June is the ideal month to steal a march on the summer crowds, whether it’s sunbathing along the Amalfi coast or lavender-sniffing in Provence. Indeed, June across much of Europe and the Mediterranean is pretty much the last chance for a holiday before the hordes hit the coasts and islands — so if you’re lucky you may still be able to bag slightly lower rates as a result, especially in package-friendly destinations like Tunisia, Corfu and Turkey’s Turquoise Coast. Lower temperatures also make June a good month for sightseeing and outdoor activities, so this is a good time for city breaks in Madrid, Porto or Split — or you could join the pagan midsummer festivities in Stockholm’s archipelago.
Further afield, the world is your oyster: this is a great time for hiking Peru’s Inca Trail, beach-lounging in Malaysia’s Perhentian Islands or even gorilla spotting in Rwanda. For another offbeat idea, the beaches of Albania’s riviera are still relatively off the radar for most Brits. Don’t forget to send us a postcard.
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Why go in June? For vivid blue shores and ancient cities just ahead of peak season
The sun-blessed shores that the home crowd call the Turkish Riviera are sometimes named the Turquoise Coast in English. June conditions certainly pick out that particular colour, in the shallows off long beaches and in rocky coves visited on sailing cruises in a traditional gulet. This southwestern stretch of Turkey, between and around Antalya and Bodrum, is super-popular over the summer holidays, but the first half of June means a little less competition for space at the blue lagoon of Oludeniz, and a little less glare coming off the white stones of ancient Ephesus. With more than 600 miles of coastline, there’s room to share.
Yazz Collective, towards Fethiye, is a beach club hotel-meets-gallery space, only accessible by boat — making it feel as exclusive as it looks. Think gorgeous landscaping, an outdoor gym, spa, yoga classes, kids’ lounge and DJ sets each sun-dripped weekend.
Intrepid Travel sails a glorious section of the Turkish Riviera, from Bodrum to Fethiye, over the course of eight days. Swim in Cleopatra’s Bath, visit ancient rock tombs, mud bathe in Kaunos, dine on divine seafood or simply swim and tan to your heart’s content.
Why go in June? To see the closest Greek island to the UK stepping into a summer mood
How much head start can you safely get on a Greek island summer holiday? Some find the beaches toasty enough in May, but in Corfu — one of the more northerly islands — June is a safer bet for temperatures regularly in the 20s. The streets of the old town and beauty spots such as the luminous coves around Paleokastritsa are still a month or so away from their fullest complement of visitors; and the rain-refreshed look of early summer plays to a Corfiot strength, as it’s one of the greenest Greek islands. Village festivals begin in earnest now, and if you’re here on the night of June 23, St John’s Eve, you might witness with trepidation the custom of lampatines — leaping over midsummer bonfires.
Stay at the Merchant’s House in Perithia, a 300-year-old guesthouse full of history and local charm. It’s in a 14th-century Venetian village that has views across the mountainous landscape and coast.
Immerse yourself in Corfu with Walks Worldwide’s eight-day, self-guided walking tour, visiting tranquil villages, remote monasteries, olive groves, classic tavernas and plenty of pristine beaches.
walksworldwide.com
Why go in June? For cinematic beauty along a steep and fragrant coast
The Amalfi lemon, now at the midpoint of its harvest season, concentrates all the sunshine that hits the terraces of the dazzling Amalfi coast. June temperatures are already well into the 20s, so it’s best not to leave it any longer to hike trails such as the Sentiero degli Dei (Path of the Gods). With its winding roads, historic towns tucked between cliffs and lapping sea, the region seizes up all too easily when visitors pile in. June is a better bet than July and August; pick a local hotel in order to appreciate the scenery outside day-tripping hours.
For a completely different Amalfi take, opt for Agriturismo Mare e Monti. High up on the coast in San Lazzaro, surrounded by vineyards, this sweet, rustic hotel and restaurant is family-run, with mozzarella, meats and red wine all made on the family’s estates.
Hiking is the focus for this eight-day trip from Exodus, which uses Bomerano (Agerola) as the base for self-guided walks including the Path of the Gods, an ascent of Monte Tre Calli and a lofty route to Ravello via Atrani.
Why go in June? For old towns and island escapes
Sunny days send Croatia’s colour palette into overdrive, especially on a coast of endless white limestone islands, thick pine forests and orange-tiled historic towns, all overlooking the azure Adriatic. You could wait until July for even more heat, but you’ll run into peak crowds. Regular ferries reach islands such as glammed-up Hvar and Mljet with its national park, while sailing trips are the way to see the largely uninhabited Kornati archipelago. The city of Split, built around the remains of the Roman emperor Diocletian’s retirement palace, is more central to the region than Dubrovnik and has its own beach tradition with the ball game of picigin.
Murum Boutique Hotel is connected to Diocletian’s Palace, setting the scene perfectly for experiencing this historic city. Exposed stone walls and soft muted tones create a calming base to retreat to after a day’s exploration.
Intrepid Travel’s eight-day Croatian Coastal Cruising tour packs in swimming, historic sites and long lunches of local produce. It starts in Split, ends in Dubrovnik and includes many fabulous stops, including the islands of Brac, Hvar and Korcula.
Why go in June? For a sun-drenched landscape in full purple glory
What is the scent of Provence? Thyme underfoot, perhaps the aniseed aroma of pastis — and of course lavender. Flowering starts in June and though there’s some annual variation, the last week of the month should be a good time to drive among the lavender fields. It’s better to arrive a little early than just after the harvest, which usually begins in late July — and visitor numbers to the south of France only increase as the summer progresses. The main growing areas are around the Luberon and Sault to the west and the Plateau de Valensole in the east. The former has more in the way of picture-book Provençal villages, but the latter is best for rolling purple panoramas. It’s also near the Verdon Gorge, a dramatic river canyon.
Stay near to the region’s heart at Le Moulin in the Luberon. This stylishly updated 18th-century mill sits in the centre of the town, offering pastoral elegance alongside laid-back activities such as yoga, outdoor movie nights and pétanque.
There’s no lovelier way to see Provence than by bike, and Intrepid Travel has a well thought-through eight-day route from the papal city of Avignon to arty Arles.
Why go in June? For quiet spring hikes and seal spotting
While the weather in Wales is never guaranteed, June is generally a fairly mild month for a coastal adventure — and since it’s between Easter and the summer school holidays, you’ll get to enjoy the beaches and clifftop trails when they’re considerably quieter. Stop off at St Davids, one of the UK’s smallest cities, then explore the coast as you please: perhaps to Ramsey Island for birdwatching; Newgale or Whitesands for surfing lessons; or a bracing plunge into the Blue Lagoon at Abereiddi, a flooded slate quarry right by the coast. Be warned: the latter is much, much colder than its Icelandic namesake.
The Twr y Felin is an upmarket spot to stay in St Davids, with sea views, sleek decor and an intriguing art collection.
Walking is the only way to appreciate the full splendour of the coastline and Ramble Worldwide’s eight-day guided route ventures to the most scenic spots. Transport is provided back to your hotel base.
rambleworldwide.co.uk
Why go in June? For sunbathing on the lesser-known riviera
What Albania’s riviera lacks in storied grandeur, it more than makes up for with fine, often sandy, beaches and hotel prices dramatically more affordable than those in its French namesake. Most beachgoers head straight for Ksamil, whose shoreline serves up plenty of facilities. Borsh is a bit quieter, but you’ll probably need to hire a car to get there. For something altogether more rugged and deserted, you’ll need to do some travelling: try the Cape of Rodon for quiet coves and shipwreck spots, or Divjake for spotting flamingos and other wading birds. Velipoje is an ideal springboard for hiking in the Albanian Alps — also known, brilliantly, as the Accursed Mountains.
Enjoy resort-standard facilities without the sprawl at Miamar, a pleasant modern hotel overlooking Livadhi beach, near Himare.
A well-organised tour is the best way to get the most out of Albania, and Explore!’s eight-day family adventure is just that, with a mix of historical sites, rafting, thermal pools and sightseeing.
Why go in June? For midsummer revelry in the city of islands
Stunning as the Swedish capital is, many people forget that this is actually a city built on an archipelago — and June is one of the best months to explore some of its scattered islands. There are apparently 30,000 of them, so you won’t want for choice: Vaxholm is sometimes called the capital of the archipelago, and has pretty wooden houses and coastal trails. It’s about an hour from Stockholm by ferry and also acts as a hub for ferries to the outer islands. Some to try include Moja or Uto for peaceful hiking and biking; Finnhamn for swimming and seafood; or for seclusion, the remote islands of Rodloga or Kymmendo, which inspired a novel by August Strindberg.
June is also a great month to visit as it’s midsummer, with many islands hosting seasonal celebrations featuring maypole dancing, floral crowns, eating lots of herring and strawberries, and doing rounds of drinking songs. Midsummer’s Eve in 2026 falls on June 19 — and many city dwellers flock to the islands to join in. Note that as it’s a national holiday weekend, some opening hours for museums and attractions may be affected.
Opened in 1902, Waxholms Hotell on Vaxholm has fine water views, bustling terraces and a delightful air of yesteryear.
Ramble Worldwide offers an eight-day tour of Stockholm that includes a visit to Vaxholm at the end, for a relaxed day exploring its harbour, shops and cafés.
rambleworldwide.co.uk
Why go in June? For pre-summer deals and comfortable sightseeing
Tunisia’s beaches swelter in July and August, so while June is hot it’s not quite as roasting — and the month brings decent prices ahead of the peak summer holiday season. For all-inclusive deals, the many resorts along Djerba’s coast offer plenty of choice and quality, but there’s boutique options inland too. For something a bit more laid-back and local, head along the coast to towns like Mahdia and Bizerte closer to Tunis on the mainland. It’s also a good time of year for exploring archaeological sites such as El Jem and the ancient ruined city of Carthage.
Around a courtyard in traditional local style, Dar Bibine is a whitewashed wonder with designer interiors, a plunge pool and a peaceful village location 15 minutes from the airport.
History buffs will enjoy Brightwater Holidays’ archaeologically focused tour, which includes the ruins of Carthage and Dougga, the Great Mosque of Kairouan, the subterranean villas of Bulla Regia and a guided tour of the Bardo Museum in Tunis.
brightwaterholidays.com
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Why go in June? Maximum sunshine means maximum sightseeing
Iceland’s often stark countryside is by now looking much greener — and with about 21 sunny hours per day, there’s time to stagger visits to the major scenic spots even in this popular season. Longer hours of daylight mean there’s more time to party, so although Reykjavik’s bars strictly speaking offer no “nightlife” this month, they’re perfect spots to toast the arrival of Iceland’s brief but precious summer. The Reykjavik Arts Festival, held in even-numbered years, brings performers of all kinds to spaces across the city.
Exeter Hotel by the city’s Old Harbour exudes urban cool. Concrete, warehouse chic is tempered with soft furnishings, bright natural light and warm stone tones; there’s also a street food-style restaurant and in-house bakery.
Reykjavik features heavily in the excellent eight-day Iceland Family Journey with G Adventures — cover geysers, glaciers, fjords and black sand beaches alongside the small capital city’s highlights.
Why go in June? For the best bar-hopping weather in the Spanish capital
With the earlier dawns that June brings, it’s a little easier to prove the truth of Hemingway’s remark about nobody in Madrid going to bed until they have “killed the night”. Locals are full of pent-up energy before the summer holidays next month. Though the city is warm, the heat isn’t yet an ordeal. Still, the main park areas to the east and west are especially prized now and are conveniently close to big-ticket cultural sites such as the Prado.
Room Mate Alba, in the perfectly central Barrio de Las Letras, has carefully curated rooms with graceful decor of woodwork and warm colours.
Trailfinders’ private 72 Hours in Madrid tour spends four days showing off the heart of the Spanish capital, with tapas, art, shopping and sights.
trailfinders.com
Why go in June? Sun-kissed exploration without the crowds
Portugal’s second city has an impressive setting, with houses rising in tiers on the high banks of the Douro river, linked by soaring bridges. By June, the weather is pretty much guaranteed to be glorious, and with luck you should be able to explore the city’s neighbourhood bars and bistros without oppressive heat — or crowds. Head across the water to Vila Nova de Gaia for port wine tastings, and don’t miss a browse at the Mercado do Bolhao. After weeks of build up, the Festa de Sao Joao do Porto has its big night on June 23, with fireworks over the Dom Luis I Bridge, and revellers hitting each other on the head with soft plastic hammers (it used to be leeks). The next day sees a regatta of old port-carrying barges on the river.
Armazem Luxury Housing is an incredible design hotel located in a 19th-century former iron warehouse, with minimalist rooms that manage to be fun yet seriously sophisticated.
Explore the Douro with Riviera Travel’s Douro, Porto and Salamanca River Cruise (with the option to extend in Porto). Laze your way through wine regions and rolling vineyards then check out the city’s big hitters.
Why go in June? To hike the Inca Trail in dry season
Tending to be dry and sunny, June is peak trekking season for walkers bound for Machu Picchu, so this is prime time to tackle the Inca Trail — although you certainly won’t be hiking solo, so book well ahead. If you can tolerate missing one of the world’s wonders, however, swerve those crowds by visiting unsung Choquequirao — an Incan citadel three times as big. Or head north to take a cable car up to the Kuelap Fortress. June also marks the month of Inti Raymi, or the Sun Festival, once the most important ceremony held in Cusco, Peru’s original Incan capital. Outlawed in the 16th century by Spanish overseers, the festival is now re-enacted annually on June 24.
Cusco’s high altitude requires some acclimatisation and there’s nowhere more comfortable for that than Monasterio, a 16th-century monastery turned soulful, art-filled Belmond hotel.
If it’s the Inca Trail or bust, book onto a small group tour with G Adventures. It includes a four-day trek supported by porters and the knowledge and expertise of a specialist guide.
Why go in June? For glaciers and grizzly bears in America’s “Last Frontier”
The main sightseeing season, from June to August, is short but spectacular in the largest state in the union. Coastal cruises to national parks such as Glacier Bay and Kenai Fjords get going this month, promising views of ice walls and island wildernesses, with the chance to spot whales, dolphins, seals and otters offshore. Coming in June rather than July avoids the biggest rush of visitors, though it’s best to aim for the end of the month if you’re set on seeing the first bears fishing for salmon in the rivers of Katmai National Park and other key viewing spots.
Most visitors arriving by air land at Anchorage and a great first night option is the city’s upscale Hotel Captain Cook. Rooms have views of the Chugach Mountains or Cook Inlet while there’s a café serving Alaskan fare on site and free access to an indoor pool.
Princess Cruises has a seven-day Voyage of the Glaciers cruise, operating north and southbound between Vancouver and Anchorage. Visit Ketchikan, Juneau, Skagway, Glacier Bay National Park, College Fjord and Anchorage in one epic voyage.
Why go in June? For sublime snorkelling and scuba diving in turquoise seas
June is a wet month in much of southeast Asia, but it can be a great time to tour Malaysia. Although it’s getting rainy in Langkawi and Sabah, at the far northwest and northeast of this spread-out nation, islands off the east coast of Peninsular Malaysia are now perfect for beach-basking or snorkelling in clear seas. Archipelagos don’t get much dreamier than the Perhentians, a small group of sand-fringed islands that can be reached by speedboat from Kuala Besut on the mainland. Known for fantastic scuba diving and snorkelling, they are also important conservation sites for green and hawksbill turtles. Most people stay on one of the two main islands, with charter boat trips out to visit the smaller uninhabited ones.
Perhentian Island Resort is a comfortable beachside hotel overlooking Coral Bay on Perhentian Besar (Big Perhentian), and offers organised snorkelling and scuba excursions.
All Points East offers a great value three-night excursion to the Perhentian Islands that can be easily tacked on to a longer Malaysian tour.
allpointseast.com
Why go in June? For guided encounters with silverbacks in the jungle
Rwanda is one of Africa’s smallest countries and one of its most densely populated, yet it’s crucial to the survival of some of the world’s largest and most famously shy primates. The Virunga Mountains on the northwestern border are home to about 600 mountain gorillas, and Rwanda’s share of these rainforest-covered peaks — Volcanoes National Park — is accessed through limited and pricey gorilla trekking permits that get booked up far ahead. Given that you’ll need to put in a few hours of forest hiking to come into the presence of gorilla families, the two dry seasons make the experience more comfortable; June marks the start of the longer one.
Virunga Lodge was built by Volcanoes Safaris, a pioneer of Rwandan gorilla and chimpanzee ecotourism. The incredible ten-banda lodge sits high on a ridge overlooking the volcanoes, valleys and lakes, while inside offers timeless chic.
volcanoessafaris.com
G Adventures has an eight-day Wild Encounters in Rwanda round trip from Kigali, which takes you to Volcanoes National Park in search of gorillas and golden monkeys, and then on a big-five safari in Akagera National Park.
Why go in June? For a Caribbean alternative
While June marks the start of the hurricane season in the Caribbean, things are much more sedate further north in this well-to-do British overseas territory. The month might bring a little rain to English-speaking Bermuda, but it’s generally pleasingly mild, with tolerable humidity and plenty of sunshine as summer proper begins. Most visitors are bound for the archipelago’s array of sandy beaches — from fort-topped bays to crescent coves — but you might also walk some of the Railway Trail, an 18-mile railroad turned footpath crossing the main island, play at prestigious golf courses or take a glow-worm cruise in search of bioluminescent displays out at sea. The best occur about three nights after a full moon.
A real “in the know” place, Watercolours is an exemplary, four-room B&B that looks across the boat-speckled Great Sound, has a small pool and serves terrific breakfasts.
Following much of the Railway Trail, Exodus Adventure Travels’ week-long, self-guided Islands of Bermuda Walk tour includes a seven-day local travel pass for maximum flexibility.
Why go in June? For downtime under the palm trees and among tropical fish
The South Pacific nation of Fiji enjoys sultry temperatures all year round, but visit in June and you’ll be one month into the drier half of the year. From the last week of June until mid-July, Australian school holidays usually signal a busier time, so come earlier to enjoy those beautiful beaches in more solitude, or head away from the main island of Viti Levu to one of its 300 further-flung neighbours. The Kadavu Group is a small-scale dreamscape of lushly forested islands, fringed by the rich corals of the Great Astrolabe Reef, a top diving destination.
On the largest island, eponymous Kadavu, the Papageno Resort and Dive has Edenic jungle bungalows, a palm-strewn garden and a private beach. It also has diving, fishing and cultural village experiences.
Make the most of Kadavu’s paradise with Tamarillo Active Travel’s Kadavu Supreme tour: ten days of sea kayaking, snorkelling, hiking, culture, wildlife and blissful, empty beaches.
tamarilloactivetravel.com
Additional reporting by Jo Davey
We regularly reassess and refresh this list, adding the latest advice and inspiration
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