March is one of the best months to travel in Europe: there are still few tourists and the weather is gradually getting warmer. Lonely Planet experts have identified four European destinations that are especially worth visiting in early spring. Learn more about the cities in Europe that are ideal for a March trip

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March is often called the perfect month for traveling. At this time, many European cities already feel the arrival of spring, but the tourist season has not yet begun in full swing. This means shorter lines at popular attractions, lower accommodation prices, and a more comfortable atmosphere for exploring new places.

Experts from Lonely Planet, one of the world's most famous travel guides, have compiled a list of the best destinations to visit in March 2026. The rating includes four European cities at once: from sunny islands to historic megacities. Each of them offers a unique travel experience in early spring.

In the previous article, we talked about the TOP-10 tourist destinations according to Time Out, which are definitely worth visiting in 2026.

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Gran Canaria, Spain - an ideal place for a wellness vacation

Gran Canaria is one of the most popular Canary Islands and a great destination for those who want to celebrate spring by the ocean. In March, the average temperature here is around 20°C, and the sun shines for more than seven hours a day, which creates comfortable conditions for outdoor recreation.

The island is known for its wellness retreats, spas, and yoga programs, many of which are centered around the capital Las Palmas. Tourists come here to combine beach vacations with active walks among sand dunes and volcanic landscapes.

In addition to beach vacations, Gran Canaria offers many opportunities for active travelers. Hiking routes through the mountains and coastline allow you to see the diverse nature of the island, and small coastal towns offer an authentic atmosphere of the Canary Islands.

In our previous article, we provided a selection of the 10 best cities for hiking in 2026.

Istanbul, Turkey - an ideal city for gastronomic discoveries

Istanbul is one of those cities that impresses travelers at any time of the year, but March is considered a particularly good time to visit. During this period, daytime temperatures typically range from 13-16°C, and at night they drop to 6-9°C, making walking around the city comfortable. In addition, the tourist season has not yet begun in full, so you can enjoy the atmosphere of Istanbul without large crowds and at more favorable prices for hotels and excursions.

One of the main reasons to visit Istanbul in spring is its unique cuisine. Turkish gastronomy combines the traditions of the Mediterranean, the Middle East and the Balkans, creating an incredible variety of flavors. Here you can taste everything from simple but flavorful kebabs to classic meze snacks and famous eggplant dishes, including imam bayıldı, which are considered a true symbol of Turkish cooking.

In recent decades, Istanbul has become one of Europe's most notable gastronomic centers. The city actively hosts walking gastronomic tours, during which tourists can explore local markets, small family restaurants, and traditional bakeries. Cooking schools have also gained popularity, where travelers can learn how to cook classic Turkish dishes and bring home new culinary skills.

You can learn more about the TOP 10 little-known destinations for crowd-free travel in 2026 here.

Naples, Italy - for exploring historical sights without crowds of tourists

Naples is one of the most characteristic and vibrant cities in Italy, which does not hide its true atmosphere. Located at the foot of Mount Vesuvius, this city combines a rich history, vibrant culture, and one of the most famous cuisines in the world. The legendary Neapolitan pizza was born here, and the narrow streets of the historic center create a special atmosphere that attracts travelers from all over the world.

March is considered one of the best times to visit Naples. At this time, the weather is quite comfortable for walking: the average temperature during the day is about 16°C, and at night it drops to about 8°C. The tourist flow has not yet reached its peak, so many popular places can be visited without long lines and crowds.

Another advantage of traveling to Naples in the spring is the ability to easily visit neighboring historical sites. For example, just about 45 minutes by train from the city are the famous ruins of Pompeii, which are among the most famous archaeological sites in the world. With fewer tourists in the off-season, travelers can explore the region's ancient streets, museums, and historical sites more easily.

Earlier we talked about the 13 best places for a spring trip in Europe in 2026.

Lisbon, Portugal - the perfect city for a short trip with kids

Lisbon is one of the brightest and most atmospheric cities in Portugal, which is especially pleasant to visit in spring. In March, the average temperature here is around 18°C, which allows you to comfortably walk around the city and explore its sights. The tourist season has not yet reached its peak, so travelers can safely explore the narrow cobblestone streets, viewpoints, and historic districts without large crowds.

Although the city is known for its steep hills, getting around Lisbon is quite convenient even with children. The city's metro system works well, and the old yellow trams have long been a real symbol of the capital. For many young travelers, a trip on such a tram or funicular, which climbs up narrow streets, becomes one of the highlights of the trip.

In addition to walking around the historic center, there are many places in Lisbon that families will especially enjoy. One of them is the Oceanário de Lisboa, one of the largest aquariums in Europe, where thousands of marine creatures live in huge tanks of sea water. And after a busy day, travelers can try the famous Portuguese dessert pate de nata - delicate cinnamon custard cakes, which are considered one of the main gastronomic highlights of the city.

Are you planning a trip and want to prepare without unnecessary stress? Visit World's travel guide contains key tips for travelers: rules of entry and stay, current requirements for tourists, basic safety, transportation and accommodation. Such a guide will help you quickly navigate a new country, avoid common mistakes during your trip, and plan your route taking into account practical nuances that often go unnoticed by tourists.

We remind you! Popular tourist destinations can be a trap. We have already told you which 8 places in the world Fodor’s advises to avoid in 2026 due to overtourism, environmental risks and social tension – and what alternatives to choose instead.