June is a great month for a trip to the sea. The main summer season hasn’t started yet and it’s already warm in plenty of places around Europe. But lots of tourists know that too, so plenty of resorts are already bursting at the seams by then. We’ve got 7 places up our sleeve to head to the sea in Europe in June with the prospect of minimal crowds.
Why June in particular
June is the golden period of travel – everything is in bloom, the days are long, flights are cheap and there are hardly any tourists.
At the same time the sea is warm and tempting to swim in, but without the sweltering heat. On top of that:
- hotels and apartments have pre-season prices
- the sun shines almost 10–12 hours a day
- restaurants and beaches are already open, but not overcrowded
Montenegro – the Tivat coast
Tivat is a small but picturesque town on the shore of the Bay of Kotor. In the past the town mattered for its maritime traffic, which is still evident today, with plenty of luxury boats moored in the marina. It only became a tourist centre after 2000 – hotels and other facilities for visitors started going up. For them the area offers sun-drenched sandy beaches and great diving in clean water.
You can either drive to Montenegro or fly there cheaply from Vienna.
Croatia – the island of Vis
Croatia can’t be missing from our article on where to head to the sea in Europe in June. We won’t be looking at the traditional resorts, though. We’ll focus on the lesser-known island of Vis in the south of the country. It’s home to a town of the same name along with several other villages. Vis can boast unspoilt nature and remote coves where you’ll find calm even in the height of the season. Besides the unique swimming, the famous lemon groves are worth a look too.
In June Croatia is still half empty, but the sea is already at a temperature you can stay in for longer than a minute.
The Makarska Riviera, for instance, tempts you with a gorgeous coastline, while Hvar combines wine, lavender and great beaches.
Romania – Constanța
You can find lovely seaside destinations in Romania too. We’ll take you to the city of Constanța on the Black Sea coast. The city was founded in Roman times, as its numerous classical monuments show. There are also remains from the period of Turkish rule. Today it’s Romania’s largest port, around 200 km from the capital, Bucharest. This place was a popular destination under socialism, but it still has plenty to offer – it isn’t Romania’s largest resort for nothing.
We’ve written an extensive A to Z guide about travelling around Romania. Another destination we’ll always be happy to return to.
Bulgaria – Nesebar
On our travels we move on to Bulgaria, to the town of Nesebar. This destination is the ideal combination for lovers of historic sites and sandy beaches. The town isn’t nicknamed the “Pearl of the Black Sea” for nothing. Although Nesebar isn’t among the best known, the well-known resorts of Burgas and Sunny Beach are just a short way away. The surroundings will charm you with picturesque sandy beaches and clean water. There’s plenty more to do near Nesebar too – water parks, a lake with healing mud or nature reserves.
Italy
the Cilento coast
Even in a country that lives off tourism you can find a less well-known spot. We’re talking about the Cilento coast in the south of Italy. The sea here is among the cleanest, so it’s a genuine feast for the eyes. If you want a break from the seaside, head into the national park of the same name, which combines unspoilt nature, historic sites and authentic surrounding villages. Among other things, in the national park you can walk the Vallo di Diano valley or climb the highest peak, Panormo (1,742 m above sea level), in the Alburni range.
Sicily
When my colleagues and I were looking for somewhere to settle before the main season, get a media detox and recharge, our attention turned to the small European island of Sicily, which legally belongs to Italy. And it was a bullseye! Sicily is on plenty of people’s radar and, thanks partly to accessible transport from Czechia, it’s been a must-see in recent years.
Albania – Dhërmi
In Albania you can find lovely resorts you won’t want to leave. A perfect place for a holiday in July is Dhërmi, a village on the Albanian Riviera. This unique spot sits near steep slopes that complete a one-off view. Azure sea, pebble beaches and rocky cliffs await visitors. Watching over the seaside atmosphere is the village of the same name with its orange roofs, whose distinctive character lends the whole place a sense of calm and a magical atmosphere. They’re ready for tourists here, though – you’ll find plenty of shops and restaurants.
And you don’t have to use a tour operator. Travelling around Albania is described very nicely by the excellent Guide to Albania blog.
If you’re more of a hotel lounger, I’ve had a look through a few interesting tour operator offers:
- Fischer – first minute offers for June 2026
Greece
the Pelion coast
We’ll end our journey through where to head to the sea in Europe in June in Greece, specifically on the Pelion coast. It’s a calm peninsula surrounded by the azure waters of the Aegean Sea and the Pagasetic Gulf. This place is densely woven into Greek mythology, since significant figures moved through here – Achilles, Heracles, Jason and even the mythical centaurs. Although you won’t find many ancient monuments here, the olive groves, unique mountain villages and wild nature are worth noticing. Given the warm climate, exotic plants and fruit thrive here.
The whole coast north of Athens is very lovely. I remember that when I was on Erasmus in Greece (a fair few years ago now), we spent a few days in several picturesque places. We also took on the climb up Mount Olympus, which is still doable in June!
Crete, Rhodes or Zakynthos
I fell in love with Greece straight away during my Erasmus stay. I knew it wouldn’t be a “one-night stand”, quite the opposite. On the mainland and the islands alike you soak up a great atmosphere that’s especially relaxed before the season. The Greeks themselves, slowly clawing their way out of the financial crisis, are in great spirits and everywhere is so friendly. I’d recommend the Greek islands in the earlier months too – Rhodes, for instance, where we went in April, and it was fantastic. Cheap five-star hotels, cheap transport, no tourists and a sea that was just right, I’d say 😁
If you’re more of a hotel lounger, I’ve had a look through a few interesting tour operator offers:
- Fischer – first minute offers for June 2026
- Blue Style
