The Best Places to Visit in June

With its vast national parks teeming with adventure, long stretches of golden sands, captivating marine life, buzzing cities and action-packed theme parks, California delivers on every level. The region’s award-winning wineries, luxurious culinary delights and iconic film-set scenery have long lured visitors keen to experience the American Dream. California in June is fabulous – the summer months are when the Golden State really comes to life. Guaranteed sunshine, surf-pounded beaches and busy boardwalks packed with vendors selling fresh seafood, zesty juices and artisan coffee. The national parks glow in the early morning and late evening sun, giving you longer to explore the trails.

Famous for the incredible Mayan ruins, white sand beaches and an abundance of colonial history, Yucatán is a fun and vibrant area of Mexico to visit. Outside of the busy high season, June sees less rain and sultry temperatures to allow you to enjoy this lively culture to its best. The stunning clear water offers fishing, snorkelling and scuba diving, not forgetting the lush dense jungles for a guided hike, all with the hospitality and food you would expect whilst in Mexico.

Visiting Morocco in early June allows you to take advantage of this country’s calescent climate before it gets too hot, making it one of the best holiday destinations in June. Warm up and cool off in Essaouira and partake in the area’s thriving watersports scene surrounded by its winding street and fortified medina. Outside this city, find a more peaceful retreat in Oualida and a wealth of historic fortresses and towns forged under Portuguese rule.

Sink into the indulgent Italian way of life, where your days are punctuated by sumptuous cuisine served up in spellbinding settings. From plates of pasta looking out at the sea to picnics among picturesque olive groves and vineyards, Italy is a treasure trove of stunning locations in which to devour some of the world’s favourite dishes. Soak up the captivating buzz of cities such as Rome, Florence and Venice, unwind in the heart of Tuscany or relax along the Amalfi Coast. If you’re travelling child-free, make Italy your June holiday destination to avoid the summer crowds.

With so many islands and coastlines, there is plenty to see and do in Croatia and with the gentle warm temperature of June, it is an ideal time to go. You can hop between the many beautiful islands, enjoy the abundance of seafood in waterfront restaurants, soak up the architecture in Dubrovnik and then explore the stunning inland scenery with forests, mountains and waterfalls. Whether you are after an outdoor adventure, art galleries, sublime food, sun-drenched beaches or historical architecture, Croatia has it all.

Summers are meant for being out on the water, and there’s no better place to do so than Montenegro. In between beach stays in Croatia and Greece, sail along to the Bay of Kotor, where craggy fjord-like cliffs hug the bay, transporting this mediaeval town, and you, to another world. With its outstanding natural beauty, historical intrigue and enchanting tours, relish in the easy summer heat of June here.

The ‘Land of the Midnight Sun’, Norway is one of the best countries to visit in June. With the sun hardly setting, long sunlit hours stretch out before you to experience what this magnificent country has to offer. The once frozen snowy roads and mountains are open for you to travel as far and wide as you please, climb vast mountains, and try your hand at mountain biking, hiking or even white-water rafting. Not forgetting a boat trip through the fjords to take in the most amazing views and pure fresh air.

While June isn’t South Africa’s prime month for a game safari, as the southern hemisphere is in its often wet winter season, its west coast comes alive. Sleepy coastal towns like Hermanus become epic hot spots for whale-watching. Watch the humpback whales on their migration to warmer waters and stroll the quaint fishing villages and rugged coasts. Cape Town is also a fantastic stop for a break from the rainfall, with gastronomic and cultural highlights galore.

Greece remains one of our most popular destinations in June, the country coming out of the shoulder season and into its peak. For those after sweltry beach days, head to Costa Navarino, where five-star resorts nestle the golden sand beaches. The beautiful Peloponnese coast paired with our world-class Explorers kids club makes for an exquisite family holiday. Or if island hopping is still on your list, visit lesser-known islands like Sifnos and other Small Cyclades. There’s also the unique Halkidiki peninsula with its crystal clear waters and lush pine forests.

Utterly enchanting, Portugal’s popularity never wanes. Wander the cobbled streets of Lisbon, pausing for a morning coffee accompanied by the unmistakable melt-in-the-mouth sensation of a freshly baked pastel de nata. Retreat to the coast to soak up the sun, while being spoiled by famous Portuguese hospitality and tantalizingly fresh seafood. Our kids club at Pine Cliffs is the perfect addition to this family holiday while each family member soaks up this destination in their own unique way. This soul-stirring slither of land to the west of Spain has an intoxicating individuality, and June is one of our favourite times to visit Portugal before the summer crowds descend.

Known as the 'land of a thousand hills’, Rwanda allures with green volcanoes, shimmering lakes and, of course, the famous mountain gorillas. Residing among the bamboo forests in Volcanoes National Park, these majestic primates provide one of the most awe-inspiring wildlife adventures that exist, and Rwanda is one of the best places to go on holiday in June for gorilla trekking. Heading out into the rainforest with the volcanic peaks of the misty Virunga Mountains towering above you, you can watch these gentle giants play, eat and doze, while contributing to one of the world's great conservation success stories.

A must for those seeking adventure, culture and dramatic landscapes, all in abundance. Off the beaten track, you can spend your days on horseback or exploring on foot, speed down the slopes of Cotopaxi on a mountain bike, stock up on traditional souvenirs at the famous Otavalo Market or simply enjoy spectacular scenery as you peer into the endless azure waters of the Quilotoa crater lake.

There are so many rich cultural experiences to incorporate whilst you are in Peru, but in June you can witness one of the most vibrant, the winter solstice festival. Redeemed as one of the most important events in the year, where the ancient Inca capital Cusco comes alive to celebrate the Sun God. The modern-day re-enactment sees hundreds descend the hillsides to watch the procession of ancient mummies through the town, colourful traditional costumes and a finale of horns, panpipes and beating drums. A must-see, majestic spectacle.