My husband and I want to do about 7 days in Europe next year with 2 of our sons who are 40 and 36. Our first thoughts were Croatia, Portugal or Greece, but the week we have to go is March 20-26, 2027. It appears that many things are closed during this time.
Could anyone suggest a destination where things might be a bit slower, but not practically closed during this time? We don't have a problem with cold and/or some rain!
Thanks in advance!!
That sounds like a perfect time for Sicily, when it should be warm but not too hot and I believe spring wildflowers will be out. Southern Spain too
We traveled in Greece this past March 24-April 3. We had no issues with things being closed. However, hours were shorter in some of the historical sites. For example, Ancient Corinth closed at 3 PM. In April it stays open until 7, and May it is 8:00. (Delphi was similar). We just planned around it.
Also, March 25th is their Independence day and most sites were closed in Athens. However, there was still lots to do with markets, walking tours, changing of the guard, etc.
PS There were still plenty of people most places we visited in Greece, but people kept telling us it was much better to visit in March than high season. We had 3 days where we had "some rain". But we also had fabulous sunny days too.If I went back, I'd still go in March.
You are right on top of an early Easter, which will bring additional crowds and closures. Perhaps Greece, if the Orthodox Church celebrates a week later ?
Have a great trip!
In 2027 Orthodox Easter will be on May 2. In Catholic countries the week from Palm Sunday to Easter Sunday - Holy Week - begins on March 21 and usually draws lots of crowds, both local and foreign tourists, and some closures. The up side is that there are many special celebrations that week.
One thing to consider is that is not very much time and consequently I would factor in transportation. I would think about where you can get a direct flight.
From where I live, Spain would be a good option and in fact I went to Spain once in March when our daughter was studying abroad in Granada. We only went only for eight nights because we had family watching our younger two kids. It is very doable but would have been better with a couple more days. We split our time between Granada and Sevilla with last night in Madrid.
London is another place to consider as it has direct flights from many places, although it is much more expensive than Spain.
Sicily is wonderful but notoriously difficult to get to. We had nights in Rome on both ends.
I spend a week in Nice, France this past February and had a great time! There's lots to see and it's very easy to get around on public transportation. March would also be a good time to go as the temperatures are still not too hot and it's too early for the summer crowds. There are direct flights to NIce from some US airports but also easy to fly there thru Paris. I loved the area so much I plan on returning.
I agree with BethFL to choose a place with a direct flight from your home airport to maximize your time on the ground. Of course, I don't know where your home airport is, nor your sons'. Nor what your interests are. Why Croatia, Portugal and Greece?
