(1) SRI LANKA

Temperatures in June: max. 29°C; min. 22°C

Sri Lanka is an exotic, spiritual and naturally rich destination, and June is an excellent month to visit. This is when the east coast is at its peak season, enjoying sunshine, warm seas and perfect beach conditions. Arugam Bay is among the best surfing spots in the world in June. The interior of the island (such as Kandy, Nuwara Eliya, Ella) is in its full green glory after the rains, with waterfalls, tea plantations and cloud forests that look like they came out of a fairy tale. June also often coincides with smaller Buddhist festivals and processions, especially in Kandy and Anuradhapura. In national parks such as Udawalawe and Minneriya, there are excellent chances of seeing leopards, elephants and exotic birds in June.

How to get there? The easiest way to get from Sofia to the largest city in Sri Lanka, Colombo, is with Turkish Airlines flights – Sofia-Istanbul-Colombo, as well as with Fly Dubai flights: Sofia-Dubai-Colombo.

(2) CROATIA

Temperatures in June: max. 27 C, min. 19

June is a great time to visit Croatia – perfect for beach time, walking and sightseeing, before the summer heat and big tourist crowds. The Adriatic coast offers some of the cleanest and most beautiful beaches in Europe, with the water already warm enough for swimming. June also sees a number of festivals such as the INmusic Festival in Zagreb, fishermen’s festivals along the coast and various local folklore events. In late spring, the Plitvice Lakes are more full of water than tourists. Ferries are also now operating and offer wonderful tours to Croatian islands such as Hvar, Korčula, Vis and Brač.

How to get there: Every Monday and Friday Ryanair offers direct flights to Zadar, and on Fridays and Sundays they have flights to Zagreb.

(3) KENYA

Temperatures in June: max. 24°C; min. 10°C

Kenya offers a world-class wildlife experience in June. This is when the world-famous migration of over 1.5 million wildebeest, zebras and gazelles from the Serengeti (in Tanzania) to the Masai Mara in Kenya begins. It is one of the most spectacular natural events in the world and offers plenty of opportunities for safari photography. June marks the start of the dry season, which means less rain, better roads and a better chance of spotting wildlife that gathers around water sources. In addition to safaris, you can climb Mount Kenya, visit Lake Nakuru (home to thousands of flamingos), or relax on the white sandy beaches of the Indian Ocean near Mombasa or Diani Beach.
 
How to get there? The easiest way to get to the capital Nairobi is with Turkish airlines flights Sofia-Istanbul-Nairobi (the entire journey takes about 10 hours). To Mombasa, prices are more favorable with 2 transfers (e.g. Sofia-Rome-Addis Ababa – Mombasa), with one transfer are the flights Sofia-Frankfurt-Mombasa.

(4) ICELAND

Temperature in June: max. 15°C; min. 6°C

Iceland in June is a magical experience – the month combines extraordinary nature, almost 24-hour day light and perfect travel conditions. In June, the sun hardly sets in Iceland, which means you can enjoy nature, travel and even hike at any time of the day! Most roads, including the full Ring Road, are passable, and nature is in its full glory. This is the perfect time to see waterfalls, volcanoes, glaciers, fjords and black beaches. June is also the perfect time to see the Atlantic puffin – the charming seabird with a colorful beak, a symbol of Iceland. Various musical and cultural events take place in June, such as the Secret Solstice Festival – music in Reykjavík under the midnight sun, and the National Day of Iceland (June 17) with parades and folklore. With the soft light of the “golden nights” and the lack of shadows, June is a photographer’s paradise – ideal for taking pictures of waterfalls, polar landscapes and wildlife.

How to get there? There are convenient flights to Reykjavik from London, and from Sofia, Lufthansa flights take just 7 hours: Sofia-Frankfurt-Reykjavik.

(5) MALAYSIA

Temperatures in June: max. 32 C, min. 24

Malaysia is an exotic and culturally rich country in Southeast Asia, and the month of June offers excellent opportunities for nature walks, city adventures and beach holidays. In June, the east coast (islands such as Perhentian, Tioman, Redang) offers ideal weather for beach and diving – sunny, calm and with crystal clear water. Cities such as Kuala Lumpur, Georgetown and Malacca have fewer tourists, allowing you to fully enjoy the architecture, street food and cultural attractions. June also hosts the Malaysia Mega Sale Carnival – a national campaign with big sales in shopping malls. Other interesting holidays such as Hari Raya Aidilfitri (at the end of Ramadan) also often fall in June and are filled with colorful celebrations and a lot of hospitality.

How to get there? Probably the most convenient are the flights of Qatar and Malaysia Airlines: Sofia-Hamad-Kuala Lumpur (the journey takes about 13 hours), as well as Turkish Airlines: Sofia-Istanbul-Kuala Lumpur, in which case the entire journey is 15 hours.

(6) PERU

Temperatures in June: max. 22 C, min. 15

Peru is a magical destination, combining ancient history, incredible nature and a vibrant cultural heritage. June is one of the best months to visit the country and especially Machu Picchu. June is the dry season in the Andes, making it ideal for exploring Machu Picchu and trekking the Inca Trail – clear skies, fresh air and magnificent views. At the same time, the coast is mild and the Amazon is more accessible. The dry season means fewer mosquitoes and mud, making the jungle and mountain trails more enjoyable for adventure tours. On June 24, Cusco hosts the Inti Raymi (Sun Festival) – the largest traditional festival in Peru in honor of the Inca sun god. It is a spectacular spectacle of costumes, rituals and ancient ceremonies. June is also the time for many local festivals and processions, especially in the Andes. You will see traditional costumes, music and dances that have existed for centuries. June is the season for many fresh products – you can try Andean potatoes, corn, quinoa, and the famous ceviche (especially in Lima), made with ingredients in their prime.

How to get there? Probably the most convenient are Iberia flights: Sofia-Madrid-Lima.

(7) NEPAL

Temperatures in June: max. 29 C, min. 20

Nepal is an inspiring and spiritual destination, and in June it is a veritable green paradise with terraced fields enjoying the start of the monsoon season. Then nature literally blooms – the hills around Pokhara and Kathmandu are covered with fresh greenery, flowers and waterfalls – a true paradise for nature lovers and photographers. This is the off-peak season, which means lower prices for hotels, flights and tours. The cities of Kathmandu, Bhaktapur and Patan are filled with ancient architecture, temples and Buddhist stupas. June offers the opportunity to explore them calmly and in depth, without the tourist rush. June is also a great month for yoga retreats, meditation and participating in Buddhist practices in monasteries among fewer people and more silence.

How to get there? Probably the most convenient flights are on Fly Dubai and Emirates: Sofia-Dubai-Kathmandu.

(8) JAPAN

Temperatures in June: max. 30°C; min. 15°C

Japan in June is an extremely picturesque and culturally rich destination. It is the season of hydrangeas and the whole country is covered with gorgeous hydrangeas – in blue, pink and purple shades. Places like Hesadera (Kamakura) and Meigentsuin turn into flower gardens that look like something out of a fairy tale. Although June marks the beginning of the rainy season (tsu), this actually makes it even more magical. Light, romantic rains make the gardens, temples and streets mystical, fresh and green. The Zen gardens in Kyoto, covered with droplets of water, are especially beautiful. June is off-peak season, so you can explore otherwise crowded destinations such as Kyoto, Tokyo and Nara more calmly. June also offers numerous cultural events such as Sonno Matsuri (in Tokyo, every even year) – one of the most important Shinto festivals and Aoba Matsuri (in Kyoto). It’s also worth visiting the tea plantations in Shizuoka or Uji, when the tea is freshly picked and the air smells green and fresh. If you don’t want rain, Okinawa and the southern islands offer tropical weather, beaches and diving opportunities – they are already in the midst of summer.

How to get there? Probably the most convenient are Turkish Airlines flights: Sofia-Istanbul-Tokyo, where the journey takes about 16 hours.

(9) DENMARK

Temperatures in June: max. 19°C; min. 11°C

In June, the days in Denmark are long, sunny and lively with festivities. This month, the Danes take their “hygge” (coziness) outdoors – the cafes are full, the streets are lively, there are open-air bars, markets and summer events in almost every neighborhood. June is the month of music and cultural festivals, such as the world-famous Roskilde Festival, the Copenhagen Jazz Festival, as well as the Saint Hans Aften (Sankt Hans Aften) – dedicated to the summer solstice, when all of Denmark celebrates a night of bonfires – with songs, large bonfires and family gatherings on beaches, parks and lakes. This is an old Danish custom that has become a magical tradition. June is the perfect month to explore castles and towns, which have beautiful and open gardens, fountains and activities. June is ideal for cycling tours, picnics and walks through islands, forests and beaches.

How to get there? Ryanair offers direct flights Sofia – Copenhagen every day except Thursday and Saturday.

(10) NEW ZEALAND

Temperatures in June: 18°C ​​high; 2°C low

In June, New Zealand enters its winter season, transforming the Southern Alps into a prime ski destination (with places like Queenstown, Wanaka, and Mount Hutt). The Alpine mountains are blanketed in snow, and lakes like Tekapo and Pukaki offer breathtaking views, especially with their reflected peaks and starry skies. The area around Lake Tekapo is one of the best places in the world for astronomy on a clear winter June night. At the end of June, Matariki (the Maori New Year) is celebrated, a revived Maori tradition dedicated to the Pleiades. There are festivals, fireworks, food, and cultural events all over the country. The hot springs at Rotorua and Taupo provide a warm escape from the cold. This season offers the perfect combination of adventure and natural beauty.

How to get there? Probably the most convenient are the Emirates flights: Sofia-Dubai-Auckland (with the entire journey taking over 30 hours). Only 27 hours, but with 2 transfers, are the LOT and Qatar flights: Sofia-Warsaw-Hamad-Auckland.