Where to go in June

One of our favourite months for a week away, June is the right side of the summer holiday to beat the crowds in some of the most popular spots while also enjoying some great weather. It’s also the start of festival season, but think more arts and culture than mud and tents. We like to think of June as the sophisticated holiday month.

Best for summer escapes

Want to stay on a sun-drenched island that isn’t packed with tourists? Corsica is the answer. The Mediterranean island lies just off the western coast of Italy, but is actually a region of France that was once ruled by the Republic of Genoa, then by Pisa. Despite its French parentage, Corsica retains its Italian ties through its architecture and rustic cuisine. In a nutshell, you’ll be in France, but feel like you’re in Italy.

Corsica is home to an almost unfair number of isolated bays and tranquil coves to escape to, and a coastline scattered with beautiful beaches to while away the hours with a good book. Calvi Beach is one of the most popular, with fantastic views of the town and its historic citadel, plus plenty of beachside bars and restaurants to choose from.

If fly and flop isn’t your thing, Corsica’s mountainous landscape is perfect for hiking. There’s no better way to appreciate the island’s stunning scenery than from the top of a peak, and there are designated routes ideal for both gentle strolls and energetic hikes.

Best for arts and culture

The largest city in the Quebec province, Montreal has a lot going on. Located on an island in the Saint Lawrence River, Montreal is named after Mount Royal – the triple-peaked hill that stands in the city’s centre.
Montreal is made up of boroughs, many of which used to be independent cities. Over time, this has made for an eclectic mix of culture and scenery, from the cobblestoned streets of Vieux Montreal to the distinct Bohemian vibes of Le Plateau-Mont-Royal. There’s even Gothic Revival architecture to be found at the Notre-Dame Basilica.

June kicks off festival season in Montreal, with the city becoming the world’s stage for a number of big events. The Festival International de Jazz de Montreal is a week-long celebration of all things jazz, jam-packed with live music, artists and activities for everyone, jazz fans or not. The Just for Laughs comedy festival also has plenty going on throughout the month – get involved and find out why Montreal is considered the funniest city in the world.

When you’ve had your fill of festivals, it’s time to explore everything Montreal has to offer. In this, city, there really is something for everyone. Discover antiques alongside contemporary artworks at the renowned Montreal Museum of Fine Arts, explore themed gardens and greenhouses at the sprawling Botanical Gardens, or head to the Montreal Science Centre for interactive exhibitions – a great idea if you’ve got kids in tow.

Best for long, lazy summer days

Not an obvious choice, but a great one. Swedes love summer – and we mean really love it. After the long, dark days of winter, locals make the most of every minute of sunshine come summer. Midsummer Eve is actually a bigger celebration in Sweden than Christmas, marking the start of a five-week holiday full of quaint traditions and celebrations.

Summer in Sweden brings with it white nights, or midnight sun; days whdere the sun barely sets. More daylight means more time to spend outdoors and Swedish summer traditions revolve around al fresco celebrations. Join in the fun and partake of local delicacies like pickled herring washed down with schnapps (the schnapps definitely helps).

With the long, sunny days, there’s no better time to visit Sweden’s islands. Stockholm, the country’s capital, is made of 14 islands with more than 50 bridges connecting them, and is home to royal palaces, museums and Gamla Stan, one of the biggest and best preserved medieval city centres in Europe. There, you’ll find Sweden’s national cathedral as well as the Nobel Museum.

For a coastal break, the port city of Gothenburg is perfect for exploring the archipelagos and seal colonies. Take advantage of those long days and fish, hike and sail your way around the islands to summer like a Swede – you might never look back.

Ready to find out more or book your next trip? Give us a call – we’ll sort you out.