My Unforgettable Experience at Vodafone Paredes de Coura
Portugal’s summer festival scene is nothing short of legendary, with events like NOS Alive, MEO Kalorama, Super Bock Super Rock, NOS Primavera Sound Porto and Vodafone Paredes de Coura drawing music lovers from all over the globe. Each of these festivals offers something unique and I feel lucky enough to say that I've attended them all—NOS Alive brings the best of indie and rock to Lisbon's sunny coast, MEO Kalorama celebrates late-summer vibes in the capital, Super Bock Super Rock electrifies beachgoers near Sesimbra and NOS Primavera Sound Porto brings the fresh music culture to this magical city. But for me, it was the intimate, indie paradise of Vodafone Paredes de Coura that truly captured my heart.
If you’ve ever been to a festival where the setting feels just as magical as the music, then you’ll understand what makes Paredes de Coura so special. Here’s a personal dive into my experience at this unforgettable festival.
The Journey to Vodafone Paredes de Coura
Vodafone Paredes de Coura isn’t the easiest festival to get to, but that’s part of its charm. Tucked away in the north of Portugal, near the border with Spain, it feels like a hidden gem—one that only true music lovers are willing to seek out. I drove with my friends from Porto it's around one hour and a half. From the moment you arrive, it’s clear that Vodafone Paredes de Coura is no ordinary festival. It doesn’t boast the grand scale of some of the bigger events, but that’s exactly why people love it. It’s intimate, welcoming, and feels like a well-kept secret shared among friends. We choose the glamping option to have more comfort during the 4-days festival.
The Festival Vibe: Music and Nature in Perfect Harmony
As soon as I set foot in the festival grounds, I was struck by how the organizers had seamlessly integrated the stages and festival areas into the natural landscape. The main stage sits at the bottom of a gentle slope, creating a natural amphitheater surrounded by trees and hills. The setting alone made me feel like I was part of something special—a far cry from the concrete stages and packed arenas of larger festivals.
Unlike bigger festivals where you might feel overwhelmed by the sheer size, Vodafone Paredes de Coura felt cozy and intimate. Everywhere you go, you see people lounging by the river, catching up with friends, or dancing barefoot in the grass. There’s a sense of community here that I haven’t experienced at any other festival. It’s like the whole town comes together to welcome you with open arms.
The Music: A Dream for Indie Fans
Vodafone Paredes de Coura is known for its stellar indie and alternative lineup, and it certainly didn’t disappoint. The festival prides itself on curating a mix of established acts and up-and-coming artists. During my visit, I had the chance to see performances by Sampha, Girl in Red, IDLES, The Jesus and Mary Chain, Fontaines DC, as well as wonderful surprises like Glass Beam, Nouvelle Vague, Gilsons, Allah-las and Still Corners.
The highlight was catching the absolutely energetic set from L'imperatrice. As they played, the cool breeze swept through the trees, and the lights from the stage reflected off the Coura River. It was one of those surreal moments where the music, the setting, and the people around you all come together in perfect harmony. Everyone in the crowd seemed to be as lost in the moment as I was, swaying along to the music under the stars, I never thought that I'd dance so much to their music. They were non stop through the whole concert.
But what really sets Vodafone Paredes de Coura apart is how easy it is to discover new music. Between sets, I found myself wandering over to the smaller stages, where I stumbled upon some incredible local Portuguese acts and international bands I had never heard of before, like Valter Lobo, Branko, Wolf Manhattan, Joy Anonymous and Slowdive. The intimate atmosphere allows you to get close to the artists, making every performance feel personal and raw.
The Coura River: A Natural Oasis
One of the unique features of Vodafone Paredes de Coura is the Coura River, which runs right alongside the festival grounds. During the day, when the sun was at its hottest, the river became an oasis for festival-goers. I spent my afternoons cooling off in the crystal-clear water, surrounded by people lounging on the riverbank or floating peacefully on inflatable rafts.
It’s moments like these that makes Vodafone Paredes de Coura more than just a music festival—it’s a retreat. You’re not just there for the music; you’re there to soak in the natural beauty, connect with friends, and escape from the hustle of everyday life. There’s something incredibly freeing about jumping into a river between sets, drying off in the sun, and heading back to the main stage, refreshed and ready for more music.
The Festival Community: Like-Minded Music Lovers
One of the things that struck me the most about Vodafone Paredes de Coura was the sense of community. Unlike larger festivals where it’s easy to feel lost in the crowd, here, I felt like I was among kindred spirits—people who were there not just for the headliners, but for the entire experience. Everyone was friendly, eager to strike up a conversation, and more than happy to share recommendations on which acts to catch next.
I found myself chatting with people from all over the world—locals who had been coming to the festival for years and international travelers who, like me, had heard whispers about the magic of Vodafone Paredes de Coura and decided to see it for themselves. By the end of the weekend, it felt like I had made dozens of new friends, all connected by a shared love of music and nature.
Why Vodafone Paredes de Coura Stands Out
After attending Vodafone Paredes de Coura, I now understand why so many people rave about it. It’s not just the incredible lineup or the stunning natural surroundings—it’s the overall vibe that makes this festival so special. It’s relaxed, unpretentious, and offers a rare opportunity to slow down and truly enjoy the music.
The combination of laid-back river days, intimate performances, and a welcoming community is what makes Vodafone Paredes de Coura a festival like no other. Whether you’re a die-hard indie fan or someone who simply loves the idea of a music festival that feels like a long weekend retreat, Vodafone Paredes de Coura is the perfect escape.
The Big Four: Portugal’s Must-Attend Summer Festivals
While Vodafone Paredes de Coura captured my heart, Portugal’s other summer festivals each offer their own unique experiences:
NOS Alive (Lisbon) – Set along the beautiful coast of Oeiras, just outside Lisbon, NOS Alive features an eclectic lineup of indie, rock, pop, and electronic acts. With past headliners like Arctic Monkeys and The Weeknd, this festival is perfect for those seeking big-name performances by the sea.
MEO Kalorama (Lisbon) – Held in the heart of Lisbon at Bela Vista Park, Kalorama is a newer addition to Portugal’s festival scene, blending cutting-edge indie and electronic acts with a sustainable ethos. It’s an end-of-summer celebration that draws crowds with its innovative lineup and laid-back atmosphere.
Super Bock Super Rock (Sesimbra) – Located near Meco Beach, this long-running festival offers a mix of rock, pop, and electronic music in a stunning coastal setting. Fans of both beach vibes and high-energy performances will find Super Bock Super Rock the ideal getaway.
NOS Primavera Sound Porto (Porto) – The northern edition of the famous Barcelona festival, NOS Primavera Sound Porto takes place in the scenic Parque da Cidade. Known for its indie, alternative, and experimental lineups, it attracts music lovers who appreciate a diverse range of sounds in a laid-back, nature-filled setting.
Each of these festivals showcases a different side of Portugal’s rich musical and cultural landscape, but if you’re looking for a festival that blends stunning nature with indie music and a laid-back atmosphere, Vodafone Paredes de Coura is the one that will stay with you long after the music fades. As I reflect on my experience at Vodafone Paredes de Coura, I can’t help but feel grateful for the memories I made there. From dancing under the stars to floating down the Coura River, it was an experience that felt truly magical. If you’re a fan of festivals that go beyond the music, where nature and community come together, Vodafone Paredes de Coura is one not to miss!
Sara Azeredo, Marketing & Procedures Manager at Splendid Portugal