March is a fantastic time to visit Portugal because it's spring, the weather is moderate, and the country is full with flowers. It is the best time of year to visit places that blend culture, nature, and cuisine because there are fewer people and the costs are lower. Portugal offers a range of locations that promise life-changing experiences during this time of year, whether you're travelling with family or friends. Learn where to take a vacation in Portugal in March.
Carnival 2025 celebration locations Portugal's funfair is a colourful and varied event, with a distinct experience offered by each location. Four locations stand out as the greatest spots to take part in the funfair celebrations in 2025. From the well-known "cabeçudos" to ancestral rites, each of these locations offers unique customs that give tourists a genuine taste of Portuguese culture.
Torres Vedras
Locations of the Carnival 2025 celebrations Portugal's funfair is a vibrant and diverse festival, with each venue providing a unique experience. The top four places to participate in the funfair festivities in 2025 are as follows. Each of these places has distinctive rituals that give visitors a true sense of Portuguese culture, from the well-known "cabeçudos" to ancestral rites.
The Carnival Monument will be inaugurated on February 8 as part of the Torres Carnival 2025 program, and the city will be lively with a number of events that follow. The school parade, the traditional masquerade ball and the arrival and coronation of the funfair kings are among the highlights. All partygoers will have a great time as DJs will be spinning music in several downtown squares throughout the evening.
Funchal
One of Madeira's most iconic events, it takes place from February 26 to March 9 and turns the city into a riot of colour, music, and happiness. The Grand Allegorical Parade, which swarms Funchal's streets with parades and costumes, is the centrepiece of the Funchal Carnival 2025 celebrations, which also feature a number of cultural and recreational activities.
In addition to the main procession, the Funchal Carnival is renowned for the "Cortejo Trapalhão," a parade in which social satire and humour are the main themes, allowing anybody who wishes to participate in the celebrations to do so on their own initiative.
Loulé
Portugal's oldest funfair, Loulé 2025, commemorates 119 years of delight and tradition. From March 2nd to 4th, parades including floats, samba bands, Brazilian dancers, and enormous figures flood the streets of Loulé with colour and music, creating a lively and exuberant sight.
The Londrina Carnival 2025 program is broad and varied, encompassing the parades as well as other events that enliven the city, such as the customary Gala Ball. In order to fully immerse themselves in the rich cultural legacy of this legendary Algarve festival, visitors are encouraged to dress up and participate in the festivities.
Podence
From March 1 to March 4, 2025, the village of Podence in Macedo de Cavaleiros will host the Podence Carnival, also called Entrudo Chocalheiro. The "Caretos"—masked individuals wearing vibrant costumes with fringes and metal or wooden masks—are what make this event, which UNESCO has designated as Intangible Cultural Heritage of Humanity, unique. The Caretos stroll the village's streets throughout the celebrations, participating in sports and customs that represent the change from winter to spring.
Numerous events in the Entrudo Chocalheiro program honour regional culture. On Saturday, March 1st, there will be a typical market after a stroll along the Trilha do Entrudo Chocalheiro. Visitors can take part in dances, witness parades, and eat local food throughout the joyous days. The "Queima do Entrudo" is the centrepiece of the festivities, a custom that signifies purification and rebirth for the upcoming season and signifies the conclusion of Carnival.
March fairs and festivals March in Portugal is a time for festivities and customs, with a number of fairs and festivals that enliven the nation from north to south. In addition to showcasing Portugal's rich cultural legacy, these celebrations give tourists a rare chance to learn about local customs, sample regional cuisine, and take part in activities that mark the start of spring.
Óbidos
International Festival of Chocolate From March 21 to April 6, 2025, the mediaeval village will be transformed into a chocolate lover's heaven during the Óbidos International Chocolate Festival. This yearly event, which has drawn tourists from all over the world since its inaugural edition in 2002, is a celebration of the art and flavour of cocoa.
The festival features competitions that showcase up-and-coming skills in chocolate and confectionery creation in addition to displays and demonstrations. The "Chocolate Rising Star 2025" competition, which is aimed at young individuals who are just starting out in the industry, as well as the "Best Chocolate Product 2025" and "Best Chocolate Cocktail 2025" contests, are among the highlights. Additionally, visitors can participate in tasting events that offer distinctive sensory experiences by pairing chocolate with wines and beverages.
Serra da Estrela
Cheese Fair To promote this internationally recognised cheese, a number of cities in the Serra da Estrela region will host their own fairs in 2025. For instance, Seia has a fair in the Municipal Market from March 1st to 4th to sample local goods, with Serra da Estrela Cheese serving as the main attraction. Bread, Dão wine, cold cuts, olive oil, and honey are served with it. The recreation of Quinta do Pastor, the Serra da Estrela dog shows, the cooking demonstrations, the Bordaleira sheep competition, the traditional pubs, and local goods are all attractions in a festive setting with plenty of entertainment.
Saint Joseph's Day Honouring Saint Joseph, Mary's husband and the universal patron saint of the Catholic Church, the Feast of Saint Joseph is a religious event that is held every year in a number of places. "With Saint Joseph, pilgrims of Hope!" is the theme of the 2025 celebrations, which will take place from March 9 to 19. In an effort to deepen faith and devotion to the saint, communities celebrate solemn masses, processions, novenas, and other liturgical events throughout these days.
The Feast of Saint Joseph is celebrated with religious ceremonies as well as social and cultural activities that foster intercommunal harmony. For instance, Santarém's celebrations offer street food, entertainment, and other attractions, giving attendees a chance to relax and socialise.
Spring Festival
The Cuiabá Spring Festival 2025, which takes place on March 22 and 23, honours the season's arrival with a number of events that emphasise sustainability and the environment. One of the major events is the Spring Race, which allows participants of all ages and fitness levels to compete in three different modalities: the Athletics Race (10 km), Mini Race/Walk (5 km), and Run Kids (400 m and 800 m).
Furthermore, the Biodiversity Route, a prior activity that highlights the region's natural and cultural riches and consists of the Vertical Climb to Penha (4 km) and an Interpretive Walk (3.5 km), will be open for participants to explore on March 22 under the guidance of Landscape Laboratory technicians.
The inaugural Spring Race is a significant step towards Guimarães' goal of becoming the European Green Capital in 2026. March's most affordable travel destinations Portugal starts to experience the gentleness of spring in March, which makes it the perfect time to travel there. Some regions of Portugal are particularly noteworthy if you're searching for places to visit that blend culture and landscape without going over budget. from coastal cities to little rural settlements.
Ribeira de Pena
The Vila Real district's Ribeira de Pena is a reasonably priced place to visit in March since it blends outdoor recreation with scenic beauty. The Tâmega, Póio, Louredo, and Beça rivers abound in the region, providing crystal-clear waters that are ideal for canoeing and canyoning, particularly near the Cai d'Alto waterfall. The Alvão Natural Park, a biodiversity sanctuary perfect for hiking, bird viewing, and nature photography, is another reason for the region's fame.
Armação de Pêra
Situated in the Algarve, it appeals as a reasonably priced March vacation spot, providing a blend of stunning beaches and cultural events at reasonable costs. The area experiences pleasant temperatures in this month, which makes it perfect for exploration without the usual throngs of high season.
Armação de Pêra offers a wide range of age-appropriate activities. Boat tours through the Benagil caverns are a well-liked activity that lets tourists see the area's distinctive rock formations. In addition, the city has family-friendly entertainment options including mini golf, inflatable toys, and pedal karts, guaranteeing enjoyment for all.
Chaves
The city is perfect for visiting sans the throng of high season because of the pleasant weather during this month. The Roman Bridge, a historic landmark that spans the Tâmega River, and Chaves Castle, which provides expansive city views, are two of the city's attractions. Visitors can also have a closer look at local history by exploring the Flaviense Region Museum. The Montesinho Natural Park, which is adjacent to the city, is a great place for nature lovers to go hiking and see the local flora and wildlife.
Sertã
The Beira Baixa region's Sertã is a particularly reasonably priced place to go in March. Among the city's attractions are the Igreja Matriz de São Pedro, a noteworthy example of regional ecclesiastical architecture, and the Castelo da Sertã, a historic landmark with expansive city views. Sertã River Beach, a great spot to unwind and take in the scenery, is also accessible to visitors. The area is well-known to foodies for its traditional dishes that offer a genuine culinary experience, such as bucho filled and maranho da Sertã. Additionally, trekking and wildlife observation are made possible by the city's proximity to the Serra da Estrela Natural Park.
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