Last Updated: January 3, 2024
If you’re looking for the perfect holiday getaway, we have compiled the ultimate list of the 10 best places to visit in March in Europe. European cities are packed with picturesque locations; historical sites to see, fun activities to do, and great food. March is a fantastic time to visit Europe as the sunny days increase and bring out those warm temperatures you crave for. Spring is just around the corner and the landscape transforms into a colorful canvas across many European countries (particularly in the south). More outdoor events and festivals start to happen and weather permitting, you can enjoy plenty of fun outdoor activities as well. If you visit Europe during the off-season you can also benefit from cheaper rates in hotels and flights.
Are you ready? Let’s dive in and find out which are the 10 best places to visit in March in Europe.
10 BEST PLACES TO VISIT IN MARCH IN EUROPE
1. GRANADA, SPAIN
Granada is a wonderful city tucked in the Sierra Nevada mountains with its most famous landmark being the spectacular Alhambra. This imposing palace with astonishing Islamic decor and beautiful gardens is visible from almost everywhere in Granada. Alhambra is awe-inspiring but the things that make Granada one of the most unique destinations in Europe are truly limitless. You will fall in love with the Islamic architecture recognizable everywhere in the city but even more so in Albayzín, the historic Arab quarter.
In March the weather is warm enough during the day to allow you to explore it on foot and enjoy the charming neighborhoods. In the evening the temperatures can go as low as 5°C, great for spending a cozy evening at one of the bohemian cafes or flamenco bars.
Alhambra holds tight to the hospitality traditions; there is not a single local tapas bar that won’t serve you a small plate of delicious tapas every time you order a drink! Don’t miss out on the opportunity to visit the elegant town of Seville, which is located roughly 3 hours by car from Granada. Seville is one the most beautiful cities in Europe and you can explore most of the must-see places in one day.
We love Spain! We’ve visited countless times and we honestly can’t recommend it enough. Granada is without a doubt, one of the best European cities to visit in March.
READ ALSO: FLAMENCO CITY: HOW TO SPEND TWO DAYS IN SEVILLE
2. PALERMO, SICILY
Palermo is a fantastic city to visit in March in Europe. Sicily, in general, offers great places to explore and March is one of the best months to do that, due to the mild temperatures and fewer crowds. What’s more, visiting an Italian island during the off-season, you can benefit greatly from the cheap prices in hotels, flights, and car rentals. We chose Palermo for this list of the best places to visit in March in Europe because the city has beautiful historical sights with remarkable architecture, awesome places to eat, and a great beach only 20 minutes by car.
The temperatures in Sicily in March get warmer with each passing day, averaging between 15°C during the day and 7°C during the night. Palermo is the best place to be in Sicily if you want to combine a city getaway with a nice beach where you can catch some rays. Sicily is particularly beautiful during this time of the year with the almond trees in full bloom.
One of the most famous events that are happening in Sicily during March, is the International Folklore Music Festival. The festival takes place in the Agrigento, a quaint village in the South of Sicily. Vibrant costumes, dancing in the streets, outdoor gigs; the whole extravaganza. Do not miss it!
READ ALSO: 5 REASONS WHY YOU SHOULD VISIT TAORMINA
3. SANTORINI, GREECE
Santorini is on everyone’s bucket list but if you ask anyone who has visited during the peak season, they will all tell you one thing; they’d wish to have the chance to see it without the crowds. This is YOUR chance to see it sans the overwhelming crowds. March is a wonderful time of the year to visit Santorini. Boouganvillas start blooming, the streets are practically deserted and the prices are cheaper than ever. This will be your window of opportunity to experience Santorini on a budget (which is impossible during the high season as the prices skyrocket). You will also benefit from the exclusivity of having the most famous locations on the island to yourself to take Instagram worthy pictures unobstructed by hordes of tourists. Does it get any better than this?
The flights from Athens to Santorini in March are as cheap as 60$. It gets better because if you visit Santorini in March you’re guaranteed to also save money on accommodation. Imagine staying at a luxurious hotel with a caldera view for less than 200$. Yup, in March that’s possible! A 200 dollar room may not sound like an inexpensive option but it is for Santorini. During the peak season, the rates for a hotel room in the caldera triple or even quadruple.
Be sure to rent a car and visit the unique beaches of Santorini. Even though March is still a cold month for a swim, there are a few locations in Santorini that you simply MUST visit and admire the dramatic landscape. Some of the best places to visit in Santorini (besides Oia, Fira & Imerovigli) are the below:
- Red Beach
- Black Beach
- Pyrgos
- Akrotiri
- Ammoudi Bay
READ ALSO: 5 BEST PLACES TO WATCH THE SUNSET IN SANTORINI
4. LISBON, PORTUGAL
No better place in Europe to be in March than Lisbon. Enjoy sunny skies and mild temperatures at one of the most beautiful and oldest cities in Europe. Lisbon is located on the hills, offering stunning views over the Tagus river. It is a vibrant, lively city and quite frankly, the best place to be if you like water views. From medieval castles to colorful picture-perfect neighborhoods, to hip bars and restaurants, Lisbon has it all and then some. The temperatures in March range between 19°C and 11°C. Not too cold, so you can pack light and not too hot so you can enjoy hours outdoors exploring the city.
If you visit Lisbon in March, you’re guaranteed to enjoy the city with fewer crowds, meaning no queuing to enter its museums and historic monuments. That’s not all; March comes with the great advantage of being able to choose a hotel at some of the most prime locations in Lisbon at a bargain price. Be sure to compare prices between Expedia.com and AirBnB before you book.
The best way to explore it is on foot. If you need to reach attractions that are a little further away from the city center, you can hop on the tram or the local bus which are reliable and cheap. Uber also operates in Lisbon and it is a great and inexpensive way to get around Lisbon.
We are so sure that your days in Lisbon will be nothing short of amazing; it truly is one of the best places to visit in March in Europe.
5. THE MALTESE ISLANDS
If you don’t know already, Malta has been our home for the past six years. So, we hope you trust us when we say that Malta is one of the best places in Europe in March to visit. The island has great weather all year round but March is truly a wonderful month to visit for your chance to witness the flowers bloom. Malta’s picturesque landscape is awe-inspiring and we’re sure you’ll fall in love with its dramatic landscape and unique architecture. Remarkable cities such as its capital, Valletta and Birgu, will have you gawking at the impeccable architecture of the buildings. Rent a car and visit some of Malta’s most stunning beaches and quaint villages.
Do you need more reasons to visit Malta? We can’t think of a better one than its delectable cuisine. Maltese dishes are influenced by Italian, Arabic, and Middle Eastern cuisine so your palette will be spoiled for choice!
When we’re asked “which European country should I visit in Europe?”, we always recommend the Maltese islands!
6. LIMASSOL, CYPRUS
Cyprus is one of our favorite destinations in Europe! We love everything about this island and we truly believe that it is the best place in Europe to go in March. It is packed with things to do and beautiful places to explore, offering something for every type of traveler; adventurers, foodies, and beach bums alike. The average temperatures in Cyprus in March are pleasantly warm, ranging between 25°C during the day and no less than 13°C during the night. Warmer days mean more hours spent outdoors and exploring all the amazing things that this island has to offer, while basking in the sun.
Be sure to stay at least 3 days in Cyprus so you allow enough time to explore the most noteworthy locations on the island. Here are our top recommendations of the must-see places:
- Troodos mountain
- Cape Greco
- Its dazzling beaches (particularly Nissi beach and Fig Tree Bay)
- Limassol
- Lefkara village (Cyprus’s most picturesque village)
If all the above wasn’t enough, we’ve got one more reason why you should visit Cyprus; its culinary scene. The food is phenomenal and if the island’s beauty won’t steal your heart, then we’re sure that the food will.
Cyprus is an easy answer when we are asked which are the best places to visit in March in Europe.
7. AMSTERDAM, NETHERLANDS
We believe that everyone should visit Amsterdam at least once in their lifetime. It is the type of city that looks beautiful any time of the year but in March and with the beginning of Spring, it looks even more dazzling. The temperatures are quite crisp (especially during the first half of the month) but toward the end of March, the weather gets more pleasant. Amsterdam is the best place in Europe to go in March if you want to see the famous tulips bloom.
The Dutch know how to do entertainment and March usually packs some pretty amazing Exhibitions, Festivals, Fairs, and other events.
What’s more, Amsterdam offers plenty of free things to do. You can enjoy a nice picnic at one of its beautiful parks or you can visit one of its many open-air markets. The choices of cool things to do in this fascinating city are truly limitless, especially in March when the city comes to life with outdoor events. Don’t hesitate to add Amsterdam to your list of the best places to visit in March in Europe.
8. KOTOR, MONTENEGRO
Montenegro is an underrated European destination, featuring lush nature, stunning beaches, and an overall picture-perfect landscape. We’re here to talk about the gorgeous town of Kotor which is located in the northern part of the Montenegrin Riviera. Kotor is the most famous destination in the entire country, attracting hordes of tourists each year. Kotor is a World Heritage Site and within its fortified walls expect to find well-preserved medieval buildings, winding cobblestone alleys, and charming squares.
The town gets extremely crowded in the summer, so our advice is to visit during the off-season. March may not promise the warmest temperatures but during this time of the year, you’re guaranteed to have this sensational town to yourself. One of the best things to do in Kotor is to admire the epic scenic views from the Kotor San Giovanni Fortress Walls and feast on local delicacies. If you’re looking for the best places to visit in March in Europe then Kotor is always a safe bet.
9. DUBROVNIK, CROATIA
This one needs no introductions. Dubrovnik is the crowning jewel of Croatia and we dare say, one of the most gorgeous destinations in Europe. Visiting during the summer is great because you can enjoy both the old town and swimming in the shimmering waters of the Adriatic sea. With that said, the city receives an overwhelming amount of tourists each summer making it very difficult to fully enjoy certain parts of the town. March offers the unique opportunity to stroll around the city at your own pace, dine at any restaurant you want without having to queue, and enjoy the sunshine on the Adriatic coast in utter peace. You can give it a try and swim but we have to warn you that the temperatures in March usually don’t exceed 16°C, so the water will be bone-chilling.
If you decide to visit Dubrovnik, our best advice would be to book a walking tour so you can learn all about the fascinating history of the town. If you’re looking to make epic memories, then Dubrovnik is truly one of the best places to visit in March in Europe.
READ ALSO: HOW TO SPEND A DAY IN ZAGREB
10. NICE, FRANCE
Sometimes all we need is a little luxury in our lives and in Europe, one of the best destinations that offer that is Nice. Nothing beats the luxurious aura of Nice; the world-renowned hotels, the luxury cars parading in the french riviera, and the high-end stores. The sunny days increase in March so you can enjoy walks by the beach and sip your favorite drink al-fresco. You can benefit from the fewer crowds but most importantly Spring is your last chance to find cheap hotel rates. This is one of our go-to answers when someone asks us “which is the best place to visit in March in Europe”!
The temperatures in March in Nice vary between 15°C and 9°C, so be sure to pack extra layers, to warm you up during the crisp evening hours. Our advice to those planning on visiting Nice is always to rent a car and take short road trips to the surrounding towns. The French Riviera is packed with wonderful locations to explore and you don’t want to miss out on the opportunity to see as much as possible during your time there.
CONCLUSION
European countries are astonishing and we always find it difficult to narrow down the list to only a few countries. Europe is the ultimate place to be if you’re looking for unique destinations for your holiday. With that said, when it comes to the best places to visit in March in Europe, the above are our most favorite cities in Europe to be and no matter which one you choose, we hope you’ll make wonderful memories.
Have you visited any of the cities mentioned above? Leave a comment below and let us know what you think of our list of the best places to visit in March in Europe.
