St John's Eve Bonfires on Castell de Ferro Beach

The shortest night of the year is when this stretch of the Costa Tropical comes alive after dark. From early evening on 23 June, families and groups stake out a patch of sand at Castell de Ferro, light fires the length of the beach and settle in with food, drink and a guitar or two. The smell of woodsmoke carries down the shore, kids dart between the flames, and the mood is more neighbourly gathering than organised event.

As midnight nears, people drift down to the water. Tradition has it that a dip in the sea on St John's night washes off the old year, so expect plenty of company in the shallows whatever the temperature. If you fancy lighting your own bonfire you'll need to register with Gualchos town hall before 21 June and leave a deposit. Otherwise, just turn up, find a spot and join in. It runs all night and it's free.