Summer festivals everywhere

Greece is brimming with festivals every summer. These fascinating celebrations, some of which date way back in time, never fail to fire up the imaginations of art-loving audiences. Distinguished artists from Greece and all over the world dazzle us with their creativity and inspiration.

You will be amazed by the sheer number and variety of events, artists, different kinds of music and other art forms on offer under the blue Greek skies this summer. Parties in idyllic locations by the river in Kastoria and Evros, classical music on Syros, psychedelic-trance on Samothraki, jazz in Chalkidiki, ancient Greek plays in Epidavros and a unique diving festival in Kalymnos prove that the summertime Greek stage has it all. Take a careful look at some events on offer and pick your favourite way to make summer in Greece even more unforgettable.

NESTORIO'S 'HIDDEN' TREASURE

River Party at Nestorio, Kastoria in Western Greece is a major Greek music festival with a deep-rooted tradition that brings together more than 50,000 fans during its five days of events alongside the Aliakmonas River. What makes the festival unique is that the visitors have the chance to camp by the river in a magnificent outdoor area around the stages (where the festival itself takes place).

This year, from 3 to 7 August, the festival celebrates its 33rd anniversary, offering those attending the chance to enjoy their favourite Greek artists. In an idyllic setting by the river, the audience be able to enjoy colourful performances on the main stage and on the "green" stage and to take part in fun activities like paintball, bungee jumping and bungee trampoline organised for the festival. Famous DJs will be playing the hottest tracks for you every night. Be there!

YOUTH FESTIVAL IN EVROS

Once again this year, the 17th Youth Festival at Kastanies, Evros, (Thrace, Eastern Greece) will be the summer's most electrifying event, unleashing another storm of first-class names. The festival runs 27 to 31 July. For those who do not want to miss a single event, the opportunity to camp on the festival site in the beautiful natural surroundings of the river bank is their best bet. The concerts take place on two outdoor stages; the central stage is situated next to the river while there is a second, smaller one situated on the sand-dunes scattered around the river. The dunes have also been specially kitted out so that you can enjoy a game of beach volleyball or soccer.

SUN AND MOON CONCERTS IN SAMOTHRAKI

This years' Aurora Festival will be taking place at the mystical centre of antiquity, the "Sanctuary of the Great Gods." From 23 to 29 August, the cosmic secrets of the sacred island of Samothraki in the Northern Aegean, where imposing mountains, crystal clear seas, dense forests and ancient temples form a fascinating backdrop to celebrations of the miracles of music and art. The audience can camp in the beautiful unspoilt area around the stages and enjoy more than 120 prominent artists from Greece and all over the world.

The concerts are inspired by the elements of nature: the SUN concert, with powerful psychedelic and progressive heartbeats from all over the world and the MOON concert set to the rhythms of meditative and uplifting spiritual trance music. This year you can also pay a visit to "The Temple of Gnosis" in an event which examines the sacred relationship between humans and nature. The event aims to harmonise the body, mind and soul. Visit aurorafestival.gr to book tickets and camping accommodation.