Where to go in June

Kos, Greece

Shallow waters and powder-soft sand makes Kos one of the most family-friendly Greek islands. Visit in June for a quieter pre-summer getaway.

Weather

Temperature: min. 19°C, max. 27°C
A month into the dry season, there’s plenty of sun and little chance of rain.

Season

Off-peak – just before the busier tourist months.

Good for

Kids of all ages, history fans and beach lovers.

What’s there

Gently sloping beaches, thermal springs, waterparks, ancient Greek ruins and a pedestrian-only old town.

What’s on

Cultural events such as concerts, theatre, Greek drama, arts and dance at several archaeological sites.

Flight time from UK: 4 hours

Algarve, Portugal

To avoid the crowds and scorching summer heat, June is a great time to visit the Algarve. Discover the astonishing creations at the sand sculpting festival before the busy season arrives.

Weather

Temperature: min. 17°C, max. 28°C
Reliably sunny, with only 4mm rainfall all month .

Season

Just before peak season begins.

Good for

Kids of all ages.

What’s there

Waterparks, dolphin spotting, golf courses and mini golf, and golden sandy beaches.

What’s on

MED Festival featuring world music, arts, dancing and food, the Fiesa Sand Sculpture Festival, Dia de Portugal (Portugal’s national day).

Flight time from UK: 2h 50m

Montenegro

Frequented by the likes of Marilyn Monroe and James Bond, unspoiled Montenegro is a picture-perfect destination for outdoor activities.

Weather

Temperature: min. 15°C, max. 28°C
Sunny and mostly dry, with chillier temperatures at night.

Season

Peak season.

Good for

Older kids and teens who will best enjoy the sporting adventures.

What’s there

Rolling mountains, glacial lakes and a warm sea to raft, hike, cycle, kite surf and kayak around.

What’s on

Budva Music Festival, an underwater film festival, an international dance festival and other cultural events.

Flight time from UK: 2h 50m from London to Podgorica

Bled, Slovenia

Famous for its fairy tale-like lake, Bled provides a spectacular backdrop for a variety of activities, on land, water, and in the air.

Weather

Temperature: min. 12°C, max. 24°C
Best month of the year for warm, sunny weather.

Season

Beginning of peak season.

Good for

Older kids – there are age restrictions on some activities.

What’s there

Bled’s blue-flag rated lake and mountainous national parks, where you can trek, cycle, cave and paraglide your way through the picturesque landscapes.
The beautiful and iconic Bled Castle, the fortress high about the lake

What’s on

Slovenia’s Statehood Day on the 25th, Bled Water Festival, Bled International Rowing Regatta.

Flight time from UK: 2h 5m

Machu Picchu, Peru

Immerse yourself in the home of the great Inca civilisations and visit one of the new wonders of the world after a breathtaking hike.

Weather

Temperature: min. -2°C, max. 18°C
Nights can get very cold so make sure you take thermals, especially if camping on the Inca trail.
Rainfall should be minimal.

Season

April to September is the high season for Peru, Machu Picchu will be busy so make sure you have permits sorted in advance.

Good for

All ages will love discovering this beautiful place. However, the hikes can be challenging even for the fit because of the altitude – don’t attempt with children under 15.

What’s there

Spend a couple days acclimatising to the altitude in the beautiful base town of Cusco. Cobbled alleys, grand squares, flawlessly engineered Inca walls, Baroque cathedrals and the occasional llama – its charm will captivate you immediately.
Day trips to the Sacred Valley and Rainbow Mountain are also worth a visit.

What’s on

For the hearty, trek the classic Inca Trail from Cusco to Machu Picchu. It’s 43km and is usually done over four days. Various operators offer guided treks and supply permits but be sure to book early as spaces are very limited.
Those travelling with younger children or looking for an easier journey may prefer the train, which can be taken as a return journey in one day.

Flight time from UK: Direct flights to Lima take 12 hours and 35 minutes. Flights from Lima to Cusco take one hour and 15 minutes.

Glastonbury Festival

Glastonbury? With children? Well it might not be as crazy as you think. With kids under 12 admitted free, and two family camping grounds, as well as Kidzfield – a huge kids’ festival within the festival, they’ll feel more than welcome.

Weather

Temperature: min. 9°C, max. 20°C
It’s known for its muddy and rainy landscape so come prepared with wellies.

Season

The world famous festival means June is peak season for Glastonbury.

Good for

Families who are wanting to introduce their kids to a slice of festival life.

What’s there

The Green Kids Area offers adventures on climbing walls and wooden ships as well as alternative entertainment and activities.

What’s on

Visit Kidzfield, with top names from the world of children’s entertainment and loads of activities – from a knee trembling helter skelter to colourful soft play – for kids of all ages. In the Theatre and Circus Fields, there are lots of workshops welcoming children and many morning shows will tickle their fancies.

St Lucia

Tucked between Barbados and Martinique, Saint Lucia might not be the first Caribbean island you think of for a family holiday, but, when you find out this little dot of lush greenery is the only place in the world with a ‘drive-in’ volcano and its chocolate is the stuff of legend, you might want to think again.

Weather

Temperature: min. 25°C, max. 31°C

Season

It’s wettest between June and November but that’s mainly in the mountain rainforests which you can avoid.
Off-peak – you’ll miss the crowds by travelling in the summer months.

Good for

There’s something for the whole family on this beautiful island.
Travelling in summer will avoid overly hot temperatures that are harder for the little ones to cope with.

What’s there

One of the greenest and most mountainous Caribbean islands, Saint Lucia’s ringed by white sand beaches which are all public yet very unspoiled. Soak up the mixture of Caribbean, African, French and British cultures.
The sheltered waters are ideal for diving lessons and the island has several excellent schools.

What’s on

Drive through Sulphur Springs on the island’s south west – the only volcano on earth you can drive through – and visit Saint Lucia’s definitive landmarks, Gros Piton and Petit Pinon, both of which have UNESCO World Heritage status.
Visit for carnival (normally held during June/July) and kids can see where the colourful community festival of Notting Hill originated from.

Flight time from UK: Just under 9 hours

Finland

Finnish Lapland is the official home of Santa Claus, but Finland itself has a big, wonderful and exciting life above and beyond the snowy Christmas season.

Weather

Temperature: min. 9°C, max. 19°C
It’s not cloudy or windy during June but it can rain.
The Midnight Sun is one of Finland’s most famous natural phenomena and the country can have almost constant daylight in June and July.

Season

Summer is off-peak so you can take advantage of the warmer weather and smaller crowds.

Good for

Summer in Finland is a nature lover’s dream. It’s only a short flight so families with kids of all ages can enjoy this European break.

What’s there

Travelers to Helsinki in the summer will have a variety of fun, outdoor options to explore that they wouldn’t be able to enjoy in the winter. Linnanmäki Amusement Park opens in late spring and has long hours throughout the summer for guests to enjoy the park.
Finland has 40 national parks and almost all have marked hiking and walking trails, campsites and cabins to rent so take the time to explore them yourself.

What’s on

Suomenlinna Fortress in Helsinki for history, celebrate Midsummer in late June across the country but for traditiona go to Surasaari where celebrations have been held since 1954.

Flight time from UK: Less than 3 hours

Where to go in June