What's the weather like in Chania in March
Spring comes gently into Chania, with a few extra degrees, a little less rain, a little more sunshine and myriads of blossoms. It's a pleasure to visit this side of Crete in March, and with so many things to see and to do, you may have to extend your stay all the way through to April.
Temperature
The average temperature stays shy at a slightly higher 13°C (55°F), but with chances of sunny days jumping up to 31%, and up to 6 hours of sunshine. The coldest it gets around this time of the year is 9°C, mostly at night and during those chillier damp days. But the bright sunny days will spike up to 17°C and over, especially throughout the last week of March, with April just around the corner.
Rainfall
Chances of rain drop to 27% on average, with up to 10 rainy days in the month, and up to 81mm.
Humidity
Humidity also drops significantly, and chances of clouds reach 22%, significantly less than February. With a zip and a zing, spring unravels itself particularly from the third week of March, when there's more sunshine and winds of up to 9 knots at the most, with maybe 30% chances of them blowing persistently. The atmospheric pressure begins to climb, up to --- on average, another sign that Crete is preparing for its hot and dry summer.
Average Sea Temperature
The glistening blue Aegean Sea maintains its temperature at 15°C (60°F), with sturdy waves along the rocky parts of the shoreline. There's no fog to worry about, and as the air generally begins to dry up, the mild weather becomes favorable for sailing and longer hikes along the coast. However we do recommend packing a windbreaker and an umbrella, as March still has some precipitation up its sleeve and it won't be afraid to show it.
Chania Hotels in March
Ionas Hotel
As expected from a highly popular tourist destination, Chania does not fall short on hotel and hostel offers. The particular charm of the accommodation options available is that most of them are enclosed in historically significant buildings, many of them clustered around splendid beaches or the vibrant Old Harbour. Ionas Hotel, for example, is a splendidly restored Venetian building with 9 beautifully designed rooms going for £39 per night, as well as a cafe-bar and a rooftop terrace with a breath-taking view.
Akrotiri Hotel and Casa Delfino Hotel & Spa
The gorgeous Akrotiri Hotel, in the heart of the city, offers double bedrooms with unforgettable views for just £35 per night. If you're looking to spoil yourself with an excellent deal, you might as well book a room at Casa Delfino Hotel & Spa for just £135, and take advantage of their phenomenal therapeutic facilities.
Morfeas Hotel
If your budget does not include splurging on hotels, Chania's hostels are more than sufficient. In fact, you can book a night at Alona's Apartments for just £10, or you can go for Morfeas Hotel, which offers spaces from £11.36 per night.
Hotel Tina Chania
Another good choice for this time of the year is Hotel Tina Chania, also offering its clean and comfy spaces for just £11.36 per night. They all come with free and high speed Wi-Fi as well, if you're looking to update that Facebook photo album on the spot!
Chania Beaches for March
Frangokastello Beach
Ah, as the weather gets warm, and the sun comes out to play, the beaches become a bigger attraction. While the water may not be good enough for dipping your toes in yet, the beautiful and soft sands of Chania's beaches are perfect for long walks, and even picnics. A good spot to visit in March (though situated about 80 km south of the city) is Frangokastello Beach, one of the most interesting patches of smooth beige sand and crystalline waters. It spreads right in front of the famous Venetian castle bearing the same name, and it's riddled with small fish taverns and, according to legend, ghost soldiers throughout the month of May, particularly at dawn.
Agia Marina
Closer to Chania, about 9 km away from the city center, lies the sumptuous Agia Marina, a long and sandy beach with a rich necklace of cafes, terraces and bars which are open all night, some of them even off season. You'll even find great camping sites along its coastline all the way into the western side of Kissamos.
Glyka Nera
You must pay a visit to Glyka Nera (which means "Sweet Waters"), a splendid secluded beach close to Sfakia, and known for its pristine waters. What makes it special is the fact that if you dig a hole in the sand, chances are you'll see sweet water emerging from beneath.
Kalamaki
About 7 km to the west of Chania Town, you'll find Kalamaki, whose clean sand and deep blue waters make it a favorite amongst the locals; it's best known for its cove which splits the beach in two with a narrow sand line.
Bars and Restaurants
Well of the Turk
You can't go wrong if you experience the exhilarating blend of North African, Middle Eastern and Greek cuisine offered by the Well of the Turk - hard to find but worth the adventure!
Aygo Tou Kokkora
The Avgo Tou Kokkora prepares a cornucopia of fresh salads, pasta, sandwiches and more, under the guise of a cafe behind the Mitropoli church off Halidon.
Antigoni
Antigoni is another must on the gastronomical map of Chania, with plenty of local dishes and fish specialties; it's an absolute treat, every time!
Maura Mesanixta
If you're looking for live music nights and plenty a room to shake a leg in, then the Maura Mesanixta is the place for you, complete with friendly staff and great prices on their drinks.
Senso Club
Senso Club offers different experiences throughout the week, from electrifying dance music to Greek music and even Top 40 hits, all in a slick design and with excellent service.
My Cafe Bar
My Cafe Bar turns it up after midnight as well, with a mix of commercial and Greek music and oh, so many shots!
Things to do in Chania in March
Apokries
We have only one word for you, when it comes to events that you should never miss out on if you find yourself in Chania: Apokries, the Greek version of the world famous Mardi Gras, is a lavish explosion of colors, music, masks and effervescent dancing. Technically speaking, this may actually be the source of the popular Mardi Gras. Apokries dates back to ancient times, when the festivities were dedicated to Dionysus, the beloved Greek god of wine and celebrations. It normally takes place three weeks before the Orthodox Easter, and it is truly a remarkable event to behold, as thousands of people in masquerades and costumes spill onto the streets and beaches of Chania, singing and dancing with nothing but pure, unadulterated joy.
Samaria Gorge
With the spring blooming and turning everything to all shades of green, pink, yellow, lilac and purple, it's the perfect time to go on a hiking/trekking trip to visit the many monasteries around Chania, as well as the Samaria Gorge - which takes you from Omalos through amazing scenery all the way to Sfakia. Inokritika also takes place every year in March, an event consisting of wine tastings, where local producers present and emphasize upon the remarkable flavors and quality of Cretan wines.
Graves, Fortress and Museum
You must visit the Venizelos Graves as well, which offers spectacular views from beneath the trees atop a hill overseeing Chania Town. Another place to definitely add to your travel map of Crete is the Venetian Fortress, an architectural vestige of the 17th century, a memoir of times gone by but not forgotten after the Second World War. On rainy days you can visit the Typography Museum, a hidden gem boasting an impressive collection related to the history of this laborious and, by now, ancient craft.
