June means summer in Europe with temperatures finally (hopefully) warming up. It also means peak tourist season has begun. Choose your summer destination wisely!
I know you might be thinking Spain and Italy are the places to be, but if you’ve yet to make your summer travel plans, you might find many historically popular places fully booked.
But there are other destinations that are just as fun, interesting and certainly better value. Those places are almost certainly in the Balkans and quite possibly in Northern Europe.
Where to Go in Europe in June
The Baltic States
The Baltic States is one of the nicest regions to visit at this time of year. Tallinn might be busy but elsewhere in Estonia, you could be the only tourist in town.
Riga and Vilnius are cool capital cities with a huge cafe culture and cocktail hour, and the milder weather makes exploring outdoors more comfortable.
Scandinavia
Scandinavia is great for outdoor activities too. Hiking around the fjords in Norway or island hopping in the archipelago around Stockholm is perfect when temps are in the mid to low 20s.
But my real recommendation for where to go in June is the Balkans, in particular, the Western Balkans.
The weather is perfect, there are lakes and the sea for swimming, historic cities to explore before it gets too hot, and beautiful scenery.
North Macedonia
North Macedonia is still one of the cheapest countries in Europe, both cheapest to get to and cheapest once you’re on the ground.
The weather in Ohrid and Skopje in June is usually sunny with temperatures in the high 20s. Sometimes it’s much hotter and that’s when Ohrid is best.
Ohrid
Ohrid is a sleepy town in the off-season but it gets lively as things warm up. You can visit historic (and prehistoric) sites and ancient amphitheatres, party with locals, swim in the lake and hike remote trails.
Skopje
I still can’t quite get my head around Skopje, it’s weird but fun and totally unique, with a touch of history thrown in. You could say it’s weird and wonderful.
Montenegro
I do cringe a bit when people label destinations as underrated (I’ve done it myself too many times).
But when you see the number of tourists cramming into Budva in August, it’s becoming more difficult to describe Montenegro as that.
For people like me, who spend a lot of time in the Balkans, it’s a place that I always pass through on my way to somewhere else.
It’s always worth a stop for the nature and the food.
In June, you can expect the weather in Kotor and along the coast to be in the mid-20s with clear skies. It really is an ideal time to visit.
Kotor
I do wish I’d spent more time in Kotor and hiked amongst the fjord-like scenery. Kotor truly has the most spectacular views in the Balkans.
From Kotor, you can also visit the village of Perast and other smaller villages or take a day trip to Budva.
Albania
The water along Albania’s coast is starting to warm up, but if you’re set on a beach holiday, I suggest waiting until September when the sea is warmer, and most of the crowds will have returned home.
Instead, I’d take this time to visit the inland towns like Gjirokastra and Berat or try Korca for somewhere well off the beaten tourist track.
Read my full guide to Albania for more ideas.
The weather in southern Albania will be getting hot in June, with temperatures typically close to 30C.
Gjirokastra
Gjirokastra is an unusual-looking city with its grey stone and Ottoman facades. It’s surrounded by mountains and overlooked by a fortress.
If you visit this area, don’t forget to stop by the Blue Eye natural spring and the ancient ruins in Butrint near Ksamil.
Berat
Berat has changed a lot since I first visited, way back in 2001. They’ve fixed the roads, redeveloped the riverfront and renovated many more of the old Ottoman houses.
I have family here, and even on my longer stays I’ve never been short on things to do.
Berat can get hot and humid later in the summer, June is the best time to visit in the warmer months.
Bosnia & Herzegovina
You could easily spend weeks soaking up Sarajevo’s history, from the ancient to the very recent. Different cultures, traditions, and cuisines blend well here.
Then stop by Mostar to visit the bazaar and watch divers jump off the rebuilt Old Bridge. Take a tour with a local guide to learn about the war and its lasting impacts.
Sarajevo and Mostar are the most well-known spots in BiH, but there are many other pretty towns that attract few visitors.
Hire a car and get out of the cities to see the best of the country. The weather in Sarajevo and Mostar at this time of the year is ideal for exploring, with temperatures around 25C.
Croatia
Croatia is already busy in June, especially in the south and more popular islands like Korcula and Hvar.
However, less frequently visited islands like Vis and Mali Losinj are still relatively quiet at this time of year, and parts of them are quiet all summer long.
There’s some great info on Vis here and an interesting festival on Mali Losinj.
Even better, consider Sibenik and the Kornati Islands, an incredibly peaceful destination on the central coast. In Sibenik, you’ll be near the beautiful Krka National Park; not to be missed.
June weather in Croatia depends greatly on where you are but on the central coast, from Dubrovnik to Split and Sibenik, you can expect temperatures in the mid to high 20s.
This list of the best places to visit in Europe and will give you more ideas this year or next.
Slow Travel in June
June is one of the most popular times to travel in Europe, as the weather is warm and the days long. It’s the perfect time to visit Europe, but remember that much of Europe is on holiday at this time of year, too.
Depending on where you’re travelling from, you might like a weekend break or maybe you have time for a couple of weeks by the beach.
If you’re able to travel slowly, these places in the Balkans can help you stretch your budget for much longer.
These cities aren’t only great travel destinations for June, many of them would be suitable for long-term or slow travellers and digital nomads.
Of course, these are just some ideas. There are a million options and itineraries you can plan. But the best advice for June is to book well in advance.
Responsible Travel Tips
- Stay in green hotels: Choose hotels that use renewable energy sources. Look for those with certifications like Green Key or EU Ecolabel. In the Baltic States, many hotels are committed to sustainable practices.
- Minimise food waste when eating out: Order smaller portions if you’re unsure about the serving size.
- Adopt a sustainable diet: Eat locally sourced, seasonal foods. In Albania and Croatia, many markets and restaurants emphasise farm-to-table dining, often with plant-based foods.
- Use sustainable transport: Take public transport, walk or bike. Cities like Riga and Vilnius have extensive public transport systems and bike-sharing schemes, making it easy to get around without a car.
- Avoid flying: Use trains for intercity travel.
- Support the local community: Hire local guides for tours. You can do this anywhere you travel.
- Consider hiring an EV for road trips: Many cities now have a good infrastructure for electric vehicles, with numerous charging stations available. This reduces your carbon footprint while still allowing you to explore at your own pace.
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Recommendations are independently chosen based on personal travel experiences and extensive research.
