Compare every Greece city in March →
Stay in Santorini in March
127 hotels in the Trip.com pool for Santorini, from US$24 a night.
Opens Trip.com on Fri 5 Mar to Sun 7 Mar 2027; change the dates there.
March in Santorini is defined by closures. Roughly half the island's hotels shut down from November through mid-April, and the ratio runs higher for restaurants, bars, and tour operators in Oia and Fira. The caldera villages of Imerovigli and Firostefani, packed beyond capacity in August, hold maybe a few dozen visitors on a given March weekday. A persistent Aegean wind makes evenings feel colder than the mid-teens Celsius (low 60s Fahrenheit) temperatures suggest.
Santorini's volcanic hillsides begin turning green in early March, with wildflowers emerging as the month progresses. Greek Independence Day falls on the same date as the Feast of the Annunciation late in the month, the island's one fixed event during this period. Year-round museums in Fira, including the Museum of Prehistoric Thera and the Archaeological Museum of Thera, keep the archaeological heritage accessible through the quiet season.
If your image of Santorini involves infinity pools, catamaran cruises, and cocktails at Oia's sunset bars, March will fall short. That infrastructure is seasonal, with most operators still dormant this early in the year. You are trading the summer postcard for solitude and a version of the island that feels more like a small Cycladic village than a resort destination.
Why visit in March
- Accommodation rates sit at their annual floor across the island, making caldera-view rooms accessible to travelers who cannot afford them in peak season
- Archaeological sites and museums operate without queues, with the Akrotiri excavation and Fira's museums open year-round
- Wildflowers, including red poppies and yellow crown daisies, begin covering Santorini's terraced hillsides in the second half of the month, a brief seasonal window lasting only 3-4 weeks before the dry summer
- The caldera trail between Fira and Oia is nearly deserted, a stark contrast to the shoulder-to-shoulder summer foot traffic
Worth knowing
- Tour operators, boat excursion companies, and most sunset-view restaurants do not resume operations until late April or May, limiting what you can book and where you can eat
- Ferry service from Piraeus and neighboring islands runs on a reduced winter timetable, sometimes down to 2-3 departures per week
- The Aegean Sea hovers around 16°C (61°F) in March, far too cold for comfortable swimming at Kamari, Perissa, or the Red Beach
- Evening wind chill along the caldera rim makes the famous Oia sunset a 10-minute viewing rather than the lingering hour it becomes in June or September
Best for
Think twice if
March on Santorini brings mild, changeable weather with winter's tail end still present. Rain falls on roughly 6 days during the month, typically in short bursts that pass within an hour. Wind is the more persistent variable, with Aegean gusts along the exposed caldera rim making the air feel several degrees colder than the thermometer reads. The second half of March tends to be drier and warmer than the first two weeks. Evenings cool rapidly after sunset, particularly along the Fira waterfront and the open path toward Imerovigli.
Seasonal caution
- Strong Aegean winds can disrupt ferry crossings without warning in March. Build at least one buffer day into return travel plans if connecting through Piraeus to an Athens departure flight.
Year-round climate
Averages from the last 5 years.
| Month | Avg high (°C) | Avg low (°C) | Rainfall (mm) |
|---|---|---|---|
| Jan | 16 | 12 | 41 |
| Feb | 15 | 12 | 35 |
| Mar | 17 | 12 | 32 |
| Apr | 20 | 15 | 13 |
| May | 23 | 18 | 16 |
| Jun | 28 | 22 | 5 |
| Jul | 30 | 25 | 1 |
| Aug | 30 | 25 | 3 |
| Sep | 27 | 23 | 5 |
| Oct | 23 | 19 | 10 |
| Nov | 21 | 17 | 21 |
| Dec | 17 | 14 | 60 |
Holidays and festivals in March
Public holidays
- Clean Monday(Καθαρά Δευτέρα)15 March 2027
- Annunciation(Ευαγγελισμός της Θεοτόκου)25 March 2027
- Independence Day(Εικοστή Πέμπτη Μαρτίου)25 March 2027
Best things to do in March
Hike the Fira to Oia caldera trail
hikingThe 10 km ridgeline path connects Fira to Oia along the volcanic caldera rim, passing through Firostefani and Imerovigli with continuous views of the submerged crater and Nea Kameni island. Allow 4-5 hours at a walking pace with photo stops.
Cool temperatures and near-empty paths. The same route in July or August with cruise-ship passengers and 30°C heat is a fundamentally different experience.Booking tipNo booking required. Start from Fira heading north for the best light progression through the day.
Explore the Akrotiri archaeological site
cultureA Bronze Age settlement preserved under volcanic ash from the Minoan eruption, sometimes compared to Pompeii for its state of preservation. The modern bioclimatic roof structure protects the excavation and keeps the visit comfortable on rainy days.
Summer queue times of 30-45 minutes and crowded viewing platforms disappear entirely. March allows unhurried exploration of each excavated building.Wine tasting at reopening estates
food and drinkSeveral estates along the caldera rim and across the island's interior offer guided tastings of wines produced from Santorini's volcanic-soil vineyards. A typical session includes 4-6 pours paired with local cheese and caper spreads.
Late March marks the earliest reopening of some wineries after the winter closure. Staff have more time and the sessions tend to be more personal.Booking tipPhone the estate a day ahead to confirm they are open. Not all wineries start their season in March.
Climb to Ancient Thera on Mesa Vouno
hikingA Hellenistic and Roman city sits on a rocky ridge at roughly 360 metres above sea level between Kamari and Perissa. The switchback trail from the Kamari side takes about 45 minutes and rewards with views across both coasts of the island.
The exposed, shadeless trail is uncomfortable and potentially dangerous in summer heat. March temperatures make the ascent safe and pleasant.Booking tipWear proper walking shoes. The path surface is loose gravel and exposed rock in sections.
Walk the spring wildflower terraces
natureFrom mid-March, the terraced hillsides between Pyrgos and Megalochori bloom with seasonal wildflowers. Old donkey paths connect the two villages through the fields, and the full walk takes about 90 minutes at a relaxed pace.
The blooms are at their peak in March and fade as the dry Aegean summer arrives in May. This is the narrow window for seeing the volcanic landscape at its most colorful.Photograph the caldera villages without tourists
photographyThe blue-domed churches and whitewashed cliff-side buildings that define Santorini's visual identity are nearly impossible to photograph cleanly in summer, when other visitors fill every frame. In March, you can set up at the classic viewpoints and work without interruption.
Zero tourists in the background of compositions. The same shots in July or August require dawn arrivals and careful editing to remove people.Booking tipLate-afternoon golden hour light on Oia's west-facing buildings peaks around 17:30-18:00 in March.
What to eat in March
On menus now
Fava Santorinis
Santorini's signature yellow split pea puree takes on extra prominence during the Lenten weeks that typically overlap with March, when meat-free cooking dominates island tables. The local variety carries PDO status and a nuttier, sweeter flavor than mainland Greek versions.
Ntomatokeftedes
Santorini's famous tomato fritters use sun-dried cherry tomatoes (tomataki Santorinis, a PDO product) during the off-season months, producing a more concentrated, smoky flavor compared to the fresh-tomato summer version.
What to drink
Assyrtiko wine
Santorini's signature white grape grows in distinctive kouloura (basket-trained) vines close to the volcanic ground, a cultivation method unique to the Cyclades. The mineral-driven wine pairs well with the island's Lenten seafood dishes.
In markets
Horta (wild mountain greens)
March is peak foraging season for wild greens across the island's hillsides. Year-round tavernas in Fira serve them boiled with lemon and olive oil, and they appear in hortopita at local bakeries.
Regular events in March
Greek Independence Day (Ethniki Epetios)Free
National holiday celebrating the 1821 start of the War of Independence from the Ottoman Empire. A small student and military parade processes through Fira's central square, and public schools close for the day. Greek flags appear on buildings across the island.
March 25Feast of the Annunciation (Evangelismos tis Theotokou)Free
Major Greek Orthodox feast day coinciding with Independence Day. Services draw local congregations to churches across the island, with the Cathedral of Candlemas of the Lord in Fira (built 1827) hosting one of the largest gatherings.
March 25Clean Monday (Kathara Deftera)Free
The first day of Great Lent in the Orthodox calendar, marked by kite-flying, outdoor gatherings, and seafood spreads that exclude meat and dairy. Falls in March in years when Orthodox Easter lands in mid-to-late April. Families gather in Fira's main square if the weather cooperates.
Variable, 48 days before Orthodox Easter, sometimes early MarchBest places this March
Akrotiri archaeological site
archaeological siteMulti-story buildings, wall frescoes, and drainage systems have survived over 3,600 years at this excavation. The covered structure makes it Santorini's strongest rainy-day cultural attraction in March, when afternoon showers are possible.
AkrotiriMuseum of Prehistoric Thera
museumOpened in 2000, this Fira museum houses the original wall frescoes, pottery, and artifacts recovered from the Akrotiri excavation. The Spring Fresco and the Boxing Boys fresco are the standout pieces.
FiraArchaeological Museum of Thera
museumOne of the Cyclades' oldest archaeological museums, founded in 1960. The collection spans Archaic through Roman periods, complementing the Bronze Age focus of its neighbor. Both sit within a 5-minute walk of each other in Fira.
FiraThree Bells of Fira
churchBuilt in 1757, this blue-domed Greek Catholic church perches on Fira's caldera edge. One of only a few Catholic churches on the predominantly Orthodox island, it reflects the Venetian influence on Santorini's religious history.
FiraSkaros Rock
viewpointThe fortress promontory at the caldera rim's highest point in Imerovigli served as the island's medieval capital until an 1817 earthquake. A short but steep trail leads to the rock, offering panoramic views of the caldera, Nea Kameni, and on clear March mornings, neighboring Ios and Sikinos.
ImerovigliPanagia Episkopi
churchOne of the oldest churches on Santorini, located in the village of Episkopi Gonias near Pyrgos. Its Byzantine origins and relatively remote location mean it sees very few visitors even in high season. In March, you may be the only person there.
Episkopi GoniasMuseum of Ancient Greek, Byzantine and Post-Byzantine Instruments
museumA small specialist museum in Oia, founded in 1984, displaying reconstructed versions of instruments described in ancient texts. The hands-on exhibits and quiet setting make it a worthwhile stop for visitors who assume Oia is entirely a commercial strip.
Oia
Your packing checklist
Tick items off as you pack. Your progress saves in this browser.
All packed — have a great trip.
Insider tips
The caldera rim path from Fira to Oia works better walked south to north in March. The afternoon light hits Oia's west-facing buildings as you arrive, and the prevailing wind tends to be at your back. In summer the advice reverses because an early Oia start avoids midday heat.
Some wineries that officially list April or May opening dates will accept phone reservations in the second half of March. The tasting room experience during these soft-opening weeks tends to be more personal and educational than during the June-through-September peak.
If Clean Monday (Kathara Deftera) falls in March the year you visit, look for the kite-flying and Lenten seafood spreads in Fira's main square. The date shifts annually with the Orthodox Easter calendar, so check before booking.
Year-round tavernas in Fira, particularly those around the main square and the road toward Karterados, cook from smaller winter menus using available seasonal produce. Your Fira host can tell you which spots are currently open, since the roster shifts each season.
Avoid these mistakes
- Booking accommodation in Oia expecting the full village experience. Most of Oia's commercial strip, including cafes, galleries, and shops, closes for winter. Fira makes a better March base with more year-round services.
- Packing summer clothes because the destination is Greece. March evenings with wind chill on the caldera rim can feel like single digits Celsius. Layers and a wind-resistant jacket matter more in March Santorini than shorts and swimwear.
- Planning a tight multi-island itinerary from Santorini without buffer days. The reduced winter sailing frequency between Santorini, Ios, and Naxos means a missed connection can strand you for a day or more, and March weather occasionally forces last-minute schedule changes.
- Assuming all advertised restaurants and tours are operating. Online listings and review sites reflect summer availability. Calling ahead to confirm a restaurant is open or a tour is running saves a wasted trip, especially outside Fira.
Practical tips for March
March falls in Santorini's deep off-season. The island's airport (JTR) near Monolithos receives domestic flights from Athens on Olympic Air and SKY express, usually 1-2 per day, but international charter flights do not begin until the tourist season starts. KTEL buses operate on a winter timetable centered on the Fira hub, with limited daily service to Oia, Kamari, Perissa, and Akrotiri. Most visitors find a rental car essential, so book through a Fira-based agency in advance since few operate in winter. The year-round tavernas in Fira and Kamari do not require reservations in March, but knowing which ones are currently open matters more than choosing a particular restaurant. Ask your accommodation host for current suggestions rather than relying on review sites that reflect summer operations. The late-March national holiday may see some shops and the post office close for the day, though the parade and church services add character to Fira. A pharmacy in Fira maintains regular hours, and the island's health center operates year-round. Carry cash in smaller establishments around Fira and Kamari, as card machines are not always available at winter-only businesses.
FAQ
Is March a good time to visit Santorini?
It depends entirely on what you want from the trip. If your Santorini plan centers on swimming, catamaran excursions, and nightlife, March will disappoint, since most of that infrastructure is seasonal. For travelers who prioritize quiet caldera views, archaeological sites without queues, and comfortable hiking weather, March delivers a version of the island that summer visitors never experience. March accommodation sits at the lowest rates of the year, and crowds are essentially absent.
What is the weather like in Santorini in March?
Mild and changeable, closer to early spring in southern Europe than to the hot Mediterranean summer most visitors associate with Greece. Morning cloud often clears by midday, and rain, when it comes, passes quickly. The real variable is wind. Aegean gusts along the caldera rim can make an otherwise pleasant afternoon feel genuinely cold. Bring layers and a windproof jacket rather than summer clothing.
Are restaurants and hotels open in Santorini in March?
Expect limited options. Fira maintains more year-round services than any other village, with a handful of tavernas and cafes open through winter. Kamari has a few beachfront options as well. Oia runs mostly dark until tourist season. Ask your host for current dining recommendations rather than trusting review sites, since the open-closed status shifts each year.
Can you swim in Santorini in March?
Realistically, no. The Aegean has not warmed from winter yet, and most people find it too cold for more than a brief plunge. A few year-round hotels on Santorini maintain heated pools for guests. The black sand beaches at Perissa and Kamari remain scenic for walks, but the swim-and-sunbathe routine that defines a Santorini summer visit is still months away.
Is Santorini crowded in March?
The opposite. March sees a fraction of summer's visitor numbers. You can walk through the caldera villages for long stretches without encountering another tourist. Museum queues do not exist, and restaurant reservations are unnecessary. The trade-off is that the quiet comes with closures, reduced transport, and fewer dining choices.
Things to Do in Santorini in March
Free cancellation Private Santorini Tailor Made - Choice of the Guest!
Day trip: free cancellation.
via Viator
Free cancellation Santorini Sunset Luxury Sailing Catamaran Cruise with BBQ, drinks, transfer
Cruise: 5 hours, free cancellation.
via Viator
Free cancellation Sunset Sailing Catamaran Cruise in Santorini with BBQ and Drinks
Cruise: 5 hours, free cancellation.
via Viator
Free cancellation Santorini Day Tour: Akrotiri, Villages, Wine and Sunset in Oia
Day trip: 10 hours, free cancellation.
via Viator
Free cancellation Private Classic Santorini Panorama: Visit Top Destinations
Day trip: free cancellation.
via Viator
Free cancellation Santorini Shore Excursion: Private Tour with Tender Port Pickup
Day trip: free cancellation.
via ViatorLast verified by automated review (v1.7.2) on . What is automated review?