Where To Head To In June
Who can resist the thought of a .June holiday? It’s when our nearest destinations offer the heat and atmosphere of summer – just without the crowds and peak prices. Further afield, there’s plenty going on too. The solstice creates numerous fun and fascinating festivals, and you’ve also got Father’s Day to add into the mix.
In all, the favourable conditions in June throw open the destinations available for holiday-goers. Here are our top picks for holidays in June.
Rome, Italy
You barely need an excuse to travel to Rome, with its ancient and modern attractions, stunning June weather and top-class dining (away from the tourist stretches at least). But once you’ve ticked off the basics – the Colosseum, the Vatican, the Pantheon – try a day trip with a difference. On 2 June, the nearby lakeside town of Nemi celebrates the thing it’s best known for: delicious, tasty strawberries. They grow on the side of a volcanic crater, which creates a microclimate that produces smaller and sweeter strawberries than the ones you’ll find in the supermarket. During the Nemi Strawberry Festival the town is decked out in strawberry bunting, and you’ll see splashes of red everywhere. The day consists of festivities where you can try strawberry pizzas, tarts, granita and pastries, before evening descends and free strawberries are doled out. It’s an hour-long train and bus ride from Rome, or a 45-minute drive.
Cincinnati, Ohio
Cincinnati might not be the most obvious holiday destination in America, but with new direct British Airways flights starting in June, it’s suddenly got a lot more tempting. Deep in America’s heartland, the city encapsulates everything the US is known for. It has major league American football, basketball and soccer teams. Its craft beer scene is amongst the US’s best. And expect excellent cuisine – you can’t leave without trying their breakfast speciality of goetta: sausage patties made from a mix of pork, beef, oats and spices. Cincinnati also borders Kentucky so fans of bourbon will want to hop over for a tasting sesh. For those with a bit more cash to splash, this could be a Father’s Day treat he won’t forget.
Zadar, Croatia
June is an ace time to visit the shores of Europe – it’s just before temps become super-hot, and just ahead of the summer crowds too. At around 26C with only little rain, Zadar is an appealing destination. You can spend time along its coast, perhaps taking in the famous ‘sea organ’ steps, where the movement of the water and wind creates ethereal sounds. For those who want to ramp up the music, Hideout Festival, located on Pag Island, is a dance fan’s paradise. This year, it takes place on June 25th to 29th, and the line-up includes Andy C, Joy Orbison, Junior Simba and Special Request. Away from Hideout’s stages and boat and beach parties, festival-goers can keep active with water sports – and even bungee jumping if you dare!
Mosel Valley, Germany
Vineyards are leafy and beautiful in June, so it’s a great reason to jet over to Germany and take a river cruise along the Mosel River, where some of the world’s best Riesling wines are made. From the gentle waters, you’ve got the perfect view of steep sloping banks either side, where neat rows of vineyards make for spectacular scenery. You can stop off at various points for tastings, or to wander through the vineyards – and perhaps buy a bottle of two. Even away from wine-related activities, the quaint German villages are a delight at this time of year, and there are also some fantastical historical sites, like the fairytale-esque Cochem Castle. Anchor your adventures around the main town of Trier, easily accessed from Luxembourg Airport.
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