Spain in March

Spain in March –  Is it Crowded and Top Hidden Gems to Visit!

  • March 6, 2024
  •   |  
  • 8 minute 43 second

Spring is one of the best times to visit Spain when wildflowers are blooming, crowds are fewer and the weather is pleasantly mild. If you’re planning a visit to Spain in March, get ready to discover the country’s lesser-known treasures and some interesting things!

Will You Find Huge Crowds in Spain in March?

March is considered a “shoulder season” in Spain. This means you will get to enjoy:

  • Fewer tourists
  • Milder weather, and, 
  • Lower prices compared to the busy summer months

It’s an ideal time to explore at a relaxed pace without fighting crowds. This holds true especially for larger cities like Barcelona and Madrid. 

With average highs of 16-20°C, you can comfortably tour top sights while avoiding the sweltering heat of summer. 

Another big perk of visiting Spain in March is catching colorful festivals like Las Fallas in Valencia before the peak tourist influx. So, grab a Spain Tourist Visa UK discover a delightful Spain in March!

Best Hidden Gems in Spain to Visit in March

While iconic destinations like Seville, Granada and San Sebastián are always worthwhile, Spain has many postcard-perfect small towns and villages that offer a taste of authentic local life off the mass tourism trail. Here are five underrated gems of Spain you can explore in March:

1. Albarracín (Teruel)

This tiny medieval village in Aragon is a true hidden treasure resembling something out of a storybook. That’s because you will come across its rust-colored adobe houses, delicate wooden balconies and fortress walls. 

So, take some time to admire the architecture while wandering through the winding cobbled lanes. And don’t forget to climb up to the Mirador for panoramic views. It’s breathtaking!

2. Frigiliana (Málaga)

Lying just inland from the Costa del Sol is one of Andalusia’s famous white villages known for its stunning Moorish old quarter. Frigiliana’s maze of whitewashed houses adorned with flower pots and wrought-iron balconies are down the hillside, with peaceful plazas and churches to explore.

3. Cudillero (Asturias)

Cudillero is famous as one of Spain’s most photographed seafront scenes. This tiny fishing port in northern Spain features a jumble of colorfully painted houses and buildings. The best part – They appear to be stacked precariously atop each other as they cling to the steep hillside. It’s famous for its old quarter, working harbor, and seafood taverns!

4. Besalú (Girona)

This incredibly well-preserved medieval town in Catalonia transports visitors back to the 12th century as you cross its iconic bridge to wander through stone arcades, cobbled plazas, Romanesque churches and winding alleys lined with artisan shops and cafes.

5. Setenil de las Bodegas (Cádiz)

One of Spain’s most unique ‘Pueblos Blancos’ (white villages), Setenil de las Bodegas is famous for its houses and bars built directly into overhanging cliffs and rock formations. Taking an evening stroll through this quirky village makes for an unforgettable experience. All you need is a Spain Schengen Visa to kickstart your Spanish holiday in March!

Hidden Beaches to Visit in Spain in March

Spain has some incredible hidden coves and beaches perfect for enjoying the first warm rays of spring sun before the summer crowds arrive. These are the three beaches stand out for their tranquility and bohemian vibes:

1. Playa de Las Canteras (Gran Canaria)

This stunning city beach in Las Palmas boasts calm turquoise waters and golden sands hugged by a dramatic rocky coastline. String along the promenade, join locals for tapas and enjoy a dip in the sea when temperatures are ideal.

2. Cala Agulla (Mallorca)

One of Mallorca’s most stunning hidden coves nestled along the rugged northern coast, this petite pebble cove features crystal waters perfect for snorkeling and a small beach bar serving ice cold drinks. Arrive early to beat the crowds for an amazing beach experience.

3. Cala Barraca (Ibiza)

Tucked away on Ibiza’s southwestern coast, this tiny cove fringed by boulders and pine trees boasts incredible snorkeling and idyllic sunset views that make it worthwhile hauling your own beach umbrella. A casual beach cafe keeps things laidback. 

Want to visit such exciting beaches? Then get your Spain Visa UK today. Go on an exciting vacation to Spain!

Quiet Villages in Spain to Visit in March

For escaping the tourist trail and getting a taste of authentic village life in spring, add these off-the-radar picks to your Spain in March itinerary:

1. Pampaneira (Las Alpujarras)

Nestled in the foothills of the Sierra Nevada mountains, the remarkably preserved village of Pampaneira is one of the most scenic in the Las Alpujarras region. It’s famous for its Berber heritage, flat-roofed adobe houses and streets lined with tinkling fountains. Wander through its atmospheric alleyways while sampling local cuisine for the ultimate Spain holiday!

2. Ávila

This medieval walled city just over an hour from Madrid makes a magical detour. Explore some amazing attractions in Avila like: 

  • Picturesque squares
  • Fortified walls, and, 
  • Cathedrals of Ávila’s old town – A Beautiful UNESCO World Heritage Site

It’s easy day trip and lack of crowds in March are a big bonus. So, make sure to add this place to your buckelist!

A 4-Day Crowd-Free Spain in March Itinerary

See the best of Spain’s hidden highlights in early spring with this 4-day itinerary avoiding the big cities and tourist traps:

Day 1 – Frigiliana >Nerja Cave > Setenil de las Bodegas

Start from the charming ‘pueblo blanco’ of Frigiliana. Later, head to the spectacular Nerja Cave, one of Spain’s most impressive archaeological sites. Then, end your day in the cliff village of Setenil de las Bodegas.

Day 2 – Sierra de Grazalema Natural Park

Spend a day hiking the stunning trail network of this underrated nature reserve in Andalusia. It is popular for its pristine white villages like Grazalema nestled among limestone peaks and orchards.

Day 3 – Cádiz > Jerez

Explore the vibrant port city of Cádiz with its well-preserved Old Town before continuing to Jerez de la Frontera to tour sherry bodegas and the Royal School of Equestrian Art.

Day 4 – Córdoba

No Spain trip is complete without visiting the Moorish marvels of Córdoba like the famous Mezquita Cathedral. Get there early to beat any crowds before moving on.

You can always add some more places to make your holiday more memorable. But, to visit Spain, you will need a Visa. Booking a Spain visa appointment is super easy. Do it now to go on a vacation of a lifetime to Spain!

Tips for Avoiding Crowds in Spain in March

Even in the quieter spring season, certain destinations and major festivals in Spain can still draw big visitor numbers that you’ll want to avoid. Here are top tips to get away from the masses:

  • Visit early morning or late afternoon when most tour groups have left attractions like the Alhambra in Granada or Barcelona’s Park Güell.
  • Stay in residential neighborhoods away from the main tourist zones to get an authentic local experience.
  • Head to the smaller cities and towns, which see far fewer international visitors compared to cosmopolitan hubs like Madrid and Barcelona.
  • Research your dates and avoid being in destinations hosting major festivals like Semana Santa (Easter Holy Week) or Las Fallas in Valencia in mid-March unless you want to experience the crowds.
  • Get off the beaten path by exploring Spain’s incredible network of rural hiking trails, unknown beaches and vineyards where you can escape the masses.

Conclusion

With its astounding diversity of cultures, cuisines and landscapes, Spain is truly a year-round destination. But by visiting Spain in March, you’ll experience fewer crowds, comfortable temperatures and lower pricing compared to the peak summer season. In addition to that, you will also get to discover many hidden gems off the touristy trail that showcase the country’s authentic charms. Simply apply for Spanish Visa Manchester to go on a lovely holiday to Spain!

FAQs

Q1. Is March a good time to visit Spain?

Ans1. Yes, March is considered one of the best times to visit Spain when the weather is mild and tourists are fewer compared to the busy summer months, allowing you to explore at a relaxed pace without big crowds.

Q2. What are the temperatures like in Spain in March?

Ans2. Temperatures in Spain in March generally range from highs of 16-20°C during the day to cooler lows of 5-10°C at night across most of the mainland. The south tends to be warmer while northern regions can be slightly cooler.

Q3. What cities in Spain should I avoid in March for crowds?

Ans3. Big cities like Barcelona, Madrid, Seville and Valencia can still see higher numbers of visitors and cruise ship arrivals in March, especially during festivals like Las Fallas. Consider sticking to smaller cities instead.

Q4. Is the beach weather good in Spain during March?

Ans4. Yes, the southernmost beach destinations like the Canary Islands, Costa del Sol and Balearic Islands typically enjoy comfortable beach weather in the 20s°C by March, though the water may still feel chilly for swimming.

Q5. What are some tips for avoiding the crowds in Spain in March?

Ans5. Arrive early at major attractions, stay in residential neighborhoods, visit smaller cities and towns, get off-the-beaten-path to hike or explore rural areas, and plan around any festivals or events drawing big crowds.