The Mediterranean City of Barcelona is a fantastic city to visit for a short break and maintains its position as one of the top city breaks in Europe. However, if the summer sunshine wasn’t a good enough reason to visit, there are also some great annual festivals to get you in the party mood, too. Read on for the lowdown.

The Catalan Capital of Barcelona is a party place. Relaxed opening hours of clubs and discotheques, open air terraces, international DJs and a happy, welcoming and cosmopolitan collection of party-goers make the destination a firm favourite – many of the DJs who fill Ibiza’s dance clubs during the summer are residents in Barcelona off season.

However, it’s not just the clubs that get the mention and plaudits when the summer sun begins. Matinée group are a local firm famous for some of the best party nights and clubs in the city for over a decade, and mid-June organise the fantastic Barcelona Summer Festival. Now, don’t be fooled by the English title, this is no ordinary music festival – thousands of scantily clad revellers head down to Illa Fantasy – Fantasy Island – Water Park! Yes, that’s right, the biggest music festival held in a water park is just a short ride away from Barcelona, complete with the best dancers, DJs and the usual attractions you’re likely to find at a water park – slides, chutes, and it’s an all day event which enjoyed a roaring success in 2009.

Entering it’s 17th year and well-established as an institution in the city is Sonar – the electronic festival of music and multimedia. This great festival is from the 17th to 20th June this year 2010, and welcomes some industry greats such as the Chemical Brothers and welcomes vintage classics such as Roxy Music. Sonar always manages to please the crowds and has an international appeal, with plenty of amazing acts to have graced the stages over the years, variety being the typical spice – you’re just as likely to find the Beasti Boys as the Scissor Sisters as Air, for example. Sonar also dedicates time for the Sonar by Kids program which is only in its third year, but is proving to be a firm favourite.

Hitting the middle of the summer, and many locals move out to their beach homes, but those who stay in July and August have fantastic treats in store. First of all it’s back to the water park for the biggest Gay and Lesbian festival, Circuit, also enjoying its reputation from last year’s launch at the park. And in the heat of August, head up to Montjüic mountain for Barcelona Summer week festival. Over 100 hours of the best DJs and music under the stars promise to rival last year’s line up which blew everyone out of the water. There’s something about the summer heat that makes the party so much better, and Barcelona is fast becoming party central – are you going to miss out?!