Things really start to warm up across Europe in June. Whether you’re looking to beat the heat or run towards the sun, Sixt is here to help you find the perfect holiday destination.
Edinburgh
- Reasons to Travel in June: Mild weather, charming scenery and intriguing history.
- Average Temperature in June: 17°C
If you’re searching for a holiday location that’s packed with charm, history and a relaxed, friendly atmosphere, then set your sights on Scotland’s capital, Edinburgh. A wonderful blend of old-world warmth and modern sophistication, Edinburgh sits at the feet of an ancient volcano and has been the inspiration for poets, playwrights, authors and filmmakers for generations.
Edinburgh is situated on the southern shore of the Firth of Forth in Scotland’s Central Belt. Although famous for its world-renowned Fringe and Comedy Festivals, avoiding the peak tourist season will give you space to really discover Edinburgh’s secrets. The city has many ‘must-see’ sights, including the imposing Edinburgh Castle, a 12th-century fortress that houses the crown jewels of Scotland and boasts magnificent views across the city.
The Royal Mile is replete with pubs, restaurants, boutique shops and galleries and takes visitors from the Old Town into Edinburgh Castle to Holyrood Palace, the UK monarch’s official residence in Scotland. Along the way, you can discover a treasure trove of hidden wonders such as the underground labyrinth of the Real Mary King’s Close.
The Royal Botanic Gardens are at their best in June and the Princes St Gardens are awash with flowers. Scottish food is rustic, heart-warming and even more delicious when paired with a fine Scottish whiskey. You’ll find both in ample supply in Edinburgh’s many cosy pubs. Take the time to discover the special magic of Edinburgh.
Riga
- Reasons to Travel in June: Warm weather, a romantic atmosphere and amazing architecture.
- Average Temperature in June: 21°C
Let yourself be entranced by the romantic Latvian capital Riga. Still very much an undiscovered gem, Riga is a gorgeous European city filled with grandeur. Venture into the city and you’ll find friendly locals, many of whom speak English, and an array of cafes, boutiques, museums and art galleries. Riga is surrounded by city parks which burst into life in the warmer months.
A local favourite is Bastion Hill (Bastejkalna Park) which sits near the Freedom Monument and is filled with water features, a romantic winding canal with banks that are lined with blooming flowers. Architecture lovers will find a feast of styles throughout Riga ranging from Art Nouveau and Romanesque to Gothic and Baroque.
In fact, Riga has the world’s largest collection of Art Nouveau buildings with over 800 sites throughout the city. The Old Town (Vecrīga) has been UNESCO listed since 1997 and features the stunning Riga Cathedral, the biggest medieval church in the Baltics.
Crossing the Daugava river, you can find Āgenskalns, which has a wonderful collection of wooden buildings. Escaping the city to the water is simple, visitors can catch a 20-minute train to arrive in Jurmala, a long white sand beach on the Gulf of Riga. If you’ve worked up an appetite, Riga boasts a range of restaurants featuring both delicious – and cheap – traditional Latvian food and contemporary cuisine.
Porto
- Reasons to Travel in June: Sun, seafood, sangria and port wine.
- Average Temperature in June: 23°C
Porto is Portugal’s second-biggest city and the perfect place to enjoy gorgeous June weather amidst historic buildings. Porto sits at the mouth of the River Douro in Northern Portugal and is packed with attractions. Also called Oporto, visitors can wander through magnificent streets and enjoy fantastic 18th-century architecture, unique local culture and the fantastic wine and food.
The home of port wine and famous for its sardines, Porto has long been a popular destination for travelling gourmets. The Ribeira riverside quarter is one of the oldest districts in Proto and a UNESCO World Heritage site, known for its dramatic bridges Ribeira also has many bars and restaurants to discover. If you’ve got a head for heights, the 75-metre tall Clerigos bell tower offers amazing views across the city.
Book lovers should look up the spectacular Livraria Lello, a stunning century-old bookstore replete with Art Nouveau and Gothic architectural flourishes. Late June sees the temperature rise in Porto and sun-worshippers can find many beautiful beaches just outside the city.
The Praia de Matosinhos is great for surfing and much loved by locals. The Praia do Carneiro is the closest beach to Porto and although not the best beach for sunbaking, it does feature the amazing São João da Foz, a 16th-century fortification.
Beachgoers can refresh themselves at the plethora of cafes, bars and restaurants selling the much loved local sardines, sangria and, of course, port wine. Sixt can help you discover all that Porto and the surrounding areas have to offer.
