Best destinations to visit in March in Europe
Best destinations to visit in March in Europe
March is a genuine in between month across Europe, with ski resorts and spring destinations both still very much in play.
Alpine regions hold onto their final good weeks of skiing, with snow still reliable at higher altitudes even as lower slopes start to thin out. Southern Europe warms up noticeably, with mild days that suit long walks through cities without the summer crowds. Northern Europe stays cooler and quieter, though the days grow longer by the week as spring approaches. Easter sometimes falls in March, and the holiday brings a small bump in travel to cities and pilgrimage sites across the continent. Museums and major sights also tend to feel calmer this month, well before the peak season crowds arrive in the months that follow.
The destinations on our list for Europe reflect that same in between mood, part winter, part early spring, with something for both kinds of traveler.
Lists by region
City in Italy
Florence
The cradle of the Renaissance
With fewer than 400,000 residents, this city is small enough to cross on foot. The Uffizi Gallery and the Duomo are in the compact historic centre. Queues in March are shorter than in summer and the weather is mild. The Boboli Gardens and the Piazzale Michelangelo have views over the red roofs.
Island in Italy
Sicily
Sun, Sea and Ancient Secrets
Warm, wild and full of history, this large Mediterranean island has Greek temples, Norman churches and an active volcano. March is mild and green, with wildflowers in the countryside and fewer visitors. The Valley of the Temples near Agrigento is pleasant to walk in spring. Arancini and panelle are cheap street food in Palermo.
Country
Ireland
Emerald Isle of timeless charm
St Patrick's Day on 17 March is celebrated with parades in Dublin and towns across this country. The festival in Dublin runs for several days with music and street theatre. Weather is changeable and cool, so rain gear is needed. Pubs with live traditional music are common in Galway, Doolin and Dingle.
City in Greece
Athens
Where ancient ruins meet urban energy
The Parthenon was built in the fifth century BC and still stands above this city. March days are mild near 16 degrees Celsius and crowds are smaller than in summer. Greek Independence Day on 25 March is marked by parades across the city. Wildflowers are common on the hills around the Acropolis in spring.
City in Italy
Rome
The Eternal City of history and charm
On the Tiber River in central Italy, this city has mild weather in March, with highs near 16 degrees Celsius. Crowds are smaller than in summer at the Colosseum and Vatican Museums. Holy Week sometimes falls in March, with large services at the Vatican. Cafes and trattorias have outdoor tables on warm afternoons.
City in Spain
Granada
Where Moorish Palaces Meet Flamenco Beats
March days in this city are mild at about 16 degrees Celsius. Snow can still be seen on the nearby Sierra Nevada peaks. The Alhambra palace is less crowded than in summer but tickets should be booked early. Many bars serve a free tapa with each drink.
City in Portugal
Lisbon
Sun-soaked streets and rich history
Compared with many northern capitals, this hilly city is mild and sunny in March. Daytime temperatures are usually around 17 degrees Celsius. Yellow trams climb the steep streets of Alfama and Graça. Pastel de nata custard tarts are sold in bakeries across the centre. Rain is possible so a light jacket helps.
Region in Portugal
Algarve
Golden cliffs and azure waters
Along the southern coast of Portugal, this region has golden cliffs and long sandy beaches. March is mild and sunny with daytime highs near 18 degrees Celsius. The sea is still cool, so cliff walks such as the Seven Hanging Valleys trail are more popular. Golf courses and beach towns are quieter than in summer.
City in Spain
Seville
Andalusia's Heartbeat of History
In the 1500s this city was the main port for trade with the Americas. The Cathedral, the Giralda tower and the Alcázar palace are close together in the old centre. Orange blossom is in flower across the city in March. Holy Week processions in Semana Santa sometimes begin in late March.
City in Spain
Valencia
Sunlit Shores and Rich Culture
March is mild and sunny in this Mediterranean city, with highs near 19 degrees Celsius. Las Fallas is held from 15 to 19 March with giant sculptures and daily fireworks. The sculptures are burned on the final night. The City of Arts and Sciences and the old town are easy to explore by bike.
Town in Switzerland
Zermatt
Alpine Magic and the Matterhorn
Unlike most Alpine resorts, this Swiss village is car free and has views of the Matterhorn. High glacier slopes above 3,000 metres have reliable snow in March. The Gornergrat cog railway takes visitors up to a viewpoint at 3,089 metres. March has long days and fewer queues than February.
City in Spain
Córdoba
A timeless blend of cultures
Quiet and historic, this Andalusian city is known for the Mezquita, a huge mosque turned cathedral. Orange trees flower along the streets in March. The old Jewish quarter has narrow lanes, whitewashed walls and small patios. Madinat al Zahra, a ruined palace city, is a short drive away.
Village in Austria
St. Anton am Arlberg
Cradle of alpine skiing paradise
Linked by lifts to Lech and Zürs, this Tyrolean village is part of one of Austria's largest ski areas. March has long sunny days and good snow on the high slopes. The Valluga peak reaches about 2,800 metres. The village is also known for lively après ski bars near the lifts.
Village in France
Val Thorens
Europe's highest alpine ski paradise
Après ski is a daily habit at the bars along the main street of this high French resort. At about 2,300 metres it is among the highest ski resorts in Europe. Snow is usually reliable in March. The season often lasts until early May. It links to the Three Valleys ski area.
Museum
Keukenhof
Blooming tulip paradise in springtime wonder
Southwest of Amsterdam near the town of Lisse, this park is planted with about seven million bulbs each year. The park opens in mid to late March and closes in mid May. Daffodils and early tulips bloom in March while most tulips peak in April. Warm clothing is wise.
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