June is rapidly emerging as the prime time for travellers seeking a more relaxed and enjoyable experience. This early summer month offers a sweet spot, boasting reliable sunshine without the oppressive heat, significantly fewer crowds than the peak summer months, and ideal conditions for outdoor activities like hiking and exploration. This makes a variety of destinations, from the historical heart of Romania to the ancient landscapes of Peru, particularly enticing.
The Rise of the “Cool-cation”
There’s a noticeable shift in travel trends, with many people now opting for what’s being termed “cool-cations.” This concept acknowledges that visiting popular Mediterranean hotspots in July and August has become increasingly uncomfortable due to extreme heat and overcrowding.
Tom Barber, co-founder of Original Travel, highlights this growing preference. “A very big trend at the moment is ‘cool-cations’,” he explains, “which is realising that going to the Mediterranean in July and August is unbearable now.” Barber strongly advocates for Europe during May and June, stating, “Europe, for me, is absolutely best in May and June. Anything rural with meadowland will be full of wild flowers.” He further elaborates on the suitability for outdoor pursuits, noting, “June is not too hot and the sea is just warming up,” making it perfect for hiking and enjoying coastal areas.
So, if you’re contemplating an early summer getaway, where should your compass point?
Romania: A Journey Through Transylvania
For history enthusiasts, the Transylvania region of central Romania offers an unparalleled experience. This area is renowned for its remarkably well-preserved medieval towns. Brasov is home to the largest Gothic church in Eastern Europe, while Sibiu captivates visitors with its stunning Baroque architecture and charming cobblestone streets. Sighisoara boasts a dramatic hilltop citadel and a clock tower that dates back to the 14th century. No visit to Transylvania would be complete without exploring the iconic castles of Bran and Corvin.
Barber describes Transylvania as an almost surreal journey back in time. “Transylvania is basically like time travel,” he says. “It feels like you’ve gone back a couple of hundred years; beautiful little villages, all traditional, people still use horses and carts, you can see herdsmen. It’s like a scene out of medieval times. There are hardly any roads or cars – it’s genuinely old-school.”
Beyond its historical allure, Romania’s rural landscapes are teeming with wildlife. Visitors have the chance to encounter wolves and bears, with Romania hosting the largest brown bear population in Europe outside of Russia.
Menorca, Spain: Island Bliss
Menorca, an island Barber describes as “one of the most beautiful places I’ve ever been,” is another exceptional June destination. As the second-largest island in the Balearic archipelago, situated in the western Mediterranean Sea northeast of Mallorca, Menorca masterfully blends archaeological and cultural treasures with breathtaking natural beauty. Its unspoilt beaches, dramatic cliffs, and rugged ravines have earned it recognition as a UNESCO Biosphere Reserve.
The island is encircled by the Camí de Cavalls, an impressive 185km coastal path. “It’s an amazing footpath that has now been connected so you can walk the whole way around the entire island,” Barber notes. While completing the entire circuit might take a couple of weeks, travellers can opt for shorter sections, enjoying the constant presence of the sea on one side.
During June, the landscape along the path is particularly picturesque. “At that time of year you’re walking past fields where there are huge hay bales, for harvest,” Barber observes. The culinary scene is equally captivating. “The food is sensational,” he adds. “I think it’s one of my all-time favourites.” Indulge in local specialties like lobster stew (caldereta de langosta), sweet pastries filled with pumpkin jam (ensaimadas), and the distinctive Mahón-Menorca cheese.
Lisbon, Portugal: A City Alive with Festivities
Lisbon, the vibrant capital of Portugal, offers a delightful experience in June before the intense summer heat sets in, making it an ideal time to explore its character-filled, hilly streets.
Pippa O’Keefe, a travel designer at Asmallworld, highlights how Lisbon truly comes alive in June with the “Santos Populares” celebrations. “It’s essentially a month-long festival,” she explains. “The streets are decorated and hosting arraiais [open-air] concerts, with barbecues on the street. The most notable celebrations are around June 12–13 for Santo Antonio.”
A particularly heartwarming tradition, dating back to 1958, is the Santo Antonio parade. On June 12th and 13th, dozens of low-income couples participate in a mass wedding ceremony at the Igreja de Santo António and Sé Cathedral, followed by fully sponsored receptions. This event embodies the saint’s role as a protector of marriages.
June is also a significant month for LGBTQ+ pride, with Lisbon hosting its vibrant Arraial Lisboa Pride in the middle of the month. Furthermore, June marks the beginning of sardine season in Portugal, a delicacy the Portuguese greatly enjoy. “You can only fish for fresh sardines between June and September,” O’Keefe mentions. “You’ll find barbecued sardines in every Lisbon neighbourhood during Santos Populares. Which is why one of the main symbols of this festival is a basil plant – traditionally it was used to mark the scent of barbecued fish.” An added bonus of visiting Lisbon in June is the opportunity to enjoy quieter beaches, with the lesser-known beaches of Caparica being far less crowded than in the peak months of July and August.
Peru: Andean Adventures in Comfort
Contrary to popular belief, June is an exceptional month to visit Peru. While many travellers associate Latin America with their winter months, Barber points out that Peru in June offers “amazing” conditions. “The weather is really good, it’s not too hot,” he states. Although Machu Picchu can be busy, the surrounding Sacred Valley provides ample opportunities for incredible walking and exploration.
Elsewhere in the country, the Colca Canyon, plunging to depths of up to 3,500 meters, presents a challenging but immensely rewarding hike. It offers a remarkable chance to witness Andean condors soaring overhead. Rainbow Mountain (Vinicunca) is another iconic trek, celebrated for its striking striped mineral layers. No trip to Peru is complete without a visit to the enchanting islands of Lake Titicaca.
“The temperature is just right, there’s lots of incredible food, but most people assume it’s best over Christmas,” Barber observes, underscoring the overlooked appeal of Peru in June.
Malaysian Borneo: Rainforests and Wildlife Encounters
Borneo, the world’s third-largest island, is politically divided among three nations: Indonesia, Malaysia, and Brunei. The Malaysian portion, comprising the states of Sabah and Sarawak, is celebrated for its ancient rainforests and rich indigenous cultures.
Barber enthusiastically describes Borneo as “brilliant, a remarkable island with incredible wildlife.” Beyond encounters with pygmy elephants and proboscis monkeys, visitors have the extraordinary opportunity to see orangutans in their natural habitat. “You can also take a boat up river and stay with a traditional tribe for a night and learn about their way of life,” he adds. “It’s just a remarkable place. It’s not quite as popular as it should be.”
