March signals the end of winter in most of Europe. Spring is in the air, flowers are blooming and for many, travel is on their minds. While summer in Europe brings in millions of tourists each year, spring is the perfect opportunity to see some of the best sights Europe has to offer, with out the crowds and hefty price tag seen in peak season. Here are the 6 best March travel destinations in Europe that should be on your next spring vacation itinerary.
Florence, Italy
Average Temperature: 16°C
The “Birthplace of the Renaissance” enjoys warm spring temperatures and an abundance of cultural sights.
- Italy is well known for its incredible food, and March is a great time to enjoy some of Florence’s best food festivals. Indulge in your sweet tooth with a visit to the annual Chocolate Fair, usually held at the beginning of the month. The main Piazza fills with master chocolatiers providing samples and showcasing their delicious work. Another famous culinary event is the annual Fuori di Taste, which celebrates all the incredible regional food found in Tuscany.
- Explore the city’s artistic wealth with a visit to one of Florence’s many iconic museums. The Uffizi Gallery and the Accademia Gallery are must sees, with works from Italy’s most famous artists such as Leonardo da Vinci, Michelangelo and Botticelli.
- Wander through the beautifully manicured Boboli Gardens as they come back to life in spring. Established by the Medici family, Boboli Gardens were instrumental in establishing the Italian Garden Style that would become popular throughout Europe.
- Marvel at Florence’s architectural masterpieces such as the Florence Cathedral (Il Duomo), Palazzo Vecchio and the Pitti Palace. Intricately designed, with the most luxurious materials, these sights stand as a testimony to the wealth and power of the Medici family, who established Florence as a cultural centre.
- Spend a day enjoying the Tuscan countryside with a winery tour. The Chianti region is located only 35km from the city center and offers incredible views of the Tuscan countryside.
Paris, France
Average Temperature: 13°C
Paris comes to life again in March after winter, with flowers starting to bloom and less crowds at the city’s most famous attractions.
- Parisian food is celebrated in March with the city hosting a number of food festivals. Taste of Paris, French Cuisine Festival (Gout de France), and National Macaron Day (March 20) are just a few such events that showcase the amazing gastronomy the city is world famous for.
- It wouldn’t be a trip to Paris without a visit to the city’s best museums showcasing famous French artists and world antiquities. The main museums such as the Louvre, Rodin and Musee d’Orsay are excellent choices, but the city is also home to many less famous and some free museums with fabulous collections. Spring is the perfect time to enjoy exhibitions before the summer crowds descend.
- March sees the city’s streets come to life with the start of cherry blossom season. One of the most famous streets to see the blossoms is Champ de Mars. Admire the first spring flowers in one of the many city gardens such as Jardin Tuileries, Jardin du Luxembourg and the Palais Royal Gardens. For an extra treat, be sure to bring a croissant to enjoy while you stroll through the parks.
- Located just outside the city center, Versailles, one of the world’s most famous palaces, is perfect to explore during spring. The interior of the palace offers impressive views and rich history, but the highlight in spring has to be the surrounding Versailles gardens.
Lisbon, Portugal
Average Temperature: 18°C
Portugal’s capital, Lisbon, offers a perfect blend of history and modern charm with lovely warm spring temperatures.
- Enjoy the panoramic views of the city as you walk along the walls of Castelo de São Jorge. This main attraction sees many tourists during the summer months, March is the perfect time to walk along the ramparts without the crowds.
- Climb the seven hills Libson rests upon. The spring weather is perfect for the at times strenuous, steep walks through the city’s seven hills (miradouros), which offer incredible viewpoints of the city.
- Eat your fill of Portugal’s famous pastry – Pastel de Nata. The perfect sweet treat after a day of exploring, these pastries can be found in cafes all over the city.
- Experience a Fado show – this traditional music is often sung in bars or cafes. The somber songs invoke a sense of loss and melancholy which are hauntingly beautiful to hear sung live.
- Tour the city on Tram 28. This extremely popular activity is packed with tourists in the summer months. Beat the long lines by visiting in shoulder season!
- Take a day trip to Sintra, a town just outside of Lisbon known for its fairytale castles and amazing gardens.
Venice, Italy
Average Temperature: 12°C
Venice is one of the most visited tourist destinations in the world. March is perfect time to experience the romance of the city, before the summer crowds show up.
- Venice is home to many amazing attractions such as the Doge’s Palace, St Mark’s Basilica and the Accademia Gallery. Many attractions can be booked ahead of time to ensure you will be able to visit these iconic sights.
- See a show at the historic Teatro La Fenice. Established in 1792, this Venetian institution offers incredible concerts and operas performed in a stunning historic venue. However, this is not the only place to enjoy live events. You can find many smaller, budget friendly classical concerts performed inside churches throughout the city.
- Take a walking food tour to experience Venice’s famous small bites known as Cicchetti. Often served in wine bars known as Bacari, these small appetizers offer a wide variety of amazing flavors and often feature local seafood, cheeses and cured meats.
- Admire the city’s cultural sights with a trip to one of its many museums. The Peggy Guggenheim Collection is perfect for modern art enthusiasts with works from famous artists such as Picaso and Dali. Museo Correr features a collection of Venetian artists and historical exhibits that provide a glimpse into Venetian life centuries ago. The Leonardo da Vinci Museum features interactive exhibits demonstrating the genius of the famous artist and inventor.
- While Venice offers numerous sights and attractions, the surrounding areas are also worth a visit. Check out these day trips that are a short distance from Venice.
Tenerife, Spain
Average Temperature: 21°C
Although perfect all year round, this Canary Island of the coast of Spain offers beautiful warm spring temperatures and an impressive array of outdoor activities.
- Hike through Mount Teide National Park. Hikers will enjoy a variety of trails that will take you high up into the mountain, or if you prefer amazing views without breaking a sweat, the mountain also features a funicular. Popular hiking routes include Samara Loop, Roques de Garcia and Monte Guajara.
- Take a dip in a natural pool. Tenerife is home to many natural pools thanks to the island’s volcanic history. They can offer more tranquil swimming conditions compared to the nearby ocean, however it is important to consult all safety precautions as some may be inaccessible in certain seasons. Popular pools include Charco del Vienta, Charco de Isla Cangrejo and Church de Los Chochos.
- Enjoy the island’s beautiful beaches such as Playa Teresitas. This man made beach offers impeccable white sand, which is significant as it is the only white sand beach on the island. Other gorgeous beaches include Playa La Tejita, Playa de los Gigantes and Playa Jardín.
- Explore the island’s “Cultural Capital” of San Cristobal de La Laguna. This UNESCO World Heritage Site was founded in the 15th century. It is home to incredible architecture such as Cathedral of La Laguna and the oldest university in the Canary Islands, University of La Laguna.
- See Tenerife in full bloom with a visit to Jardin Botanico (La Orotava Acclimatisation Gardens). This incredible garden offers amazing plant species that have been imported from around the world.
- Get lost in the amazing Bosque de Esperanza, one of the island’s largest forested areas. There are several hiking trails to choose from which offer amazing vistas of other notable sites such as Mount Teide, La Laguna and the island’s dramatic ocean coastlines.
Rome, Italy
Average Temperature: 17°C
The Eternal City is not just for summer enthusiasts; Rome enjoys pleasant temperatures and fewer crowds in the spring season.
- Enjoy Rome’s famous historic attractions without the crowds. The Colosseum, Trevi Fountain and Spanish Steps draw large crowds during peak season. Enjoy the beauty and history without the long queues.
- Spend the day exploring the many historic sites in the Vatican, including St Peter’s Basilica, the Borgia Apartments and the Vatican Museums. Here you will find incredible works of art from the likes of Leonardo da Vinci, Raphael, Caravaggio and Michelangelo.
- Appreciate Rome’s rich cultural heritage at one of the city’s magnificent museums such as the Borghese Gallery, Capitoline Museums and Palazzo Massimo.
- Eat your way through Rome with a food tour and savor Roman specialties such as Cacio e Pepe, Carbonara and Porchetta. Many of these iconic Roman dishes can be found at small, family owned trattorias. For a more authentic experience, try to steer clear from restaurants next to major attractions, as these often cater to tourists.
- Wander through Rome’s most charming neighborhoods such as Trastevere or Monti. Filled with local shops, restaurants and bars, it is the perfect place to get lost and admire Rome’s beauty.
- Discover Rome’s history beneath its streets with a guided tour through the catacombs and Capuchin Crypts.
So concludes our list of the 6 best March travel destinations in Europe. From the warm Canary Islands, to exploring Roman Ruins, there truly is a wealth of choice for travelers looking for the perfect spring getaway.