Best Places to Visit in June: Top Destinations to Kickstart Your Summer

Summer is the season of spontaneous road trips, warm evenings with nowhere to be, and that unmistakable feeling that anything could happen. June, in particular, is when travel feels less like an itinerary and more like an adventure. It’s when the sun coaxes you out of your routine and invites you to explore something new.

Of course, we love the classics like Lisbon’s hills, Banff’s lakes, and Kyoto’s temples. They’re all worth a visit. But, this year, we’re skipping the usual suspects in favor of places that are a little less expected and (hopefully) a little more surprising. 

These destinations might not be on every summer travel list, but maybe they should be. From misty mountain villages to hidden towns that feel like secrets, here are ten unique spots that can help you savor your summer.

Inishbofin, Ireland

Off the coast of County Galway, one of Ireland’s greatest treasures, you’ll find Inishbofin – a place that exists in its own quiet rhythm. With wildflower-dotted cliffs, long walks with views of the Connemara mountains, and clear Atlantic waters, it’s a lesser-known Irish island that really shines in June.

Ferries start running more frequently this time of year, and the island comes alive with music, local seafood, and those long golden evenings you only get in an Irish summer. 

Hike the Westquarter Loop for sweeping sea views, explore the ruins of Cromwell’s Barracks, or simply sit outside the pub with a pint and listen to traditional Irish music (trad) drifting through the air. It’s a peaceful, windswept escape that’s perfect for slowing down and soaking up the start of summer.

Isle of Eigg, Scotland

Tucked off the west coast of Scotland, the Isle of Eigg is a tiny gem that has a big personality. With rugged cliffs, white-sand beaches, and green hills speckled with sheep, it feels like a wild secret that’s only for you.

June ushers in long days and mild weather, making it the ideal time for coastal hikes and kayaking along the island’s dramatic shoreline. You can hike up An Sgurr for panoramic views or relax on the stunning Laig Bay. The sand turns black and white in swirling patterns. 

As an added benefit, Eigg is one of the first places in the world to run completely on renewable energy, so your stay will be extra eco-friendly. If Scotland’s on your mind this year, here are 15 additional things you can do beyond all those beautiful castles in the sky. 

Flåm, Norway

If you’ve ever dreamed of visiting a Scandinavian fairytale, June is the perfect time to explore Flåm. Nestled in the Aurlandsfjord, this tiny Norwegian village is surrounded by soaring mountains, cascading waterfalls, and mirror-like waters.

Take the Flåm Railway from Bergen, one of the most scenic train rides in the world, then hop on a fjord cruise through Nærøyfjord, a UNESCO-listed branch of the Sognefjord. The days are nearly endless this time of year, giving you plenty of time to hike, kayak, or just sit by the water and take it all in. In three words, we’d say Flåm is quiet, dramatic, and (wildly) beautiful.

Åland Islands, Finland

Floating in the Baltic Sea between Finland and Sweden, the Åland Islands are a dreamy, slow-paced archipelago that comes into full bloom in June. With wild roses lining the roads, endless hours of daylight, and charming red cottages scattered along the coast, Åland feels like a Nordic fairytale with a maritime twist.

June is the start of the islanders’ beloved summer season. It’s when cafés reopen, ferries run between islets, and locals celebrate the light with cycling trips, picnics, and sauna sessions by the sea. 

You can rent a bike and hop from village to village, exploring lighthouses and stone churches, or kayak through the calm waters dotted with seabirds. All in all, Åland is peaceful, picturesque, and perfect if you want long, glowing days and a strong sense of peace without the crowds.