WHERE TO GO ON HOLIDAY IN MARCH

The days are growing longing and the first day of Spring is now firmly on the horizon, but after the long winter, it seems ages since we felt the warmth of the sun on our skin. It is many places a now enjoy pleasant daytime temperatures, but temperatures do drop significantly at night, so pack a few warm layers for your travels! These nine destinations are the perfect places to escape to at this time of year…

Cyprus

Average temperature: 19ºC

Best for: Charming villages and beaches

 Cyprus is at its best in the month of March with lush green meadows and numerous wildflowers including the Cyprus Poppy and different species of orchids. It is the perfect weather for enjoying a good stroll in the countryside or along the coastal paths and harbours. Hire a car and explore the charming pretty hill villages Cyprus has to offer. On 19 March it will be Green Monday which marks the start of the Orthodox Lenten period of fasting when families go out into the country armed with a vegetarian picnic and kites for a fun day. There is a huge kite competition by Paphos lighthouse with all sorts of home-made designs battling for the top prize, giving you the perfect opportunity to dive into the local culture. 

Valencia, Spain

Average temperature: 18ºC

Best for: Architecture, festival and beaches

Valencia, Spain’s third largest city celebrates the festival of Las Fallas in March, making it the perfect destination for a holiday in March. The whole city comes together on the streets of Valencia, Spain. Fireworks displays around the city heralds the start of the week-long Festival of Las Fallas. 70 Colourful six-metre tall ninots caricatures of well-known personalities parading around the city and the carnival continues with daily bonfires and the streets being transformed into an outdoor gallery. The whole city is a part zone in this month of March. 

The festival is not the only reason to visit Valencia, this vibrant city offers the perfect mix of history and future, with the old town being home to historical monuments and museums and the city offering futuristic architecture of the City of Arts and Science complex which incorporates the famous Oceanographic along with many others. If architecture isn’t your cup of tea Valencia is also home to beautiful beaches.

Nepal

Average temperature: 26ºC

Best for: Trekking, nature and spirituality

March is one of the best times to visit Nepal with 8-9 hours of sunshine each day at this time of year. Marking the beginning of Spring flowing are blooming in the mountains during the month of March and the weather is warm. Nepal which sits at the foot of the Himalayas is a stunning landlocked country. The warm weather makes it the perfect time to visit and tackle one of the many trekking routes. If you are after a little less challenging hike than the Everest, Annapurna range is a great alternative. You will witness some of the most breathtaking glacial lakes and get to experience the village life in Nepal. 

If you enjoy the rush of adrenalin, there is sky diving and the world’s longest zip line to try too. If you prefer a slower pace of life, the natural wonders of Nepal are waiting to be explored, along with its deep spirituality which includes one of the most revered heritage sites Pashupatinath Temple in Kathmandu, which also celebrates the festival of Maha Shivaratri in the month of March. 

Delhi, India

 Average temperature: 25ºC

Best for: Art, culture and food  

Delhi is like taking a step back in time as it is situated on the ruins of eight ancient cities. India’s capital city is a cacophony of noise and colour with something always going on! There are forts and temples to explore and great street food to sample, and when you feel like slowing the tempo, there is a lovely deer park and art galleries in the popular hot spot of Hauz Khas Village (‘HKV’ to trendy young Delhiites).  Not only is the weather perfect to visit Delhi in March, but March also sees Delhi celebrate the festival of Holi. Holi is celebrated with street parties, street food and colourful powder being sprayed all over the country. This festive of colour is worth experiencing at least once in your lifetime. 

Langkawi

 Average temperature: 30ºC

Best for: Beaches, water sports and exploring the forest 

Langkwai is a great holiday destination in March. situated in the Andaman Sea about 30 kilometres off the northwestern coast of Malaysia is the stunning Langkwai archipelago of 99 small islands. The islands are surrounded by turquoise water with beaches of fine white sand, fringed by palm trees. March being the dry season provides a great opportunity to indulge in the crystal clear beaches, explore the hills and forest this stunning island has to offer. For divers the waters are perfect as they are crystal clear and home to a rich variety of sea life. The 15 minute Pantei cable car journey takes you straight to the summit of Mt Mat Cincang which offers spectacular views of all the islands. All in all, Langkwai offers a slow pace of life, perfect for a relaxing holiday in March. 

Japan

Average temperature: 13ºC

Best for festivals: Cherry Blossom, Culture 

 March is the beginning of Springtime in Japan and with blue skies and warmer days, it is a good time to visit, although temperatures do still fluctuate. The month begins with the colourful Hinamatsun Festival on 3^rd March and there are celebrations at many shrines and temples. It is a good time to explore and Nigesko and Shigakogen are popular as are the inland hot spa resorts. The festival of Hanatoro takes place between 9-18th March and sees the path from Shoren-in to the temple at Kiyomizudera near Kyoto lit by numerous lanterns and all the temples along the route remain open until late.

If you enjoy winter sports, the resorts of Niseko and Shiga Kogen are still good for skiing and snowboarding until late April. Towards the last week of the month, the plum blossom followed by the gorgeous cherry blossom is out in Tokyo and other towns including Kyoto, Osaka and Nagoya. It is the perfect time to enjoy Kairakuen Garden in Iberaki or Bairin Park in Gifu because Japan really is looking its very best!

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Canary Islands 

Average temperature: 21ºC

Best for: Sunshine and Beaches 

Visiting the Canary Islands during March offers you warm temperature without the peak season crowd. The days are getting longer making it a perfect destination for a relaxing holiday. In March, Tenerife and Gran Canaria have slightly warmer temperatures than Lanzarote and Fuerteventura. Canary islands offer a lot more than just beaches. Las Palmas sees the final days of its Carnival in early March, with its biggest celebrations – the Grand Parade and Burial of the Sardine. The Carnival has all the colour and glamour of Rio and is great fun to see. Away from the colourful bustle and relaxing beaches each of the islands also has a network of nature trails that are fun to follow with changing scenery and rich plant and wildlife.

Sorrento, Italy

 Average temperature: 15ºC

Best for: Long aperitivos, delicious food and views

 Perched on the cliff top with its marina far below, the town of Sorrento sits on Italy’s south-western Amalfi coast. During March the weather in Sorrento is pleasantly warm and it is fun to explore the arrival of Spring in this glorious part of Italy. Sorento is one of the most charming parts of Italy, the narrow streets lined with limoncello stalls, the coast is beaming with pastel coloured houses. Spend your March holiday just like the Italians, enjoy a long aperitivo, some fresh fritto misto by the marina and simply get in tune with the slower pace of life. 

Chamonix France

Average temperature: 

Best for: Aprés skiing, spas and fantastic restaurants

 Surrounded by mountains including Mont Blanc (the highest peak in the Alps), Chamonix still welcomes skiers during the month of March. The warmer weather offers the perfect opportunity to indulge in al fresco dining under the dramatic mountains which are still covered in the snow whilst the sun glistens through. Offering beautiful panoramic views, the town is much quieter during March making it perfect for a romantic trip. There is plenty to do in Chamonix along with catching the last of the snow and al fresco dining. Chamonix is also home to some of the best spa and wellness centres and there is no shortage of restaurants especially, Michelin-starred restaurants. 

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