Europe in March means beautiful blossoms in the south, incredible cultural celebrations at carnivals across the continent, warmer climates claiming back the islands, and city breaks before the crowds. If you’re still wondering where to go in Europe for a March 2025 vacation, I’ve got you covered.
Rather than just emphasising some of Europe’s most famous destinations and extolling the benefits of visiting in the low season, I’ve aimed to spotlight some more offbeat spots, events and activities happening in March 2025 in Europe.
Remember, Easter this year is quite late, so if you’re looking for where to enjoy an Easter getaway in 2025, you’ll want my April in Europe guide instead. However, the bonus of the later school holidays means that there are likely to be more deals on transport and accommodation in March this year. Find my favourite seasonal tips below, split into sub-headings to help you find spring blossoms, cultural celebrations, a sunny island escape, northern lights, or go “off the beaten track”.
Where to see beautiful blossoms in Europe in March
March brings the first signs of spring to southern Europe in pretty floral displays and big, colourful carnivals – some of which will have started, and perhaps even ended, in February.
Sicily, Italy
Oh, amore mio. Sicily is hands-down the best island to visit in Italy. And while The White Lotus might have put the Mediterranean’s largest island on many a bucket list for the silver-screen-worthy sands of Cefalù, luxurious resorts and waters so shimmering they were fit for an iconic “Peppa Pig” murder, this island isn’t only sun, sea, and sand. This is especially true in March 2025, when the spotlight is firmly turned inland to the ancient city of Agrigento, crowned Italy’s Capital of Culture 2025. Laden with history, Agrigento’s Valle dei Templi, a vast archaeological and World Heritage Site consisting of ancient Greek temples, astounds as you walk the ridge linking these ancient wonders.
Adding a pop of bright white is the Festival of Almond Blossom, scheduled between the 1st and 10th March 2025 (rather than February, as in 2024). Not only will the ancient sights be framed by delicate flowers, but folk performances and events add to the festival’s allure. But don’t just limit yourself to Agrigento; the island is a delight in spring with hiking trails hemmed by wildflowers, the chance to grab a great deal on many of Sicily’s serene villas, and even more celebrations on the agenda, including the Festa di San Giuseppe in Palermo on the 19th of March.
Murcia, Spain
Sitting between two of Spain’s big players, Andalusia and Valencia, the Region of Murcia is criminally overlooked. This oversight by international tourists is its blessing, though, as you can find affordable deals along its dazzling Costa Cálida, excellent winery tasting menus at tempting prices, and Roman archaeological sites without heavy footfall.
No matter what time of year you visit, you’ll find plenty of things to do in Murcia. Dive into history at Cathagena’s Roman Theatre, admire the intricate neo-Islamic architecture of the region’s namesake capital at the Real Casino de Murcia, and drive the Murcia wine route to discover the mouthwatering local Monastrell grape. Every year in March, the area also witnesses one of Europe’s most beautiful floral spectacles. Detour to the town of Cieza, and you’ll find the landscape awash with the vivid blossoms of fruit trees. Peach trees are particularly abundant, and the magenta and pink coasts thousands of hectares of the countryside, providing a beautiful backdrop to easy-going ambles.
Best European cities to visit in March 2025
Looking for a cracking city break this March? Book a few days in Seville if you want my tip for a warm, relaxed, and delicious trip. Or, plan a trip to one of the following for a fiery festival or cultured event.
Dubrovnik, Croatia
Since Game of Thrones made Dubrovnik feel almost like a theme park, it’s become hard to appreciate the ancient cobbled streets and magnificent museums or walk atop the ramparts without fighting through throngs of people. But while Croatia’s top destination pulls in the crowds year-round, but for a slightly less intense visit, March is my pick. During March 2025, only a handful of cruises are scheduled to call at the fortified city, compared to arrivals nearly every other day from April. Thousands of cruising day-trippers at once is what tips the city from busy to unbearable, so you can mostly avoid this by coming in early or mid-March.
The weather might not be perfect for swimming, but you’ll likely have sunny days with temperatures around a pleasant 16°C (61°F), so you can still enjoy what is essentially an open-air museum. Plus, with fewer people flocking to Dalmatia for a beach escape, you can usually snag a deal on sea-view villas in Croatia before the school Easter holiday crowds arrive. If you want to extend your Croatia itinerary into a twin-city break, consider heading to Zagreb, the nation’s capital, between the 19th and 23rd of March 2025 for the Zagreb Festival of Lights.
Valencia, Spain
Valencia is one of Spain’s best city breaks any time of year. The country’s third largest city has everything Spain does so well: the region is the home of Paella, there are sandy urban beaches, the Old Town oozes with architectural treasures, including the UNESCO-listed La Lonja de la Seda (The Silk Exchange), and magnificent religious structures. Plus, there’s a contemporary clutch of cultural spaces in the Ciudad de las Artes y las Ciencias, set inside a former riverbed.
But why visit in March? For the Fallas celebrations. From the 1st to the 19th of the month, the city comes alive with bonfires, ritual burnings and fireworks. Hailing from an old woodworker tradition, when the burning of items signalled the end of winter and the start of spring, fire is very much the essence of this festival. Study the calendar to plan the best days to attend, as the more significant events will fall between the 15th and 19th of March 2025.
Basel, Switzerland
Thoughts of Switzerland tend to conjure up cinematic jagged mountain peaks, snow-covered landscapes, and lush, untouched valleys. But the country is also home to some seriously underrated cities, often skipped in favour of nature. One is Basel, the nation’s third-largest city and cultural capital. Straddling the Rhine River and only a short distance from France and Germany, it’s a gorgeous city with plenty of international offerings. Year-round, you can spend entire days visiting world-class museums, such as the Kunstmuseum, Switzerland’s largest and most important collection of Fine Art, and Museum Tinguely, dedicated to the sculptors of Swiss-born Jean Tinguely.
The main reason to visit now though is Basel Carnival. Scheduled between the 10th to 12th of March 2025, due to Easter being later, the UNESCO-recognised event is one of Europe’s biggest and most elaborate carnivals. Kicking off with the Morgestraich early-morning call on Monday, the next following days are a blur of drums, lanterns, masks and revelry. The two afternoon Cortège parades are the best for watching all the costumes and Guggenmusik, the brass bands, go by.
Dublin, Ireland
St. Patrick’s Day is on a Monday this year (17th March 2025), so where better to plan a long weekend than Ireland’s capital city, Dublin? Aside from all the celebrations, the city has a cracking cultural scene which will fill your days before a beer-heavy night. Though, you’ll likely be starting earlier if you decide to tour the Guinness Storehouse to learn all about the brewing of the nation’s most iconic beer.
There are plenty of sober sights to soak up, too. Uncover why Dublin is a UNESCO City of Literature on a tour of Trinity College’s gorgeous, dark-panelled library and the Dublin Writers Museum. Dive into the nation’s history at Dublin Castle, the National Museum, and especially at the Kilmainham Gaol, a former prison turned history museum. And then soak up the craic at some of Ireland’s best traditional pubs – even if you miss Paddy’s Day, the city’s sessions (live music) are a pull any day of the week.
Warmest places in Europe in March for a holiday
Seeking the last of the winter sun? Turn your attention south to some of the continent’s best islands for a sunny getaway. Enjoy that the more popular European family-friendly destinations won’t welcome the Easter school holiday crowd in 2025 until April.
The Canary Islands, Spain
Spain’s southernmost archipelago is closer to Morocco than its mainland, making the island group one of Europe’s best beach destinations year-round. Gran Canaria is usually one of the warmest islands, and you can expect pleasant daytime temperatures in March of around 19°C (67°F), though it can often be warmer. Pick carefully from the eight main islands, as each has a somewhat different offering, though carnival season will be in full swing across most in March 2025.
For a more offbeat Spanish destination, head to La Palma or La Gomera, the latter laced with hiking trails and a laurel forest. For the biggest bash, set your sights on Tenerife, the largest of the Canary Islands, for the Brazilian-style Carnival of Santa Cruz de Tenerife, which starts in January and concludes on the 9th of March in 2025. Or head to Fuerteventura for wind sports out on the water. Well-rounded, warm winter sun destinations don’t come much better than the Canaries.
Madeira & Porto Santo, Portugal
North of the Canary Islands, Portugal’s autonomous Madeira archipelago also delivers the goods as daytime temperatures on Porto Santo Island are usually around 18°C (65°F). In fact, Madeira boasts a spring-like climate for much of the year, keeping the islands blissful in both winter and summer. In March 2025, I’d suggest doing a twin-island visit. Start on the archipelago’s largest and namesake island, Madeira, to soak in natural pools formed from lava and hike some of Portugal’s most impressive mountain trails.
March’s highlight is the two-week carnival celebrations, mainly in the capital of Funchal, which will run from the 26th of February to the 9th of March in 2025. Expect plenty of flower-themed costumes and colourful dancers washed back with the local Madeira wine or poncha (a typical sugarcane rum drink). Post-celebrations, hop on the two-hour ferry to Madeira’s little sister, Porto Santo, which is essentially the antithesis of Madeira. Say goodbye to dramatic mountains and pebbly beaches as you arrive at the sweeping golden sand island, hopefully snagging a decent resort deal to enjoy the serene shorelines.
Malta
If you’re looking for a winter sun city break, look no further than Valletta, Malta’s sun-soaked, honey-coloured capital city. Being one of Europe’s warmest countries in March, the daytime temperatures are usually around 17°C (63°F), making it ideal for sunbathing and sightseeing.
Get your fill of history amongst the mishmash of medieval sandstone buildings dotting the capital, explore the fascinating clutch of museums, and try to catch one of the Mużika Mużika concerts – essentially the national song competition – hosted in March 2025. My vote for a beach escape from the city goes to Gozo, a short ferry away from Malta, and in March, you should be able to find a good deal as some resorts re-open from their winter slumber.
Where to go in Europe in March for Northern Lights
Around the spring equinox – the 20th of March in 2025 – aurora activity is often more intense, as strong solar winds regularly deliver life-affirming northern lights sightings. This year is expected to be particularly impressive as the solar cycle peaked in 2024. Are you looking for snow with more skiing opportunities? Check my tips on where to go for January in Europe.
Swedish Lapland
Finnish Lapland might get all the festive attention, but with Christmas firmly behind us by March, you might prefer the more authentic side that Sweden offers away from the fabled “Santa’s Village”. It also helps that Sweden’s exchange rate is usually much more favourable than other Nordic nations. But what makes this one of the best end-of-winter destinations in Europe other than potential northern lights sightings?
Firstly, it’s reachable by train, and hopefully, by March, there shouldn’t be any track issues either. You can ride all the way from Stockholm to the northern Abisko National Park, crossing the Arctic Circle en-route, but sleeper service or break up the daytime journey by starting in Luleå (pictured above). Secondly, the incredible ICEHOTEL in Jukkasjärvi (hop off the train in Kiruna), constructed yearly from ice in November, still stands. This unique and annually changing accommodation, where you sleep on and surrounded by ice, doesn’t usually melt until April. As March is one of the quieter months, it’s slightly easier to snag one of the 12 all-ice rooms. But my vote goes for Abisko National Park, a raw, rugged, snow-dusted wonderland regarded as one of Scandinavia’s best northern light destinations.
Lofoten Islands, Norway
Arguably Norway’s most cinematic destination, this North Atlantic archipelago is a thin string of volcanic rocks, colourful cabins, and scenes that constantly have you going ooh and ahh. It’s pretty easy to continue from Abisko in Sweden to the islands – here’s the train and bus route from Lapland to the Lofoten Islands that I took – so you could combine both into one trip. From Reine’s turf-roofed red Rorbu cabins, traditionally fishermen’s homes backed by jagged peaks to the photogenic Arctic beaches lapped by the cleanest of waters, every corner of this archipelago is dreamy.
Why go to the Lofoten Islands in March 2025? Firstly, precisely because it’s the low season. This corner of the world is hugely impacted by overtourism, especially in the popular months. There’s only one main highway crossing the archipelago. And, as numerous tourists descend in summer, it can become clogged, causing nightmares for locals. Secondly, the far-northern location of Norway’s Nordland region makes it (hopefully) a prime position to spot the northern lights, especially as light pollution is minimal. You’ll still get the snowy winter landscapes, but with the arctic nights gone, there is enough daylight to explore or perhaps even ski, though most hiking trails are still a no-go.
Iceland
Iceland in winter can be cold and complicated, as I discovered the year I went for Christmas and New Year. I was confident that in the depths of winter’s near-endless nights, I would see the northern lights, but alas, I hadn’t considered just how much cloud cover there would be, and I came away without a single slither of green. In 2025, one of the best times to visit Iceland for aurora borealis sightings will likely be around March’s spring equinox, given the predictions of increased activity. But, while this is the tail-end of winter, and the days are starting to get longer, come prepared for all climes – rain and snowfall are typically relatively high.
In March, the inner gravel roads (F roads) still won’t be open. Only confident drivers should plan a road trip around Iceland’s golden triangle and main circular roads that are regularly gritted, so for the best chance of spotting the northern lights, take a specific tour or base yourself away from Reykjavik where the increased urban lighting can impact on the ability to fully appreciate the show. If you’re unlucky and don’t see the elusive performance, fear not, you’ll still have off-season deals and ice-caving as your reward. Events in March 2025 include The Icelandic Beer Festival on the 1st, the “Food and Fun” Festival (12th–16th) and the usually rock-heavy Battle of the Bands concerts.
Offbeat destinations to visit in March 2025 in Europe
Prefer to head to one of Europe’s hidden gems? Well, March 2025 is a great month to experience some festivals in often overlooked towns, ride a wine train away from a 2025 Capital of Culture, or make your way to a micronation.
Vipava Valley & Nova Gorica, Slovenia
Gorgeously green and criminally underrated, the Vipava Valley has long been one of my favourite destinations for wine tourism. Here, in the vineyard-coated landscape reminiscent of Tuscany and backed by hike-friendly mountains, slow travel and sustainability go hand in hand. Home to some of Europe’s most adorable medieval towns, much of the winemaking magic takes place underground in candle-lit, ancestral cellars where families continue to make small-batch bottles of first-class wines, mainly using the Indigenous Zelen grape.
March 2025 is an excellent time to visit for two reasons. The first “wine train” of the season will depart on the 22nd of March 2025 from Nova Gorcia, with onboard tastings and vintners taking you to the valley. Secondly, its departure station is one of the EU Capitals of Culture 2025. However, unlike previous cultural capitals, this one is somewhat unique as it spans two cities and countries, Nova Gorica and Gorizia, making it a collaborative effort by the Italians and Slovenians – it’s interesting to be in a city essentially split down the middle by an international border and seeing the slight differences between the Slovenian side and one of Italy’s more offbeat cities.
Liechtenstein
Tiny Liechtenstein might be on your travel radar. But if you’re planning to visit Switzerland for some snow and low-season savings, you can easily add on a visit to one of Europe’s smallest countries. It’s only around two hours from Basel to Sargans – then a 30-minute bus ride to Vaduz, the nation’s capital – so consider combining Basel’s March Carnival with Liechtenstein in one trip. The land-locked Principality of Liechtenstein’s landscapes are strikingly similar, so much so that you might not notice when you trundle across the non-EU border (Liechtenstein is in Schengen but not the EU).
Reaching Vaduz, an undersized capital city hemmed by vineyards, castles and mountain backdrops, you might find a dusting of snow in March adding to the magic. There’s enough to fill a weekend visit with a hill-perched 12th-century castle and an excellent art museum to keep you cosy away from the chill. March’s highlights include the Monsterkonzert in Schaan, which kicks off the month marching carnival band and atmospheric evening on the 1st of March 2025, while the musical Festival of Voices begins mid-month. It’s not far to reach Switzerland’s largest city, Zurich, so the Zurich Carnival or its spring blossom festival can be easily added to your itinerary.
Podence, Portugal
One of the most exciting places to visit in March in Europe is the tiny northern Portuguese village of Podence. This offbeat spot near the Spanish border flies under the radar for much of the year. But in early March, that all changes when the Carnival of Podence (1st – 4th March 2025, rather than February as some years) brings a flurry of activity.
Still, even though the event is UNESCO-listed due to its long history and unique costumes, most visitors to Portugal haven’t even heard of it. For those who do want to visit, advance planning is essential, as thousands of people descend on the village for the event, and the tourism infrastructure simply isn’t there to accommodate such a crowd. If accommodation is scarce, hire a car and stay in nearby larger towns such as Braganca, Macedo de Cavaleiros, or even Vila Real.
But what makes this small random carnival so unique? Firstly, it’s the story behind this remote region’s celebration and unique costumes. The carnival’s roots were as a rite of passage, paganism, fertility, and celebrating the winter’s end. Secondly, the performances by the ‘Caretos’, dressed in traditional colourful streamer costumes and masks, are almost hypnotising. Over the four days, bonfires are lit, the gaita (a bagpipe instrument of Northern Portugal and Spain’s Galicia region) rings through the mountain air, and the dancing Caretos whip around torches topped by flames. It’s a confusing, colourful, and sometimes almost satanic event, but it’s well worth making the journey for.
