June has its own charm: the sun is already warm but pleasant, the beaches are starting to fill up but there is still room for plenty of sun loungers, the atmosphere smells like a holiday but without the hustle and bustle of midsummer. It's that perfect moment when summer starts to show itself, but without all the hustle and bustle it brings with it later on.

If you're all about savouring the essence of summer destinations then you already know that June, like September, is a gem of a getaway. But today, let's focus on the former... because June is that exclusive preview of the summer to come.

You don't have to cross half the world to feel that you are far away from everything. Tenerife, and the Canary Islands in general, allow us to get far enough away to make the trip feel special, but with the comfort of not having to face an odyssey of time zones and endless flights. You can't drive there, but you don't need a passport or jet lag to really disconnect: the Canary Islands are just the blink of an eye away.

June is a great time for a flying visit: there is already a summer atmosphere. Of course, there are some things that you can’t control, like climbing the Teide... the wind suits itself, and the cable car is not always in the mood. Even so, there is one experience you should not miss: astrotourism, a form of tourism that focuses on the observation of the night sky and the stars. It takes place in places with low light pollution, allowing you to enjoy the beauty of the sky and learn about astronomy. It is an experience that combines nature, science and culture, attracting travellers interested in exploring the cosmos.

At Paradores, some of our establishments are located in privileged enclaves recognised as Starlight destinationsand are certified by the Starlight Foundation for offering exceptional conditions for astronomical observation. These places not only boast dark and protected skies, but also offer activities, equipment and tourism linked to the world of the stars.

Among our Starlight Paradores , the destination we are discussing stands out: Las Cañadas del Teide. Along with it, other Paradors, such as Cruz de Tejeda, Guadalupe, Sigüenza and Vielha also offer a unique experience. All of them are perfect for those looking for a different type of getaway, under a sky full of stories to discover.

BOOKING AT THE PARADOR DE LAS CAÑADAS DEL TEIDE

Cadiz in June is like arriving before anyone else at a party: everything is ready, the atmosphere is getting lively, but you can still move freely, savour every moment and feel that the city is just for you. With the heat already on, but with cool breezy spots and pleasant nights, it's the ideal time to let yourself be carried away by its light, its history and that Cadiz energy that permeates everything. The beaches, for example, still retain that almost intimate charm, such as La Caleta beach, with its little boats at sunset, Bolonia, which offers the perfect blend of nature and Roman ruins, and Tarifa, which offers the winds of the Strait for kitesurfers, although you can also just watch and toast with a cool drink.

In the city of Cádiz, the old town vibrates with a delightful mix of the past and the present. You can lose yourself in its narrow streets, climb the Tavira Tower and look at the city as a watchman of the eighteenth century would have done, or sit in the central market yand taste a piece of the sea in the form of a tortillita de camarones (shrimp omelette). Because here, eating well is almost a cultural act. And they know that very well at the Parador de Cádiz, where accommodation and catering are two of the most important factors that make the difference with respect to the hotels in the city.

Because you can enjoy Cádiz not only with your feet in the sand or under the shade of a terrace: it’s also a great cultural scene. The International Festival Cádiz in Dance , which is held from June 7 to 14, fills with rhythm and body spaces such as the Paseo de la Bahía and the beach of Santa María del Mar. And if you dare to move a little, El Puerto de Santa María celebrates the Spring Fair with fine wine from 28 May to 2 June, where frilly costumes and booths will be open until dawn.

BOOKING AT THE PARADOR DE CÁDIZ

There are times of the year when places show their best side, and June is undoubtedly the month when the Valencian Community shines effortlessly. The heat starts to warm up the atmosphere and the beaches look brilliant in the sun. It's that exact point when you can savour every corner as if it were waiting just for you.

If there is one place that should be in your pre-summer plans, it is Jávea, a corner of the Costa Blanca where the blue of the sea merges with intense greens, hidden coves and a tranquillity that you can still feel in June. And the best thing is, you still have time to book your stay at the Parador de Jávea, located in a strategic point of the area. Its beaches, such as Arenal, invite you to walk barefoot along the promenade or sit on a terrace with a view and let time pass. If you prefer something wilder, Cala Granadella is perfect for snorkelling and exploring the seabed. And if discovering different places is more your thing, the Cova Tallada, a cave carved into the rock by the sea, awaits you at the end of a kayaking or walking route that will reward you with unforgettable views.

But Jávea is not only sea: its natural environment also makes it a mountain destination. You cannot leave Jávea without visiting Montgó Natural Park which rises like a gentle giant, full of paths that wind through the Mediterranean vegetation and offer spectacular viewpoints. And Cabo de la Nao, where the cliffs fall vertically into a sea that seems infinite.

Here every plan sounds like summer. And when it’s time to eat, Jávea continues to surprise. You can enjoy a good fideuà, arroz a banda (rice in fish stock) or a tray of seafood fresh from the sea. Moreover, the beach bars begin to come alive and the atmosphere turns magical when the sun goes down. This is the Valencia Region in June: warm yet serene, a destination that knows how to shine just before everyone looks.

BOOKING AT THE PARADOR DE JÁVEA

Ribadeo at this time of year is an invitation to discover Galicia at its most serene and luminous, when the days lengthen, the weather is fine and the natural beauty of this land unfolds.

Located on the north coast, this corner of Galicia combines history, breathtaking landscapes and a cultural life that moves to the rhythm of the sea. Here, nature is not just a backdrop: it is the protagonist. It is now, when you can still walk and stroll among its natural arches and vaults more than 30 metres high.

Nearby, the Ría de Ribadeo, also known as Ría del Eo, which extends like a tongue of calm and majestic water, as part of the Biosphere Reserve of the Eo River, Oscos and Tierras de Burón. It’s an ideal setting for nautical activities, but if there is one that marks out it, it is lateen sailing. This traditional style, unique on the whole Spanish coast, is not only a sport, but living heritage, a form of sailing that speaks of the seafaring past of the area and which you can enjoy in all its splendour. You cannot leave without trying this experience and without visiting the Parador de Ribadeo. Either as a key place to rest or to relax in its cafeteria and restaurant.

And since we are on dry land, the historic centre of Ribadeo displays its charm among narrow streets, small palaces and Indian mansions of cheerful colours, especially in the neighbourhood of San Roque, where time seems to have stopped and appears like a postcard from another era. As a good Galician region, Ribadeo is best savoured calmly, with Galician octopus, seafood fresh from the sea, empanadas and local cheeses with cold white wine and the Atlantic breeze as company.

BOOKING AT THE PARADOR DE RIBADEO

Although this city is a tourist area all year round, the month of June is the perfect time to visit it, allowing you to enjoy its essence more peacefully. With pleasant temperatures and a cultural agenda full of events, the city is an ideal place for an unforgettable getaway.

Starting the day at Malagueta Beach, just a stone’s throw from the centre, is an unbeatable way to plunge into the Mediterranean before the heat sets in. For those looking for something quieter and with a local flavour, Pedregalejo Beach Pedregalejo Beach Muelle Uno, among stores, terraces and outdoor art, with the sun waving goodbye over the masts of the boats.

But Málaga is not only about the sea: the Alcazaba, the Andalusian jewel that towers over the city, or climb up to the Castle of Gibralfaro to view from above how the sea embraces the coast. The streets of the city centre also lead you to some of its cultural treasures, such as the Picasso Museum and the vibrant Pompidou Centre, where contemporary art plays with the light of the Mediterranean. And the Candlelight concerts that fill with magic unique places with intimate and candlelit versions.

To accompany all this, Málaga sets the table as only she knows, fried fish, gazpachuelo, fresh seafood, local wines ... all served with the joy and art that here come as standard. And for this we propose the Parador de Málaga Golf, whose culinary delights everyone who tries it, while you enjoy a dream landscape and a unique environment. And why not have a game of golf?

BOOKING AT THE PARADOR DE MÁLAGA GOLF

June is an excellent time to visit Jaén because the weather is warm but still pleasant, making it perfect for exploring its impressive historical and natural heritage. This Andalusian gem, often overshadowed by its more touristy sisters, is at its best in early summer, with pleasant temperatures, lively streets and a host of activities that make each day have its own flavour.

The first thing you notice when you arrive is the air of a quiet but vibrant city, as if Jaén knows it has a lot to offer, but without the need to boast. Jaén Cathedral, for example, imposes itself in the heart of the city with an elegance that only the Spanish Renaissance knows how to transmit. You stay a while observing its façade, because there is something in its columns and reliefs that catches you, and when you enter... spectacular! We are not exaggerating.

A few steps away, under the Villardompardo Palace, the largest Arab Baths in Europe await you. This is a hidden gem that transports you straight back to the Andalusian era. The contrast between the Renaissance refinement of the palace and the sober Muslim beauty of the baths is as fascinating as it is unexpected. The best thing is that in the same building you can also browse the Naïf Art Museum, which has that homely and colourful charm that makes you smile without realising it.

And if you have the spirit of an explorer, the Castle of Santa Catalina calls you from the top of the city. It is also home to the Parador de Jaén which crowns the city and offers visitors a spectacular panoramic view of the Sierra Morena and Sierra Mágina mountains. The climb may seem a little challenging, but the view from the top is the perfect reward

But if there is a perfect time to visit Jaén, it is from June 7 to 11, when the Fiestas de la Virgen de la Capilla are celebrated. The city is transformed, there are processions, concerts, booths and a contagious atmosphere.

BOOKING AT THE PARADOR DE JAÉN

Imagine a town that looks like something out of a medieval postcard, where every nook and cranny tells a story and time simply stands still. This is Chinchón in June, a perfect blend of charm, tradition and good weather, the ideal place to forget the time and get lost aimlessly among its cobblestone streets. Walking through this corner of the Madrid Region is a delight, especially when the sun caresses the façades of their houses and the terraces are full of life.

You first fall in love with Chinchón as soon as you set foot in the Plaza Mayor, one of those squares that do not need filters to look good in photos. Surrounded by green wooden balconies and century-old arcades, the square is the soul of the town. Markets and even film shoots have been held here, but today it bustles with laughter, the clinking of glasses and the aroma of Castilian cuisine that emanates from every corner. Sitting on a terrace with a glass of anisette in your hand and a good plate of suckling pig in front of you is not just eating, it is surrendering to the spirit of the place.

If you decide to climb up to the Castillo de los Condes, it will be pure indulgence thanks to the views. This 15th century fortress, which has withstood wars, looting and the passage of time, offers a breathtaking view of the valley of the Las Vegas region. From up there, Chinchón looks even more fairytale-like, and the photos, of course, almost take themselves. When night falls, the Plaza Mayor takes on a new life, the dim light of the streetlamps, the murmur of the people, the occasional guitar that can be heard in the distance... it’s the perfect time for a dinner under the stars, with the scent of rosemary and roasts floating in the air. If you prefer a more special meal, the Parador de Chinchón, located just a five-minute walk away and housed in the former monastery of Nuestra Señora del Paraíso, offers an exceptional setting to enjoy a well-deserved rest or an unforgettable culinary experience.

But if there is something that makes Chinchón unique is its anisette, a liquor that here is not merely a drink, but an identity. With more than three centuries of history, discovering how it is made is almost a must for the curious traveller. The Anisette Route begins in the Plaza Mayor, where several taverns serve sweet, dry and extra dry versions. Some traditional distilleries offer guided tours that allow you to delve into the distillation process, learn the secrets of the flavour and, of course, taste it directly from the source. But we leave that up to you, as you can do the tour yourself at the bars in the square.

BOOKING AT THE PARADOR DE CHINCHÓN