5 Places Where It’s Celebrated in Style

June 21 marks the summer solstice in the Northern Hemisphere: the longest day of the year. In many cultures, this moment is associated with renewal, a connection to nature, and the celebration of life. Elements like fire and water take center stage in rituals that invite us to let go of the old and embrace the new.

If you want to welcome summer with a bang, here are some beaches in Spain, Portugal, and Italy where the solstice—and its festivities—are truly unforgettable:

1. Alicante and El Campello – Bonfires and the Night of San Juan by the Sea

The city of Alicante goes all out for its biggest celebration, declared a Festival of International Tourist Interest: the Bonfires of San Juan. From June 20 to 24, huge ephemeral monuments known as Hogueras are displayed around the city before being consumed by flames at midnight on June 24, during the Nit de la Cremà. The streets buzz with parades and mascletàs (daytime firework shows). Then, from June 25 to 29, the festivities continue with a fireworks competition you can enjoy from Postiguet Beach.

But if you’d rather experience the magic of lighting a bonfire on the sand and jumping over waves, there’s a perfect option just a few kilometers away: the beaches of Muchavista and Carrer la Mar in El Campello. The local council has set up 12 designated areas where traditional bonfires are allowed, so you can symbolically burn away the old—right by the sea.

2. Porto – The Magical Night of São João

On the night of June 23, the streets of Porto come alive with music, lights, paper lanterns, grilled sardines… and thousands of people playfully bopping each other on the head with plastic hammers. It’s the celebration of São João, a festival that blends folk tradition, fire, water, and a sense of humor. At midnight, fireworks light up the Douro River between the Dom Luís I and Arrábida bridges. After the city celebrations, many follow an unwritten tradition: heading to the beach to watch the sunrise and take a symbolic dip. Praia de Matosinhos is the most popular, but Praia do Ourigo and Praia de Gondarém are great if you’re after a more local vibe.

3. Barcelona and Roses – Nit de Sant Joan

In Catalonia, the night of San Juan is probably the most popular—and most magical—of the year. It begins with the arrival of the Flama del Canigó, a symbolic flame that travels across Catalan-speaking regions.

In Barcelona, the flame reaches Plaça de Sant Jaume to light a central cauldron, and from there, it spreads to bonfires in plazas and neighborhoods across the city. Expect music, dancing, fireworks, coca de Sant Joan (a traditional pastry), and cava. Bonfires blaze in every district, street parties take over, and many people end the night with a swim in the sea.

In Roses, like in many other coastal towns, the celebration takes place on the beach and along the seafront in a very family-friendly atmosphere. The Flama del Canigó lights the bonfire at the breakwater of Punta Beach, followed by a firework show that’s spectacular whether you watch it from the sand or from the sea. After the fireworks, live music keeps the party going on the promenade.

4. Cagliari – Feste di San Giovanni

In Sardinia, summer’s arrival is celebrated from June 21 to 29, centering on the Feast of San Giovanni (June 24), with rituals that blend pagan and Christian traditions where fire and water play a central role. On the eve of San Giovanni, people gather herbs at sunset and soak them overnight in water; the next day, this water is used to wash the face—a gesture of physical and spiritual renewal. In Cagliari, bonfires (is fogaronis / is lampadas) are lit on beaches like Poetto, where people jump over embers and enjoy a big fireworks display.

5. A Coruña – A Noite Meiga

In many parts of Galicia, the night of San Juan is a lively celebration full of magic, fire, Celtic tradition, and festive spirit.

In A Coruña, the San Xoán festivities—declared of International Tourist Interest—are arguably the largest in Galicia. The main events take place on Riazor and Orzán beaches, where bonfires blaze and sardiñadas (grilled sardine feasts) are held. The atmosphere is both festive and family-friendly, with concerts, parades, fireworks, and cultural activities throughout the day. Meigallos (spells, charms, and rituals) are everywhere: people prepare agua de San Xoán using flowers picked the day before, left overnight under the stars, and used the next morning to wash their faces—a ritual for good luck, spiritual cleansing, and protection.

From Galicia to Sardinia, via the Costa Brava and the Portuguese Atlantic coast, summer’s arrival is marked by bonfires, midnight swims, grilled sardines, and rituals that blend tradition with a touch of magic.

If you’re near the sea this June 23, head to the beach, jump over the waves, watch the fireworks light up the sky, and welcome a new season. Few things are as universal—and as timeless—as lighting a flame to greet the summer.

Have you been to any of these beaches or summer solstice festivals? If so, tell us what you think and share your photos in the app if you visit. Happy summer!