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Best destinations to visit in March in Europe

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Rome
The Eternal City of history and charm
9.2
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.
Highlights:
  • 🎨 Gaze at Michelangelo’s frescoes in the Sistine Chapel
  • 🪙 Toss a coin into the Trevi Fountain for good luck
  • ⚔️ Stand inside the Colosseum and imagine ancient gladiator battles
Florence
The cradle of the Renaissance
9.3
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.
Highlights:
  • 🌇 Stroll across the historic Ponte Vecchio bridge at sunset
  • ⛪ Climb the Duomo’s dome for breathtaking Florence views
  • 🗿 Admire Michelangelo’s David at the Galleria dell’Accademia
Lisbon
Sun-soaked streets and rich history
8.4
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.
Highlights:
  • 🎶 Listen to live Fado music in a cozy Alfama tavern
  • 🏰 Admire the views from Castelo de São Jorge’s hilltop
  • 🚋 Ride the iconic Tram 28 through Lisbon’s historic neighborhoods
Athens
Where ancient ruins meet urban energy
8.7
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.
Highlights:
  • 🌇 Watch the sunset over Athens from Mount Lycabettus
  • 🚶🏻 Wander through the historic streets of Plaka district
  • 🏛️ Climb the Acropolis and admire the Parthenon’s ancient grandeur
Valencia
Sunlit Shores and Rich Culture
8.2
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.
Highlights:
  • ⛪ Explore Valencia’s historic Old Town and Valencia Cathedral
  • 🏖️ Relax on the golden sands of Malvarrosa Beach
  • 🏙️ Admire futuristic architecture at the City of Arts and Sciences
Seville
Andalusia's Heartbeat of History
8.5
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.
Highlights:
  • 💃 Watch an authentic flamenco performance in a local tablao
  • 🌇 Climb La Giralda Tower for sweeping city views
  • 🏰 Marvel at the stunning Moorish architecture of the Alcázar Palace
Granada
Where Moorish Palaces Meet Flamenco Beats
8.3
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.
Highlights:
  • 🍵 Relax and sip tea in a traditional Moorish teahouse
  • 🌇 Stroll through the winding alleys of the Albaicín district
  • 🏰 Explore the majestic Alhambra Palace and its Islamic architecture
Córdoba
A timeless blend of cultures
8.2
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.
Highlights:
  • 🏰 Explore the Alcázar of the Christian Monarchs
  • 🌉 Walk the ancient Roman Bridge over Guadalquivir River
  • 🏛️ Visit the stunning Mezquita Cathedral, a UNESCO site
Zermatt
Alpine Magic and the Matterhorn
9.3
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.
Highlights:
  • ❄️ Visit Matterhorn Glacier Paradise, Europe’s highest cable car
  • 🏞️ Hike to Riffelsee Lake and see the Matterhorn’s reflection
  • 🚞 Ride the Gornergrat Railway for stunning Matterhorn views
Sicily
Sun, Sea and Ancient Secrets
8.4
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.
Highlights:
  • 🏘️ Wander the charming streets of Taormina’s old town
  • 🏛️ Explore ancient Valley of the Temples in Agrigento
  • 🌋 Climb active Mount Etna volcano for breathtaking views
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.
Highlights:
  • 🍽️ Enjoy a guided Dutch flower tour and tasting
  • 📸 Photograph the iconic Keukenhof bridge arch
  • 🌷 Stroll through blooming tulip gardens at sunrise
St. Anton am Arlberg
Cradle of alpine skiing paradise
8.1
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.
Highlights:
  • 🚠 Ride the Galzigbahn cable car for scenic alpine views
  • 🍻 Apres-ski and enjoy live music at mountain bars
  • 🎿 Ski the legendary slopes of the Arlberg ski region
Val Thorens
Europe's highest alpine ski paradise
7.8
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.
Highlights:
  • 🧗‍♂️ Ice climb frozen waterfalls with professional guides
  • 🪂 Experience the thrill of ziplining above picturesque valleys
  • 🎿 Ski on Europe’s highest ski resort with vast slopes
Algarve
Golden cliffs and azure waters
8.5
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.
Highlights:
  • 🏰 Visit Lagos Old Town and its historic fortifications
  • 🌊 Relax on Praia da Marinha, one of Europe’s best beaches
  • ⛱️ Explore the stunning sea caves and cliffs of Benagil
Ireland
Emerald Isle of timeless charm
7.9
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.
Highlights:
  • 🌊 Marvel at the basalt columns of the Giant’s Causeway
  • 🚗 Drive the scenic Wild Atlantic Way from Cork to Donegal
  • 💋 Kiss the legendary Blarney Stone at Blarney Castle
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