Greece in March

As winter passes and spring hits, a comfortable temperature settles over the Greek islands, paired with a generous amount of sun and mild rainfall. 

Greece in March is an excellent time for hiking, exploration, and even sightseeing since several of Athen’s museums and historical sites, such as the National Historical Museum or The National Archaeological Museum, offer free entry on the first Sunday of the month! Along with its first-rate wines, Greece thrives in spring with dishes centred around Mediterranean oils, fish, and vegetables. 

As brighter days creep in through March, you can expect Greece to be the perfect getaway, with a combination of crystal waters, golden sands, and a fusion of culture, tradition, and heritage –  even the most remote villages have something to offer!

Where to Go in Greece in March

Where to go in Greece depends on the type of experience that you are searching for. 

As the weather begins to warm up in March, yet the sun isn’t at its hottest, it is the ideal time to visit the coastal caves and sandy beaches of the Greek islands, such as Rhodes, Crete, and Chios. Not only are these islands rich in historical value, but they’re also very interesting for natural exploration, and they’re home to a wide variety of monuments and exhibitions (such as some of the world’s most famous and ancient medieval ruins in Rhodes). 

In the scope of mainland Greece, major cities such as Athens and Thessaloniki are cultural powerhouses that offer cosy accommodations and a plethora of tavernas to choose from!

Trips you may like

11-Day Luxury Honeymoon: Athens, Mykonos, Paros & Santorini

If you are looking for a relaxing honeymoon in Greece and to get a taste of Athens and some of the most popular islands of the Cyclades, this eleven-day Greek island hopping honeymoon is for you! After beginning in the ancient city of Athens, you will visit the cosmopolitan island of Mykonos, the enchanting island of Paros and the incredibly romantic island of Santorini. This wonderful trip will be punctuated with unique, special experiences that you can enjoy with your loved one whilst staying in beautiful high-end hotels.

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12-Day Classical Greece & Islands Cruise

This 12-day Greece cruise provides you with a great taste of this fascinating country! Staying in four- and five-star luxury hotels, this package includes a five-day coach tour of some of Greece’s most spectacular sites on the Greek Mainland and a four-day cruise roaming around the Aegean Sea. It is the perfect mix of relaxation and touring! Beginning in Athens, you’ll tour classical Greece including Corinth, Epidaurus, Olympia, Delphi, Thermopylae and Meteora. For the latter half of your trip, you’ll jump on a cruise and head to Mykonos, Santorini, Patmos, Crete and Rhodes before once again returning to Athens!

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8-Day Athens, Delphi, Mykonos and Santorini

Your eight-day Athens to Santorini trip takes you from the most important ancient sites in Greece that are found in Athens and Delphi to the stunning beaches and serene vistas of two of Greece’s most famous islands, Mykonos and Santorini. Your itinerary in Greece strikes a balance between informative tours and relaxation as your time in Athens and Delphi lays ancient Greek history in front of you. When you make it to the islands, you’ll spend your days on beautiful beaches with the option to visit the birthplace of Apollo, Delos. Finish your time in Greece with a stunning 5-hour catamaran cruise where your time will be concluded with the sun disappearing from the horizon.

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13-Day Ultimate Greek Island-Hopping Tour

Surround yourself with beautiful beaches with clear waters, taste the beloved Mediterranean cuisine, and get to know the history of each island on this 13-day trip island-hopping from Athens! Start in the picturesque streets of Plaka and in the second most popular sightseeing trip from Athens, Cape Sounio, where you can drink your coffee near the sea, and enjoy the spectacular sunsets! Next is the most popular island in Greece, Mykonos! Its sandy beaches with the crystal clear waters, beach bars and nightlife make Mykonos the most popular destination for celebrities from across the world! Then there is Santorini, considered to be the most romantic destination in Greece, offers you the ultimate sunset! A day cruise to the volcano comes highly recommended because it ends with a visit to Oia – a sunset-lovers paradise! Crete is the next destination, the birthplace of the oldest civilisation in Europe! Visit Knossos, Europe’s oldest city, and the archaeological museum of Crete, one of the most important museums in Europe. Tour in the old cities of Chania and Rethymnon, two of the most beautiful and romantic in Crete; walk at their narrow streets and taste the famous Cretan cuisine at one of the traditional tavernas. Finish your travels on Rhodes Island will leave you feeling like you are living in another era! Let the cobblestoned Street of the Knights, the most beautiful street in Rhodes, fascinate you!

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7-Day Cyclades – The Authentic Way

Explore the capital of Athens and two of the most authentically beautiful Cyclades islands on this seven-day Greece tour! Beginning in the capital, you’ll spend a day exploring the key sights of the city including the Panathenaic Stadium, the Temple of Olympian Zeus, the Hadrian’s Arch and the Acropolis. In the afternoon, you’ll catch the ferry to Paros, where you’ll spend the day couple of days enjoying the fabulous beaches, the picturesque architecture and the lounge nightlife. Moving on, you’ll head over to Naxos for a few days before heading back to Athens for your final night. Naxos is a wonderful island with long sandy beaches, traditional villages and interesting historical sites.

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What to Do / Best Places to Visit / Unique Experiences

Rhodes  

Rhodes is the largest island in the Dodecanese group of islands off the coast of Greece and the second-largest island in the Aegean Sea. If you’re looking for a relaxing and idyllic Greek island experience in March, Rhodes is the place to go!

The island has a large and diverse network of beaches ranging from wide, golden sandy coasts to more secluded coves and rocky inlets, as well as plenty of sun-kissed hillsides to explore. You can visit one of Rhodes’ many beaches in our 7-Day Majestic Rhodes Luxury and Discovery Tour.

The history of Rhodes is long and storied, with its earliest inhabitants dating back to 6,000 BC. The island has also been home to a number of different civilisations and empires over the millennia, including the Minoans and the Spartans. 

Today, Rhodes has one of the largest medieval fortresses in Europe, along with a rich cultural heritage to accompany its variety of festivals, museums, and galleries.

Crete 

Crete, the largest island in Greece, is famed for its spring wildflowers that begin to blossom in March and its landscapes that burst with colour. 

Whether it’s strolling along the coastline, visiting one of the many small villages, or hiking up to the mountains, you can enjoy an island filled with olive trees, vegetation, and mind-blowing archaeological wonders. You can tour the Archaeological Museum of Heraklion or the Palace of Knossos to be immersed in its rich history. 

No matter which route you go down, we recommend that you climb one of its many hilltops to marvel at the breathtaking views as the sun sets. The floral landscape of Crete makes it a romantic and picturesque destination, which can be experienced on our 10-Day Honeymoon to Athens, Crete & Santorini Tour. 

Chios  

Chios is an island in the Aegean Sea, close to the coast of Turkey. It was an important trading centre in the ancient world and is famous for its mastic gum and mastica. The island is also home to a number of Byzantine monasteries, including the famous Nea Moni, which is now a UNESCO World Heritage Site. 

Chios is a popular destination for visitors who are interested in history, culture, and nature. It has a number of stunning beaches and is also home to several protected nature reserves. If you’re looking for a versatile Greek island escape in March, Chios is a must-visit Greek destination. You can add it to your itinerary by connecting with our Local Designers to organise a fully-customisable trip to Chios.

Festivals / Special Events 

Greek Wine Festival  

The Greek Wine Festival, Oenotelia, is a month-long celebration of the grape harvest in Greece. It begins on the first Sunday of March and continues through to the end of the month.

The festival includes wine tastings, cooking demonstrations, and more. You can find events throughout the country, including Athens, Thessaloniki, and Patras. 

The most important part of the festival is the wine competition and awards ceremony at the end of the month. All wines entered into the competition must have been produced in Greece, and there are two categories: red and white. 

Red wines are judged based on their body (full-bodied, medium-bodied, light-bodied), aroma (fruity, floral, mineral), and taste (ripe fruit, ripe acidity, clean). White wines are judged on similar factors. In addition to these characteristics, participants are also judged on their winemaking techniques (organic/sustainable farming practices, chemical-free environment). 

The Carnaval of Tyros

The Carnaval of Tyros is the second largest carnival in Greece, organised every year by the Municipality of Tyros in the region of Peloponnes from the 10th of March until the 13th. The carnival began in 1951 and since then, it has become a massive celebration tradition for both locals and visitors. 

Throughout the week leading up to the actual event, several other festivities take places, such as exhibitions, competitions, workshops, and academic lectures. The main festivities then kick off with a parade that travels through the streets of Tyros. You can find all kinds of food, drinks, toys and sweets, as well as live music and performances featuring artists from all over the world! Young people also enjoy the carnival because there are many stalls selling sweets and snacks.

Weather / Seasons 

The weather in Greece in March is generally mild and dry, with occasional showers. The average temperature ranges from 14-20°C. The sun shines brightly while the sea is still cool. 

March is also the month in which you can expect to see the first signs of wildflowers in bloom. During the month, the winds blow from the West, bringing fair weather and a slight drop in temperature, yet there are still many sunny days and clear nights. Rainfall is rare, but when it does fall, it can be heavy and accompanied by thunderstorms. 

Things to Know Before You Go

• If you are a first-time traveller to Greece, it is advised to use public transport rather than drive, as roads can be complicated to navigate, being rough in terrain and at times quite narrow and winding. 
• Accommodation is often fully booked during major events, so try and secure a place as soon as possible.
• Plan for delays because Greeks are notoriously late, and buses and taxis are no exception.
• The currency in Greece is the Euro, USD$1 currently equals €0.95.
• Tipping is not compulsory in Greece, but it is always appreciated!
• The archaeological sites of Greece are extraordinary and are a must-see during your visit. 

Greece, in March, sees the islands burst to life with the presence of spring. One day you may enjoy a romantic dinner with an idyllic sunset in Crete, whilst on another, you may walk the ancient ruins of Rhodes. Browse our fully-customisable Greece tours and trips in our navigable gallery, alongside our list of expert Local Designers in Greece who will help you design the ultimate Greek getaway.