Best places to visit in March in Europe with the spring awakening

17.02.2021.

After the winter laziness March comes ready to wake up the travel dreams. Let it be so because of some event or nature to cheer us up. Maybe not this year, but I can’t wait to explore Europe again. Let me take you to this virtual tour with more than 20 amazing travel bloggers.

The Primroses of Papuk, Croatia contributed by Gabi from Under Flowery Sky

Hidden gem of Croatia Papuk mountain hosts this annual event The Primroses of Papuk with the first days of spring. It’s the time when the people from all over Croatia and beyond come to welcome the spring with walking and music. Thousands of people gather in the picturesque Velika village to greet first flowers specially primroses.

Few routes have been organised where the easiest one is named The path of primroses passing the ancient fort. Popular excursion site Jankovac hosts the wonderful waterfall trail where you can also see the tomb of count Janković. You can also discover the most beautiful viewpoint- Ivačka glava.

Not only that, decorated with paper primroses (both as the hair version and outside decor) Papuk will become the real fairy tale. This event starts with bread rolls in the morning and finishes with the beans and music in the afternoon. Discover Croatia beyond the touristic spots and places.

Ljubljana, Slovenia contributed by Nicole Hunter from Go Far Grow Close

Ljubljana is the capital of Slovenia, a small country in central Europe. It is blessed with beautiful terrain that includes 46 km of coast along the Adriatic Sea, lots of rivers and mountains next to Italy and Austria. Ljubljana Old Town in Ljubljana is an exquisite historical district with large pedestrian-only walking zones along cobblestone streets. Although it is still cold in March, this is a wonderful spot to walk while bundled up, stopping to indulge in some of the amazing coffee shops, bars and restaurants scattered throughout. You can also do some serious shopping along the way. At one end of the walking zone is Ljubljana Castle which sits over top of Ljubljana Old Town. It was built in the 12th Century as a medieval fortress, but has since been restored and in some cases, transformed into museums. You can walk or take the gondola to the castle and enjoy some extraordinary views of Ljubljana.

Ljubljana is also known for its street art or graffiti. Walking tours will take you from Ljubljana Old Town to areas just beyond, like Metelkova which was created by squatters, and you will see some cool and amazing art. Along the way, you learn about the modern history of Ljubljana which is fascinating to hear. 

Vienna, Austria contributed by Lyubomira by Bulgarian On the Go

March is a wonderful time to visit Vienna for various reasons. The warm weather is already sneaking in, yet it is not peak tourist season – avoiding the crowds is always good!
One of the biggest attractions in Vienna in spring are the Easter Markets. The markets open their doors 2 weeks before Easter, so if Easter happens to be in early April, then markets will open in late March. 
Life in Vienna is buzzing in every season and March is no exception. There are a few other festivals that happen during this month. The Vinyl & Music Festival is a wonderful mixture of market, exhibition and concert. Toward the end of the month you can visit the Vienna Blues Spring festival. Other events include the Bread Festival, Art Vienna fair, French film festival and Fesch’Market. 
Vienna is gorgeous in the springtime, so make sure to enjoy the blooming flowers in one of the numerous gardens. Be sure to visit the sculpted gardens at the Schönbrunn and Belvedere palaces, and maybe the Vienna woods. 

Florence, Italy contributed by Roxanne de Bruyn from Far Away Worlds

Spring is a beautiful time to visit Florence, the capital of Tuscany and one of Italy’s most charming cities. Usually extremely popular with tourists, the city is a bit quieter in March, giving you the time to enjoy the beautiful Renaissance architecture and galleries in relative peace. No matter where you stay in Florence, you’ll see the early flowers blooming, and the city’s parks are particularly beautiful at this time of year. Be sure to visit the Boboli Gardens across the river from the Duomo and enjoy both the lovely flowers and the beautiful views from the terrace.

Towards the end of the month, the arrival of Spring is celebrated with the Feast of Annunciation (when the Angel Gabriel told Mary she would conceive Jesus). Held on 25 March, festivities include a parade from the Palazzo Vecchio to Piazza SS Annunziata. There’s music in the square and stalls set up with food and drinks. It’s traditional to visit the Church of Santissima Annunziata on this day as its frescoes and mosaics portray the Annunciation. There are few tourists attending the festival and it’s a wonderful opportunity to see some local traditions of Florence first hand. 

Rome, Italy contributed by Claudia Tavani from Strictly Rome

Rome is a beautiful city that has something to offer throughout the year, but it reaches perfection at the beginning of spring, in March, when days get longer, warmer and yet the large crowds of tourists are still missing. 
You won’t have a shortage of incredible landmarks in Rome, and you could spend weeks there without ever being done exploring. Alas, most people only have a few days in town so there are a few places that they really should not miss in the Eternal City. Places you should include in your itinerary include the Colosseum and the adjacent Roman Forum and Palatine Hill (a combined ticket for the three sites is only €16 but it’s best purchased in advance). 
The Altare della Patria, in Piazza Venezia, is an impressive sight, and not far from it you will find the lovely cat sanctuary of Largo di Torre Argentina, which is located in an archeological site nonetheless! If you are a fan of fountains, you will get quite a fix in Rome. Make sure to head to Trevi Fountain – best at night to make sure you catch a glimpse without the crowds; the Spanish Steps and Piazza Navona are also home to gorgeous fountains. 
When in Rome, you should also visit St. Peter’s Basilica, the Vatican Museums and the Sistine Chapel. If you go up St. Peter’s Dome you’ll enjoy some of the best views in the city. Another place for great views and that will have a special light in March, with spring well on its way, is the Orange Garden. 
Finally, for the perfect night out, head to Trastevere, where you’ll find some great trattorie (local eateries) and bars. 

Sicily, Italy contributed by Annabel Kirk from Smudged Postcard

Sicily is a brilliant destination for a spring holiday. As one of the most southerly islands in the Mediterranean, Sicily warms up quickly in the spring so it’s perfect for visitors looking for mild weather. The olive groves and hillsides are carpeted with wild flowers and there’s still snow on the mountaintops. At the coast, the more well known beach resorts such as Cefalu and Taormina begin to open up. If you’re visiting Sicily with kids, it’s a great time of year for an early family beach holiday. There are some excellent sandy beaches in Sicily which children will love. It’s not sunbathing weather in March but it’s warmer enough for building sandcastles.

Sicily is packed with amazing historical sites. It can be difficult to enjoy tours of ancient ruins in the extreme heat of summer but spring is perfect for exploring the archaeological areas of the island. There are far fewer visitors to Sicily in spring so tourist sights are quieter and accommodation costs are lower.

Kotor, Montenegro contributed by Kamila Napora from My Wanderlust

March is a perfect month to visit Kotor, Montenegro. The weather is already fine (can be around 15C and sunny) but there are still hardly any tourists around which is a big advantage – in the peak season when the cruise ships arrive the Old Town in Kotor is incredibly packed. You can enjoy the town to the fullest and see its real beauty, wander aimlessly through the winding lanes of the Old Town, finding charming corners and admire centuries-old palaces that used to belong to the noble families of Montenegro. There are many great things to do in Kotor all year long but the biggest attraction is the climb up to the St. John fortress – it is a bit challenging but it’s worth the effort since the views from the upper parts of the fortifications are simply mind blowing and the crisp spring air gives a better visibility. The nature around is slowly waking up to life and you can expect some first rays of spring around. You can spend a few days in Kotor and you will not be bored with the incredible beauty of this place. Getting to Kotor is rather easy, there are numerous bus connections from other destinations in Montenegro or from Dubrovnik, the nearest airport is Tivat but you can also fly to Podgorica or Dubrovnik and get to Kotor from there.

Prague, Czech Republic contributed by Samantha Hussey from The Wandering Wanderluster

Spring is a wonderful time of year and arguably one of the best seasons to explore and travel to Europe. Throughout the continent, cities begin to awaken from the depths of winter to flourish in colour. Prague, in the Czech Republic is no different. 

Prague is a city already known for its picturesque and colourful cobbled streets. From the beginning of March, the city peaks in its beauty with a flurry of pink and white cherry blossoms blooming in its parks and neighbourhoods. In fact you may be surprised at just how many beautiful magnolia trees and cherry blossoms in Prague you’ll find! 

As well as its pretty blooms, Prague also hosts a number of Spring festivals, most notably its annual Easter Markets. Held in the Old Town Square, the main Easter Market is a wonderful event, pairing the celebration of spring with local traditions and a host of stalls selling beautiful handicrafts such as intricately hand-painted Easter eggs.

The Easter market in Prague is entertaining for everyone, as you’ll also find a schedule of local music and dance performances, candle and Easter egg decorating stalls and some delicious food on offer too. 

Budapest, Hungary contributed by Erki Alas from Genem Travels

Budapest starts blooming in March when it’s getting a bit warmer than the winter months. In March it’s not over-crowded by tourists, so there will be plenty of space to breathe. 

Also, that month is the start of many events. In mid-March starts the two-week festival Budapest Spring Fair, where it hosts over 200 events with local traditional dance, art, jazz and classical music, and a variety of movies. The best time to see local Hungarian culture. 

There are many things to see in Budapest. It’s famous for architectural buildings like the Parliament building, Fisherman’s Bastion, St. Stephen’s Basilica. Also, stroll around Margaret Island, walk up to the Citadel monument for the views over Budapest, take a river cruise on the Danube river, and a short trip to Szentendre town. For the perfect weekend in Budapest, it’s recommended to visit one of the famous thermal spas like Szechenyi Bath.

Budapest is reachable by a local international airport. If there aren’t any great opportunities for flights, then it’s worth looking also Vienna Airport (Austria). Vienna is 3 hours away by train.

Athens, Greece contributed by Chrysoula Manika from Athens and beyond

Athens is the perfect place to visit in March. The sunny days have daily temperatures that climb from 15º to 17ºC during the month. You can enjoy breakfast at an outside café and there are kiosks selling delicious freshly squeezed orange juice. The temperature is perfect for sightseeing – especially as there are no crowds, so just put on comfortable shoes and explore. Airfares and room rates are lower in March and there is reduced admission charges until 31 March to all the archaeological sights.

25th of  March is an important day in the city as it marks two events. The first is Greek Independence Day, commemorating victory of the war against the Ottomans (1821-1832) with a large military parade through the streets of the city. The other is the Greek Orthodox Feast of the Assumption – nine months before Christmas.

Valencia, Spain contributed by Gabi from Under Flowery Sky

Valencia is the perfect travel opportunity in March not only because of its warm climate but because it hosts the annual event Fallas festival. From 1.-19.03. Valencia is decorated into fallas, the huge dolls created by locals following with fireworks at the final weekend. The huge flower sculpture at the main square is created by the flower offerings dedicated to the patroness of Valencia. The whole community thus brings flowers in their elegant costumes during parade which is later arranged every year differently.

With more the 750 monuments the winner gets chosen every year.

This street festival brings music, religious features and paellas on the street. It’s recognized as UNESCO cultural heritage.

Valencia is the most popular by the City of Arts and Science, impressive structure decorated by the artistic pools.

With more than 30 museums Valencia will satisfy everyone’s taste. Ancient roman ruins at the Archeological museum are also present here. Amazing cathedral named Silk Exchange will enchant the history lovers.

Granada, Spain contributed by Joanna from The World In My Pocket

Granada is one of the most beautiful cities in Andalucia. In spring, Granada comes to life: the weather gets warmer and warmer, the orange and the jacaranda trees start blossoming and the tapas bars start to put their tables outside again. If you visit Granada in March you will notice that the number of tourists is not that high, which makes it easier to visit the famous monuments in the city without the crowds. For the Alhambra you will still need to book your ticket a few months in advance, just to be on the safe side, as there is a limited number of daily tickets available.

The weather in spring in Granada is beautiful – not too cold but not too hot either. Being located at the foothills of the Sierra Nevada mountains, Granada experiences very cold winters and also very hot summers.

Some of the things to do in Granada during spring, beside visiting the Alhambra, include walking along the cobbled hilly streets of the old Arab neighbourhood or visiting the cave-houses at the outskirts of the city.

Getting to Granada is very easy, as the city has its own airport. For a low-cost option, fly to Malaga and get the bus to Granada.

Porto, Portugal contributed by Victoria Heinz from Guide Your Travel

March is a great time to visit Porto. This is when spring sets in and temperatures start getting warmer. The city can be quite hot in summer so if you want to come for sightseeing then March is a great choice. You’ll get comfortable weather that is just warm enough to sit outside in the sun but still great for walking around. You’ll get to enjoy the city without crowds of tourists which means the perfect opportunity for taking amazing pictures. Porto is a very walkable city with plenty of things to see and do. Explore the riverfront and the many port wine cellars which even offer free tastings. Definitely make sure to take the cablecar for some of the best views of the city. In the evenings you should have dinner in one of the small restaurants by the river and enjoy the laidback feel of this beautiful city.

Algarve, Portugal contributed by Nichola from Globalmouse Travels

The Algarve in March is a delight. The temperatures are balmy and the sun is often shining. It can feel much warmer than other parts of Europe and the sea sparkles a perfect blue, aiding to the whole feel-good vibe of this beautiful region. Spring sees a whole explosion of colours from the flowers too, pretty purples, pinks and blues flutter in the breeze and allow for a fragrant perfume to hang in the air. If you’re in the Algarve over Easter it’s also the perfect time to see one of the region’s best festivals, the Festa das Torchas which takes place at Sao Brás de Alportel. Only a few decades ago this festival was held in many of the towns across the Algarve but today it is only here. Flower petals line the streets in beautiful arrangements, there are choirs, processions and stalls filled with delicious cakes. There are some great Algarve family resorts close to Sao Brás de Alportel so it’s a great place to stay and really indulge in spring.

Nazare, Portugal contributed by De Wet & Jin from Museum of Wander

While March is not quite beach weather in Nazare yet, it’s the best time to come and experience the Atlantic Ocean at its most powerful. Nazare in central Portugal is home to the largest waves on Earth, and March is one of the best months to see (and surf if you’re brave) these monster waves.

The best place to see and surf these gigantic waves is at the Nazare lighthouse. Due to an underwater canyon just in front of the lighthouse, waves are amplified and can reach heights of up to 30 meters as they slam into the land. The atmosphere at the lighthouse is almost electric as surfers and visitors alike get blown away by the power of the waves.

If the swell is not in, or you’re not into surfing, Nazare is still a very pretty seaside town where you can take long walks on the Wild Praia do Norte Beach, indulge in fantastic seafood, or cozy up in a café with a coffee or a glass of wine.

Situated halfway between Lisbon and Porto, Nazare is best reached by bus or with your own car. Nazare is a legendary surf town, and an exciting stop on any Spain and Portugal itinerary.

Cassis, French Riviera contributed by Anuradha from Country Hopping Couple

Cassis is a stunning coastal town in French Riviera, accentuated with white limestone cliffs and azure waters. Located only 25kms away from Marseille, Cassis is a hidden gem in the books of tourists, as most of the crowd heads off to Nice and Cannes! Spring is a perfect time to explore and hike in the Cassis region, as it is not too hot, and the average temperature goes upto 17 degrees in March. 
Cassis is known for two natural monuments – Cape Canaille and Calanques, which makes it a paradise for hiking, water activities and many more. Surprisingly for such a small town, there are plenty of interesting things to do in Cassis. Whether you want to to rock climbing, mountain biking or kayaking in the pristine waters, the options are unlimited. For less adventures, you can take a boat ride from Cassis to explore the 9 Calanques around.  If you fancy some wine tasting, cassis is indeed a great choice to be. History of wine making in the region of Cassis goes back to 600BC. 
Cassis can be reached from Marseille by train, bus and boat services. 

Lyon, France contributed by Noel Morata from Travel Photo Discovery

Lyon, France is the perfect time to visit this lovely city with two major rivers that dissect the city and inspires everyone to be outdoors with flowers blooming in all the beautiful gardens, plazas and outdoor venues around the city. Restaurants spill outdoors into the streets and the riverfront areas are filled with pop up art venues, farmers markets and impromptu foodie venues and street vendors that are looking to sell some delicious favorite snacks and take away foods from the region. Everyone wants to be outdoors, sitting in a cafe and people watch or just promenade the old sections of the medieval town and hike to the top for majestic views of the river and valley floor during springtime. You’ll love exploring all the beautiful parts of this city like a miniature Paris, but walkable and more intimate and friendly. Check out my post on a first impression of visiting Lyon here for more inspiration of fun things to see and explore in this magnificent city with Unesco attractions worth visiting.

Paris contributed by Dymphe from Dymabroad

A great place to visit in early spring is Paris. Paris is always a lovely city to visit, but in March there is so much more to do and see! What’s great is that the blossoms in the city turn pink. This makes the whole city look more beautiful. Another great thing about visiting Paris in March is that it is more affordable and less crowded than in summer. One of the best things to do in March is to relax at one of Paris’ parks. There are a lot of great parks with beautiful nature that are great to be in. Another great thing to do in March at the end of the month is to go to Foire du Trône. This is the oldest funfair in France, with lots of entertainment. It is very easy to get to Paris. If you are coming from within France or from a neighboring country, the train is the most convenient and fastest way to travel. If you travel to Paris from a country farther away, then you can fly into one of the two airports of Paris.

Amsterdam, contributed by Jessica Schmit from Uprooted Traveller

Amsterdam in the Netherlands is wonderful to visit year-round, thanks to mild weather throughout all four seasons and the charming design of this fairytale city. But there’s no denying that spring is a particularly magical time to explore Amsterdam, with the winter chill giving way to sunnier and longer days and the city’s streets growing a bit busier from the earlier months. The world-famous Keukenhof flower gardens, located in the town of Lisse not far from the city, reopens in March, with the first tulips of the year blooming in mid to late March. With over seven million bulbs planted, visitors can see colorful blooms regardless of the point in the season they visit. Only planning on visiting during the early parts of the month? Not to worry- you can instead take part in the Amsterdam Coffee Festival, a celebration of the world’s favorite caffeinated beverage, complete with barista demonstrations, food stalls, and art performances. Visitors who aren’t interested in attending festivals can still benefit from exploring the city during the off-season- think cheaper airfare and hotel rooms, less crowded trips to the Van Gogh Museum and canal tours, and the opportunity to catch a more realistic peek into the lives of Amsterdammers. Regardless of your interests or what type of traveler you are, Amsterdam is a wonderful place to explore in the spring.

Dublin, Ireland contributed by Claire Bee from ClairePins Travel

Dublin is one of the best places to experience the springtime cultural festival of St. Patrick’s Day. 

Celebrations last for the entire week leading up to March 17^th and include activities like walking tours, Irish dance presentations and many buildings will be lit up green at night, creating a fun and festive atmosphere. Make sure to stop by a traditional pub in the Temple Bar area for a Guinness beer and some live music.

The official St Patrick’s Day parade is on the morning of March 17^th. It lasts around two hours and is best viewed from O’Connell Street or Dame Street. Book seating in the grandstands in advance or arrive early for a front row view of this popular event. Don’t forget to wear something green to really get in the spirit!

You can reach Dublin by ferry from the UK and France and by plane from international destinations. From within Ireland, trains and buses run from all corners of the island into Dublin. 

 It is very important to book accommodation and flights as early as possible and arrive in advance of March 17^th, as the city centre will be closed to vehicle traffic for parades and celebrations on that day. 

Northern Ireland contributed by Allan Wilson from It’s Sometime Sunny in Bangorn

Northern Ireland is one of those destinations small enough to explore in a short space of time, with plenty of close knit tourist attractions to hop between. And while the winter months can be a bit grim, spring is definitely one of the best times to visit Northern Ireland, when nature awakens from hibernation, and the many famous gardens open again to the public. This includes some more central attractions in Belfast like the Botanical Gardens, but also many National Trust properties including Mount Stewart, Rowallane Gardens, and Castle Ward to name three of the better sites. Castle Ward itself is a huge destination these days as well due to its feature in many Game of Thrones scenes as the filming location an backdrop of Winterfell. One of the more prestigious attractions however would be Hillsborough Castle and Gardens as the official residence of the Queen and Royal Family when in Northern Ireland. And as Northern Ireland is such a small country it should be no more than 30-minutes between any two, although personal transport, and a potential road trip will make the visit much easier.

Peak District, UK contributed by Jenny Lynn from Peak District Kids

March is the start of the lambing season in the UK. This is when lambs are born, and there are a few farms in the Peak District National Park that open their lambing shed to visitors, including Blaze Farm in Cheshire, and Matlock Farm just outside Matlock in Derbyshire.

The Peak District is the UK’s oldest and most visited National Park, and March is the perfect time to visit as the countryside bursts into life again from the slumbers of winter; daffodils carpet the woodlands, and the greenery from trees colours the escarpment views. It’s also a much quieter time to visit, as the school Easter holidays are in April. If you head up to Baslow Egde, you may even see some Highland calves.

There are a few train stations in the north of the Peak District for those using public transport. However, to fully appreciate the National Park (and visit the lambing sheds), a car is advised. 

Yorkshire, UK contributed by Sinead Camplin from Map Made Memories

The county of Yorkshire in northern England comes alive in early Spring when its green, rolling landscapes are blanketed with bright yellow Daffodil flowers. People travel to Yorkshire from all over the country to enjoy scenic hikes surrounded by Daffodils. Farndale, in the Yorkshire Moors, which is also known as ‘Daffodil Dale’, is one of the most popular locations to view these magnificent Spring displays. Plus, iconic waterfalls in the 

Yorkshire Dales, such as Aysgarth Falls and Hardraw Force (which is England’s highest single drop waterfall) are spectacular when swollen by Spring rains. In the historic city of York, the green slopes of the city’s medieval city walls are covered in Daffodils as is the popular city centre park, Museum Gardens. But for the city’s best Daffodil photo opportunity, visit the 360-degree steep grassy slopes of Clifford’s Tower, the circular remains of a Norman keep perched on an artificial hill right in the city centre. Yorkshire can be reached in two hours by train from London or fly into Leeds Bradford airport. 

Edinburgh, Scotland contributed by Gemma from Everything Edinburgh

Not quite cherry blossom season in Edinburgh yet, but March is a lovely time to visit regardless. Mornings are awakening earlier from their dark slumber and lighter nights are creeping closer to dinner time.

March is a quiet month in Scotland’s capital. The Easter school holidays don’t kick off until the following month, and fair-weather visitors will not consider a trip with the high chances of rain or even, although rare, snow! 

Pack layers and lots of waterproof gear such as a decent raincoat and waterproof shoes or boots. Please don’t bother with a brolly; it doesn’t bode well with the Scottish wind.

Expect fewer crowds at city attractions such as Edinburgh Castle and Princes Street Gardens. This is great for photographers who might just get ‘that picture’ from The Vennel without a posing model. 

Walks will be quieter too so you can hike to the summit of Arthur’s Seat or Calton Hill, for city views with fewer people. Both of these locations are busy on weekends all year round, so consider this when planning. 

Edinburgh walking tours that hibernate over winter should be starting up around March time so you can take part in some of the more unique tours such as Cobble Tales Architecture Tours and the Edinburgh Black History Walking Tour which offer more of a rounded experience than just whisky and wool.

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