Location, location, location: 9 glorious festival sites to visit this year

New year, same old problem of choosing which festival to go to. Don't worry, though. We've compiled a list of glorious locations for you to visit this year. From picturesque UK woodland to historic castle ruins in Europe, 2017's festival sites are of the highest order. Check the list below and start planning your summer.

If one festival is going to provide you with a religious experience this summer, it may well be UVA Festival located on the grounds of a 12th century monastery. Descalzos Viejos in Ronda, Malaga is no longer a home to a monastic community, now serving as a cliffside vineyard, the plot of land "a maze of flora, fauna, ancient walls, nooks of greenery and secret areas." Combine that with the selection of Rush Hour's Antal, San Proper, Ilian Tape producer Andrea and Greg Beato among others, and the debut edition will make all of your festival prayers come true.

UVA Festival takes place from June 2 to 4

Promoter Music Goes Further knows how to find spectacular spots for festivals, the Rummu quarry 45km outside of Tallinn being one of them. Acts like Marcel Dettmann, The Black Madonna, Jeff Mills and Helena Hauff play this edition, Into The Valley's debut year in Estonia after previously taking place in Rättvik, Sweden. All with a backdrop of deep green nature and a decaying former prison in serene, crystal clear water.

Into The Valley takes place from June 29 to July 1

Another page in Music Goes Further's festival catalogue, Into The Factory's location might not fall under the category of picturesque, but it gets an A-star mark from those with an admiration for industrial architecture. Stora Vika, 68km away from Stockholm, is made up of raw, grey stripped back buildings, ideal for the likes of Dax J, Steffi, DJ Nobu and Nastia. Music Goes Further says: "Since it’s isolated, with nothing to interrupt the “small world” that will be built, the possibility of creating something truly exceptional is grand."

Into The Factory takes place from August 10 to 12

The grounds of Houghton Hall in Norfolk welcome the likes of Ricardo Villalobos, Sonja Moonear and Seth Troxler in August as Craig Richards and Gottwood present their brand new festival Houghton. Ravers will be spending three days in an environment of rich woodland and a tranquil lake, treated to longer-than-usual DJ sets thanks to an extended licence. Venues include an abandoned warehouse and subterranean bowl and there will be plenty of art and sculptures on show.

Houghton Festival takes place from August 11 to 13

Just 700 people will be on-site at Farrago, set in the grounds of the restored Schweppermannsburg castle ruins in Northern Bavaria. An intimate event on a mountain spur, festival-goers will be watching Honey Dijon, John Talabot, Mano Le Tough and more, given the freedom to roam through the surrounding greenery. Farrago promises it will be "the perfect chance to escape the hustle and bustle of everyday life."

Farrago Festival takes place from August 18 to 19

Croatia's really not short of festivals, but the addition of Labyrinth Open is welcomed with open arms. Set on the shores of the Adriatic Sea in Omiš, expect four days of sun-drenched partying with Guti, Dubfire, Rødhåd and loads more. If you've been to a Croatian festival before, you'll know just how beautiful the coast is, and anyone who books on-site accommodation gets access to an exclusive party on the gorgeous Cetina river.

Labyrinth Open takes place from July 8 to 11

Being green and sustainable is what Paradise City in the Belgian city of Perk prides itself on, but there's a lot to beam about with regards to setting. Castle Ribaucourt dates back to the 15th century and finds itself in the middle of a moat and sweeping green space. Come nightfall, LED lights drench the castle and reflect beautifully on the water. Kornél Kovács, John Talabot and Audio appear on this year's line-up.

Paradise City takes place from June 23 to 25

Romania's largest festival - attracting 130,000 people - offers up a lake and hidden party areas within the grounds of the 15th century Bánffy Castle in Cluj. The production is top class, with 3D projections covering walls and street theatre taking place throughout. "Breathtaking" is how the festival describes itself, and the line-up is pretty jaw-dropping, too. Expect sets from Maceo Plex, Eats Everything, Francesca Lombardo and Dixon.

Electric Castle takes place from July 12 to 16

By the time summer's finished, there's always that feeling that another holiday's needed to get in some much-needed detox and relaxation. Oasis Festival, located in luxury hotel The Source in Marrakech, is just the place for that. The complex contains pools and villas, allowing guests to do as they please, and there's an incredible view of the Atlas Mountains. Yoga classes and downtime activities accompany house and techno acts such as KiNK, Anja Schneider, Charlotte De Witte and Richie Hawtin.

Oasis Festival takes place from September 15 to 17

Dave Turner is Mixmag's Digital News Editor, follow him on Twitter