Portugal, Europe
The Algarve in March
Wildflowers on the cliffs and great hiking weather. Seasonal places start reopening.
The straight answer
March is a good month to visit the Algarve. Wildflowers on the cliffs and great hiking weather. Seasonal places start reopening.
- Weather
- Spring, highs near 66F (19C)
- Crowds
- 2 of 5
- Prices
- 2 of 5
What March is like in the Algarve
March brings spring. Highs reach about 66F (19C), and wildflowers bloom along the clifftops. It is great hiking weather, and seasonal restaurants and beach bars start reopening as the month goes on. Crowds and prices are still low. When carnival falls in March, Loule's parades add a festive weekend. The sea is still cool, so most people are walking, not swimming.
It suits hikers, couples, and families who want sunny days and quiet beaches to explore. Swimmers should wait for late May or June when the water is more comfortable.
Make the most of March
What is especially good about the Algarve this month.
Wildflowers on the cliffs
Spring flowers carpet the clifftops above the beaches. It is the prettiest time for coastal walks.
The Seven Hanging Valleys Trail
Mild weather makes this clifftop walk from Praia da Marinha ideal. Go early in the day.
Rota Vicentina on the west coast
The long-distance trails along the wild west coast are at their best from autumn to spring.
What to pack for March
- Hiking shoes with good grip
- A light jacket for wind on the cliffs
- Sunscreen and a hat
- A refillable water bottle
Our timing tip
Start the Seven Hanging Valleys Trail by 9am, and walk it toward Benagil so the sun is behind you for photos.
Book The Algarve for March.
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- Hotels for March
Hotels. Expedia
Hotels in The AlgarveOpens a hotel search for The Algarve in March, dates filled in. Book early for the best months: the good rooms go first.
- Rentals on Vrbo
Vacation rentals. Vrbo
Vacation rentals in The AlgarveWhole homes, condos and villas. Usually the better deal for families and groups, with a kitchen and room to spread out.
- Tours and tickets
Tours and tickets. Expedia
Tours and tickets in The AlgarveTimed-entry tickets, day trips and guided tours in The Algarve for March. Popular slots sell out in the best months.
What's on in March
Loule Carnival
The days before Lent, February or March
The Algarve's best-known carnival, with parades of floats through Loule.
Things to do in the Algarve
Ponta da Piedade, Lagos
Rock pillars, arches, and grottoes best seen by small boat or kayak in calm morning water.
Benagil sea cave
The famous cave with a hole in the roof. Boat and kayak tours run most of the year; access rules for landing inside have tightened, so check current regulations.
Seven Hanging Valleys Trail
A clifftop walk from Praia da Marinha toward Benagil and beyond. Best in spring and autumn, early in the day.
Sagres and Cape St. Vincent
The windswept southwestern tip of Europe, with a clifftop fortress and famous sunsets.
Ria Formosa Natural Park
Lagoons and barrier-island beaches reachable by ferry from Olhao, Faro, and Tavira. Superb for birdwatching.
Tavira
A calmer, more traditional town in the east, with a Roman-style bridge and ferries to Ilha de Tavira beaches.
Beat the crowds
- Take Ponta da Piedade and Benagil boat tours at the first departure of the day for calm water and fewer boats.
- Swap the busiest central beaches for the Ria Formosa islands or the west coast beaches, which are wilder and far less crowded.
- If you must go in July or August, book cars, villas, and popular restaurant tables early, and hit the beach by 9am.
- Stay in towns like Tavira or Lagos rather than high-rise resort strips for more character and quieter evenings outside peak season.
Know before you go
- Many beach bars, seasonal restaurants, and some hotels in resort areas close from about November to March. Larger towns stay open all year.
- Boat tours to the caves run much of the year but are frequently cancelled when seas are rough, especially in winter.
- Lifeguards typically staff major beaches from about June to September only; outside that window, check flags and conditions carefully.
- Some beaches along the cliffs are closed or restricted because of rockfall risk. Respect signs and do not sit directly below cliffs.
The Algarve in March, quick answers
Is March a good time to visit the Algarve?
March is a good month to visit the Algarve. Wildflowers on the cliffs and great hiking weather. Seasonal places start reopening.
What is the weather like in the Algarve in March?
Spring, highs near 66F (19C).
Is the Algarve crowded in March?
March is one of the quieter months in the Algarve; most sights can be done without long waits.
What is happening in the Algarve in March?
Loule Carnival (the days before lent, february or march).
Keep planning The Algarve.
The months either side, and the best one if this is not it.
Also at their best in March
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