party at in 2017.

1. Ibiza

Ibiza has long been one of THE locations for any electronic music enthusiast to visit and no list is complete without it. From the tropical weather to the beautiful beaches, Ibiza also has a wealth of famous clubs that you can visit. For those looking to mix it up with some R&R, there’s also plenty of yoga retreats and tranquil sandy beaches on the island that are removed from the party scene.

10 best locations

This summer, Ibiza opens a new page with the much-anticipated launch of Hï Ibiza, the brand new superclub by Ushuaïa Entertainment. Formerly known as Space, the club was made famous by Carl Cox’s legendary residency and will be getting a complete facelift coupled with some changes to their sound system. If that isn’t enough, from May through September Hï Ibiza will play host to some of the most famous acts around the world, including Apollonia, Black Coffee, Joris Voorn, Kölsch, Luciano and Nic Fanciulli. If you’re planning a trip to Ibiza, consider planning it around the 28th of May, as Hi Ibiza opens its doors on that date.

Be like a local

Drink: Hierbas
Eat: Sobrasada
Say Cheers: Salud!

To book tickets as well as take a look at what’s in store, visit hiibiza.com

2. THE NETHERLANDS

The Netherlands are always a spot to hit for people who love music regardless of what genres you are into. Whether you’re into rock, pop, indie or electronic music there’s always a wealth of events to choose from throughout the year. Several Dutch artists have made a name for themselves as well and it’s the perfect time to look out for emerging acts like Klangstof and Amber Arcades or Dutch DJs Tom Trago, Mirella Kroes, Hunee, Steve Rachmad and more.

Apart from just the music that is on offer, the country itself is definitely one that every travel-lover needs to check out at some point. From its rustic streets to its beautiful architecture and the thriving nightlife scene, Amsterdam is a hotspot for tourists all year round.

10 best locations
Lowlands Festival

This year, the 25th edition of Lowlands festival promises to be a spectacle. The Dutch answer to Reading & Leeds, Lowlands has an extensive multi-genre line-up featuring over 250 acts including Mumford & Sons, The xx, Editors, alt-J, Bastille, Cypress Hill, Michael Kiwanuka, Ben Klock, Dixon, Glass Animals, Talaboman and more.

10 best locations
Mysteryland Festival

When it comes to electronic music, the world’s longest running dance music festival Mysteryland is also another one to look out for. Over 346 acts ranging from house, techno, disco, African beats, vinyl-only, hardstyle, hip hop and feel-good bands will be on show, combined with a setup full of art installations and culture.

10 best locations
Welcome to the Future festival

For those of you who are into underground music, the Welcome to the Future festival is a must-see. With a lineup that includes Audion, Claptone, Jackmaster, Lil Louis, Loco Dice, Ross From Friends, Sandrien, Tom Trago and many more, this is definitely one to look out for.

Be like a local
Drink: Kopstoot
Eat: Stroopwafel
Say Cheers: Proost!

Lowlands takes place from 18th – 20th August. To book tickets visit lowlands.nl
Mysteryland takes place from 26 – 27 August 2017. To book tickets visit mysteryland.nl
Welcome to the Future takes place on 22 July. To book tickets visit welcometothefuture.nl

3. MOROCCO

Morocco is filled with a diverse, beautiful range of terrains that any traveler would love to explore. From the Sahara Desert, Berber towns and sandy coastlines there is always something to explore, especially in the ‘Red City’ of Marrakech.

The winding alleyways of the Medina are the perfect way to take in the culture on show, as the lead to the bustling souks which are filled with spices, vibrant silks and mouth-watering local cuisine.

If it’s R&R you seek, you can hit the hammam and indulge yourself in a massage or take in the breathtaking views of the Atlas Mountains, the Jardin Marjorelle and stunning architecture that the country has to offer.

The city also has a growing music and festival scene which was boosted by the success of the Oasis festival, which took place back in 2015.

10 best locations
Oasis Festival

Oasis is held at the luxurious Source music resort which is located on the outskirts of Marrakech. This year, underground music enthusiasts have a star-studded lineup to look forward to with Richie Hawtin, Nicolas Jaar, Marcel Dettmann, Charlotte De Witte, Chloe, and many more all making their way to the stage.

There is also plenty of scope for those who want to recharge, with yoga, reflexology and massages all available at the resort. Guests can also experience Moroccan culture on-site with authentic local street food, a wide selection of locally produced and organic products, market vendors, henna artists and more. Oasis is definitely one of the parties to look out for in 2017 and you should definitely stop by if you find yourself In Marrakech in September.

Be like a local
Drink: Mint Tea
Eat: Pastilla
Say Cheers: Fe sahetek

Oasis takes place from 15-17 September 2017. To book tickets visit theoasisfest.com 

4. SPAIN

Spain gives you the perfect blend between modern and traditional. From it’s majestic cathedrals, world-class art, stunning architecture, beautiful sandy beaches, a buzzing nightlife and a thriving festival scene it is no wonder that Spain is one of THE travel destinations every year.

Bilbao – found in the Basque country – is definitely a place to visit if you are in search of a city rich in culture. Filled with museums and art galleries, including the world-famous Guggenheim, there is plenty to see for those with an artistic eye. For foodies, the world-famous Basque gastronomic scene continues to thrive and you can even sample some of the region’s famous Pintxos and Kalimotxos (Cola and Red Wine) along the way.

10 best locations
Bilbao BBK Live Festival

Spain’s party scene is pretty special too. The Bilbao BBK Live festival takes over the stunning Kobetamendi Hill this July and is renowned for its spectacular view of the city. This year’s line-up features acts including Depeche Mode, The Killers, Justice, Phoenix, Two Door Cinema Club, Fleet Foxes, The 1975, Sundara Karma and a whole host of Spanish musical talent.

Plus, Basoa, the festivals carefully curated dance music space will also play host to marathon parties with the likes of the mighty Dixon, The Black Madonna, Andrew Weatherall and Motor City Drum Ensemble all featuring this year.

Be like a local
Drink: Kalimotxos (Cola and Red Wine!)
Eat: Pintxos
Say Cheers: Salud!

Bilbao BBK Live takes place from 6-8 July 2017. To book tickets visit bilbaobbklive.com

5. SERBIA

Despite Serbia’s reputation for its freezing weather, the locals make up for it with their warm, friendly nature. Belgrade has slowly become begun to rival Berlin and is quickly becoming one of the party destinations in Europe. This year, Novi Sad’s Exit Festival promises to deliver just like it always does – something that has seen people plan their trips purely around attending the festival.

Nicknamed the ‘Athens of Serbia’, Belgrade is rich in history and culture and it’s laid-back nature means that you can take your time to enjoy everything it has to offer with all the freedom in the world.

10 best locations
Exit Festival

The EXIT festival itself takes place at the magnificent Petrovaradin Fortress set high on the banks of the river Danube in Novi Sad.

Started as a student protest back in 2000, the festival aimed to fight for political change and freedom.

EXIT continues to spread positive vibes, promoting change and positive education, supporting many community and humanitarian missions, while delivering quality music and an unforgettable experience.

The award-winning festival has something for music lovers of all genres with a diverse mix of artists performing on numerous stages connected by cobbled streets, ramparts and tunnels.

Liam Gallagher, Solumum & Dixon B2B, Paul Kalkbrenner, Hardwell, Rag’n’Bone Man, Jake Bugg, Hot Since 82 and several more are set to feature and just a quick glance at that list tells you just how diverse the festival can be. Definitely one to check out if you’re around in July.

Be like a local
Drink: Rakija
Eat: Sarma
Say Cheers: živeli

Exit Festival takes place from 6-9 July 2017. 4-day tickets from £79 available at exitfest.org 

6. LATVIA

One of the few cosmopolitan cities in Europe that has retained its natural surroundings and identity, Riga is the perfect pre-festival pit stop.

Known for its stunning art-nouveau architecture, Riga has a lot to offer for any tourist and combined with its quickly growing nightlife scene, it is the perfect place to get in the mood for what promises to be an amazing edition of the Positivus Festival.

10 best locations
Positivus Festival

Taking place in the picturesque coastal town of Salacgriva, Positivus is the largest music and arts festival in the Baltic States, transporting chart-topping headliners, underground emerging talent and exciting art and dance stages to their spotless, breathtaking coastal setting nestled alongside a gorgeous woodland.

The location also provides you the choice of kicking back and taking in the idyllic coastline or ramping up the energy along with the diverse range of acts on show at the festival.

Positivus also offers art and dance stages giving festival goers a variety of activities and there are also plenty of local wares on offer at the variety of stalls that pock-mark the festival.

Be like a local
Drink: Riga Black Balsam
Eat: karbonāde
Say Cheers: Priekā

Positivus takes place from 14th to 16th July. 3 day festival passes from £67 positivusfestival.com

7. POLAND

Poland is a great location for people who want to hit music festivals while also taking in the culture of a country. Filled with historic monuments, tourists can explore museums, monuments, castles and the country’s well known club culture.

Made famous in the 90’s, the underground techno scene was compared to that of Berlins with a pioneering outlook on electronic music. This drive towards counterculture continues to this day and is perfectly showcased by Katowice’s OFF Festival.

10 best locations
OFF Festival

OFF is a festival for the discerning music fan and the place to discover fresh acts that are truly distinct in their sound and identity. The location is nothing to sniff at either, with ‘Three Lake Valley’ in Katowice – a beautiful green oasis – playing home to OFF Festival.

OFF Festival’s reputation has been quickly growing every year and they are renowned for their bold, eclectic choices when it comes to the lineup.

Combining the best alternative acts around the world with talent from the Polish scene, OFF festival promises to be another fantastic edition, with this year playing host to the likes of Swans, Daniel Johnston, Shellac, Jessy Lanza and many more.

Be like a local
Drink: Balsam Pomorski
Eat: Bigos
Say Cheers: Na zdrowie

OFF Festival takes place from 4-6 August 2017. 3-day tickets from £52 available at off-festival.pl

8. HUNGARY

Famous for its beautiful architecture and stunning scenery, Hungary has become known as ’The Paris of the East’.

Ideal for idyllic strolls, visitors can also treat themselves to a variety of local eateries dotted throughout the city. The Palatinus Baths are also definitely a place to check out.

At night is when the city really comes alive, with the “Ruin Pubs” in particular a stand-out that any tourist should visit.

10 best locations
Sziget Festival

This year, the Sziget festival is the one to watch out for in Hungary. Having won the ‘Best Major European Festival’ award in 2015 and 2011, and ‘Best Festival Line Up’ in 2016, Sziget Festival has made a name for itself as one of the best in Europe.

Taking place on the picturesque Óbuda Island in Budapest, Sziget welcomes over 490,000 visitors from over 100 countries each year who flock to the island that has now been dubbed “Freedom Island.”

Sziget also offers a lot more than just music, with more than 50 program venues offering festival goers the chance to experience many different things including; circus, theatre and dance, art and installations, yoga and sports and a huge variety of cuisine.

The Lineup for 2017 includes PJ Harvey, The Kills, Alt-J, Major Lazer and many more.

Be like a local
Drink: Pálinka
Eat: Goulash
Say Cheers: Fenékig

Sziget takes place from 9-16 August 2017. 7-day tickets from £175 available at szigetfestival.com

9. MONTENEGRO

Recently listed by Skyscanner as the cheapest and best holiday destination for 2017 Montenegro is definitely worth visiting.

With majestic mountains that are perfect for hiking and mountain biking as well as some of the world’s best unspoiled beaches on the Adriatic Sea, Montenegro also featured heavily in the James Bond film “Casino Royale” and has soared in popularity since then.

10 best locations
Sea Dance Festival

The award-winning Sea Dance sees fans flock from all over to world to witness some of the most popular acts from around the world. This year marks the fourth edition of the festival and it will be held in Budva from 13th to 15th July.

The Lineup features acts like John Newman and Sean Paul. Voted the best European medium-sized festival, Sea Dance has already forged a reputation for itself in its short three-year existence.

A stunning location, world renowned artists and outstanding production value make this festival a must see. If you catch yourself in Montenegro in July, you should definitely hit this festival.

Be like a local
Drink: Prvijenac
Eat: Punjene paprike
Say Cheers: Zivjeli

Sea Dance Festival takes place from 13-15 July 2017. To book tickets visit seadancefestival.me

10. AUSTRIA

Austria’s beauty needs no introduction. With its stunning alpine scenery, incredible architecture and wealth of historic culture, Austria has become a favoured holiday destination for people from all over the world.

Between the cultural capital of Vienna and the natural beauty of the Austrian Alps there are a ton of things for visitors to explore. Home to the annual Snowbombing festival, the Alpine village of Mayrhofen has even earned the title of ‘Party Capital of the Alps’!

10 best locations
Snowbombing Festival

Snowbombing has quickly made a name for itself due to its unique nature. Held at a mountain 8,497ft above sea level in one of the most luxurious ski resorts in Europe the festival is truly unique.

12 reasons why Snowbombing is the ultimate music festival on snow!

Unlike anything else out there, Snowbombing has igloo raves, enchanted forest parties and mountain-top stages!

Dubbed “The world’s no. 1 festival on snow,” Snowbombing takes place from 3-8 April, with acts including Run The Jewels, Chase & Status, Giggs, Dixon, Blossoms, Slaves, Novelist, Grandmaster Flash, KiNK, Groove Armada, Eats Everything, Stefflon Don and many, many more.

With the festival itself promising to be such a spectacle it is easy to forget the other things you can indulge in. Luxurious spas, rooftop hot tubs, authentic alpine cuisine, 650km of unadulterated piste all make Snowbombing a magical experience.
Be like a local
Drink: Schnaps
Eat: Wiener Schnitzel
Say Cheers: Prost!

Snowbombing takes place from 2-8 April 2017. To book tickets visit Snowbombing.com

11. Belgium

Belgium is known for medieval towns and its Renaissance architecture. The country has distinctive regions including Dutch-speaking Flanders to the north, French-speaking Wallonia to the south and a German-speaking community to the east. Belgium also plays host to arguably the biggest electronic music festival in the world – Tomorrowland.

11 best locations
Tomorrowland Festival

Tomorrowland was first held in 2005, and has since become one of the world’s largest and most notable music festivals. This year, it will be held over two weekends from 21st July to 30th July, and the line-up includes everyone right from Armin van Buuren to Netsky to Oliver Heldens to Claptone and Alison Wonderland, pretty much everyone.

Be like a local

Drink: Kopstoot
Eat: Stroopwafel
Say Cheers: Proost!

To book your tickets for Tomorrowland, click here.

12. Croatia

There’s no better place to combine holiday and a music festival than Croatia. Home to some of the most extravagant festival like Outlook Festival and Ultra Europe, Croatia is THE place to be if you’re a beach person.

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Outlook Festival

Outlook festival sees multiple genres combine such as dub, drum and bass, hip-hop and more to create a music extravaganza that caters to a variety of festival-goers. What’s more is Outlook’s unique site including an abandoned Roman fort, a dungeon, moat and harbour give it an edge on other Croatian favourites. And with boat parties, beachside vibes and good weather to match, it’s no surprise Outlook is still going strong and approaching its 10th year.

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Ultra Europe

Ultra Europe is a multi-venue outdoor electronic music festival that is a part of Ultra Music Festival’s worldwide expansion, which has now spread to twenty countries. A 3 day event at Split, Croatia boasting the world’s top EDM DJ’s with unparalleled stage designs and top tier production, ULTRA Europe is definitely worth visiting.

Be like a local

Drink: piće
Eat: jesti
Say Cheers: živjeli

Ultra Europe takes place this year from July 14-16. To book tickets for Ultra Europe, click here.

Outlook festival will take place this year from 7-10 September. To book tickets for Outlook Festival, click here.

So, where are you planning to go this year? Do not forget to let us know in the comments section below. :)

Akshay Bhanawat

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