Where Is Hot in March in Europe: Top Destinations for Your Spring Getaway

For warm European weather in March, head to southern destinations where spring arrives early and temperatures are mild. Tour around Spain, Italy, and other Mediterranean spots to enjoy cities that are usually overpriced and crammed with tourists during peak seasons.

Key takeaways

The warmest spots:

• Canary Islands, Spain: Europe's warmest destination in March, with Tenerife and Gran Canaria seeing highs of 68–72°F (20–22°C) and plenty of sunshine—ideal for beach time and hiking volcanic landscapes.
• Cyprus: Offers a summer-like feel with warm beaches and ancient ruins, with pleasant temperatures around 64°F (18°C) and the possibility of both skiing and swimming on the same day.
• Madeira, Portugal: Known as the "Island of Eternal Spring," this Portuguese archipelago maintains comfortable temperatures around 66°F (19°C), perfect for hiking its famous levada trails.

Southern Spain and Portugal:

• Seville, Spain: Expect warm, sunny days reaching 72°F (22°C) in this beautiful Andalusian city, perfect for tapas bars, flamenco shows, and exploring Moorish architecture.
• Algarve, Portugal: Mild temperatures around 66°F (19°C) with sunshine, excellent for dramatic coastal cliffs, golf courses, and quieter beach towns before summer arrives.
• Costa del Sol, Spain: Málaga and surrounding coastal towns enjoy pleasant 64–68°F (18–20°C) weather, combining beach access with cultural attractions.
• Valencia, Spain: Comfortable 63°F (17°C) days, perfect for exploring futuristic architecture, enjoying paella in its birthplace, and strolling through orange-blossom-scented streets.

Mediterranean islands warming up:

• Malta: Delightfully warm with plenty of sunshine, averaging 63°F (17°C)—ideal for exploring ancient temples, Baroque cities, and diving sites.
• Sicily, Italy: Early spring warmth in Palermo and surrounding areas reaches 61°F (16°C), perfect for visiting Greek ruins and sampling arancini without summer heat.
• Crete, Greece: Early spring blooms and mild 59°F (15°C) temperatures make it ideal for exploring archaeological sites and mountain villages.
• Sardinia, Italy: Warming temperatures around 61°F (16°C) offer peaceful beaches and unique nuraghe (ancient, megalithic, found in Sardinia) structures with few tourists.

Cities with pleasant spring weather:

• Athens, Greece: Getting warmer with highs around 59°F (15°C)—excellent for exploring the Acropolis and ancient Agora before peak season.
• Seville, Spain: Previously mentioned, but definitely one of the warmest European cities in March.
• Dubrovnik, Croatia: Mild conditions around 57°F (14°C) let you walk the famous walls and explore the Old Town without summer crowds.
• Naples, Italy: Comfortable 59°F (15°C) weather for pizza tours, Pompeii visits, and Amalfi Coast day trips.
• Antalya, Turkey: Turkish Riviera warmth reaching 64°F (18°C), combining beaches with ancient Roman ruins.

Top hot destinations in March (Europe edition)

1. Canary Islands, Spain

The Canary Islands boast the warmest weather in Europe during March, with temperatures consistently reaching 70°F (21°C). Each island offers unique character—Tenerife features Mount Teide's volcanic landscapes, Gran Canaria showcases Maspalomas dunes, while Lanzarote presents otherworldly volcanic terrain.

• Main attractions: Mount Teide National Park (Tenerife), Timanfaya volcanic landscapes (Lanzarote), Maspalomas Dunes (Gran Canaria), whale and dolphin watching, hiking trails through laurel forests, black sand beaches
• Average March temperature: 68–72°F (20–22°C)
• Budget: $$–$$$ (Mid-range to moderate, with good package deals available)
• Average Going deal: $482 roundtrip
• Top day trips: Ferry between islands, Garachico natural pools, La Gomera's ancient forests, Teide stargazing tours

2. Malta

This tiny Mediterranean archipelago packs 7,000 years of history into just 122 square miles. March brings delightful warmth, perfect for exploring Valletta's Baroque architecture and ancient temples that predate the pyramids of Giza.

• Main attractions: Valletta's Grand Harbour and St. John's Co-Cathedral, Mdina medieval city, Blue Lagoon (Comino), Ħaġar Qim prehistoric temples, diving sites, traditional fishing villages
• Average March temperature: 63°F (17°C)
• Budget: $$ (Mid-range with excellent value)
• Average Going deal: $507 roundtrip
• Top day trips: Gozo island with Azure Window remains, Comino's crystal-clear waters, Three Cities harbor tour, Marsaxlokk fishing village

3. Southern Portugal (Algarve)

The Algarve's dramatic coastline of golden cliffs and hidden coves comes alive in March with wildflowers and comfortable temperatures. The region also offers excellent hiking, world-class golf, and fresh seafood.

• Main attractions: Ponta da Piedade cliffs (Lagos), historic Tavira with Roman bridge, Benagil sea cave, Ria Formosa Natural Park with flamingos, surf beaches at Sagres, coastal hiking trails
• Average March temperature: 64–66°F (18–19°C) 
• Budget: $$ (Budget-friendly to mid-range)
• Average Going deal: $519 roundtrip (via Faro)
• Top day trips: Cape St. Vincent (Europe's southwestern tip), Silves Moorish castle, Lagos grottos boat tour, Monchique mountain village

Related reading:

• How to plan a trip to Portugal
• What to eat in Portugal
• Best places to visit in Portugal

4. Sicily, Italy

Sicily offers early spring warmth combined with extraordinary cultural richness where Greek, Roman, and Arab influences blend. March brings mild weather perfect for exploring ancient ruins and Mount Etna.

• Main attractions: Valley of the Temples (Agrigento), Mount Etna (Europe's most active volcano), Taormina's Greek theater, Palermo's markets and Norman palace, Syracuse archaeological park, Baroque towns of Noto and Ragusa
• Average March temperature: 59–61°F (15–16°C) 
• Budget: $$ (Mid-range with affordable dining)
• Average Going deal: $546 roundtrip
• Top day trips: Mount Etna trek, Aeolian Islands ferry, Cefalù beach town, Segesta ancient temple, salt pans of Trapani

5. Cyprus

This Eastern Mediterranean island offers warm beach weather combined with ancient sites and mountain villages. March allows for both beach time and exploring the Troodos Mountains—you can ski and swim the same day.

• Main attractions: Paphos Archaeological Park with Roman mosaics, Petra tou Romiou (Aphrodite's birthplace), Troodos Mountains with Byzantine monasteries, Kourion ancient ruins, Nicosia's divided old town, Larnaca Salt Lake with flamingos
• Average March temperature: 64°F (18°C) 
• Average Going deal: $517 roundtrip
• Top day trips: Troodos mountain villages, Limassol wine region, Akamas Peninsula hiking, Cape Greco sea caves, Lefkara lace village

6. Costa del Sol, Spain

Spain's "Coast of the Sun" offers warm Mediterranean weather, charming white villages, and Málaga's world-class museums. The coastal city has transformed into a cultural destination with excellent dining.

• Main attractions: Málaga's Picasso Museum and Alcazaba fortress, Ronda's dramatic gorge and bridge, Marbella's old town, Nerja Caves, Frigiliana white village, Mijas pueblo, Mediterranean beaches
• Average March temperature: 64–68°F (18–20°C)
• Budget: $$ (Mid-range)
• Average Going deal: $559 roundtrip (via Málaga)
• Top day trips: Ronda and white villages route, Granada's Alhambra (90 minutes), Seville (2 hours), Gibraltar, Caminito del Rey walkway

7. Madeira, Portugal

Portugal's Atlantic archipelago maintains year-round spring temperatures thanks to its subtropical microclimate. March brings mild weather perfect for Madeira's famous levada walks along ancient irrigation channels.

• Main attractions: Levada hiking trails through UNESCO forests, Monte Palace Tropical Garden, Funchal's colorful markets, CR7 Museum, traditional espada fish restaurants, Madeira wine tours, coastal pools
• Average March temperature: 64–66°F (18–19°C)
• Budget: $$ (Mid-range)
• Average Going deal: $475 roundtrip 
• Top day trips: Pico Ruivo peak hike, Porto Moniz natural swimming pools, Cabo Girão sea cliff, Santana traditional houses, dolphin watching

8. Crete, Greece

Greece's largest island awakens in March when wildflowers carpet the countryside. Crete combines ancient history, dramatic mountain gorges, and authentic village life.

• Main attractions: Knossos Palace (Minoan ruins), Samaria Gorge hiking, Chania's Venetian harbor, Heraklion Archaeological Museum, Elafonisi pink sand beach, Spinalonga island, traditional mountain villages
• Average March temperature: 57–59°F (14–15°C)
• Budget: $$ (Budget-friendly)
• Average Going deal: $649 roundtrip
• Top day trips: Balos Lagoon boat trip, Arkadi Monastery, Matala hippie caves, Lassithi Plateau windmills, Rethymno old town

Related reading:

• Best places to visit in Greece

9. Sardinia, Italy

Italy's second-largest island offers pristine beaches, mysterious ancient nuraghe structures (megalithic edifices found in Sardinia), and distinct culture. March brings famous wildflowers into bloom with peaceful solitude.

• Main attractions: Costa Smeralda beaches, Su Nuraxi nuraghe complex (UNESCO), Cagliari's historic quarter, Neptune's Grotto caves, ancient Tharros ruins, traditional mountain villages, pecorino cheese farms
• Average March temperature: 59–61°F (15–16°C)
• Budget: $$-$$$ (Mid-range to moderate)
• Average Going deal: $587 roundtrip
• Top day trips: Nuoro mountain region, Alghero Catalan town, La Maddalena archipelago, Orgosolo murals village, Gennargentu National Park

Related reading:

• Best places to visit in Italy

10. Seville, Spain

Andalusia's capital brings perfect weather for exploring spectacular Moorish architecture, tapas bars, and passionate flamenco culture before the summer heat arrives.

• Main attractions: Real Alcázar palace and gardens, Seville Cathedral with Giralda tower, Plaza de España, Metropol Parasol, Triana neighborhood, flamenco shows, tapas bar hopping
• Average March temperature: 66–72°F (19–22°C)
• Budget: $$ (Mid-range)
• Average Going deal: $452 roundtrip
• Top day trips: Córdoba's Mezquita (45 minutes), Granada's Alhambra, Jerez sherry bodegas, Cádiz coastal city, Ronda gorge and bridge

11. Athens, Greece

Greece's historic capital warms up nicely in March, making it ideal for climbing the Acropolis without summer's crowds and 95°F+ heat. The modern food scene is also popping off at the moment, with a number of creative restaurants opening up. 

• Main attractions: Acropolis and Parthenon, Ancient Agora, National Archaeological Museum, Plaka old town, Monastiraki flea market, Syntagma Square, Mount Lycabettus views, street art in Psyrri
• Average March temperature: 57–59°F (14–15°C)
• Budget: $$ (Mid-range)
• Average Going deal: $535 roundtrip
• Top day trips: Delphi ancient oracle site, Cape Sounion temple, Hydra island, Corinth Canal, Nafplio Venetian town, Meteora monasteries (full-day journey)

12. Valencia, Spain

Spain's third-largest city remains surprisingly underrated. March weather makes Valencia perfect for enjoying futuristic architecture, beaches, and authentic paella in the dish's birthplace.

• Main attractions: City of Arts and Sciences complex, Turia Gardens, historic Silk Exchange (UNESCO), Central Market, Valencia Cathedral, Albufera Natural Park, Malvarrosa Beach, authentic paella restaurants
• Average March temperature: 61–63°F (16–17°C)
• Budget: $ (Budget-friendly)
• Average Going deal: $562 roundtrip
• Top day trips: Albufera lagoon sunset, Sagunto Roman ruins, Requena wine region, Xàtiva castle town, Valencia Fallas preparations (mid-March festival)

13. Dubrovnik, Croatia

The "Pearl of the Adriatic" emerges from winter with far fewer tourist crowds—a stark contrast to summer's cruise ship hordes. In March, walking the city walls becomes peaceful and contemplative.

• Main attractions: Old Town city walls walk, Stradun main street, Lovrijenac Fortress, Dubrovnik Cathedral, cable car to Mount Srđ, Lokrum Island, “Game of Thrones” filming locations, kayaking around city walls
• Average March temperature: 55–57°F (13–14°C)
• Budget: $$ (Mid-range, much cheaper than summer)
• Average Going deal: $536 roundtrip
• Top day trips: Kotor, Montenegro, Mostar, Bosnia, Ston walls and oysters, Elafiti Islands, Cavtat coastal town, Pelješac wine region

14. Naples, Italy

Naples pulses with chaotic energy and some of Italy's best food—most notably, pizza in its birthplace. March allows comfortable exploration, plus day trips to Pompeii and the Amalfi Coast.

• Main attractions: Archaeological museum, historic center, pizza pilgrimage, underground tunnels, Castel dell'Ovo
• Average March temperature: 57–59°F (14–15°C)
• Budget: $
• Average Going deal: $526 roundtrip
• Top day trips: Pompeii and Herculaneum, Mount Vesuvius, Amalfi Coast, Capri island

15. Turkish Riviera (Antalya)

Turkey's Mediterranean coast offers warm March weather, ancient ruins, and excellent value. Antalya serves as a gateway to stunning coastline and remarkably intact Roman architecture.

• Main attractions: Kaleiçi old town, Düden Waterfalls, Aspendos Roman theater, Perge ancient city, Antalya Museum, Köprülü Canyon rafting, Olympos ancient ruins and beach, Turkish baths
• Average March temperature: 61–64°F (16–18°C) during the day, 48–50°F (9–10°C) at night
• Budget: $ (Very budget-friendly)
• Average Going deal: $581 roundtrip (via Istanbul)
• Top day trips: Pamukkale travertine terraces (3 hours), Kaş diving town, Phaselis ruins and beach, Termessos mountain ruins, Karain Cave

Best activities and events in March

Las Fallas

Valencia explodes into celebration every March 15–19 for one of Spain's most spectacular festivals. Enormous satirical sculptures fill the city before being dramatically burned on the final night, with daily firecracker shows and street parties.

Nice Carnival

The French Riviera's Nice Carnival ranks among Europe's largest celebrations, typically running for two weeks in February and early March with giant parade floats and flower battles.

Keukenhof Gardens

The world-famous gardens near Amsterdam typically open in mid-to-late March, displaying over 7 million spring bulbs in spectacular bloom—a quintessential European spring experience.

Film festivals

March marks the beginning of Europe's film festival season, with events in Athens and Thessaloniki showcasing international and independent cinema. These festivals offer cultural immersion beyond typical tourist activities, providing opportunities to mingle with locals and experience European arts culture. 

Zagreb Film Festival in Croatia also typically runs in March, combining film screenings with the city's excellent café culture.

Saint Patrick’s Day

While Ireland isn't particularly warm in March, cities across Europe celebrate Saint Patrick's Day on March 17. Barcelona and Rome provide the best combination of celebrations and pleasant March weather.

Where to travel based on your preferences

• For beach lovers: Canary Islands, Malta, Cyprus, Costa del Sol, Antalya, Madeira
• For warm city-break travelers: Seville, Valencia, Athens, Naples, Malta, Dubrovnik
• For nature enthusiasts: Madeira, Crete, Algarve, Cyprus, Canary Islands, Sardinia
• For food lovers: Sicily, Naples, Sardinia, Valencia, Seville, Athens
• For couples: Madeira, Sicily, Sardinia, Crete, Malta, Antalya
• Budget-friendly destinations: Valencia, Antalya, Sicily, Malta, Cyprus, Canary Islands
• Destinations with fewer crowds: Dubrovnik, Sardinia, Crete, Sicily, Naples
• Family-friendly destinations: Canary Islands, Algarve, Madeira, Cyprus, Valencia

Practical travel tips for US travelers

• Flight duration: Direct flights from the US East Coast to major southern European cities typically take 7–9 hours. West Coast travelers, particularly those outside of a major hub, usually need one connection, extending total travel time to 12–16 hours.
• Currency: Most destinations use the Euro, except Turkey (Turkish Lira). Credit cards with no foreign transaction fees are widely accepted, but carry cash for markets and rural areas.
• Packing for March: Pack lightweight long-sleeve shirts, a light sweater, comfortable walking shoes, sunscreen, sunglasses, a light rain jacket, and swimwear for beach destinations. For most of these destinations, you can leave heavy winter coats at home.
• Transportation: Budget airlines like Ryanair and EasyJet offer cheap connections between destinations once you’re on the continent. Trains work well for mainland connections, while renting a car makes sense for exploring rural areas of Crete, Sicily, or the Algarve.

How to find cheap flights to Europe in March

March represents shoulder season for most European destinations, creating excellent opportunities for flight deals. Going members regularly see roundtrip flights from the US to southern Europe for $440–$560. Here's how to maximize your chances:

• Book in advance and stay flexible: Begin monitoring fares from October–November. Learn how to use Google Flights effectively, then set up flight alerts through the Going app to catch sudden price drops.
• Consider alternative airports: Flying into Madrid or Lisbon often costs less than direct flights to smaller cities. Our guide on how to find cheap flights covers advanced strategies for finding the best deals.
• Watch for mistake fares: Occasionally, airlines accidentally publish deeply discounted fares due to pricing errors. Our mistake fare guide explains how to spot and book these incredible deals before they're corrected.
• Tuesday through Thursday travel saves a good amount: Weekend flights cost $100–$300 more roundtrip. Avoiding US holidays also helps.

Going's Premium membership provides instant notifications when fares drop from your home airport to destinations worldwide. For even more features like premium economy and business class deals, consider Going Elite. Our travel experts monitor millions of flight combinations daily, catching deals that disappear sometimes within hours.