Whether you fancy a last-minute city break or a little pre-spring sunshine to warm you up after a miserable winter, you’re sure to find the ideal place for your next little trip.
There are so many destinations in Europe, and further afield with options for all interests. The good news is also that prices for flights and accommodation are also great value for money compared to summer, what more incentive do you need.
If you need some inspiration for where to go here’s our top picks for March…
1. Faro and Algarve, Portugal
The Algarve’s capital is an unusual city that combines the region’s rich history with its wonderful natural surroundings to excellent effect. Emanating from the charming marina, the city’s cobbled streets are filled with fantastic seafood restaurants and lively little bars.
Faro really has a lot to offer, whether you want to spend your days playing golf or lazing on the nearby Praia de Faro. Whatever you do, the Cidade Velha (Old Town) is an absolute must both for history and atmosphere.
During the day, take your time to explore the nooks and crannies of the walled city, making sure to scale the Cathedral’s steps for incredible panoramic vistas and visit the Museum Municipal to learn of Faro’s colourful past.
In the evening (and especially on the weekends), head out to sample one of the many fine restaurants in the area and witness the lively Faro nightlife first hand. Taberna da Se is a great place to start your evening before making the short walk over to Rua do Prior to continue the fun late into the night.
While Faro is by no means scorching in March, the weather is generally sunny throughout the month. The temperature tends to hover around the high teens, making it pleasant, but not too stifling. In any case, the weather is usually much nicer than in the UK!
2. Tenerife, Spain
This popular Spanish Island of Tenerife is the ideal destination for those looking for a mixture of lazy beach days and excursions of a more active persuasion.
With a good amount of sunshine, we have to start with Tenerife’s quality beaches. For sheer choice, it’s hard to look past Playa de las Américas resort.
Here you have El Camison, a lively stretch of beach with sweeping golden sands, Troya, a busy beach where water sports are popular, and El Puerto, a much quieter beach with fewer crowds and high-level seafood restaurants.
For those who like the challenge of an outdoor trek, the Teide National Park is the perfect place for you. The magnificent centrepiece of the area is of course Mount Teide; the largest mountain in all of Spain.
At 3,718 metres, hiking up the peak may be a bit much for a holiday activity, so there is also the option to take a cable car to the summit. The views from the top are nothing short of astounding.
3. Sharm El Sheikh, Egypt
There are so many reasons to travel to Egypt, and for sun, sea and sand, look no further than Sham El Sheikh.
With the average temperature hovering in the 20s, it’s likely that a March trip to the Egyptian resort will bring you plenty of warm weather with clear skies to boot.
Nestled attractively between the mountains of Sinai and the stunning Red Sea, this popular holiday resort makes for the perfect relaxing beach break – but there’s more to Sharm El Sheikh than sunbathing…
The area is renowned for its sensationally clear and temperate waters, making it one of the best places in the world to dive and snorkel.
If you fancy trying your hand at this fascinating activity, then there are plenty of dive centres in the resort to get you ready for the experience. Once you are in the water, you won’t regret it as you see the amazing array of marine life that dwells below the waves.
If you don’t feel comfortable taking the plunge then do not worry, you can still see the amazing reefs of the bay by snorkelling.
The clear waters of the Red Sea and the coral systems around Sharm El Sheikh make this activity extremely easy and hassle free with many hotels providing floating jetties for easy access to the coral.
4. Alicante, Spain
Standing as a tourist favourite all year long due to its fantastic family-friendly resorts, Alicante boasts everything you would look for in a holiday: historical attractions, Blue Flag beaches, fantastic restaurants and a thriving nightlife.
If you are going to be in the region in March, then it is certainly worth making a day trip to nearby Valencia. There are plenty of direct trains from Alicante to Valencia which can only take just under two hours, depending on the time of day you travel.
Why, you ask? Between March 15th and 19th, the city will welcome one of Spain’s biggest festivals, the Fallas de Valencia.
This explosive fiesta-meets-carnival is sure to wow and astound you, as parades, firework displays and pageants culminate into an explosive display where all city lights are turned off and papier-mache caricatures are stuffed with fireworks.
The festival’s origins are in the Middle Ages, when winter supplies were torched as part of their spring cleaning process. This pagan ritual was then combined with the church’s commemoration of Saint Joseph, the patron saint of carpenters.
The party rages on from 8am to midnight, so be sure to base yourself in Alicante and have a day out in Valencia you will never forget.
5. Lyon, France
Are you keen on a city break? Visit Lyon.
To say that Lyon is a cosmopolitan city would be a huge understatement. With its towering basilicas, majestic cathedral, cultural museums, and cool and quirky bar scene, you won’t be short of things to do here. To add to all of this, Vaulx-en-Velin, just on the outskirts of the city, will be hosting a month-long Jazz festival.
The 28th Vaulx Jazz Fest will have an extensive programme of performances, shows, talks, seminars, workshops and debates, and a particular highlight will be the young people’s concert. Regardless of what your musical tastes are, there is sure to be something here to cater to you.
On the outskirts of Lyon you can also visit some of the best wine destinations in France.
6. Gran Canaria, Spain
While all the Canary Islands are lovely places to head to for a spot of winter sunshine, Gran Canaria really stands out because of its varied microclimates.
Essentially this means that travelling around the island is like visiting several different countries – something that’s earned it the nickname of ‘miniature continent’.
It’s a real pleasure to explore the island, so hire a car and do some driving especially if you have a week in Gran Canaria so you can see as much as possible. You can stop for scenic walks or to just admire the views – be as active (or lazy) as you want on your holiday!
If you still want to get into the festive spirit while you’re here, don’t miss the Christmas concert on December 21st in the theatre in Aguimes. If you’re travelling with kids, you’ll be pleased to know there are some family-friendly shows going on, too, including Mary Poppins (also in Aguimes) and Pippi Longstocking in Las Palmas.
7. Goa, India
Are you open to venturing a little further than your average European break? Book a flight to Goa.
Goa is one of the top places to see in India and a fantastic place to visit in the winter, as its mild climate and sunshine make a pleasant change from what you’ll leave behind in Europe.
Direct flights to Goa from the UK and Europe are cheap especially if booked in-advance.
Goa is a great place to mingle and party, and also ideal if you’re looking for a peaceful getaway. What makes it especially nice in March is the temperates and fewer tourists compared to summer.
If you are looking to go on a safari there are lots of places to see wildlife in Goa, as well as so many temples and cultural attractions.
Plan Your March Break Today
Hopefully our guide has given you some unique ideas for where to travel in March, now go book your trip.
