BPM Festival Makes Portugal Debut With Top EDM Acts From Around the World

Jordan Bailey

Mexico’s premiere underground electronic festival has set its sights on Portugal. As this often overlooked European country begins its ascent to the hottest coast on the continent, BPM Festival is one giant leap towards this inevitability. From Sept. 14-17, Portimão and Lagoa, two seaside municipalities in the Algarve, will play host to thousands of DJ fanatics from around the world.

Various venues will set up stages throughout the towns, most of which are luxury seaside day clubs. While not all venues and their corresponding DJ’s have been announced, BPM has released a number of pre-scheduled events. The newly established Blanco Beach Club will find Stereo Productions, elrow and All Day I Dream, plus Jamie Jones’ international Paradise brand, in a dreamy white-on-white patio club with a neon-drenched pool and numerous mini hot tubs sprinkled throughout. As the newest addition to the coast’s string of day clubs, Blanco may be the most exciting venue on the bill. Cloque is another outdoor club sporting a deck-stage and an outstanding cliff-view overlooking the turquoise waters of the Atlantic, all the while Nick Curly and Akbal play during the sunset. Another renovated venue, Oceans Clubs has built a rooftop bar to showcase the likes of Gia Sai, One Records and Don’t Be Leftout with Visionquest. All in all, six venues will throw both day and nighttime parties, creating a non-stop atmosphere of electronic dance music. Think of BPM as a massive, multi-town resort-style festival where bouncing from club to club in your bathing suit is not only recommended, but expected.

Though BPM Portugal isn’t nearly as long as the Playa del Carmen edition, which spans ten days, it’s somehow managed to pack a ton of artists into a long weekend. Some of the most prominent names include Seth Troxler, Richie Hawtin, Carl Craig, Dubfire, Jamie Jones, Hot Since 82, Nicole Moudaber, Loco Dice and Paul Kalkbrenner, among many, many more.

While BPM does offer flexible travel packages that include hotel stays, those looking for something a little more laid-back should look to the area’s many boutique hotels. Bela Vista Hotel & Spa is a great example of a unique, quiet spot away from the chaos of BPM but well-within its reach. This historic castle-like hotel is said to be the very first hotel in Algarve. But with updated amenities including a pool right on the sand, it’s more than enough to fulfill contemporary tastes. For more of a resort-vibe, check out Tivoli Carvoeiro Algarve with its green spaces set within a private bay surrounded by cliffs. You’d be hard pressed to find a better location on the Atlantic than this. Vivenda Miranda is, like Bela Vista, smaller in stature making it a perfect respite from the party of BPM. After spending all day dancing, you’ll likely want to retreat to a more health-centric abode. Vivenda Miranda offers healthy Mediterranean style cuisine and a healing spa perfect for what ails you come morning time.

BPM Festival Portugal will take place from Sept. 14-17 in Portimão and Lagoa. Tickets can be found here.