The dates for White Summer 2026 haven’t been announced yet. Don’t worry! If you’re planning to visit Costa Brava in August, there are lots of other things to do and enjoy in Pals and the surrounding area in addition to White Summer.
What is White Summer Festival?
White Summer was an annual innovative multidisciplinary art festival that emphasized creativity, innovation, and collaboration between physical and digital art spaces. It culminated in a series of open-air music concerts, art installations, performance art, and experiential art in Pals and subsequently Palamós.
An entertainment and design firm of the same name organized White Summer in Pals between 2012 and 2022. In 2018, White Summer also expanded to the Costa Dorada, with ambitious plans to bring the festival to more towns outside of Catalonia.
However, in 2023, Clipper’s Music Group, which also runs the venerable Cap Roig Festival in the region, took over. After two successful runs in Palamós in August 2023 and 2024, White Summer was put on pause. There was no White Summer festival in 2025, but the official website is hinting at its imminent return in 2026.
White Summer 2026 alternatives
Even if White Summer festival doesn’t return to Costa Brava in 2026 (we hope it will!), you’re spoiled for choice when it comes to entertainment and activities in Pals in August. The biggest contenders for your attention are music and theatre festivals in the region, within an easy drive from Pals.
Check out:
- Cap Roig Festival (early July to late August), Costa Brava’s largest international music festival
- Sons del Món Festival (late July to late August), an intimate music festival hosted in the wineries of DO Empordà
- PortalBlau (all summer long), a multidisciplinary cultural festival across many venues
Where to stay in Pals
On the coast of Costa Brava, you’re spoiled for choice of boutique hotels, rural hotels, and vacation rentals. The only thing that might be lacking is large international hotel chains, but it’s not a loss for visitors to the region, who have a chance to enjoy the hospitality and authentic experiences Costa Brava has to offer.
Find the perfect vacation rental for your trip
Trip planning tips for Pals during White Summer
Keep in mind the following tips when planning your trip, whether you attend White Summer or decide to explore other coastal towns of Costa Brava:
- Book your accommodation as much in advance as you can. While there is no shortage, reasonably priced modern vacation villas and hotels sell out quickly, especially on festival dates
- Plan to rent a car for flexibility and sightseeing options. While there are some public buses (notably, Moventis) and taxi services, they are limited, especially outside of Pals. Moventis can get you into the region when you arrive, but their scheduling can be prohibitive for the freedom of exploration.
- Keep in mind that restaurant kitchens typically close between lunch (1-3 pm) and dinner (8-11 pm) service. Check the opening hours of the Costa Brava restaurants you want to visit in advance.
Most importantly, enjoy your stay in paradise!
