Where to go in June

Our research reveals the top-rated places for beach holidays and city breaks as recommended by thousands of visitors.

If you’re craving sunshine, consider Skiathos. Visitors gave its sandy white beaches top marks in our best and worst Greek Islands survey. In the UK, St Andrews received full marks for its beach, when we asked visitors about the top 100 UK seaside towns and cities. 

For a cultural city break, try Berlin. It clinched full marks for its museums and attractions in our Euro city survey. Crowd-free Vancouver’s restaurants and bars impressed in our world city survey.

And we found that Bulgaria is the cheapest place in Europe for a beach break.

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Skiathos

Average maximum temperature: 28℃

With top-rated beaches and rugged good looks, Skiathos is much better value than the more-visited Santorini and Mykonos.

Skiathos came joint second in our best Greek Islands survey. It scored the full five stars for its beaches (there are 62) and scenery, and four stars for value for money, food and drink, and accommodation.

Cosmopolitan Skiathos Town is where the action is. If you’re after peace and quiet, base yourself in the pine-wooded hills overlooking the beaches of Vromolimnos, Agia Paraskevi and Troulos.

St Andrews

Average maximum temperature: 16℃

If you're lucky enough to bag a coveted slot for a round on the Old Course in St Andrews, the long days at this time of year mean you could be teeing off as early as 6.30am. But there’s plenty to do if golf is not your thing.

A walk on the beach is a good way to start the day, or break into a jog if y0u fancy a ‘Chariots of Fire’ moment: the opening scenes of the 1981 film were shot here. This two-mile stretch of sand clinched five stars in our survey of the UK’s best seaside towns, as did its tourist attractions and food and drink - making it Scotland’s best seaside town.

Artisanal food, ice-cream parlours and bistros can be found on the cobbled streets that house buildings belonging to the 15th-century university - Scotland’s oldest. The V&A Dundee design museum is just over the River Tay, and there are lovely fishing villages on the Fife coast.

Berlin

Average maximum temperature: 22℃

In June, you’ll find the residents of the German capital spilling outdoors, in its parks, along the banks of the River Spree or in the courtyards of countless cafes and bars.

Berlin was fourth in our survey of Europe’s best cities. Visitors thought it was great value, and were particularly impressed by the accommodation and ease of getting around, as well as its endless attractions - ranging from creepy underground bunkers to the gleaming glass Reichstag dome with 360-degree views.

And it’s easy to take a day trip to Potsdam by train, where you can look round the former summer home of Frederick the Great, or explore the network of lakes that surround the city.

Bulgaria

Average maximum temperature: 26℃

When we compared average hotel and flight prices, food and drink costs and exchange rates to find the best-value destinations, Bulgaria was the cheapest place for a beach break in Europe. 

Many Brits head to Sunny Beach - a big, lively resort where a three to four-star hotel is just £60 a night and you can get change from £20 for a three-course meal and wine for two. 

But there are quieter resorts and ancient seaside towns that offer more than just a bargain. The Unesco-listed town of Nessebar has a maze of cobbled streets and Roman ruins. Further south, 8,000-year-old Sozopol has two fine beaches and a delightful old town - the higgledy-piggledy wooden houses huddle on a narrow peninsula that juts out into the Black Sea. 

Sveti Vlas, north of Sunny Beach, has a yacht-filled marina and golden sandy beaches popular with families.

Vancouver

Average maximum temperature: 20℃

The largest city on Canada’s west coast comes into its own this month if you’re a fan of the great outdoors. It's surrounded by ocean on one side and mountains on the other. You can sit at a pavement table, tucking into the freshest sushi outside of Japan, or stroll in Stanley Park, the green lungs of the city. 

If the weather plays ball, play ball on the beach at Kitsilano, or hike or mountain bike in the hills. Go up in a cable car, and come down with gravity – you are on holiday after all.

Vancouver was a solid all-rounder in our survey of the best long-haul cities. Foodies, in particular, will be spoilt for choice.

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