A movie festival, Independence Day, carnivals and warmer weather: that’s Greece in March. Accommodation prices are still low, flights are affordable, but you won’t yet find too many flights to the islands. However, the archeological sites aren’t crowded and you can start to enjoy the nature.

Weather in Greece in March

Although most often we want to consider March the first month of spring, it is technically still winter in Greece and the weather can still be cold. However warmer days start to be quite common.

On the mainland, it’s still cold and wet, while on the islands and in the coastal regions, bright and warm days are quite common.

The average low temperature in Athens is 47 F/ 8 C and the average high is 61 F/11 C. On the island of Rhodes the average high low is 52 F/ 11 C and the average high is 62 F/ 16 C.

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Prices and facilities in Greece in March

March is quite an interesting month when it comes to visiting Greece. The winter is all but gone and the peak season is not yet here. This makes it a great choice for those on a budget.

In general, accommodation prices are still pretty affordable, and the flights are not pricey either. Sure, the summer season is not yet available so there will be fewer connections available from international hubs.

Ferries do run but don’t expect to find high-speed options yet.

Getting to Greece in March

Athens and Thessaloniki are served by plenty of flights , especially from Europe. March offers nice weather so that many islands start to open the hotels which used to be closed during winter. So, there are good possibilities to find flights into the big islands as well. Ferries are also more reliable now and the international routes start to work again.

Where to Stay in Greece in March

There is plenty of accommodation to choose from if you head to Athens and Thessaloniki. If you plan to go to an island, some (if not most) of the hotels might be open again.

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What to do in Greece in March

Thessaloniki Documentary Film Festival takes place each year in Thessaloniki in March. It attracts a lot of university students and film professionals. You can watch international documentaries as well as new Greek productions.

When you are not watching movies, don’t miss visiting Thessaloniki, one of the most beautiful Greek cities. Prices are low, flights are cheap and the attractions endless.

Greeks celebrate their Independence Day on March 25. All archeological sites are closed, along with most businesses and banks, while the traffic might be interrupted by the military parades.

If you happen to be on the islands of Tinos or Hydra, you will be presently surprised by the celebrations taking part as part of the Independence Day parade.

On the same day, the Greek Orthodox Church celebrates the Feast of Annunciation. It’s the day when Archangel Gabriel appeared to maiden Mary and announced she’d give birth to the divine child. The churches mark this day with a nice and joyful ceremony.

The Carnival Season –Greek Mardi Gras – is directly linked to the Greek Orthodox Easter, which means it falls on different days each year. In some years (but sadly not in 2020, the most important days of the carnival usually fall in March so you will enjoy the Tsiknopempti Weekend, filled with parties, as well as the Main Carnival Weekend, followed by Clean Monday.

Whether you are a runner or just like to watch and cheer athletes, both Athens Half Marathon and Nafplio Marathon take place in March.

What places to visit in Greece in March

Thessaloniki

>> book your accommodation Thessaloniki

Whether you visit the city for a specific event or just to take in its charms, you won’t be disappointed. There are historical sites to check out, museums to visit, tavernas to try, and a very charming city to explore. Head to the waterfront in the evening.

You may need to fly into Athens and continue on a domestic flight, though. Or travel by land and, while at it, stop to visit Meteora.

The weather in March is pleasant but pack that light jacket.

Crete

>> book your accommodation in Heraklion

Located close to Africa, Crete attracts a lot of visitors during the cold season. But come March and longer, warmer days, the island is not crowded at all. It’s the perfect time to bask in the sun, check out the historical sites, hike, and sit down for a meal in a traditional taverna.

Crete is served by airports, so you can hop on a domestic flight from Athens or Thessaloniki. Another option is to catch a ferry from Athens.

Rhodes

>> book your accommodation in Rhodes

If you are looking for an island that’s not crowded and offers plenty of things to do, head to Rhodes. The weather is not as warm as in Crete but, nevertheless, it is pleasant in March.

Served by an airport and ports, it can easily be reached by an internal flight or by (slow) ferry.

Chios

>> book your accommodation in Chios

Do you know that mastic is harvested from this island? And that there’s a Mastic Museum to visit? Now you know!
The charming Greek island looks absolutely charming in March, with all the flowers in bloom.

To get here, you’d need to fly into Athens first, then connect by ferry.

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