As the winter frosts begin to thaw and spring is on the horizon, Spain in March is a time for looking ahead and capturing the best of both sides of Spain, both the cool of winter and the thaw or coming Spring. For those looking to explore the best of Spain’s iconic cities, March is arguably the best time to visit this Iberian nation.
The worst of the weather is behind you, the hoards of tourists are yet to appear, and prices are affordable. Not only does Spain in March seem attractive for practical reasons, but it’s also a time of celebrations, including one of the country’s most famous festivals, Las Fallas.
Striking the perfect balance between good weather, low prices, fewer tourists and an abundance of cultural events, travelling through Spain in March will be an experience you will not forget in a hurry.
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Where to Go in Spain in March
Visiting Spain in March opens up the entire country for exploration. The weather begins to ease its winter chill, making regions such as the north coast of Basque Country and Galicia far more accessible and enjoyable.
As temperatures rise, popular sunbathing sites such as the Catalonia region and southern Adulusia cry out to be taken advantage of. During this time of the year, you almost have these sandy beach locations to yourself, which is impossible during the summer high season.
The city of Valencia is a must-visit on any Spain itinerary in March. Not only does the Mediterranean sea begin to warm, but the city bursts into life in celebration of Saint Joseph – one of Spain’s most iconic celebrations.
Southern Spanish cities such as Málaga and Cádiz are also some of the best places to visit during March. Only a stone’s throw away from the north African coast, the weather in these cities rises quickly through the month. Travelling to Spain in March also allows you to visit captivating sites without the huge crowds in tow.
What to Do / Best Places to Visit / Unique Experiences
Cultural Sites of Barcelona
The Catalonian capital of Barcelona is one of Spain’s most popular destinations. This is due in no small part to its plethora of cultural attractions, from the famous Catalan modernist cathedral La Sagrada Familia to the Picasso Museum, celebrating one of Spain’s most famous sons.
Visiting Barcelona during March will mean you can escape the often tiresome queues and crowds surrounding these world-class sites. This gives you enough time to appreciate the cultural wonders of Barcelona. As the March sun rises high, it’s also a nice time to begin dining outdoors again at one of the city’s panoramic rooftops.
Explore Cadiz
One of the oldest cities in western Europe, the southern city of Cadiz is an excellent place to visit in March. With the cooler side of winter behind you, Cadiz begins to bathe itself in long sunny days, and the feel-good weather of Spain begins to return.
Not only will you be getting some of the best weather Spain has to offer in March, but you can also explore the ever impressing sites of this famous city. Must-see sites include the Roman Theatre and the city’s most iconic landmark Cadiz Cathedral.
Valencia
The eastern city of Valencia is a must-see during March in Spain. Alongside the warmer Mediterranean air drifting in from the sea, the city bursts into life at the end of the month with the festival of Las Fallas, which you can read all about below!
Mixing with the locals of Valencia during March is a truly immersive experience. With fewer tourists during this month, you’ll have that fly on the wall experience and feel just like a local.
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Festivals / Special Events
Las Fallas Festival
During the last week of March, the city of Valencia explodes in celebrations for the Las Fallas Festival. Throughout the weeklong festival, Valencia sees numerous bonfires, firework displays and general feel-good festivities.
The festival culminates in the climactic event, known as La Cremà or ‘the burning’. During this event, many paper mache sculptures and effigies are set alight in a mass fire. To get a true flavour of authentic Spain, attending the Las Fallas festival in March is a must.
Sant Medir Festival
Celebrated in early March, the festival of Sant Medir celebrates the legend of Sant Medir. It is said that the saint planted some instantly growing beans in the Spanish soil, and for this reason, he was arrested by the occupying Romans.
Celebrated in the Catalonian capital of Barcelona, Sant Medir is known as the sweetest festival in Spain. During the parade celebrations, thousands of sweets and candies are thrown to the waiting crowds – all in all, the Sant Medir Festival is a riot of fun and indulgence.
El Entierro de la Sardina
One of the most unusual festival celebrations in Spain during March is the El Entierro de la Sardina. Translating as the Burial of the Sardine, it is said that the festival harks back to a time when King Carlos III was handed some rotten sardines and quickly ordered them to be buried.
Whatever the true roots of the festival are, El Entierro de la Sardina has quickly become a true snapshot of tradition and superstition that permeates all through Spain. During the celebrations, locals dress in all black as they carry symbolic sardines through the streets. These are either buried or cooked over grills and open fires.
Weather in Spain in March
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Planning to Visit Spain in March?
The weather in Spain in March is a true transitional period. Throughout the northern regions, it’s not unusual to feel the pinch of winter and experience a few rain showers. However, as you journey further south, the weather begins to change to what we have begun to expect from a Spanish holiday.
Southern cities such as Cadiz, Malaga and Seville even begin to reach highs of 22°C. Those looking for an early beach holiday should head to the southern Anudlusian coastal waters, where the Mediterranean flows through.
Things to Know Before You Go
- The currency in Spain is the Euro. At the time of writing, USD$1 is equivalent to €0.93.
- Travellers from outside of the EU will require a short-stay visa: this is the general visa for tourists and allows you to stay and travel through Spain for 90 days.
- Eating practices in Spain usually happen quite late in the day. Lunch is eaten at around 2 pm, and dinner can be eaten as late as 9 pm.
- Most shops and businesses close between 2 pm and 4 pm; this is known as the siesta.
- Spanish isn’t the only language spoken in Spain. Catalan is the primary language in Catalonia, Basque is spoken in the northern Basque region and Galician is used in Galicia, northwestern Spain.
- Spain in March is a month full of festivals, from the Las Fallas festival to the Sant Medir Festival.
The long winter has subsided, and the warmer days have begun. Visiting Spain in March is the perfect time to visit the country. You will not have to worry about the hordes of tourists that are yet to arrive and the festival season is well underway. If you are planning to travel through Spain during March, take a look at this customisable tour of the southern region of Andalusia. For a uniquely customisable trip to Spain in March, contact one of our knowledgeable Local Spanish Designers.
