Luxury Escapes’ Guide to the World’s Best Destinations for June 

Is a holiday on your mind? Discover some of the world’s best destinations for June, flawlessly blending luxury with adventure. 

Lovers of sunny days, unique cultural experiences and exceptional food and wine are spoilt for choice when travelling in June. Spend a day onboard a luxury catamaran spotting migrating humpback whales off Australia’s sparkling Sunshine Coast or join throngs of locals releasing brightly coloured lanterns in Vietnam’s charming Hoi An.  

If a European summer is what you’ve been dreaming about, enjoy festivities at Porto’s annual midsummer festival in Portugal, or experience a magical hot-air balloon ride over fairytale-like landscapes in Türkiye’s Cappadocia.   

There is a destination for every kind of traveller this month.  

Sunshine Coast, Australia

From sun-drenched beaches to verdant rainforests, charming markets and exceptional culinary offerings, Australia’s Sunshine Coast is full of wonder. Just an hour north of Brisbane, the Sunshine Coast encompasses a constellation of coastal communities and hinterland townships – from spectacular Caloundra in the south to vibrant northern Noosa.

While June marks the start of winter in Australia, the Sunshine Coast has a warm climate year-round. With average temperatures of 25°C, this aptly named region is the perfect escape from the cold – particularly if you live in one of the nation’s chillier southern states. Not only is the weather almost always sunny and warm, sea temperatures hover consistently around 22°C: perfect for kayaking, swimming and snorkelling.

The Sunshine Coast offers some of Australia’s best experiences, including wildlife encounters, food and wine festivals and hiking. If it’s natural wonders you’re seeking, June is the perfect time to hike through Noosa National Park, kayak on the pristine waters of the Noosa Everglades, or chase waterfalls in Kondalilla National Park. It only rains about seven days a month, which makes for lush landscapes and picture-perfect waterfalls, without dampening your holiday spirit. For a once-in-a-lifetime experience, embark on a whale-watching cruise from Mooloolaba to see majestic humpback whales breach as they head north for the winter.

Year-round, gastronomes can enjoy the many fine-dining restaurants, local wineries, microbreweries, distilleries and coffee roasters located throughout the Sunshine Coast. However, in June, the region steps it up a notch, with a selection of annual food and wine events, including the much-loved Noosa Eat & Drink Festival and the Hinterland Craft Beer Festival. Held in Eumundi, this one-day event offers an exceptional opportunity to sample the best microbrews from around the coast and meet the talented producers behind each label.

For a secluded inland retreat, book a self-contained cottage at Misty View Cottages or Spicers Tamarind Retreat and enjoy utter tranquillity in the heart of the rainforest.  

Hoi An, Vietnam

Nestled between rice paddies, golden beaches and the gentle waters of the Thu Bon River, Hoi An is a charming city in the heart of Vietnam. Located almost exactly halfway between Hanoi and Ho Chi Minh City, Hoi An is a breathtaking combination of French-inspired architecture, lantern-filled streets, World Heritage-listed teahouses and vibrant local markets. It’s no wonder people fall in love with this enchanting riverside city. 

Hoi An’s UNESCO World Heritage-listed Old Town is a particularly popular part of the city – and for good reason. With its charming yellow shopfronts and iconic Japanese Bridge, a visit to Hoi An’s Old Town is like stepping back in time.  

Despite being a quieter month, Hoi An is still radiant in June. The weather is warm and sunny, the streets are quiet (with most tourists leaving in anticipation of the summer heat) and the city is alive with cultural events and festivities.  

The feted Lantern Festival is just one example. On the first evening in June, locals and tourists gather in the streets to ignite colourful and uniquely shaped lanterns, before releasing them onto the Thu Bon River. To enhance the magic, many local businesses switch off their lights so the lanterns can take centre stage. While the festival takes place every full moon, the combination of sleepier streets and summertime ambience gives the June event a uniquely local feel.

Immerse yourself further in Hoi An’s vibrant culture by experiencing Tet Doan Ngo, the Vietnamese mid-year festival. Held on the summer solstice, this ancient festival was traditionally a worshipping event designed to ward off illness and evil spirits. The modern Tet Doan Ngo is a joyous occasion that sees family and friends gather to share banh tro (sticky rice cakes wrapped in banana leaves) and com ruou (rice wine). Don’t miss the opportunity to experience this centuries-old cultural event. 

For a peaceful beachfront stay, the Wyndham Garden Hoi An is an obvious choice. Just a stone’s throw from the soft sand of Cua Dai Beach and a 10-minute drive from Old Town, the hotel offers modern comforts with antique elegance.  

If proximity to Old Town is a priority, the opulent Anantara Hoi An Resort should be your first port of call. Just minutes from some of Hoi An’s oldest streets, Anantara offers the best of both worlds – it is an absolute oasis in the heart of the city. 

Porto, Portugal

Home to medieval lanes, cobblestone streets, Gothic cathedrals and pastel-coloured houses, Porto is a magical city on the Portuguese coast. Nestled between the Atlantic Ocean and the Douro Valley, one of the world’s oldest and most beautiful wine regions, Porto transports travellers back centuries. 

The sprawling metropolis is best explored on foot. Spend your days getting lost among the ancient streets of the Old City, marvelling at intricate architecture and stopping to sample traditional food and wine. And, of course, no visit to Porto is complete without trying the local treasure – port wine. Each of the major port producers have cellars along the banks of the Douro River, offering tastings and tours in a stunning riverside setting.  

June offers the very best of spring and summer in this charming city, without the hordes of high-season tourists. With daytime temperatures in the mid to low 20s, it’s the perfect time to wander the streets, enjoy a river cruise or watch the sunset at one of the stunning beaches.  

The second week of June plays host to Primavera Sound Porto – a four-day event held in the stunning Parque da Cidade. The little sibling to the famous Barcelona festival, Primavera Sound Porto is held one week after the main event, with world-class acts like Kendrick Lamar, Blur and the Pet Shop Boys taking to the stage in 2023. 

Book your visit to Porto towards the end of the month and experience all the excitement of Festa de São João – one of Europe’s liveliest street festivals. Traditionally a celebration of Saint John the Baptist, Festa de São João has become an all-night midsummer festival starting on the evening of June 23. Do as the locals do, and eat barbecued sardines, play with plastic hammers (the tradition is to ‘beat’ your loved ones), release paper lanterns into the sky and watch the midnight fireworks above Luiz I bridge – all with a glass of port wine in hand. It’s a culturally rich event, allowing visitors to catch a glimpse of the ‘real’ Portugal. 

The next day, head to the banks of the Douro River for the annual Rabelo Boats Regatta. Watch as traditional wine transport boats raise their flags, each representing a different wine label, and race to the finish line. It’s a breathtaking event that fills the river with colour, and it’s something you certainly won’t want to miss if visiting Porto in June. 

Enjoy a French-inspired stay at Maison Albar Hotels Le Monumental Palace in the historic heart of the city. The building is an architectural marvel, with the hotel offering a luxurious five-star stay that combines charming views, an opulent spa and Michelin-starred dining. 

If you prefer a beachside stay, escape to the award-winning seaside Manor Vila Foz Hotel & Spa. With panoramic views over the shimmering Atlantic, a prestigious day spa and a Michelin-starred restaurant, Villa Foz Hotel & Spa offers an impressive experience.  

Cappadocia, Turkiye

Escape to one of the world’s ultimate bucket list destinations with a visit to Turkiye’s Cappadocia. This moonscape region is renowned for its distinctive rock formations (known as fairy chimneys), historic cave dwellings and scenic hot-air balloon trips. Just a two-and-a-half-hour flight from Istanbul, Cappadocia encompasses the towns of Avanos, Uchisar, Urgup, Ortahisar and the famous settlement of Goreme. 

While people travel from near and far to enjoy a hot-air balloon ride over the distinctive landscape, that’s not all Cappadocia has to offer. Explore the UNESCO World Heritage-listed open-air museum in Goreme – a complex of ancient churches, intricate paintings and unique cave houses. Later, trek through one of the region’s hiking trails or watch the sun rise or set from one of the local viewpoints. 

As Turkiye heads into summer, June brings warm days and balmy evenings. The winds of spring have died down, rain is limited and the average daytime temperature sits around 25-30°C. Many of the vibrant flowers of spring remain in bloom, making it a particularly picturesque time to visit. For those seeking to adventure further afield, June is the perfect time to see flamingos at Lake Tuz, a vibrant pink lake approximately a two-hour drive from Cappadocia.   

Take advantage of the warm summer days with a hike through one of the region’s many unique valleys. Choose from a selection of tracks winding gently through the distinctive landscape, many of which take you past exotic caves and rock-carved churches. Each hike varies in difficulty and length, so there’s something for everyone – from experienced hikers to avid wanderers. 

Of course, no visit to Cappadocia is complete without a hot-air ballooning experience. Float gently above the breathtaking terrain, marvelling at the fairy chimneys from above as you watch the sun rise slowly behind the mountains. This truly is one of the most magical experiences on earth. 

Complete your bucket list experience in Cappadocia with a stay at one of the region’s best properties. Experience five-star opulence at Ariana Sustainable Luxury Lodge, a lavish resort set at the top of the Uchisar Valley, offering panoramic views and an onsite vineyard.  

For a truly Cappadocian experience, stay in a restored historic cave room at Ortahisar Cave Hotel – a boutique hotel blending traditional Turkish elegance and modern comforts. 

Featured image: Ariana Sustainable Luxury Lodge, Cappadocia, Turkiye.

Looking for more inspiration? Check out Luxury Escapes’ Top Bucket-List Destinations for 2023.