Travel
Where To Go Now: Top Destinations From June To August
From idyllic beach retreats to culture-rich city breaks – and even a no-heat, no-sweat resort! – we share eight destinations that are ripe for the picking right now
Undiscovered wilds, up-and-coming second cities, culture-soaked events and more: depending on what you’re after, any of these destinations across the globe could make for the perfect getaway in the coming months. All that’s left is to get packing and dive right in…
Zanzibar, Tanzania
Whether you’re chasing adventure, seeking serenity or open to a bit of both, June is one of the best times to visit this seductive African island. The dry season begins with clear skies, warm temperatures and low humidity – ideal conditions for diving into the island’s ancient culture and natural wonders. Sail the iconic turquoise waters aboard a traditional dhow, wander through fragrant spice plantations, or simply unwind on soft, coral-sand beaches.
One absolute must-do is a visit to Unesco-recognised Stone Town, where you can lose yourself in ancient labyrinthine alleys scented by cinnamon bark, roasting coffee and the fishermen’s fresh catch of the day. Thrill-seekers should ride the steady ‘kusi’ wind at Paje Beach, the top kite-surfing spot, while the sheltered northern coast offers calmer waters for snorkelling and swimming. Top off your trip with some dolphin-watching off the west coast or witness turtle hatchlings on Mafia Island.
Pro Tip: See – and taste – the island after dark at the Forodhani Park night market, a seaside square filled with open-air food stalls peddling everything from Zanzibar-style pizza to seafood and meat, as well as the famous hand-pressed local sugar cane juice.
Cuenca, Ecuador
Cuenca might be a top pick for retirees, but you don’t have to wait for your golden years to discover its magic. Tucked high in the Ecuadorian Andes, this charming colonial city is dreamy in June, when the days are sunny and dry, and the nights are cool and crisp – perfect for wandering along cobblestone streets, exploring artisan markets and soaking in the city’s rich culture.
For a dose of nature, June provides ideal hiking conditions; head for the stunning Cajas National Park, where trails generally enjoy clear skies and postcard-perfect scenery this time of year. Closer to town, the Mirador de Turi offers breathtaking views. If you’re looking to dive deep into the country’s culture, on the other hand, come in late June to experience Inti Raymi – an ancient Incan sun festival that fills the streets and the city’s central square with music, dance, lively traditions and great mountain-based cuisine, for which Cuenca is renowned. Add to that the local handicrafts and indigenous traditions on full display, and this month might be the city’s most colourful moment all year round.
Our Tip: Got a sweet tooth? Time your visit for the Corpus Christi celebrations in the first week of June, when Calderon Park becomes a colourful sweets market cloaked in the aroma of caramel, coconut and spices.
Nantucket, Massachusetts, USA
Beginning to prefer your beach holidays on the subdued side, trading lycra for linen and boardwalk bars for bay-front brunches? You just may be entering your coastal grandmother (or grandfather!) phase – and if that’s the case, Nantucket is the place for you. The picture practically paints itself: wind-swept sandy beaches, grey-shingled cottages, idyllic lighthouses, quiet bike paths fringed by blooming hydrangeas. This is a summer destination right out of a New England storybook.
While locals will tell you spring and autumn are ideal for a visit, with thinner crowds and somewhat friendlier prices, summer is the time to take advantage of the island’s impossibly pretty beaches and buzzing holiday energy. Plan your visit for June, and you can add a bit of culture, too. The Nantucket Book Festival (12-15 June 2025) lures the likes of breakout poet Ocean Vuong, bestselling authors Carl Hiaasen and Alice Hoffman, and two-time Pulitzer Prize-winner Bob Woodward – among many others – for book readings and literary discussions, while the Nantucket Film Festival (25-30 June 2025) will celebrate its 30th anniversary with screenings of highly anticipated movies and documentaries, as well as a juicy line-up of signature programmes. Comedy roundtable with Ben Stiller, anyone?
Our Tip: Nantucket is a swanky place, so we recommend saving up and shelling out for a suitably classy pad, at least for a night or two. Built in 1875 and boasting both Atlantic beachfront and its own private bay, The Wauwinet is a Nantucket institution commanding some of the island’s most enviable real estate. Book one of the cosy white-wood-panelled guest rooms, drape your softest ecru shawl over your shoulders, and gaze wistfully out over the bay as you channel your best Diane Keaton à la Something’s Gotta Give.
Rotterdam, Netherlands
Sun-drenched (well, by Dutch standards) and buzzing with energy, July is the ideal time to experience Rotterdam, touring the city’s innovative cube houses, cruising the tranquil canals, cycling among nearby windmills and exploring the outdoor sculpture route that turns the city streets into an alfresco gallery.
When it comes to cultural happenings, July brings the heat – literally and figuratively. While the Caribbean-inspired Zomercarnaval brightens the city with dazzling parades and vibrant costumes, the world-famous North Sea Jazz Festival brings three unforgettable days of music, from jazz to soul, hip-hop, blues and more. For art aficionados, a 30-minute drive to The Hague will take them straight to this year’s Art Galleries of The Netherlands cultural tour for a close look at the country’s rich artistic and historical treasures.
Our Tip: Craving city buzz but dreaming of ocean waves? Rif010 is the world’s first urban surf pool, splashing down in a medieval canal right in the heart of Rotterdam. Take surfing lessons, or grab a canoe or paddleboard rental, for a shoreside (and sustainably powered) adventure without ever leaving the city.
Jyväskylä, Finland
In July, the city of Jyväskylä – about a three-hour drive north from Helsinki – becomes a sunlit haven for travellers craving top-class nature, unique culture and singular Finnish charm. With over 300 sparkling lakes at your feet, it’s a superb place for kayaking, paddleboarding or drifting peacefully on the water – before retreating to one of the 24 saunas in the area. This is, after all, the official “Sauna Region of the World”.
Architecture lovers will appreciate Alvar Aalto’s striking modernist legacy scattered throughout the city, which happens to be a current contender for Unesco World Heritage status. Meanwhile, music fans will be here just in time for the Suomipop Festival, celebrating Finnish music under Nordic summer skies. For the active among us, the Lakeland by Cycle route connects Jyväskylä to stunning national parks and Lakeland cities along 1,100 kilometres of well-maintained gravel and forest roads. Whether you decide to bask on a dock, cycle through pine forests or dance with locals, Jyväskylä offers an unforgettable – and underrated – summer escape.
Our Tip: Step into a Viking saga at Harald restaurant. Inspired by ancient Nordic feasting traditions, food and drink are served on stone plates and in wooden cups at long communal tables. From hearty meats, fish and cheeses, to forest-inspired starters and traditional desserts – including the restaurant’s famous tar ice cream – dining here is a Finnish attraction all its own.
Sendai, Japan
While Tokyo, Osaka and Kyoto often steal the spotlight, Sendai quietly wins over visitors with its understated charm and off-the-beaten-path appeal. Known as the “City of Trees”, this lush spot in northern Japan offers a literal breath of fresh air, where urban life meets nature in the most scenic way. Think: cool mountain air, ancient temples tucked into forested hills and the sea just a short ride away.
Come August, the city turns up the charm with the Sendai Tanabata Festival, one of Japan’s most alluring summer events. Picture-perfect streets, draped in colourful paper streamers, play host to traditional parades and live performances, while fresh sushi stalls serve up local flavour. As if that weren’t enough, a spectacular fireworks show kicks off the festivities in shimmering style.
Pro Tip: Slurp your way into the local culture with a bowl of Hiyashi Chuka, which literally translates to “chilled Chinese” – a refreshing mix of cold noodles topped with crisp veggies, egg and ham. While you’ll find it on menus across the city, you’ll get the full-on experience at Ryutei, the legendary restaurant where this summery comfort dish was born.
Comporta, Portugal
Referred to as the “Hamptons of Portugal”, the coastal town of Comporta is a serene sanctuary just an hour’s drive south of Lisbon. Promising little more than serene beauty and natural splendour, this hidden gem is the perfect alternative to the hustle and bustle of everyday life: pristine beaches, lush rice fields and shaded oak forests create a peaceful escape that feels like the Algarve, but with a quieter, more intimate touch.
Even in high summer, the town’s 12km of uninterrupted powdery sand and clear waters remain uncrowded. Barefoot beach bars, chic cafés and local boutiques provide just enough entertainment without disturbing the calm. Lounge at Praia da Comporta, one of Portugal’s top beaches, take a boat trip through the flamingo-filled Sado Estuary, or cycle lazily past verdant rice fields under the Iberian sun.
Pro Tip: To truly unplug, check in at Spatia Comporta, a design-forward resort where nature and luxury coexist in perfect harmony. Set among fragrant pine forests and lavender fields, this Mediterranean-chic hotel channels rustic elegance with contemporary interiors and eco-conscious charm.
Perisher Valley, Australia
If your ideal summer getaway involves swapping sun for snow, head straight to Australia’s premier winter playground. From June to August, Perisher Valley becomes the largest ski resort in the Southern Hemisphere, attracting snow seekers worldwide. With a deep, reliable snowpack that means all 47 lifts are typically operating, visitors can explore the full expanse of Perisher and its three surrounding resorts, all connected by ski and snowboard trails.
Not into downhill skiing or snowboarding? Go cross-country skiing or enjoy some family-friendly snow play away from the crowds. Off the slopes, the village comes alive with a vibrant winter atmosphere – live music, park events, winter sports races and headline acts at The Station. Whether you’re barrelling down the slopes or enjoying the lively après-ski scene, this might just be the perfect anti-summer summer destination.
Our Tip: Skiers and non-skiers will find heart-stopping views of the snow-capped hills at Blue Cow Station, just a snow tube ride away from Perisher’s station. There, stop by the Blue Cow Café for a warm meal or a quick snack to refuel.
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