Welcoming Double Touch, Afrojack, Space Motion, Joezi, &Friends, Eran Hersh, Maanqi and many more, a new era of luxury beach culture arrives in Hersonissos as DIO launches a season of world-class music, immersive sunset rituals and hedonistic celebrations from June 18 to August 31
This summer, the shores of Crete will welcome one of the Mediterranean’s most ambitious music and lifestyle destinations as DIO officially launches its 2026 summer season in Hersonissos. Set against a breathtaking stretch of private beachfront overlooking the Cretan Sea, DIO has announced a star-studded programme of international DJs, immersive weekly concepts and ‘dawn til dawn’ experiences designed to redefine nightlife and beach culture on the island.
Running from June 18 through to August 31, the venue’s second summer season will feature performances from globally celebrated artists and acts including Afrojack, Double Touch, Space Motion, Joezi, &Friends, Eran Hersh, Maanqi, Freddy Moreira, Sebastian Bronk, Victor Mar, James Mac, Marasi, Benny Romeo, Tori Levett, Anthony James and Dan Rountree, alongside a host of surprise guests and live performers throughout the summer.
At the centre of the programme are three distinct concepts that together shape the full DIO experience: DIONYSIA, HEDONISM and SUN.SETS.
DIONYSIA Thursdays
Every Thursday this summer, DIO will transform into DIONYSIA – a wild tribal-inspired beachfront ritual dedicated to freedom, sensuality and rhythm. Drawing inspiration from the ancient celebrations of Dionysus, the event invites guests to embrace a world where “wild and sexy” becomes the dress code, the atmosphere and the soundtrack. From 5pm until 11pm, guests can expect deep Afro House and organic sounds, internationally renowned guest DJs, hypnotic live performers, percussionists, dancers and immersive production against one of the island’s most dramatic sunset backdrops.
Dutch superstar Freddy Moreira will serve as the season’s lead resident artist, joined throughout the summer by an eclectic weekly roster of international DJ talent pushing the boundaries of Afro, melodic and organic electronic music. More than simply a party, DIONYSIA is designed as a fully immersive sensory experience; a celebration of movement, connection and liberation beneath the Cretan sky.
HEDONISM Sundays
On Sundays, DIO presents HEDONISM – an elevated beachfront affair that promises to become Crete’s most glamorous weekly gathering. Guests are encouraged to dress in white, gold or silver as the venue shifts into a sophisticated sunset celebration inspired by abundance, pleasure and unapologetic self-expression. Soundtracked by Afro and organic house music from 5pm until 11pm, HEDONISM blends world-class music programming with luxury hospitality, premium dining, signature cocktails and theatrical production.
The concept is rooted in the philosophy of Dionysus, embracing life at its fullest, surrendering to the moment and celebrating the beauty of togetherness. With internationally acclaimed live act Double Touch leading the billing as resident artist each week, Sundays at DIO are expected to attract an international crowd seeking a uniquely elevated nightlife experience on the island.
SUN.SETS (Every Monday, Tuedsay, Wednesday, Friday and Saturday)
Alongside its headline weekly events, DIO will also host SUN.SETS every Monday, Tuesday, Wednesday, Friday and Saturday from 5pm onwards with free entry for all guests. Designed as a more relaxed yet equally atmospheric experience, SUN.SETS combines sunset cocktails, open-air dining and carefully curated electronic music in an intimate beachfront setting. Resident DJ Dan Rountree leads the charge throughout the season, creating the perfect soundtrack as day turns into night over the Cretan coastline. With uninterrupted sea views, golden sunsets and an effortlessly social atmosphere, SUN.SETS offers visitors and locals alike the opportunity to experience DIO’s unique energy throughout the week.
Launched in 2025, DIO is the latest venture from nightlife visionary William Matthews, one of the founding forces behind the legendary Starbeach complex (also in Crete) and a figure with more than three decades of experience developing hospitality and entertainment venues around the world. Having helped create over 100 venues internationally and produced more than 500 events in Crete since 1994, Matthews envisioned DIO as a project that would finally bring the energy, sophistication and immersive spirit of destinations such as Ibiza, Bali, St Tropez and Mykonos to Crete, while remaining deeply connected to the island’s identity.
Speaking about the concept behind DIO, Williams commented:
“After more than 35 years developing venues around the world, it became clear to me that Crete was missing a truly immersive beach destination that combined music, hospitality, freedom and emotion all in one place. My wife Kobe and I have always dreamed of creating something extraordinary on this island because Crete has our heart. When we discovered this exceptional piece of beachfront land, lovingly cared for by the same family for more than 40 years, we knew it had to become something special.
“Dionysus has unknowingly inspired almost every venue I’ve ever built. He represents indulgence, freedom, pleasure, music, celebration and connection. I started imagining what his house would look like if he existed today. Maybe we’d simply call him DIO And if DIO invited you to his home, surely it would be the most exciting place on earth – somewhere you could consume everything life has to offer all at once: wine, food, music, love, friendship, the sea breeze, the moonlight and the moment itself. That became the philosophy behind this venue. The sign above our entrance says it all: ‘Freedom Lives Here.’”
Located directly on the beachfront in Hersonissos, DIO has been designed as a complete lifestyle destination that blends luxury hospitality with world-class entertainment. The venue features a private beach, multiple open-air event spaces, an authentic Greek seafood taverna, a beach kiosk, premium cocktail experiences, exclusive VIP club “Le Cave” and four luxury suites available for private stays and celebrations.
From sunrise swims in the crystal-clear waters of the Cretan Sea to late-night dancing beneath the stars, DIO offers a fully immersive day-to-night experience unlike anything currently found on the island. Combining international music programming, elevated dining, barefoot luxury and theatrical atmosphere, DIO is set to establish itself as one of Europe’s most talked-about new summer destinations for 2026.
For more information on DIO, as well as tickets and further announcements, visit https://www.dio.life/