Things to do in Mediterranean, Mediterranean: The Best Events

Fancy a Spanish trip full of laughter? Non-stop giggles await at the Barcelona International Comedy Festival, otherwise known as FIC BCN. Billed as the world's first and only multilingual comedy festival, you'll need strong sides and facial muscles, as the laughs keep on coming. The festival shows off the likes of comic talents such as Seann Walsh, Marcel Lucont, and Dylan Moran — and you'll be joined by an international audience at hand-picked venues throughout the city. 

Celebrate Rome’s birthday in style on April 21 each year. There is an impressive parade of about 2,000 participants, which begins at the Circo Massimo with historically accurate costumes, ranging from fierce centurions with armor and bearskins to Vestal Virgins and Roman children. Throughout the day there are reenactments of battles and rituals, and the day ends with a light show on the imperial forums and fireworks over the Colosseum

Calling all speed fans! The Spanish Grand Prix takes place at the Circuit de Catalunya in Barcelona, 30 minutes from that vibrant city. Fly into Barcelona and avail of the many transfer services that will cover the short distance to the track, including a shuttle bus. Depending on the day you choose to go, and where you wish to sit, ticket prices vary and there are also concessions available. It's a fun, noisy, and electrifying experience for the whole family, and makes a great gift idea for any petrol head! Who will spray the magnum of champagne next? We'll have to wait and see! 

You wouldn't usually travel to Athens, Greece and think about attending a rock concert — but you'd be missing out if you didn't visit Rockwave. Every June and July since 1995, Malakasa — a small village 29km north of Athens and at the base of Mount Parnitha, offering a tremendous location — has hosted this star-studded event, with previous acts including Robbie Williams, The Prodigy, and Judas Priest. Performed on two stages: 'Terra' and 'Vibe,' it allows for artists to simultaneously perform. Rock fans, young and old, should make this a must-see event when visiting Athens.

One of the most innovative music festivals in the world has its roots in the cultural city of Barcelona, a creative hub renowned for its innovation and eccentricity. The Sonar Festival started in the 1990s and is today the final word in electronic music, video and multimedia arts, cinema, sound, and vision. It attracts music fans and technology wizards alike. Every June, the Sonar Festival keeps itself at the cutting-edge of creative electronic music, technology, and innovation. It’s a visually stunning festival attracting crowd pleasers such as The Chemical Brothers, as well as lesser-known international artists, for the thousands of spectators. It’s a great, happy, party atmosphere for aficionados.

The Athens and Epidaurus Festival is one of the most famous performing arts events in Greece’s calendar. Every summer, for the past 50 years, a whole host of performers have taken part; including Pavarotti, for example, and the festival’s programme involves open-air theater, opera, classical music, and dance at various locations around Athens including the modern concert hall to the ancient amphitheater Odeon of Herodes Atticus. Ancient theatrical performances also take part in the ancient Epidaurus Theater, two hours from Athens. Past performances have included actors such as Kevin Spacey (Richard III) and Ethan Hawke (A Winter’s Tale). It's a great opportunity to experience cultural events in atmospheric locations, surrounded by history.

Run your 26 miles (42 kilometers) in the footsteps of Roman emperors and gladiators. The Rome Marathon route begins and ends near the Colosseum and will take you past all of the important historic sites and some of the cities residential neighbourhoods like Ostiense and Parioli. If an entire marathon is not quite your thing, join in the noncompetitive 4k Fun Run. Registration is required.

Top international bands and musicians have been attracted to take to the massive stage at the annual Primavera Sound festival in Barcelona. About 100,000 music lovers head to the city in late May or early June for one of the biggest music festivals in Spain to see top global stars such as the late, great Lou Reed, Motorhead, White Stripes, Neil Young, Pulp, and The Cure. It's an interesting mix of musical styles including indie, electronic, pop, jazz, metal, and rock performing on the different outdoor stages and the auditorium, so there's something to suit most music fans. It’s a fun-packed festival, which is not as mainstream or commercial as some. Although there are top artists, you can also see lesser-known acts or hear more avant-garde genres. Plus, there are plenty of food stalls inside the arena by the sea so you can refuel between concerts.