Where to go for a beach holiday in March? European and exotic destinations, plus tips on how to save

But don't worry — below we'll help you decide where to go on holiday this year, whether you choose nearby Europe or more distant exotic shores. March is the ideal month for your first escape to warmth before the peak summer season.

Where to fly for a beach holiday in March – the closest spots in Europe

March is one of the first months when you can head to the sea without a long flight. Temperatures in southern Europe are already starting to climb and become more pleasant each day.

• Cyprus offers some of the season's first warm destinations in Larnaca and Paphos. The days are long enough for beach walks and trips to ancient archaeological sites. While the sea water isn't quite warm enough yet, the spring climate is ideal for beach walks and inland excursions.
• Malta stands out with practically year-round sunny and calm weather, and you can enjoy the monuments without the crowds of tourists that flood the island a few months later. The capital Valletta can be walked through in a single afternoon, while the nearby islands of Gozo and Comino are worth a boat trip.
• The Canary Islands, specifically Tenerife and Gran Canaria, enjoy warmth all year round, so March is no exception and is perfectly fine for swimming. The volcanic landscape also offers interesting excursions beyond the beach.
• The Algarve in southern Portugal offers fewer tourists and lower prices than during peak season, and the beauty of the coastline doesn't change in any season. Wild cliffs alternate with calm coves suitable for swimming.

Staying within Europe, then, you'll find destinations with pleasant spring weather, even if the sea itself is still cooler than it gets in summer.

Where to fly in March for guaranteed warmth and swimming

If you want guaranteed warm water, European coastlines in March probably won't be enough (unless you're a cold-water swimmer). For truly summer-like weather, you'll need to head further south.

• Egypt, specifically Hurghada and Marsa Alam on the Red Sea, offers around 26 °C in both air and water, so swimming is pleasant all day. Diving and snorkeling among coral reefs are major attractions in the area, as well as trips to see the pyramids in Cairo.
• Zanzibar with its white beaches and temperatures up to 34 °C is a very popular destination, and the tropical climate works reliably even outside the European winter. Add to that the scent of spices from local plantations and the relaxed pace of a coastline full of fishing villages.
• The United Arab Emirates, especially Dubai, offers 28 °C in the air and 25 °C in the sea, an ideal combination for a spring escape to warmth. Beyond beaches, you'll also find modern architecture and shopping malls.
• Oman functions as a quieter alternative to Dubai, with 30 °C in the air and 27 °C in the sea, yet without large crowds of tourists and with a more authentic atmosphere. The mountainous landscape also offers excursions beyond the coast, including canyons and Bedouin settlements.

These destinations guarantee summer weather even when it's still freezing back home, which is why they're among the most popular March getaways.

Exotic destinations for fans of long-haul travel

If you don't mind a long flight, March is an excellent month for more exotic destinations, as demand and prices tend to be lower than during peak season.

• Choose the Maldives and Seychelles for romance, world-class diving, and water temperatures around 30 °C, ideal for couples and underwater enthusiasts alike. Island resorts also offer privacy right over the water and snorkeling straight from the beach.
• Mauritius stands out for its wild nature and white sand beaches, and the island also allows inland excursions to waterfalls and tea plantations, ideal for travelers who want to combine the beach with a bit of exploring.
• Thailand and Vietnam combine beaches with cultural sightseeing, temples, and street food. They're a natural choice for travelers who want more than just lying on the beach. Both countries also offer affordable domestic travel between islands and inland areas.
• Bali and the Caribbean deliver an exotic escape with plenty to do, from rice terraces to white beaches lined with palm trees. They're especially suited for longer holidays full of experiences and excursions beyond the beach.

A longer flight pays off in March also because you avoid crowded summer dates and prices that climb during peak season. Exotic destinations at this time offer more comfortable temperatures than in summer, when heat can become quite unpleasant.

Where to find budget beach holidays in March

A low price doesn't have to mean compromising quality – you just need to know where to focus. We also recommend reading our tips on where to find cheap flights before deciding on a specific destination.

• The Cape Verde Islands are an affordable slice of the exotic. It's warm year-round and holidays here will cost less than on more popular islands. The location offers similar beach quality and a pleasant ocean breeze.
• Fuerteventura and Gran Canaria come out even cheaper than the rest of the Canary Islands, while offering similar climate and long sandy beaches suitable for all-day sun and windsurfing enthusiasts.
• Last-minute deals from budget airlines in late March and early April can cut flight prices by up to half – just keep an eye on the offers and stay flexible with your dates.

Budget beach holidays in March don't mean a worse experience – it just takes a bit more careful destination and timing selection. Tracking special offers pays off repeatedly, as flight prices change even within a single week.

Where to go for a March beach holiday with kids

With children, the main factors are flight duration, calm seas, and child-friendly hotels, not just air temperature.

• We mention the Canary Islands repeatedly, and for good reason. Short flights and mild weather are ideal for families who don't want to spend the whole day traveling with small children. The volcanic landscape also offers excursions beyond the beach for older kids.
• Egypt (Hurghada) has all-inclusive resorts with kids' facilities – kids' clubs and pools are standard, as are beaches with gradual water entry, ideal for parents of young children.
• Mauritius has calm seas and safe beaches with gradual water entry, suitable even for the youngest children still learning to swim.

Family beach holidays work out better in March thanks to lower prices than summer holidays, when flight and hotel prices jump significantly due to high demand from families planning summer breaks.

What to keep in mind when planning a March holiday

Before departure, it's worth reviewing a few practical points to ensure nothing catches you off guard and you enjoy your spring holiday from day one.

• For distant destinations, factor in long flights and time zone changes – your body needs a few days to adjust. A guide to your first flight comes in handy even for experienced travelers before a longer route, or for the less experienced members of your group.
• In some countries, March may fall during Ramadan, so check restaurant and other service hours in advance to avoid surprises and plan your day according to actual operating hours.
• Plan your journey to the airport with sufficient buffer time. Read how airport check-in works, check the rules for liquids on a plane, and if you have health restrictions, verify who shouldn't fly before booking your ticket.

Final tips before your spring beach holiday

Whether you choose nearby Cyprus, warm Egypt, or distant Mauritius, the best beach holiday is always the one you prepare well for. Choose your destination based on flight duration, budget, and whether you want guaranteed warmth or just the first spring sunshine. March also offers the advantage of lower prices than summer holidays, when demand for flights and hotels rises significantly.

Before you go, try comparing airport parking and book your flights and parking well in advance. You'll save time and stress right at the start of your journey.