Where to travel in March


By Francesca Syz for High Life magazine

Travel columnist and editor

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If you’re in the mood for a spring break with a spot of sunshine, we’ve rounded up the best places to head to in the month of March, from the relaxing Riviera Maya, to historic Paphos.

Cancun

The lowdown

The leaping-off point for the Riviera Maya, Cancun is the gateway to gorgeous beaches, outstanding natural beauty and ancient ruined cities. Head south towards Tulum, a chilled little beach town close to the most extraordinary Mayan ruins. Cancun’s dry season runs from November to April, with February to April having the lowest rainfall. By March, the sea is warming up so it’s a great month for swimming.

Plan a holiday to Cancun

Once the private hideaway of an Italian duchess, the hotel still feels like a beautiful tropical home.

Eat

For a great Mexican taco experience, head to friendly El Fogon in Playa del Carmen (there are two branches there, both of which are great).

Stay

An hour south of Cancun, between Playa del Carmen and Tulum, Hotel Esencia is set within lush Mayan jungle on its own secluded stretch of beach. Once the private hideaway of an Italian duchess, Hotel Esencia still feels like a beautiful tropical home.

Book a stay at Hotel Esencia

  • Take some time for yourself on the beach in Cancun © Adobe Stock.

    Did you know…?

    Cancun’s beaches are cool to walk on, as the white sand is actually made up of crushed coral.

    Discover Cancun
  • Tuck into breakfast at Daily Eats in Tampa, Florida.

    Daily bread

    The SoHo branch opens for breakfast, brunch, lunch and dinner. Stop by Monday to Friday (07.00-20.30) and Saturday and Sunday (08.00-20.30).

    Find flights to Tampa
  • Explore the ancient ruins in Paphos © Adobe Stock.

    Fit for the gods

    Paphos is the supposed birthplace of Aphrodite, the Greek goddess of love, beauty, pleasure, and procreation.

    Book flights to Paphos

Paphos

The lowdown

Sitting on the southwest coast of Cyprus, Paphos is an unusual old town. Stalls selling inflatable bananas jostle for space with some of the most extraordinary archaeological ruins, which were once one of the most celebrated places of pilgrimage in the Ancient Greek world. March signals the beginning of spring here, as the weather becomes warmer and less rainy.

Eat

Head to 7 St. Georges Tavern in Geroskipou for a unique restaurant experience. There’s no menu here, so just take a seat and wait for whatever seasonal fare is served to you. Don’t forget to seek out Mesogiaki Gonia Wine & Deli in the Kings Avenue Mall for artisan treats to take home.

Stay

Almyra is a stylishly understated year-round hotel at one end of the harbour. From here you can stroll over to Paphos Archaeological Park in just 15 minutes.

Find our best Paphos holiday deals

  • Get up close and personal with the wildlife at The Florida Aquarium in Downtown Tampa.

    Snap happy

    House in a giant glass atrium, with 500,000 gallons of water, the Wetlands exhibit at the Florida Aquarium showcases everything from alligators to otters.

    Book a Tampa holiday

Tampa

The lowdown

With the many beaches that surround it, Tampa on Florida’s west coast never gets particularly cold so is ideal for a spot of winter sun. Hire a bike and head to Tampa’s Riverwalk, a 2.5-mile path where you’ll find Tampa Museum of Art and the Glazer Children’s Museum. The city has several interesting neighbourhoods, including Tampa Heights, where an old streetcar warehouse has been reinvented as a community hub with food stalls and restaurants. Another is bohemian Seminole Heights, home to historic bungalows, vintage shops and artists’ studios.

Book flights to Tampa

Eat

Head to Daily Eats in trendy SoHo for breakfast – try the Cap'n Cluck, scrambled eggs with Cap'n Crunch French toast topped with handmade chicken tenders drizzled with Sriracha honey.

Stay

Check into Epicurean Hotel in Soho Tampa (South Howard Avenue) which has its own onsite food classroom, known as the Epicurean Theatre, and is just across the street from the brilliant Bern’s Steak House.

Book a stay at Epicurean Hotel