The Best Summer Events in Italy and Greece
The summer season is well underway in Greece and Italy. Besides sailing the crystalline waters of the central Mediterranean on a luxury yacht charter, soaking up the sun, swimming in secret coves and watching one-of-a-kind sunsets, what else is there to do? As it happens, there is plenty to keep you occupied in Italy and Greece, from traditional festivals to contemporary concerts.
Italy
Lucca Summer Festival
July and September 2017
Continuing three months of high-quality music that started in June, the Tuscan town of Lucca comes alive with everything from classical to pop music. This year’s lineup at the Lucca Summer Festival has so far included Mary J. Blige, Ennio Morricone, Imagine Dragons and Rag ‘n’ Bone Man. Next up for intimate open-air performances: The Pet Shop Boys and the Rolling Stones. The concerts take place in the historical centre of Lucca in Piazza Napoleone among renaissance architecture and picturesque greenery.
Barcarolata Boat at Parade, Portobello Bay
30th July 2017, 9:30pm
The Barcarolata is a traditional boat float parade that enlivens the Portobello Bay in Sestri Levante every last Sunday of July. The Barcarolata gives tourists and residents the opportunity to compete in festooning boats with papier-mâché, multicolour lights while wearing mardi-gras costumes. It concludes with a huge pyrotechnic show on the water at the end of the evening.
Notte di San Lorenzo, Capri
10th August 2017, 10pm
A highlight of any yacht charter in Italy, the Feast Day of San Lorenzo (also known as the Night of the Falling Stars) includes a live concert and firework display held at Marina Grande in Capri’s main port. The fireworks are launched from a boat anchored in the bay and is a spectacular sight for all the family.
Calici di stelle, Sardinia
10-12th August 2017
Taking place on the night of San Lorenzo in Sennori, Calici di stelle is the most eagerly awaited summer event by Italian wine lovers. Visitors can taste the fine wine produced by the local wineries in Sennori and Romangia paired with delicacies and traditional Sardinian gastronomy while listening to great music on the streets.
Historical Regatta, Venice
3rd September
The Regata Storica is the main event in the annual “Voga alla Veneta” rowing calendar and provides an unmissable event for spectators. The races are preceded by a spectacular water pageant where scores of 16th century-style boats with gondoliers in period costume carry the Doge, the Doge’s wife and all the highest ranking Venetian officials up the Grand Canal in a brightly coloured parade. It is an impressive tribute to the glorious past of one of most the powerful Maritime Republics in the Mediterranean.
Maxi Yacht Rolex Cup, Porto Cervo
3rd-9th September 2017
One of the world’s most prestigious events, the Maxi Rolex Cup features four regattas for different typologies of boats. Porto Cervo’s history with maxi yachts spans over 35 years and the regatta never fails to put on a good show. The event is organised in collaboration with the International Maxi Association with the support of title sponsor Rolex, which represents the inextricable link between luxury and sailing. The rugged and glamorous northern coast of Sardinia is a magnet for the international jet set who enjoy yacht charters on the dazzling azure waters. Each year, the participating fleets become more impressive and technologically advanced.
Sant Miquel, Sardinia
21st September-2nd October 2017
The vibrant resort of Alghero celebrates its patron saint in grand style to mark the culmination of the summer season. The old quarter is filled with outdoor events including traditional and modern music concerts, theatre, dance, wine tastings and a sacred procession to the sea.
Greece
Athens & Epidaurus Festival
Now-October 2017
For 50 years, the Athens & Epidaurus Festival has granted lucky audiences magical summer nights full of music and entertainment. The programme involves open-air theatre, opera, classical music and dance at various locations such as the Athens Concert Hall, Hellenic Cosmos Cultural Centre and the legendary Odeon of Herodes Atticus, which dates from the 2nd century BC. The inspiring backdrop of the Acropolis frames a stage where ancient Greek tragedy, opera or ballet is performed.
Naxos Festival
July- September 2017
Every summer, Naxos opens the doors of its most prominent and architecturally unique castles. Naxos Festival originally started in summer 2001 and takes place in the restored 16th century Bazeos Tower in the centre of the island. The aim of the festival is to promote the local character through cultural events, musical concerts and art exhibitions and also to encourage associations with international cultures.
Ifestia Festival, Santorini
Early September TBC
Santorini’s Volcano Festival is an impressive celebration that is dedicated to the famous volcanic eruption of Thira that took place around 1,500 BC. The festival peaks with a fantastic fireworks show over the caldera and is a must-see from the deck of a yacht charter in Greece.
Aegina Fistiki Fest
September 2017
This four-day pistachio nut festival celebrates one of Aegina’s most important products. The sleepy island comes to life every September to celebrate its green pistachios with live music, theatre performances and art exhibitions. Local chefs showcase their culinary prowess by inventing new sweet and savoury recipes, which you can sample at the street markets.
Red Bull Art of Motion Free-running Event, Santorini
7th October 2017
Thousands of spectators will pack the alleys of Oia to watch the final of the 7th Red Bull Art of Motion. Famous free runners will compete with new talent on one of the best natural free-running courses in the world. Athletes accumulate points based on the execution, creativity and flow of their movements, as well as overall individual performances.
Video credit: Red Bull
If you would like more information about chartering a yacht for any of these events, please contact Silver Star Yachting.
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