Beyond The Usual: Best Places to Visit in Europe In March
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March is the beginning of spring in most of Europe (except for the cold ass frosty north), and despite it being off-season, there are quite a few unique places to visit that have something special going on (or are warm and sunny). Some of the best places to visit in Europe in March, and my favorite spots to start the travel year off right are:
✅ Lofoten, Norway, and Iceland for the Northern Lights, which scientists say will be their brightest in March!
✅ Costa Del Sol and Andalucia in Spain for a beachy road trip with a sprinkle of Easter traditions. Nobody in Europe does Semana Santa (Holy Week) like Sevilla – elaborate Jesus floats and unique Catholic traditions, local foods & wine everywhere – the city is a full-on Easter parade.
Don’t Forget: Easter falls in March across Europe, so a lot of cities will be hosting parades that will knock the cultural socks off most Americans!
✅ Mallorca, Spain for the heat of the island life and some pretty epic hiking. All you have to do is fight off a few hundred European road bikers (or join them), but hey, that’s part of the island culture in March!
✅ More local Greek Islands like Thessaloniki, Naxos & Paros are warm and empty of tourists in March, making it great for working on your tan in preparation for peak summer months.
The best part about March in Europe is that it’s one of the cheapest months to travel because it’s right on the tail end of winter. What most people don’t anticipate is the warm weather in the south, the burst of blooming flowers, and the festival life that springs into existence as people come out of winter laziness.
My fellow travelers and I have put together a bomb-ass list of the best places to vacation for at least a week in March in Europe, and they range from the warmest weather to the most unique experience (like the northern lights). Towards the end, I’ve included my advice on a few logistical frequently asked questions.
Best Places to Visit in Europe In March For A Unique Experience
To the inexperienced eye, March doesn’t seem to have much going on beyond residual coldness from winter, but there are a few unique and off-the-beaten-path places that I’d like to recommend in Europe that will blow your traveler’s mind.
Lofoten, Norway [Northern Lights]
☀️ Norway Weather In March: 29° – 36°F
Recommended by Ela & Beata from Stunning Outdoors
Lofoten Islands, located in Northern Norway, far above the Arctic Circle, and scattered across the turbulent waters of the Norwegian Sea, are some of the most stunning islands in Europe. Many visit the archipelago in the summertime, but surprisingly, March would be a fantastic time for your first visit and road trip. In March, the islands are still covered by snow, making them very magical – white, rugged mountains rising from the sea.
The days are long enough to allow for some hiking and exploration of charming fishing villages with red cabins (or ‘rorbu‘) built on water. Villages like Reine or Nusfjord (Unesco heritage site) will steal your heart forever. And last but not least you may be lucky to see the Northern Lights if the conditions are right and there is enough solar activity.
Once remote and hard to access, the islands now have two airports and two main ports, so getting to the Lofoten archipelago is much easier than in the past. However, it still requires some planning. The most popular ways of getting to Lofoten are taking a ferry from Bodo, driving from Tromso, or a flight from Oslo.
Iceland [Northern Lights]
☀️ Iceland Weather In March: 30° – 39°F
Recommended by Lindsey from Queer Adventurers
Spring is an underrated season to visit Iceland. March and April are shoulder season months for the popular European travel destination, and that means fewer crowds and cheaper prices for hotels and car rentals. While the Ring Road can get very crowded in summer, as can downtown Reykjavik, spring is peaceful. And if you are really lucky, you may even see the northern lights in Iceland!
No Iceland road trip is complete without a visit to Reykjavik, which has a vibrant street art scene and the impressive Reykjavik Art Museum. Last but not least, save time for a dip in one of Iceland’s famous geothermal lagoons. The Blue Lagoon is near Iceland’s international airport.
PRO TIP: You can do what I did and stop there on your way to catch a flight. Or head to the new and popular Sky Lagoon, also near Reykjavik, which has more of a secluded natural feel with ocean views.
Paris, France [Cherry Blossoms]
☀️ France Weather In March: 42° – 55°F
Recommended by Martha at May Cause Wanderlust
One of the prettiest places to visit in Europe in Spring is Paris. To be fair, Paris is a popular city year-round, but it comes into its own in March, and that’s because of the gorgeous pink cherry blossom trees.
The best places to see cherry blossoms in Paris include the gorgeous city parks and squares. Some of my particular favorites are where the blossom trees create arches, tunnels, and canopies, so you feel immersed in the pink prettiness. These include Mail De Bièvre and Allée Vivaldi.
Other great things to do in Paris in Spring include row-boating in Bois de Vincennes, eating in one of the terrace cafes, browsing one of the many street markets, and walking the Promenade Plantée garden walkway.
Paris is well-connected by air, with three international airports. You can also get there by high-speed train from neighboring countries including Spain, Switzerland, Belgium, Luxembourg and the UK.
Dublin, Ireland [St. Patrick Day Parade]
☀️ Ireland Weather In March: 37° – 51°F
Recommended by Tamar of World by Weekend
If you’re looking for a great European destination in March, then Dublin for Saint Patrick’s Day is your spot. The Irish capital is fun year-round, but as the days start getting longer and temperatures start warming up, the city is filled with a special buzz (and it’s not just the Irish whiskey!). The main reason to visit Dublin in March is to experience the St Patrick’s Day festivities.
The parade hosts fire brigades from around the world, performers of all ages, politicians, and celebrities. It’s worth braving the Irish crowds to join the fun, but you should arrive early to get a good viewing spot.
I’ve lived in Dublin for three years, and during that time I’ve visited most of the city’s top attractions. March is the perfect time to visit St Stephen’s Green and Merrion Square Park, two famous Dublin landmarks, to see the early spring blooms.
Best Places to Visit in Europe In March For Warm Weather
Here is where I recommend you go if you’re looking for the best places to visit in Europe for warm weather and a good beach vibe. I’ve included the average temperature in March, a few little restaurants or things to do, and where to stay if you decide to go!
Mallorca, Spain
☀️ Mallorca Weather In March: 47° – 62°F
Recommended by Mariana at Road Trip EuroGuide
With comfortable temperatures and less crowded paths, March is an excellent time for cycling and hiking on the island of Mallorca. Be warned that the island is taken over by hundreds of road bikers looking to do an epic MA-10 scenic drive circuit that goes around the entire island.
Beyond biking and hiking, Mallorca hosts a bunch of festivals in March as well. These include local fiestas, Easter celebrations, and food festivals, full of Mallorcan traditions and delicious fish and pork dishes.
Weather-wise, while not as warm as the summer months, March in Mallorca is sunny and breezy. With a quieter atmosphere, March is a great time to explore Mallorca’s cute little mountain towns and villages, such as Valldemossa, Deià, and Sóller, without the rush of tourists.
Not only that, spring brings the island’s landscapes to life with blooming flowers and greenery, making it a beautiful time for nature walks, and sunning yourself in preparation for the summer season. The island is famous for its almond trees, which blossom into a sea of white and pink flowers, and is absolute heaven for photographers and nature lovers.
The best way to get to Mallorca is to fly into the island’s airport in Palma. You can also take a boat from some of the closest posts, including Barcelona and Marseilles.
Athens, Greece
☀️ Athens Weather In March: 47° – 61° F
Recommended by Soline at On The Road Diary
Athens is not only the capital of Greece, but also the capital of ancient archeology, home to rulers and ruins you learned about in Greek mythology, and one of the bedrocks of modern Western history. Monuments built in the 5th century BC still dominate the city, such as the Acropolis and the columned temple of the Parthenon. Not only that, Athens has an artsy, eclectic street atmosphere we love, and delicious Greek restaurants, such as Lithos Tavern.
Because of its worldwide reputation, millions of people visit Athens each year. Most of them book their trip in spring or summer. To avoid the crowds, we recommend visiting Athens in March, which is right before spring. The city is pretty much almost sunny and temperatures range from 10°C to 16°C in March. Perfect weather to explore a city, right?
You can get to Athens many ways, but flying in is best. Once in Athens, you can take cabs, Ubers, busses, and trains. We don’t recommend renting a car unless you plan to do a road trip to mainland Greece. Bottom line, Athens is an amazing place in March, whether you’re spending 1, 2, or 5 days in Greece!
Thessaloniki, Greece
☀️ Greece Weather In March: 40° – 58°F
Recommended by Raksha at Solo Passport
Blending the past and the present, Thessaloniki is Greece’s second-largest city. Famous for its historical sites, the city and island are lively. To explore Thessaloniki, you need at least two to three days, but if you are short of time and have just one day in Thessaloniki, you can get a good glimpse of the highlights.
The city is home to many UNESCO sites and is a magnet for history buffs. The White Tower, located next to the Aegean Sea, is the iconic landmark and symbol of Thessaloniki. You can also visit The Rotunda, initially built as a mausoleum. Another exciting site is the Archaeological Museum of Thessaloniki, home to many centuries-old artifacts.
What’s more, Thessaloniki is perfect in March when it celebrates the Thessaloniki Documentary Festival. This is to add a cultural perspective to the city and to engage with thought-provoking documentaries and the creative minds behind them.
Getting to Thessaloniki is pretty easy, as you can fly to Thessaloniki International Airport.
Costa Del Sol, Spain
☀️ Spain Weather In March: 47° – 65°F
Recommended by Cristina of My Little World of Travelling
There are many reasons why you should visit Costa del Sol in March. The weather is lovely, there aren’t many crowds, accommodation and flights are usually cheaper than other months, and you have plenty of outdoor activities to do. As a local, I always recommend visiting Costa del Sol in spring because it offers a different experience than summer when it is too hot and way too crowded.
Costa del Sol is mainly well-known for its beaches and sunshine, but there is more than that. The best way to explore it is by car. You can rent a car in Malaga Airport and drive through the coast.
You can explore the beautiful old town of Estepona, visit the unique Colomares Castle in Benalmadena, enjoy traditional fish dishes in Torremolinos, spend half a day in the enchanting village of Mijas Pueblo and take a sunset cruise in Marbella.
If you visit it at the end of March, you can also see the Easter processions, a cultural experience that attracts many travelers to Malaga.
Tenerife, Spain
☀️ Tenerife Weather In March: 59° – 70°F
Recommended by Karen at Outdoor Adventure Sampler
The island of Tenerife in Spain’s Canary Islands is a wonderful vacation spot in April. The weather is warm enough for beach stuff and temperate for hiking, biking, and generally being outside without melting.
The beaches of Tenerife are world-renowned for their golden sands and turquoise water. Family-friendly Playa de las Vistas in Los Cristianos has calm water for swimming with the kids. For those looking for sun loungers, umbrellas, and nearby restaurants, Playa del Duque in Costa Adeje has you covered.
PRO TIP: I recommend staying in San Juan de la Rambla for a more local experience.
The hiking in Tenerife is exceptional. A stunning hike is Roque de Taborno in the Anaga Mountains. The trail circles a massive volcanic pillar with views of the wild coast and emerald mountain valleys. Mount Teide, the highest point in Spain, also has many amazing hiking trails over volcanic landscapes.
Whale watching, kayaking, paddleboarding, snorkeling, and sailing are other activities popular in April. A visit to the picturesque village of Masca up high in the mountains should not be missed.
Dubrovnik, Croatia
☀️ Croatia Weather In March: 49° – 60°F
Recommended by Anjali from Travel Melodies
If you’re planning a European getaway in March, Dubrovnik in Croatia should be at the top of your list. Sitting on the Adriatic Sea, visiting here feels like walking onto a Game of Thrones set (which is real, because this is the setting of Kings Landing!)
Getting to Dubrovnik is easy because the city has its airport. It’s well-connected, especially from major European cities. From the airport, hop on a bus or grab a taxi, and you’ll be in the city center in no time.
March is a great time to visit Dubrovnik. You avoid the summer crowds and still enjoy nice, sunny weather. It’s not too hot, so a light jacket is enough, making it comfortable to wander around and see the sights.
While you’re there, you’ve got to walk the city walls. The views are unreal! Plus, wander the Old Town. For a bit of quiet, I loved the serene vibe at the Franciscan Monastery’s old pharmacy, one of the oldest in the world!
Now, Dubrovnik in March might not have the hustle of summer festivals, but the quieter streets mean more authentic experiences. You get to mingle with locals and soak in the city’s vibe.
For a great dining experience, visit Restaurant 360. Located on the city walls, it offers fantastic harbor views. The seafood there is delicious!
Best Places to Visit in Europe In March For A City Break
March in any city in Europe guarantees you a locals-only experience, lower lodging prices, and a chilly, but festive vibe. It’s so much better than pushing your way through crowds and 100°F weather in the summertime.
Lisbon, Portugal
☀️ Portugal Weather In March: 51° – 65°F
Recommended by Madison at Madison’s Footsteps
Lisbon, the blue-tiled capital of Portugal, is one of my favorite places to visit in Europe in March. The weather starts to warm up, with average daytime temperatures reaching around 65°F.
I loved being able to wander the colorful streets without being overwhelmed by the heat or the summer crowds. Lisbon also hosts the Carnival of the Villains before Easter in March, so you’ll find huge parties and events taking place across the city.
LOCAL FOODIE TIP: Be sure to try Bacalhau à Brás from Lisboa Tu e Eu 2. And don’t leave Lisbon without trying a world-famous pastel de nata (custard tart) from Manteigaria!
Year-round, there are plenty of exciting things to do in Lisbon! During the two months I lived in Alfama, I enjoyed listening to Fado music at local bars, strolling down the picturesque Pink Street, and watching beautiful sunsets from the Castelo de São Jorge. I also loved getting to know Lisbon’s foodie scene.
Located on the western coast of Portugal, Lisbon is a perfect blend of history, culture, and gorgeous views. Getting there is easy, with direct flights available to LIS Airport from major cities around the world.
Barcelona, Spain
☀️ Spain Weather In March: 50° – 63°F (but feels warmer)
Recommended by Guillem from Feast of Travel
Barcelona is one of the most iconic cities to visit in Europe. Unique architecture, amazing food, great nightlife, a beach in the city, close to mountains, and year-round nice weather – yeah, pretty perfect! However, most people decide to visit during the summer, which, in my opinion, is the absolute worst time to visit. It is not only crowded but it also gets scorching and humid, even at night. Most locals try to disappear from the city during July and August.
Instead, I think March is a perfect month to visit the city. One of the reasons is weather. I mean, let’s face it, it never gets really cold, but in March you can get away with just a T-shirt most days! There are also not as many tourists during March. It is lovely to follow this route through the Barri Gòtic and have the small alleys and squares almost to yourself!
While the water may still be too cold for some, if it’s sunny you can spend the day at the beach and have some nice tapas or paella in the Barceloneta quarter, have a walk in Parc Güell admiring Gaudí’s genius, or take a day trip to Montserrat to visit the mountain monastery. And if the weather does not cooperate, there is always great indoor stuff waiting for you, like visiting Sagrada Familia or La Pedrera, two of Gaudí’s most unique buildings, or one of the many amazing museums the city is famous for, more notably the Picasso Museum, the Miró Foundation or the National Museum of Art of Catalonia.
Finally, if you want to experience a true local activity in March, you can join a calçotada! Calçots are a local variety of spring onions that are planted twice and covered in soil to make them sweet and tender. They are only available between February and April and they are prepared communally in a kind of barbecue meal. They are burned in the charcoal fire and then they are grabbed by the leaves, pealed of the outer layer, dipped in an almond and red pepper sauce, and eaten with the hands!
They are usually followed by grilled lamb and butifarra (a local sausage). These events are extremely popular with locals, with people arranging different calçotadas with family and friends, basically every weekend during the period.
Prague, Czech Republic
☀️ Prague Weather In March: 36° – 50°F
Recommended by Mal at RentingACarInEurope101
If you have the chance, visit Prague between the 16th of March and the 7th of April, when the central market square in Prague hosts the Easter market. Here, you’ll be able to join the festive atmosphere and shop for local crafts such as hand-made wooden toys, embroidered tablecloths, and locally crafted jewelry. If you’re visiting with kids, they will enjoy various activities such as decorating eggs and watching folk performances by the Czech kids on the main stage.
You can also gorge on delicious Czech food such as Chimney Cake, which comes with different sweet fillings, and savory flatbread called langos and knedliky, which are smoked dumplings with meat.
Other things to do in Prague are strolling the Charles Bridge, visiting Prague Castle, and climbing the Town Hall tower for the panoramic views of the market square. If you have more time, we recommend renting a car in Prague and visiting Karlovy Vary, famous for its many hot springs.
If it’s your first time in the city, I recommend staying in Prague 1 (the Old Town) or Prague 2. These neighborhoods are filled with baroque architecture, quaint streets, and charming little boutiques. They are both centrally located, making it easy to explore the city in March.
Munich, Germany
☀️ Germany Weather In March: 33° – 49°F
Recommended by Soumya of Stories by Soumya
Munich in Germany is one of my favorite places to visit in Europe in March. Temperatures hover in the late 40s, days get longer, and the winter chill slowly starts drifting away. The city is quieter with barely any tourists in sight making March the perfect time to explore Munich’s popular attractions.
The best place to begin your Munich trip is at the happening historic center, Marienplatz, which is full of activities. Be sure to check out Peterskirche, Munich’s oldest church that has defined the city’s skyline for centuries, the old and new town halls, and the adorable Rathaus-Glockenspiel or mechanical clock which showcases a Bavarian wedding and a joust a couple of times a day.
March in Munich is also a time for festivities. The city plays host to several events including the legendary Starkbierfest or the Strong Beer Festival on the Nockherberg. Theater lovers will enjoy Kuckuck – A Theater Festival for Beginners while nature enthusiasts will love wandering through the aisles of Munich’s Garden Fair, one of the largest in Europe.
The best way to get to Munich is by flying into Munich Airport and then taking the train, bus, or taxi to get to the city center. Remember to pack a jacket because it is still going to be cold.
Best Places to Visit in Europe In March On A Budget
While March is one of the cheapest times to visit Europe, here are a few fantastic places to hit up if you’re on a budget.
Bologna, Italy
☀️ Italy Weather In March: 43° – 57°F
Recommended by Jenoa at The Travel Folk
Bologna is one of my favorite cities in Italy, and March is a wonderful time to visit. Located in northern Italy, Bologna is known as the “food capital of Italy.” The city and region are home to some of the most popular Italian foods, such as Parmesan cheese, Mortadella, Prosciutto, Balsamic Vinegar, tagliatelle with ragu, lasagna, and the list goes on.
When you visit Bologna, eating the local foods is a high priority. One of my favorite restaurants is Trattoria Da Me where you can taste a variety of local dishes, and the best gelato shop in the city is called Cremeria Santo Stefano.
Additionally, there are many wonderful things to do in Bologna, such as visiting the oldest university in Europe, climbing the Asinelli Tower for spectacular views, and hiking up the UNESCO World Heritage porticoes to the Madonna of San Luca Monastery.
Getting to Bologna is easy. Located an hour south of Milan by train or just 30 minutes north of Florence by train, the train is the best way to get here if you are doing an Italy trip. Otherwise, there is an airport in Bologna with access to major airports around Europe.
Kotor, Montenegro
☀️ Montenegro Weather In March: 45° – 60° F
Recommended by Dr. Morgan Fielder from Crave the Planet
Kotor Montenegro is stunning and perfect for visiting in April before the cruise ships drop day tourists into the cobbled alleys. It feels like what Dubrovnik must have felt like pre-Game of Thrones and its tourist overwhelm.
The UNESCO world heritage site of the walled old town of Kotor sits at the base of a mountain and fjord creating a breathtaking natural view, and the city itself has architectural influences of Austrian, Balkan, and Turkish.
You’ll love the hospitality of the people in Kotor. One of my favorite restaurants, Tangja, serves a nice mix of Balkan meats, hearty traditional plates, and seafood.
In April the weather is mild (the mid-60s) and perfect for all kinds of nature and outdoor activities like hiking the “Ladder of Kotor”. And don’t miss the views of the bay from the fortified St John’s Castle.
The easiest way to get to Kotor is to fly into Dubrovnik Croatia or Podgorica Montenegro and rent a car to drive. It’s about 1.5 hours from each airport hub, but there’s also bus transportation if you don’t want to drive the narrow roads. We found it to be really easy and enjoyable driving from Dubrovnik.
Ticino, Switzerland
☀️ Switzerland Weather In March: 35° – 45° F
Recommended by Zoe at Together In Switzerland
For an unforgettable visit to Europe in March, consider the Ticino area in Switzerland. This is the sunniest canton (or state) of all 26 cantons, situated just below the Alps bordering Italy. And while you may think Switzerland is expensive, the fact that Ticino offers mostly outdoorsy things to do makes this a more budget-friendly Swiss adventure. To get there, fly into Milan Malpensa airport in Italy, and take the direct train across the border to Ticino from there.
So why Ticino? We live here and love how much there is to see and do. In March, Ticino is a great place for the start of Spring, with hiking routes and local funiculars reopening for the new season. My personal favorites include Monte Tamaro and Monte Generoso!
Things within Ticino that should be on the must-do list include lunch in Ascona along the promenade, a boat trip on Lake Lugano with a stop in Gandria, and exploring the Verzasca valley for its beautiful crystal clear waters. For a day of relaxation, the Termali Salini & Spa in Locarno would be our recommended place.
For a bite to eat, many Ticino Grottos are great for trying local cuisines such as polenta, meats, and cheeses. You will also find most restaurants with an Italian theme, with the most delicious freshly made pizzas and pasta. Our favorite restaurant in Lugano is Acqua e Farina for their pizzas.
Cornwall, United Kingdom
☀️ UK Weather In March: 44° – 50°F
Recommended by Kathryn at Wandering Bird
Cornwall, a cliffy, naturally stunning region west of England is quite possibly one of the hidden gems of the UK, and while the Britts know about it, it’s high time the rest of the world be made aware of it too! One of the highlights of visiting Cornwall in March is St Piran’s Day. St Piran is the Patron Saint of Cornwall and his day is celebrated on 5th March each year.
There is also an abundance of flower shows to enjoy in March. Falmouth holds a large show each year and the National Trust property of Cotehele is famous for its vast display of daffodils in bloom- with up to 300 different varieties!
Sure, the weather could be rainy, but this is also the start of Spring, so you’ll get milder weather and hedgerows full of beautiful blooms to enjoy. Even better, the crowds haven’t arrived yet so you’ll have many of the most famous locations almost to yourself.
You’ll also find many of the attractions and castles opening back up after the winter shutdown. St Michael’s Mount reopens in February and this is a great time to experience it without the crowds.
There are plenty of ways to explore the area and public transport links aren’t too bad from London to Plymouth, but the easiest option is to travel by car and enjoy a Cornwall road trip. This will give you the freedom and flexibility to explore at your own pace.
North Devon, United Kingdom
☀️ UK Weather In March: 44° – 50°F
Recommended by Paulina from the UK Every Day
March is a wonderful time to explore the charming region of North Devon in Europe, right next to Cornwall. One beautiful area to see is the stunning coastline, where you can walk above some pretty breathtaking beaches: Woolacombe and Ilfracombe are my favorites.
Another must-see spot in North Devon is Exmoor National Park. In March, the park comes alive with tons of wildflowers blooming. You can head out on scenic hikes or bike rides through the park’s hills and woodlands. And get this, there is wildlife in the park, such as red deer and Exmoor ponies.
North Devon also has tons of family-friendly things to do for Easter, like Easter egg hunts to arts and crafts workshops. I highly recommend visiting the picturesque villages nestled within the National Park, specifically Lynmouth and Porlock, where you can enjoy traditional English charm and gorge on delicious local cuisine.
Europe In March Weather
March in Europe is quite the mixed bag weather-wise, with significant differences between the north and south.
Northern Europe is still chilly in March. Temperatures average around 6°C, but it can vary wildly. Some places might still feel pretty wintry, especially earlier in the month. If you’re heading north, pack for cold weather. Think thicker layers, including a warm coat. The good news is, the days are getting longer, so you’ll have more daylight for exploring.
The Mediterranean and Southern European areas enjoy wonderful spring weather, with average high temperatures rising to a toasty 17°C. In places like Crete, it can even reach 20°C or higher – hell yes! Countries like Italy, Spain, and Greece are ideal for enjoying the early signs of spring with fewer crowds and mild temperatures.
My best tips for dressing for the weather includes lighter layers, because temperatures can fluctuate. Bring T-shirts, jeans, sweaters, and a light jacket. You might even want a pair of shorts. Overall, March in Europe can be unpredictable, so check the weather before you go!
FAQ: Visiting Europe In March
Now to some of the logistical trip planning questions for visiting Europe in March.
What European countries are best to visit in March?
I know this is going to be a shocker, but I think the best countries to visit in March are going to be the Nordics, like Iceland and Norway simply because you get the best chance of seeing the Northern Lights, not to mention some pretty stunning mountains, waterfall, and nature. And in my mind, that’s a once-in-a-lifetime adventure.
Where in Europe is the warmest in March?
In March, the warmest places in Europe tend to be in the southern regions and islands. This includes the Canary Islands of Spain, Malta, and Cyprus in the Mediterranean Sea, Sicily, Crete, and the Algarve and Andalucia on the Iberian Peninsula. I’d even put the French Riviera in the bucket of nice weather in Europe in March.
Remember, even in these warmer spots, evenings will be cooler, and the weather can be a crapshoot in March.
Is it a good time to go to Europe in March?
March is great in Europe for the Northern Lights in Norway and Iceland, for the beginning of the tulip season in Amsterdam, and for Easter holiday parades and cultural insights all across the south of Europe, especially in Andalucia, Spain.
Is March off-season in Europe?
Yes, March is off-season in Europe. This means the prices are the lowest they’ll be, there are not a ton of tourists around, the days are getting longer, and the weather is moving from winter into spring.
What are the best places to visit Europe in April?
If you can’t make a trip in March, the best places to visit in Europe in April are going to be the southern regions, including the Algarve, Portugal, the islands of Greece, the islands of Italy, and the islands of Spain (Tenerife).
The Northern Lights are out of the picture in April, but the tulips are still going in Amsterdam. What’s more, April has a bunch of post-Easter fairs that bring all of Europe out of the winter hibernation months.
When is the cheapest time to go to Europe?
The cheapest time to travel to Europe is typically during the off-peak season, which falls in the late fall, winter, and early spring, excluding major holidays like Christmas and New Year. This period is generally from November through March.
It’s cheap because the weather is cold and unpredictable, there’s less tourism and demand, and the flights and accommodations run promotions and winter specials.
Winter in Europe has its charm, with unique experiences without the high costs of peak-season travel.
Final Thoughts: Best Place To Visit In Europe In March
Some of the best places to visit in Europe in March, and my favorite spots to start the travel year off right are:
✅ Lofoten, Norway, and Iceland for the Northern Lights, which scientists say will be their brightest in March!
✅ Mallorca, Spain for the heat of the island life and hiking. I loved Palma and Deía as a home base for some intense hiking and beach life. All you have to do is fight off a few hundred road bikers in March, but hey, it’s part of the island culture!
✅ Costa Del Sol and Andalucia, Spain for a more southern Spanish beach life road trip with a sprinkle of Catholic Easter traditions like Semana Santa, which is celebrated at its peak in Sevilla.
✅ Greek Islands like Thessaloniki and Mykonos are warm and devoid of tourism in March, so this is ideal for working on your tan in preparation for the peak summer months.
So if you thought March was a lame month to travel, you’re way off! While it’s not the best weather, and some of the islands have not fully opened to tourists, there are unique spots and a special charm to visiting off-season in the spring!
