Where to go in March by train

Hooray for holidays in March, the official start of spring: the bringer of longer evenings, warmer days and colourful tree blossom. Spring celebrations are happening across Europe, as well as Mother Nature putting on a show. March is also a great month for slow travel train holidays with the hope of nicer weather before the price increases leading up to summer. So whether you want alternatives to St Patrick’s Day or to celebrate the end of winter, these are the best places to visit in March.

Lisbon

Go for: perfect hill walking weather

If you’ve ever been to Portugal's capital, Lisbon, you’ll know that it’s a city of steep climbs as you explore the scenic cobbled streets. Hikes up to the Miradouro de São Pedro de Alcântara look-out point and the colourful Bairro Alto neighbourhood are much less intense in this mild weather. It’s often warm enough to sit outside at one of the city’s many rooftop bars or to enjoy an alfresco pastel de nata or two. If you are there for a few days, take the train to nearby beach town Cascais to visit the inspiring Paula Rego museum. Or head to Sintra, which is a treasure trove of castles, palaces and national parks. Don’t miss the glowing yellow National Palace of Pena which stands dramatically on the hilltop.

Average temperature in March: 15 degrees
Dates: All March 2025
More info at bairrodosmuseus.cascais.pt and www.parquesdesintra.pt

Take an 11 day trip with a stay in Lisbon

Valencia

Ara Garcia

Go for: the pyrotechnics of Las Fallas festival

Things really heat up in March as Las Fallas festival takes over the streets of Spain’s third-largest city, Valencia. Every day at 2pm from March 1-19, head to Plaza del Ayuntamiento for the mascletà – a series of very noisy fireworks. From March 15, the party really starts with the creation of huge satirical papier-mâché sculptures, award-cermonies, flower offerings and fireworks all leading up to March 19 – the Cremà! This is when all Fallas figures are ceremoniously burned in a  wonderfully dramatic spectacle. Bring ear plugs, comfy shoes for walking and nothing flammable.     

Average temperature in March: 19 degrees
Dates: March 1 to March 19 2025
Location: Across the city
More info at www.visitvalencia.com

Take an 8 day trip including a stop in Valencia

Munich

Clay Banks

Go for: good beer and good times

Avoid the crowds of St Patrick’s Day in Ireland this March and head to Bavaria instead for the annual Starkbierzeit (strong beer season). Originally to thank the monks who brewed a strong, nourishing beer in the monasteries at this time of year to get through Lent, today it’s a great excuse to celebrate stout beer and many Munich brewery pubs host parties. One of the biggest is at the Nockherberg where they have satirist cabaret, beer tapping, brass bands and lots of merriment. Elsewhere this month, there is also a St Patrick’s Day Parade and beer gardens start to reopen after the cold months. Hire a bike and get exploring! 

Average temperature in March: 9 degrees
Dates: March 16 to April 6 2025
More info at paulaner-nockherberg.com

Take a 9 day trip with a stay in Munich

Rovaniemi

Marc Wieland

Go for: Northern light spotting

Although you can spot the colourful wonders of the aurora borealis throughout winter, March is considered one of the best months for successful aurora hunting in Finland. In Spring, the ‘Equinox Effect’ is said to boost the northern lights activity for a few weeks making it much more likely that the sky will put on a good show during your visit. Taking the sleeper up from Helskinki to Rovaniemi, the capital of Finnish Lapland is a magical experience in itself. Located in the Arctic Circle, although best known as 'Santa's hometown', Rovaniemi also has a rich natural landscape well worth exploring, along with unique local produce giving it the reputation for being the culinary capital of the north.

Average temperatures in March: -6 degrees
Dates: All month
More info at santaclausvillage.info

Take a 19 day trip including a stay in Rovaniemi

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