Best holidays to book for June, from a Croatia cruise to walking in Wales

Take advantage of lower costs in the shoulder season of June before the school summer holidays add their usual premium to prices.

Temperatures should still be pleasant, and even preferable to the sweltering highs of peak season in July and August, while destinations will be buzzy but not overwhelmed by tourists.

Head to the Mediterranean for a slice of Sicilian life, where you can stay in a villa and explore a local nature reserve; or cruise along Croatia’s Adriatic coast, indulging in island-hopping from a laid-back boat. You could also escape to Provence and stay in a charming French pile, head for a boutique hotel-meets-organic farm in the Turkish hills, or stick closer to home, with a stay in the countryside on the edge of Devon’s Dartmoor National Park or a rustic four-bed cottage amid Wales’ Bannau Brycheiniog National Park (formerly Brecon Beacons).

Wherever you decide to have a holiday in June, pick up some inspiration with this selection of getaway ideas.

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Sicily

Sicily’s north-western coast doesn’t always get the attention it deserves. Stay at the pretty Villa del Sol outside the village of Scopello and you can discover some of the area’s sights, including the Zingaro nature reserve and its intimate little coves. The airy two-bedroom villa has its own pool and outdoor kitchen to go with lovely views of the coast and countryside. A week’s self-catering with Essential Italy costs from £1,390 until 24 June.

France

Steal away to Provence for a week in the Vaucluse countryside before the summertime crowds descend. Three-bedroom Mas St-Siffrein has all the traditional southern French charm you could want: thick stone walls, terracotta floors, shaded outdoor dining, a barbecue and heavenly views across the hills – plus an outdoor pool. It’s right in the village of Caromb and a short drive from Mont Ventoux, Vaison-la-Romaine and Carpentras. Booked through Vintage Travel, it sleeps six and costs from £1,520 for a week’s rental from 3 June.

Wales

Gather together seven of your friends or family for a group holiday at Old Factory House in Defynnog in mid-Wales. This four-bedroom stone cottage has a large garden leading to the River Senni, and there’s also an outdoor hot tub and a cosy wood-burning…