Travel advice for Greece
From travel safety to visa requirements, discover the best tips for traveling to Greece
- Greece
- Athens
- Santorini
- Peloponnese
- Crete
- Mykonos
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Not sure what weather to expect in Greece in March? Read on for a run-down through everything you need to know on that very subject. Here we cover everything from average air and sea temperatures, to what to expect in terms of costs and crowds, along with itineraries designed to make your trip all the most rewarding.
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The Historical and Mythological Cyclades islands
The Cyclades islands include two of the most famous Greek Islands: Mykonos and Santorini. Visit these and some of the smaller, quieter, islands. With white washed houses, narrow cobbled streets, blue domed roofs and stunning beaches, they are what Greece is all about.
customize ⤍A secluded villa stay on Mainland Greece
Stay in a secluded private villa with magnificent views to the sea and explore this beautiful corner of Mainland Greece with your own rental car. Under the impressive Mt Taygetos in Southern Peloponnese, the region of Mani will give you a snapshot of authentic Greece.
customize ⤍Along the Coast of Crete: from Heraklion to Platanias
As Greece's largest island, Crete's culture and atmosphere is distinctly different from mainland Greece. Thousands of years of unique culture and rich history complement the island's untamed natural beauty. Explore Crete at your own pace with this unique self-drive trip!
customize ⤍Cultural and natural sites of Athens and the Peloponnese
Welcome to wonderful Athens for an unforgettable adventure. Enjoy getting lost in this maze of charming streets, where the modern sits beautifully with the ancient. Venture out into the Peloponnese on mainland Greece, and discover historical, cultural and natural wonders the region is blessed with.
customize ⤍An Odyssey Adventure in Ancient Greece
Learn the secrets of Ancient Greek mythology and history visiting the world-renowned site of the Acropolis, explore the unspoiled landscape of Peloponnese, become a true Spartan warrior in Thermopylae and much more - this self drive tour takes you on a real Greek adventure.
customize ⤍Explore Classical Greece: self-drive motorhome trip
This 15-days motorhome road trip will take you to Athens, the city of legends and some of the most fascinating classical sites, such as Epidaurus, Olympia, Delphi and the man-made marvels of the Corinth Canal and Byzantine monasteries of Meteora. A perfect tour for history.
customize ⤍Athens: City of the Gods
Welcome to wonderful Athens. Wander this maze of charming streets, where the modern sits beautifully with the ancient; discover the Acropolis and the Parthenon, the crowning architectural achievements of the Classical Age; indulge your sense with delicious Mediterranean food at local tavernas.
customize ⤍Discover Naxos in style
Stay in a secluded private villa and explore Naxos at your own pace in your own rental car. Lasting just above 1 week, this itinerary leaves plenty of room for relaxation and exploration of the amazing island of Naxos, with its authentic mountainous villages and magnificent sea views.
customize ⤍Epirus and Athens: The Ancient Sites
Discover the ancient cities of the Epirus region and Athens. Shrouded in myths and legends of Greek gods and Roman and Byzantine warriors, the sites in the Epirus region of Greece, temples, castles, fortresses and rivers, all have tales to tell.
customize ⤍An exclusive stay in Milos
Get to know the most exotic island in the Aegean by staying in a private luxury villa by the sea. Volcanic rocks paint the beaches red, pink and orange, white rock formations, emerald green waters and caves eroded by the sea, are steeped in stories of pirates. Milos is truly unique.
customize ⤍Greek Island-Hopping Honeymoon
Hop between the islands of Milos, Naxos, and Amorgos on this romantic trip. Drive around stunning coastlines, explore mountain villages, visit ancient sites, and luxuriate on golden beaches as you are transfixed by the allure of the Aegean’s turquoise waters.
customize ⤍Relaxing discovery of classical Greece
Spend a wonderful few days exploring Athens and the ancient sites surrounding the capital on mainland Greece. Blessed with glorious weather, nature and beaches, see sites that rival anything which you may find on the Greek Islands.
customize ⤍Heralding the first month of spring, March is a good time to visit mainland Greece and the islands — especially the most southerly islands — for some early sunshine.
This is shoulder season, which means that while temperatures are starting to rise, the cost of accommodation remains low. Tourist crowds remain on the lower side, too.
Overall all, then, considering the weather in Greece in March and crazy hotel deals, this is a great time to visit the likes of Athens for crowd-free exploration of top sites.
Thinking of visiting Greece in March? Talk to our local Greek travel experts.
Overall, the weather in Greece in March is variable. Expect a mixed bag of clouds and rain, alongside brighter, warmer days.
As for the average air and sea temperatures in Greece in March, they vary depending on where you are in the country. Athens, for example, averages a pleasant 16°C. So, by no means balmy, but a far cry from frozen chills.
In contrast, Northern Greece only sees average highs of 12°C. The weather is also more variable in the north, with more rain.
For warmer weather, head to the southern peninsula of the Peloponnese, or choose an island. For example, Crete is often several degrees warmer than Athens in March.
Wherever you go, the evenings will still be cool, and the sea temperature ranges from 14°C—16°C. Not exactly ideal for swimming! Also bear in mind that the weather in Greece in March is very different at either end of the month. That is to say, by the last couple of weeks, spring is well and truly in the air.
Convinced to go? See our fully customisable Greece itineraries.
In a word: yes. As mentioned above, the weather in Greece in March is somewhat variable, and that includes rain. Across the country, March sees an average of eight rainy days.
That said, in March, monthly rainfall in Greece decreases by 10mm from February’s 60mm average. To further decrease the number of rainy days you’re likely to experience, visit later in March.
For more details on the weather in Greece around the year, read up on the best time to go to Greece.
Sitting firmly in the shoulder season, visiting Greece in March means far smaller crowds than during the peak summer months — all the better for enjoying more authentic experiences, and getting up close to top attractions.
At the same time, the costs are lower than during the summer high season. Just be aware that not all accommodation options will have opened their doors, and ferry operators and airlines won’t be running their full summer schedules.
Set on enjoying a break in spring? For more inspo, discover more of the best places to visit in March.
The weather in Greece in March isn’t yet warm enough for full-on summer garb, so you’ll need more than shorts, summer dresses and swimwear.
Bring a warm jacket and light layers that’ll set you up for rain and sunnier days through to the chillier evenings. You should also bring a brolly.
Longing for a spring break that delivers natural beauty, unique history, fabulous food, and early sunshine? Take inspiration from our Greek itineraries.
What’s more, these suggestions can be customised to your wishes, with a local Greek travel expert on hand to take the hassle out of planning and booking. Use our tailor-made travel service and enjoy itineraries like:
Overall, March is a top month to visit Greece to explore the likes of ancient sites and museums in crowd-free conditions. For those of you who are yearning for spring sunshine, the Greek Islands have your name all over them.
With that in mind, read on for ideas for what to do in Greece in March.
While you might not be sunbathing from dawn ‘til dusk, or soaking in bath-warm sea, several Greek islands remain lively around the year and see warm days in March.
Rhodes, for example, comes recommended for offering scenic spring walks, ancient wonders, year-round tourist infrastructure, and year-round liveliness.
With the Citadel of Rhodes boasting one of the best-preserved Old Towns in the world — and a UNESCO World Heritage Site no less — there are plenty of reasons the largest of the Dodecanese islands is one of Greece’s best-loved islands.
Love the sound of exploring Greece away from the mainland? Read up on the best Greek Islands, and get yourself The Rough Guide to Greek Islands.
With parades happening throughout the country, the 25th of March is Greek Independence Day. A day citizens take to the streets to commemorate the country’s independence from the Ottoman Empire.
In Athens, for example, a grand 90-minute military parade kicks off from Syntagma Square, with the Greek President and members of the Greek Orthodox Church in attendance.
Top tip: follow your nose to sample tasty, traditional Independence Day fodder. Namely, bakaliaros skordalia — fried salted cod steeped in garlic sauce and olive oil.
Including a marathon, half-marathon, 5km and 2.5 km fun run, the Nafplio Marathon is great for higher-preforming athletes and novices alike.
Held in early March, in the stunning coastal Peloponnese town of Nafplio, the races are accompanied by social and cultural events.
Held annually in mid-March, the AthHalf sees over 20,000 runners take to the streets to compete in scenic half marathon and 5k routes.
Even if you have no intention of running, this event offers an extra reason to visit Greece in March, with local bands performing along courses that run through historic districts.
Fancy visiting Greece in March, or any other time of the year, for that matter? Get yourself a copy of The Rough Guide to Greece to start planning your dream trip.
Alternatively, if you’re not keen on the whole shizzle of planning, browse our customisable Greece itineraries, and talk to our local Greece travel experts.
From travel safety to visa requirements, discover the best tips for traveling to Greece
written by Joanne Owen
updated 10.10.2023
Joanne is a Pembrokeshire-born writer with a passion for the nature, cultures and histories of the Caribbean region, especially Dominica. Also passionate about inspiring a love of adventure in young people, she’s the author of several books for children and young adults, hosts international writing workshops, and has written articles on the Caribbean and inspirational community initiatives for Rough Guides. Follow her @JoanneOwen on Twitter and @joanneowenwrites on Instagram.
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