June in Spain: honestly, one of the best times to come
When people ask me about my favorite months of the year, I always have an answer ready: I love May and June the most. June in Spain is pure excitement. It’s the gateway to summer, to vacations, to celebrations, and to the light. May has some of that energy, but it’s a bit more transitional. June, on the other hand, feels fully alive. At nine in the evening, the sun is still shining, and people are feeling happy and excited to share and be out on the streets. The time for so many festivals and events is upon us. Our ice cream shops, parks, and outdoor cafés are full of life. Beach bars and chiringuitos are opening their doors, and many of us are about to embark on our much-needed vacations. Even though we enjoy tapas and vermú throughout the year, it’s during this time of year that we really feel the urge to share.
And of course, June is one of the months I most feel like writing about. So, I’ve put together a little selection of things that happen during June in Spain. Got your notebook and pen ready? Let’s go!
Beach season: it’s official!
The truth is, during the previous months, many people have already dared to take a dip in the sea—especially in southern Spain. And in the north, you’ll meet some very courageous people who don’t mind the cold at all. In San Sebastián, for example, it’s a common sight to see people running into the water for their daily swim, even when it’s drizzling, and you’re wrapped in a puffer jacket, watching them with a mix of admiration and disbelief.
But June is a different story. By the time June rolls around, it’s time to start planning your trip to the beach! Many vacationers arrive bright and early, claiming their spots with coolers, umbrellas, and books. If you’re interested in some of our favorite beaches in northern Spain, you can check out this post.
A month full of music
The month of June in Spain stands out for lots of reasons, but one thing that really grabs attention is the music festivals. If you’re around and into live music, we definitely recommend checking out these festivals:
Palencia Sonora
In recent years, around 20,000 people have come together to enjoy this festival. It’s grown into one of Spain’s top festivals. It’s big enough to feel exciting, but still friendly, easygoing and welcoming, and perfect for discovering new artists.
- City: Palencia, Spain
- Dates: June 5–8, 2025
Primavera Sound
It’s one of the biggest festivals in Europe, happening in Barcelona. Expect a mix of everything—from big, huge headliners to niche artists. And the best part? It’s all happening right by the beach, with an atmosphere you won’t ever forget.
- City: Barcelona, Spain
- Dates: June 5–7, 2025
Icónica Fest
Held in Seville in a stunning historic square, this fest is all about iconic artists. You’ll get big names in pop, rock, and flamenco in a truly magical setting.
- City: Sevilla, Spain
- Dates: Exact dates for 2025 have not been announced yet.
Noches del Botánico
Noches del Botánico is a summer series of open-air concerts in Madrid’s Royal Botanical Garden. It’s relaxed, beautiful, and perfect for enjoying music under the stars with a drink in hand. Not only will you find the main stage, but also intimate mini stages tucked away in the trees, where you can discover emerging artists.
- City: Madrid, Spain
- Dates: Exact dates vary by artist
Hogueras de San Juan
One of the most fun and fiery celebrations in Spain are the Hogueras de San Juan, which is a great way to welcome summer on the night of June 23rd. It’s a really popular tradition in Alicante, where huge bonfires light up the city at night. People say that the bonfires symbolize burning away bad vibes and welcoming in the summer warmth. People come together in the streets and on the beaches, partying, singing, dancing, and watching fireworks well into the early hours.
Alicante is the perfect place to celebrate this incredible tradition, and you’ll find similar parties in other amazing places like Valencia, Cataluña, and Islas Baleares. Each place brings its own unique flavor to the celebration, making it even more special.
Seasonal produce
If you ask me, June is the perfect month for fruits and vegetables in Spain. If you’re a fan of fresh produce, make sure to check out the following list during your trip, because these items are at their peak of perfection.
Fruits in season in June
- Cherries: Sweet and juicy, especially from Aragón and Navarra.
- Strawberries: Still available in June, perfect for desserts or smoothies.
- Peach: Starting to appear in markets, offering a sweet, juicy taste.
- Melon: Refreshing and perfect for hot summer days. Try the famous melón con jamón.
Off to the vegetable selection!
- Tomatoes: Ideal for salads, gazpacho, salmorejo and salsas.
- Peppers: Red and green peppers are in full swing.
- Zucchini: Perfect for grilling, stir-fries, or in Mediterranean dishes.
- Green beans: Great for stir-fries, stews, or fresh salads.
- Eggplant: Starts its season in June, perfect for grilling or stews.
A more varied selection
- Basil: Basil is in full swing in June and at its peak.
- Onion: Onions are available year-round, but June is one of the months when they’re particularly fresh, as they’re being harvested.
- Apricots: These delicious fruits are in full season during June, sweet and perfect for eating fresh or making jams.
- Nectarines: A close relative to peaches, nectarines are also at their best in June, offering a juicy, aromatic flavor.
Not quite seasonal, but June is their peak
As you’ll see below, these aren’t seasonal products per se, but they are things that are enjoyed more during the month of June. So in a way, they are seasonal… here we go!
Tinto de verano
Tinto de verano is a really refreshing drink that’s super popular in Spain, especially when the weather gets hot. It’s as easy as mixing red wine with lemon soda (or sometimes just fizzy lemonade), serving it over ice with a slice of lemon. It’s like a lighter, more refreshing version of red wine. It’s the perfect drink for summer get-togethers in Spain!
Ensalada de pasta
Ensalada de pasta is a classic Spanish pasta salad that’s perfect for warm weather or as a quick, satisfying meal. It’s so simple! Just cook some pasta, then mix it with all sorts of yummy ingredients like cherry tomatoes, cucumber, olives, tuna, and sometimes even boiled eggs. You can toss it all together with olive oil, vinegar, salt, and pepper, and maybe a touch of mustard or mayonnaise for extra creaminess. It’s a breeze to make, and you can use it for just about anything. It’s the perfect dish for picnics, barbecues, or a quick lunch on a hot day.
Ice creams
There’s no need to explain why ice cream season starts – in Spain, you’ll find countless heladerías with long lines of people eagerly waiting to enjoy a delicious ice cream.
The gateway to the brightest time in Spain
As you can see, June in Spain offers amazing opportunities to enjoy life. It’s the gateway to summer — a time when Spain truly shines. See you next time!