Trip to Greece in march

Nowhere in Europe is particularly warm in early March. Crete, Cyprus and the south of Spain are your best bets.

I was in Santorini in mid March several years ago and had some nice sunny weather but it was still cold in the morning and evening. It was also very quiet with a lot of places closed. That has advantages - it can be mobbed in season - but a couple of times we were literally the only people in the restaurant in an evening.

Though Alan's list of destinations may be sunny and somewhat warm enough for daytime strolling (although the rainy season will still be a factor). But if you're looking for beach time, none of these, or any other European destinations will do the job. Malta temp averages are lows of 15°C/54°F and highs of 18°C/58°F ... average 9 days rain out of 30 ... still sweater and umbrella weather. Canary Islands (off coast of Africa) about 10 degrees higher, less rain ... but strictly beach resort, none of the Ancient Civ or landscape highlights of Greece.

Your March dates may be due to your children's school vacation -- but that is not the time to take them to Greece. If you want your family to have the maximum Greece experience of long days, wonderful sun, swimmable seas, Late may-June is perfect; have the kids bags packed for take-off on the day after school closes!

I think your only chance for warm weather so early in March will be the Canary Islands of Spain located off the coast of Morocco.

You don't say anything about your family, ages of your children, interests etc..

Is Santorini only your dream destination or theirs too? If it's everyone's, and if you can live with unpredictable weather conditions, go for it. You'll have the island to yourselves and won't be stuck in crowds of tourists.

If "warm" is your priority though, I agree that Cyprus, Crete, and the South of Spain are pretty much the only places where you can count on sunny - though by no means hot - weather. Don't expect bathing temperatures anywhere.

Also, make your plans so that you can be sure you catch your return flight. I've seen all flights and ferries from Greek islands being canceled due to weather conditions, so I always like to be back in Athens a day early.

Hello Rick,
Found this awesome deal to Athens Greece, March 17-24 flying out of Newark, NJ. On Emirates! Never been to Europe. This is my Solo trip! Been doing some research and planning. Any advice?

I’ve Book Air B&B apartment, my balcony looks into the Olympic Stadium! $45 nite includes all fees.
Thanks!

Hi,

Santorini is an all year destination but not that warm in March. If you are lucky and the sun is shining you'll get that spring feeling but there won't be many things to do around the island. You could spend 1-2 days in Santorini for the sunset, pics etc and then head to other destinations. The best places to visit in Greece during that time would be Athens, Crete and Rhodes. Another interesting area is the Peloponnese. You could visit Nafplio that has plenty of historical sites close by like Mycenae, Epidavros, Nemea, Ancient Corinth etc. Meteora is a beautiful and unique place to see as well.

Crete in March is still winter. Spring may appear on some days, the wildflowers will be starting to grow, there can certainly be sunny days, but absolutely not beach weather. It can be a nice time for exploring, walking, sightseeing, although in a week there could be several rainy &/or windy days & at night you would want a hotel with heating. All the holiday resorts would be closed, so you would need to stay either in one of the cities, or in a village with year-round population.

thanks everyone ,so majority of response suggesting early march being cold and not the perfect time . changing my plan now to Bahamas or Los cabos or Bora Bora. any suggestions for family friendly all inclusive resorts .any other forums if anyone can suggest for travel to tropical islands?

IF you want pertinent advice for totally different destination(s), do not rely on experts from Greece forum -- post a new query on Caribbean or S. Pacific forums.

Where will I find Caribbean forum. This is Europe only

Go to Fodor's Forum, or Trip Advisor, or to Lonely Planet ... all of them have forums that cover all sections of planet. R Steves is very USA tourist oriented.