Where To Go In June

It’s all go in June – when high summer reveals itself, it’s too easy to get excited about the sunny days, some well-earned time away from daily life, and the adventures waiting just moments from the UK’s shores.

For travellers, there’s an impossibly huge amount on offer, so while the fuel supply issue continues, we’ve picked the best short haul holidays to enjoy. Thanks to our geographical location, we can pick between glacial hikes and hazy sunset cocktails on the beach – all within a four-hour plane ride.

Here’s our favourite short hail destinations for a June holiday. Which one is right for you?

Agadir, Morocco

There’s something luxurious about the first time you sink your feet in powder-soft sand on holiday – and in Agadir, that holiday feeling continues with an array of activities, from kitesurfing to buzzy restaurants serving freshly-caught seafood, to the glorious chaos of the souks.

In June, the weather is comfortably in the twenties, so the days are perfect for activities or simply lazing on the beach. Families will appreciate the sheer size of the main stretch of sand – it means kids can take space and play to their heart’s content, and it’s well-patrolled too, so you’ll feel safe and secure. It’s perfectly positioned for sunset views too, so when the yellow sun begins to turn mustard then orange, pack up the beach gear and head to a bar to watch the rest of nature’s spectacle.

Barcelona, Spain

As one of the most popular tourist destinations in Europe, Barcelona needs no excuse for a visit – but there’s even more going in June than usual. A glorious summer month, the streets comes alive with people making the most of the outdoors.

It starts with Primavera Sound on June 3rd to 7th, when music fans take over the city and later in the night, congregate at Parc del Forum to dance to the like of Doja Cat, The Cure and The xx. Then on June 10th, all attention turns to the art world, as the 100th anniversary of Antoni Gaudi is marked with special exhibitions and commemorations at his architectural works spread across the city, like Casa Mila, Park Güell, Casa Batlló and of course the Sargada Familia.

June comes to a crescendo on the 23rd and 24th, when Catalonians celebrate Festa de Sant Joan, celebrating midsummer with fire-filled celebrations. Whether it’s a bonfire party on the beach or fireworks on the streets, you’ll want to catch the action.

Folgefonna National Park, Norway

While the Scandi country of Norway is most famous for being a winter wonderland, summertime has its own appeal. That’s seen in Folgefonna National Park, an expansive area of glacier lakes, snow-capped mountains and gushing waterfalls that lies only a 3-hour drive from the urban heartland of Bergen.

From the starting point of Fossli Hotel, trek to the majestic 182 metre waterfall of Vøringsfossen. In June, the waterfall is at its most powerful – so strong is the spray that rainbows light the air between. June is also the start of glacier hiking season. To immerse yourself in the beauty of the glacial landscapes, you’ll need to go with a guide, who’ll provide all the equipment needed for this experience of a lifetime. While Folgefonna isn’t far north enough to get the midnight sun, darkness only falls briefly in June, meaning you can enjoy long, full days of exploration.

Antwerp, Belgium

If you’re calling out for cute city break, Antwerp is ready to respond. Accessible by train from London St Pancras – just hop on until Brussels, and it’s a 40-minute train ride from there – it’s Belgium’s second largest city with all of the charm and a more relaxed vibe than the capital.

The minute you arrive you’ll realise its beauty. Centraal train station is itself an architectural delight, found deep within the city’s Renaissance, Gothic and Baroque-filled old town. Art lovers should be sure to visit Rubens House, home and studio of the Flemish painter Peter Paul Rubens. If contemporary living is more your scene, head over to the Het Zuid – otherwise known as ‘petit Paris’ for its café culture and abundance of galleries.

The start of June also heralds Antwerp Design Week, in which three Design Lovers Walks provide a pleasing theme with which to explore the city.

Galway, Ireland

The showery Atlantic weather system is what gives the Emerald Isle its healthy colour, but Ireland is best enjoyed in sunshine, when its landscapes can be appreciated in all their glory. There’s nowhere better to experience all of Ireland’s scenes in one county, than Galway. Visitors can base themselves in the mediaeval city and use it to explore the range of daytrips available, from the mighty Cliffs of Moher (Ireland’s most visited attraction outside of Dublin) to the lunar scenes of the Burren, and the wild, windswept area of Connemara.

Return to the city for a pint of Guinness coupled with trad music – you’ll find both in the inviting pubs that form the beating heart of life in Ireland.

If you’re planning to head away this June make sure to pack a Switched On Travel Insurance policy to give you the peace of mind that you’re covered should an unexpected mishap, issue or illness occur. Find out more here.