If you are planning a trip to Europe in the spring, this list of the best places to visit in Europe in March is the perfect pre-trip planning read! The destinations here range from sunny beach getaways and idyllic islands to mountain villages and iconic cities. I’m sure you can find the perfect destination for your spring trip.
I have planned many a March trip to Europe, and have also been in Europe and hopped to other warm countries during this time!
Some of my favorite destinations include:
- Cinque Terre
- Zermatt
- Lanzarote
I am going to explain exactly why these are great destinations to visit, so let’s talk Europe in March!
Best Warm Places To Visit In Europe In March
Cinque Terre
Average temperatures and weather: highs of 58F (14C) and lows of 46F (7C); it rains around 7 days in March and you get around 6 hours of sunshine a day.
Cinque Terre is five villages that spread for miles along the Italian Riviera. The steep seaside landscape that has been transformed by stone terraces, homes, olive trees, and grape vines is a sight to behold.
If you are looking for European beaches in March, Cinque Terre has several to offer; with colorful umbrellas and an idyllic coastline, this town and its beaches are an absolute dream.
For hikers, this is easily one of the best places to visit in Europe in March. If you are interested in hiking the famous Cinque Terre trail, March is one of the best times for it as the weather is ideal.
If you aren’t set on March, make sure to check out our breakdown of the Best Time To Visit Europe! We even talk weather, high and low seasons, and more!
Malta
Average temperatures and weather: highs of 63F (17C) and lows of 50F (10C); it rains around 9 days in March and you get around 7 hours of sunshine a day.
Malta is one of the hottest European countries in March to visit. If warm temperatures and sunshine is important to you, Malta should definitely be on your radar.
In Malta, visitors can enjoy festivals, diving, sunbathing, architectural sites, stunning landscapes, dramatic cliffs, and more. If you are looking for a picture-perfect destination, it doesn’t get much better than Malta.
Lanzarote
Average temperatures and weather: highs of 71F (21C) and lows of 57F (13C); it rains around 4 days in March and you get around 9 hours of sunshine a day.
Lanzarote is one of the best places to visit in Europe in March. An island that is a part of the Canary Islands, you will find lava fields, volcanoes, black and red earth, and a deep blue sea.
As one of the hottest places in Europe in March, Lanzarote, this is a must-visit for those looking to spend a lot of time on the beach and in the sun.
You can get to Lanzarote from mainland Spain via ferry or you can fly. I love the natural wonders here on the island and you can enjoy the top sites like Jameos del Agua, The Cactus Garden, and Timanfaya National Park during your visit.
The Greek Isles
Average temperatures and weather: highs of 60F (16C) and lows of 50F (10C); it rains around 9 days in March and you get around 5 hours of sunshine a day.
Some of the most popular Greek isles to visit include Santorini, Crete, Rhodes, Mykonos, and Corfu. The weather you experience of course is dependent on which island you are on. Corfu and Crete, for example, get warmer than the average.
My sister LOVES visiting Greece during the off-season and visits every year!
A great place for Europe sun in March, the Greek isles are also a great place to be for windsurfing, sea kayaking, scuba diving, kitesurfing, checking out historical villages, and enjoying panoramic views of the deep blue sea.
Cyprus
Average temperatures and weather: highs of 64F (18C) and lows of 54F (12C); it rains around 4 days in March and you get around 7 hours of sunshine a day.
Cyprus is among the best places to visit in Europe in March as it is home to incredible shipwreck diving, beautiful beaches, the Limassol Carnival (which ends in early March), and delicious sweet dessert wine.
As one of the best March beach vacations in Europe, you can expect a variety of incredible beaches. Nissi Beach is great for partygoers, Coral Beach is perfect for swimming, and Fig Tree Bay is ideal for families.
Best European Cities To Visit In March
Venice
Average temperatures and weather: highs of 55F (12C) and lows of 40F (4C); it rains around 5 days in March and you get around 11 hours of sunshine a day.
Venice is one of the most well-known cities in Europe and one of the best places to visit in March in Europe as well. Known for its winding canals, beautiful bridges, impeccable buildings, and historical locations, Venice is one Italian city that I absolutely love to visit in March.
The city is home to Venice Carnival which has different dates each year, but sometimes takes place in March. So be sure to check the dates before you plan to travel as you may be able to catch some of the festivals during your visit.
Valencia Spain
Average temperatures and weather: highs of 67F (19C) and lows of 45F (7C); it rains around 3 days in March and you get around 7 hours of sunshine a day.
Famous for its paella, charming Old Town, fascinating festivals, thriving arts and crafts scene, Roman history, and much more, Valencia is one of the best places in Europe to visit in March.
Valencias’ most famous festival, Las Fallas, is celebrated each March to celebrate Saint Joseph and to mark the end of winter. While the city is quieter than other cities in Spain like Madrid and Barcelona, that all changes during Las Fallas.
Dubrovnik, Croatia
Average temperatures and weather: highs of 60F (15C) and lows of 49F (9C); it rains around 8 days in March and you get around 6 hours of sunshine a day.
As one of the best places in Europe to visit in March, you can expect Dubrovnik to be at least a little crowded as it is one of the most highly visited cities in Europe.
On top of that, Croatia is among the best countries in Europe to visit in March due to the sunshine and beautiful towns, so keep that in mind when planning your spring Europe travel.
Some of the best things to do in Dubrovnik include taking the Dubrovnik Cable Car, walking the City Walls, and checking out Fort Lovrijenac. If you have been wanting to visit, but are concerned about the crowds, visit in March to avoid the summer business.
Paris
Average temperatures and weather: highs of 55F (12C) and lows of 42F (6C); it rains around 9 days in March and you get around 4 hours of sunshine a day.
France is one of the must-see European countries in March. In Paris, you can walk cobblestone streets, explore art museums, see the iconic Eiffel Tower, and taste some world-famous dishes while you are there.
Since Paris is such a famous city in Europe, visiting in the shoulder season will allow you time to enjoy your visit without so many crowds to deal with. You can expect lower plane fares and hotel rates when you visit in March. Four days in Paris should be enough to see the highlights!
Zermatt
Average temperatures and weather: highs of 43F (6C) and lows of 26F (-3C); it rains around 5 days in March and you get around 4 hours of sunshine a day.
For those who like participating in snow sports, Zermatt is among the best European destinations for March. Other than skiing, snowboarding, and winter hikes, you can enjoy the Matterhorn Museum and the Gornergrat Railway as well.
If awe-inspiring views, photo-worthy location, and mind-blowing natural features are something that are important to you on your travelers, I believe Zermatt is one of the best places to visit in Europe in March for you!
Best Cheap Places To Visit During March In Europe
Budapest
Average temperatures and weather: highs of 53F (12C) and lows of 38F (3C); it rains around 5 days in March and you get around 9 hours of sunshine a day.
Budapest is a super fun place to be in the month of March. They have fun festivities for St. Patrick’s Day and their National Day. March is also the month when there are Magic Bath parties in the thermal baths in Budapest.
However, the festivities are just one part of what makes Budapest one of the best places to travel in March in Europe. Famous for its basilicas, castle, thermal baths, and ruin bars, there is a lot to see and do while you are in Budapest.
Be sure to try some of the dishes as well, like the goulash which is perfect for chilly days! Budapest is easily one of the best places to visit in Europe in March, especially if walking around beautiful old cities is how you like to spend your time traveling.
Prague
Average temperatures and weather: highs of 50F (10C) and lows of 36F (2C); it rains around 6 days in March and you get around 6 hours of sunshine a day.
As one of the best European cities to visit in March, you can expect a lot from Prague. The town is famous for its cultural life as Mozart lived here along with other famous composers.
You can explore the Old Town Square and Prague Castle, see the Astronomical Clock, and watch performances in the National Theatre.
In March, Prague has a lot going on for visitors. The international and world-renowned film festival, FebioFest is in March, there are also Easter markets starting to pop up, as well as some gardens opening up for the spring season.
Lisbon
Average temperatures and weather: highs of 65F (18C) and lows of 51F (10C); it rains around 6 days in March and you get around 6 hours of sunshine a day.
Known for its food, nightlife, music, colorful architecture, and more, Lisbon is one of the best places to visit in Europe in March. On top of the beautiful streets, history, and attractions in the city, there are activities in March that interest visitors.
There are festivals and fun activities you can participate in or watch like the Lisbon Half Marathon, film festivals, and Lisbon Fashion Week. Mix the events of March with the pleasant weather and everyday sites and attractions in the city, and you are sure to fall in love with Lisbon.
Blagaj, Bosnia and Herzegovina
Average temperatures and weather: highs at 60F (15C) and lows at 42F (5C); it rains around 10 days in March and you get around 7 hours of sunshine a day.
Looking for cheap European countries in March that you can visit this year? Blagaj is in Bosnia and Herzegovina which is one of the best countries to visit if you are on a budget.
Blagaj is known for its stunning location on the Buna River and the historical buildings along the water. The top attraction here is the Dervish House (Blagaj Takija); it’s an Ottoman-style building that has been used by Sufis for rest and prayer.
Madeira, Portugal
Average temperatures and weather: highs of 54F (12C) and lows of 43F (6C); it rains around 10 days in March and you get around 6 hours of sunshine a day.
Visiting Europe in March is incredible and visiting Madeira makes it even better! Madeira is one of the best places to visit in Europe in March as it has stunning landscapes, legendary wine, and interesting lore.
While you are in Madeira, I highly suggest you try the award-winning port and dessert wines that were enjoyed by America’s founding fathers, check out the natural swimming pool, and explore the gardens.
Tips For Visiting Europe In March
Pack Layers
Packing layers is really important at this time of year as it can be pleasantly warm in the sunshine during the day, and then get quite chilly at night. A lined rain jacket isn’t a bad idea either!
Train Travel
Next, if you plan on visiting many cities while you are there, you should weigh the pros and cons of a Rail Pass. If you are going to go to multiple countries, a Rail Pass may save you money!
Visas for Americans
As you prepare to visit some of the best places to visit in Europe in March, you should update your knowledge of European visas if you are an American as things are changing soon. If you are based in Europe and traveling elsewhere, you should be okay! But always make sure to check!
Research Festivals
Although I’ve talked a little bit about March festivals, you should definitely research the countries and cities that you are going to be visiting. As March leads us into the spring season, there are a lot of festivals and events happening during this time of the year.
Advance Booking
Lastly, when you visit in March, you will get the benefit of lower hotel rates and airfare. To save even more in these areas, try to book a couple of months in advance!
Now that you have learned a bit about where to go in Europe in March, which destination has grabbed your interest the most? We would love to hear from you!
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