June Escapes

Vintage cars are part of modern Havana's cityscape © Creative Commons / ilkerender

June escapes: Cuba

Cuba may be a lone political outpost in the Caribbean but it is precisely this unique backdrop which elevates this island into a league of its own. Distinctive and vibrant, Cuba offers an unforgettable imprint that will linger long after you have left its shores. With June temperatures around 27ºC (80ºF), what are you waiting for?

Start your holiday in hedonistic Havana. Bestowed with colonial buildings bearing pastel-coloured pink, green, blue and yellow facades; vintage American cadillacs rolling down the breezy Malecon seafront and salsa music bursting from every street corner, this is one city that is sure to get under your skin.

After buzzing Havana, make your way to beautiful Trinidad, a UNESCO World Heritage site. Located between the Sierra del Escambray mountains and the Caribbean Sea, every building looks like it should belong to a museum. Wander its quiet cobbled streets to Plaza Mayor in the old town featuring cobbled streets and pretty 18th and 19th century colonial mansions. The square itself boasts a pretty  architectural mix of moorish, neo-classical and baroque buildings.

For idyllic beaches, ignore the package holiday resorts of Cayo Largo and Varadero and instead head to unspoilt, remote Maria la Gorda in the country's south western corner. Here you can chill out on talcum white beaches with only a handful of other sun-worshippers to mar your views. For an adrenalin kick, dive amid pristine coral reefs teeming with multi-coloured fish and underwater caverns.

June escapes: Tunisia

North Africa's smallest country packs a big punch. Beautiful beaches punctuate its 1,400km (875 miles) of Mediterreanean coastline where June temperatures hover around a balmy 28ºC (83ºF). Top beach resorts in Tunisia include sophisticated Port el Kantaoui, Hammamet renowned for its watersports facilities and coral reefs, and the island of Djerba where soft, golden sands are fringed by more than 10,000 palm trees.

Beyond its coastline, Tunisia has much to offer. Evidence of ancient empires lie in the fascinating sites of Phoenician and Roman Carthage, the ruins of the Punic town of Kerkouane and the medina of Tunis, a UNESCO World Heritage site. With over 700 monuments, including mosques, mausoleums and palaces, the capital is a veritable treasure trove for culture vultures.

For adventurous holidaymakers, Tunisa's Sahara Desert beckons. Explore its shifting sands and mammoth dunes on a camel or 4-wheel drive safari. Alternatively, enjoy dune skiing, desert go-karting or climb aboard the Red Lizard train for a jaw-dropping journey through the Seldja Gorge, featuring weird and wonderful rock formations and dramatic canyons. 

June escapes: Turkey

A land where exotic East collides with cosmopolitan West, Turkey is an enchanting holiday destination clad with long, golden beaches, mystical temples, and home to Europe's city of the moment, and a capital of culture for 2010, Istanbul. With June temperatures around 27ºC (80ºF), it's no wonder it's a popular Mediterrean hotspot.

While the charming Aegean coast is laden with history, it is Turkey's Mediterranean coast that is home to the country's prime coastal strips. The beaches by the seaside city of Alanya are long, sandy and spacious, and active types can take to the waves with surfing and parasailing. For something small and secluded, try ancient Olimpos, and take a wander through the nearby woodland peppered with fascinating Roman ruins, while the natural harbour at Marmaris is simply beautiful. The gleaming turquoise waters around the resort of Ölüdeniz are found near some great nightlife. This hotspot is also great if you want to dabble in a spot of paragliding.

Once the sand between your toes has begun to chaff, balance your beach break with a delectable city adventure, and experience the eclectic vibrancy of Istanbul. This is a thriving city, exuding a youthful spirit amid ancient architecture, bubbling cafes and tables laden with colourful meze.

June escapes: Malaysia

Intriguing, colourful and exotic, Malaysia offers an oasis of Buddhist temples, warm seas, granite peaks and excellent cuisine - perfect for a tropical beach break. June heralds the start of the dry season, with average temperatures of around 28°C (82°F).

If you're keen on wildlife and adventure, the country's national parks provide a pristine tropical playground. Keep an eye out for wild orang-utans and a plethora of bird life as you try river-rafting or trekking. Or simply relax on Penang's sun-kissed beaches and laze in a hammock on the stunning Perhentian Islands, a heaven of palm-fringed, powdery beaches, turquoise waters and unexploited territory - often considered to be among some of the world's most beautiful islands.

Malaysia is also one of the most culturally rich countries in Asia. Centuries of trade combined with a vibrant mix of Malay, Chinese, Indian and tribal influence have created a mix of peoples and cultures reflected in Malaysia's festivals and excellent, mixed cuisine. The country's culinary credentials are among Asia's finest, with tasty curries and satays (meat barbecued on small skewers and served with a spicy peanut dipping sauce). Don't miss the popular Sabah International Dragon Boat Festival (19-20 June) too.