Greece, the land of ancient myths, the birthplace of democracy and the home of beloved gyros, is a world-renowned European destination. With its fascinating cultural heritage, delicious cuisine and abundance of breathtaking landscapes, Greece is a place that travellers are drawn back to again and again.
When we think of Greece, we often picture ourselves basking in the sun on white-sand beaches; but Greece offers far more than just its summer climate! March is one of the country’s most enchanting seasons, and as the spring melts away the winter chill, it bursts into life with flowers, festivals and delicious seasonal food!
There are plenty of exciting activities to enjoy in Greece in March; Visitors can unwind on peaceful nature trails, dive into the lively festivities of Carnival, or simply stroll through ancient city streets while enjoying the mild climes. Whether you’re a history buff, outdoor enthusiast or party-lover, springtime in Greece offers something for every traveller to enjoy.
As it falls within the off-peak season, March also offers the perfect opportunity to explore Greece with fewer crowds. Historical sites are far more accessible, long queues are a rarity and for budget-conscious travellers, accommodation prices are significantly lower, making it both affordable and enticing!
If you’re thinking of travelling to Greece in March, we’ve outlined everything you need to know to plan the perfect spring getaway. From weather conditions and festivals to top activities and locations, here’s the very best that Greece has to offer at this vibrant time of year.
In March, Greece enters its Spring season, meaning that the wintery chill begins to defrost and the hours of daylight increase. The average temperature in Greece in March ranges from 10°C to 15°C, steadily rising as the month progresses. Whilst this is certainly cooler than the 25°C seen in summer, visitors can still enjoy crisp, bright conditions that are perfect for outdoor exploration.
It should be noted that March is one of the rainier months in Greece, but don’t let that put you off! Rain showers are occasional and experienced mainly in the first half of the month, with an average of around 7 to 9 rainy days. The sunshine always makes an appearance after rainy spells, so you’re never too far from a beautiful Mediterranean rainbow.
The Greek weather in March varies across its regions, with the mountainous northern areas like Macedonia experiencing the highest amount of rainfall and the coolest temperatures. As you move toward the central and southern regions, such as Thessaly or Athens, conditions become more pleasant, with warmer, drier days.
Whilst coastal breezes can add a chill to the air, many islands welcome visitors with unexpected heat. Crete is one of the warmest Greek islands in March, with temperatures reaching 19°C and experiencing rare rainfall, making it an ideal spring destination.
With the fluctuating temperatures, it’s a good idea to pack a variety of clothing and accessories. Light layers, a thin waterproof jacket and a cap or sunglasses will protect you from both the sunlight and unexpected showers.
March in Greece is a vibrant month, with many festivals and events that reflect its rich tapestry of traditions. From street parades and food stalls to performances and marathons, the range of springtime festivities offers a unique glimpse into authentic Grecian culture.
The 25th of March commemorates the start of the Greek War of Independence against Ottoman rule in 1821. The festival is characterised by grand parades, with military processions held in major cities like Athens or Thessaloniki and special religious services offered nationwide to honour the day.
Visitors can immerse themselves in the celebrations by witnessing the iconic marching bands as they parade through public squares. Sample traditional foods like salted cod and other seasonal delicacies, and finish off with a glittering display of fireworks.
The Carnival season spans three weeks before Lent and ends in early March. This exciting period is known as ‘Apokries’ and celebrates renewal and fertility offered by the warmth of spring. Colourful parties, parades and costumes bring the streets to life, making the festival a must-see if you’re visiting Greece in March.
Patras, a city in western Greece, hosts one of Europe’s largest Carnival parades, with traditional music, dance and theatrical performances creating a fun-filled day out.
If you’re a sports enthusiast travelling to Greece in March, why not get involved in the capital’s half-marathon race? Imagine the sense of achievement after running through the city where the first-ever Olympic games were held, admiring iconic landmarks and ancient ruins en route.
The race takes participants through Athens’ historic centre, passing The Acropolis, Syntagma Square and the Panathenaic Stadium. The event brings together thousands of runners from across the world with supportive crowds, music performances and post-race celebrations, making it an electric experience that sporting enthusiasts just can’t miss.
Whilst many destinations in Greece in March offer natural beauty and enthralling cultural attractions, there are a select few that capture the limelight. From mainland cities to island villages, these diverse destinations are especially charming at this time of year.
Athens, the bright and bustling capital of Greece, is particularly beautiful in March as it experiences mild weather and fewer crowds, making it ideal for historical exploration. The city is dotted with world-famous ancient ruins dating back to the 5th century, and visitors can step back in time with guided walking tours of the Acropolis, Parthenon and Ancient Agora.
Make your way to the traditional village of Plaka, where the white-washed buildings are adorned with bougainvillaea and the streets are lined with welcoming tavernas. Sample regional delicacies like stuffed vine leaves and gyros, and with fewer tourists, the streets of Athens in March take on an especially peaceful ambience.
Lycabettus Hill is a stunning viewpoint in the city famed for its sunsets. As part of the off-peak season, March is the ideal time to catch this fiery spectacle without the floods of summer crowds. Venture up the slopes to see incredible panoramas of Syntagma Square and the Acropolis.
Crete is one of the best islands to visit in Greece in March, home to a blossoming countryside, calm coastal landscapes and magnificent historical sites. Boasting pleasant heat and dry conditions, Crete is the ideal spring destination for outdoor activities. The island offers many scenic walking routes, including Imbros Gorge which passes through limestone cliffs and traditional hilltop villages. Taking around 2-3 hours to complete, the route is perfect for a slow-paced hike surrounded by incredible views of nature and the Libyan Sea.
The Venetian Harbour is one of the most iconic sites in Chania, a city in the north of Crete. This colourful waterfront showcases the blend of Greek and Italian influences, with elegant architecture left by the Venetian rule of Crete in the 13th century. Visitors can take a stroll along the harbour, stopping for a bite to eat in one of the many waterfront cafes or restaurants.
Knossos Palace, one of the most significant archaeological sites in Greece, is a must for history enthusiasts visiting Crete in March. Now standing as well-preserved ruins, the palace was once the centre of ancient Minoan civilisations, Europe’s earliest advanced society. The site is surrounded by myth and legend, making it an enchanting place to visit. Without the long queues of the peak travel season, tourists can explore Knossos Palace peacefully and at their own pace, soaking in all its ancient glory.
The island of Santorini is known for its upscale ambience, luxury restaurants and stunning views of the Aegean Sea. Traditionally visited in the summer for its glistening beaches, Santorini becomes an irresistible haven in March, with its pleasant weather, serene white-washed streets and picturesque sunsets.
Fira, the capital of Santorini, is a beautiful hillside village perched on the island’s volcanic caldera cliffs. With mild temperatures in Santorini in March, around 12–17°C, Fira is perfect for slow afternoon strolls through its narrow winding street. Visitors can enjoy a delicious meal in one of the many sophisticated restaurants or cocktail lounges looking out across the glistening waters.
Oia is located at the northern tip of Santorini and is famous for its blue-domed churches. The spring months offer a unique opportunity to capture unobstructed views of the domes, as well as ideal climes for hiking between Oia and Fira. Enjoy the vibrant wildflowers that enhance the beauty of the island’s rugged landscape as you venture along cliffside pathways, or simply relax in a luxury hotel in Oia’s Old Town for an indulgent stay.
Whether you’re travelling on a family holiday, a romantic couples getaway or an empowering solo venture, there are many exciting activities in Greece in March that suit all preferences. From outdoor adventures to culinary experiences, you won’t be short of things to do in this fabulous season.
With the coming of Spring, Greece transforms from a wintery wonderland into a blossoming landscape of vibrant wildflowers, lush greenery and pleasant weather. These conditions make it perfect for embarking on outdoor escapades and Greece is brimming with incredible nature trails to explore on foot.
Mount Olympus is the highest peak in Greece, renowned as the mythical home of the Greek Gods. This is a bucket-list destination for seasoned hikers and offers several scenic routes to the summit. The most popular starts in Litochoro, taking hikers on a journey through forested pathways, cascading waterfalls and challenging climbs. As higher elevation routes may be icy in March, it is recommended to hike with a guide.
If mountaineering isn’t your forte, there are plenty of coastal walking routes in Greece in March for a less challenging but equally adventurous alternative. The small remote village of Loutro in the south of Crete is known for its turquoise bay and rocky mountains, offering many seafront walkways. This car-free village is only accessible by boat or on foot, making it an idyllic spot for outdoor exploration.
Greece is home to some of the most fascinating and well-preserved ancient sites in the world, and visitors flock from across the globe to experience its archaeological splendour. Whilst the summer months attract the largest crowds, the shoulder seasons like spring and autumn offer the perfect opportunity to roam these ancient sites at a leisurely pace without the long queues or sweltering heat.
Without the hours of waiting as expected in the summer, visiting the Acropolis is one of the best things to do in Greece in March. This UNESCO World Heritage Site encompasses several key monuments, such as the Parthenon Temple and the Propylaea, the grand pillared entrance, and visitors can enjoy an immersive experience with guided walking tours. Other popular historical attractions in Athens include the Theatre of Dionysus where opera performances can still be attended today, and Hadrian’s Library, a testament to Athen’s significance during the Roman Period.
Whilst the popular sites are great to visit, there are some equally enticing hidden gems in Greece that shouldn’t be overlooked. The Ancient Messene in Peloponnese, for example, is an exceptionally well-preserved ancient city dating back to 369 BCE complete with city walls, a stadium and a theatre. Lato is another fantastic example of an ancient city. Built on a hilltop near Agios Nikolaos, it offers both a glimpse into the past with its marble cisterns as well as panoramic views of Mirabello Bay.
Visiting museums in Greece during March is a fantastic way to explore the country’s history and culture. The Byzantine Museum in Thessaloniki showcases mosaics and icons from the Byzantine era, and with cooler temperatures and fewer crowds, March is the ideal time to visit. The Archaeological Museum of Heraklion is especially popular in the summer, and visitors in spring can explore the incredible collection of Minoan Artifacts taken from the nearby Knossos Palace.
One of the best things to do in Greece in March is to sample some of the country’s delightful seasonal cuisine. Blending the winter comforts with the fresh ingredients of spring, Greek food at this time of year is an explosion of flavour, leaving your taste buds thoroughly tickled. For a true flavour of Greece in March, try out small family-run tavernas where recipes have been passed down through generations.
Food is celebrated during cultural events like Apokries or Greek Independence Day, and visitors have a unique opportunity to savour traditional festive dishes of these periods. Enjoy foods such as Spanakopita served with spring greens, or pair fresh seafood with regional wines for an authentic dining experience.
Whilst many Greek desserts are enjoyed year-round, some sweet treats are especially popular during March due to Lent and Easter celebrations. Rich and indulgent deserts such as baklava and havlas feature seasonal ingredients like honey, nuts and cinnamon, and their sweet aromas pour from the shutters of bakeries across the country.
Whilst Greece is a beautiful destination all year round, March is often overlooked by sun-seeking holidaygoers – but they’re missing out on all the unique and wonderful experiences that springtime offers! With bright and crisp conditions, blossoming scenery, and a quiet scenic atmosphere, Greece in March is especially enchanting, not to mention the lower prices that come with the off-peak season!
There are endless opportunities for fun adventures in March, from coastal hikes to watching the sunset and discovering ancient ruins, all without the busy summer crowds. If you’re ready for a unique getaway filled with outdoor activities, seasonal festivities and prime viewing experiences, consider a spring escape to Greece in March – you won’t be disappointed!
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