To speak of the Porta Ferrada Festival is to speak of living cultural history on the Costa Brava. Founded in 1958, it is the oldest summer festival in Catalonia and one of the pioneers in Spain.
Porta Ferrada: the musical soul of Sant Feliu
The undisputed king of the summer music scene is the Porta Ferrada Festival, one of the oldest cultural events in Catalonia. Founded in 1958, it has managed to reinvent itself without losing its essence, offering an eclectic, ambitious programme year after year, with both national and international artists.
Where is it held?
The main venue is Espai Port, a stunning open-air stage right by the sea, though there are also concerts at the Municipal Theatre, Guíxols Arena and other spots in town.
What kind of music will you find?
Everything. Literally. Porta Ferrada doesn’t stick to just one genre. In the same summer you might see Europe, Antoñito Molina, Rosario, Andrés Calamaro, Sara Baras, Ginestà… From rock to flamenco, from indie to jazz.
It was born with the aim of enriching the cultural life of Sant Feliu de Guíxols, a coastal town in the Baix Empordà region known for its seafaring heritage, its Benedictine monastery and its imposing Porta Ferrada — the archaeological structure that gives the festival its name and symbolises its essence: opening the doors to music, performing arts and culture.
In its early editions, Porta Ferrada was a local event, with classical and choral concerts held in historic settings such as the monastery or the town’s market square. Over time, it grew into a national reference point, expanding its programme to include genres as diverse as jazz, pop, singer-songwriter music, rock and flamenco. Today, more than 60 years on, it continues to reinvent itself each summer with a top-level artistic offering that blends big international names with emerging talent and family-friendly shows.
Its stages have hosted legends such as Paco de Lucía, Joan Manuel Serrat, Lluís Llach, B.B. King, Pat Metheny and Caetano Veloso, alongside contemporary artists like Jamie Cullum, Simple Minds, Sílvia Pérez Cruz and Jorge Drexler. Each concert becomes a unique experience thanks to the intimacy with the audience, the sound quality and the warm summer atmosphere of a town that embraces the festival as part of its identity.
Sant Feliu de Guíxols provides the perfect setting to enjoy music: crystal-clear coves, a seafront promenade ideal for sunset strolls, a lively marina and a historic old town full of terraces and restaurants where you can savour Mediterranean cuisine. During the festival, the town comes to life, welcoming visitors from all over the world who want to combine culture with relaxation by the sea.
To round off the experience, there’s nothing better than staying at a GHT hotel, where comfort and a privileged location will help you make the most of every moment of your getaway. Wake up by the sea, enjoy a delicious breakfast and get ready for a day of beach, culture and unforgettable nights beneath the stars of Porta Ferrada.
This summer, let yourself be captivated by the essence of the Costa Brava: music, sea and the hospitality of Sant Feliu de Guíxols await to help you write the next chapter of this legendary festival.
