So, you‘ve booked the plane ticket, secured the documents, and booked your hotel. But what should you add to your Greece packing list?
Gorgeous beaches, historical architecture and the chance to island hop from gorgeous island to gorgeous island to boot, there are so many brilliant things to do in Greece. I’m totally jealous that you’ve chosen to take a trip there – I’ve loved all of mine.
Whether you’re visiting for a weekend break or spending an extended period of time getting to know the archipelago, I’ve prepared this detailed list telling you exactly what to pack for Greece. You’re welcome.
Greece Packing List: At A Glance
- Hardshell luggage – A four-wheel suitcase is best
- Comfortable footwear – Stylish sandals and sneakers are the most versatile
- Light layers – Great for evenings and changing seasons
- Swimwear – For island and beach-hopping
- Documents – Bring copies of important documents and tickets
- Sunscreen – Essential for a Greece summer packing list
- Travel adapter – Standard European two-pin plug, though a multi-adapter is ideal
What to Pack for Greece: In Detail
These are the packing essentials for Greece at any time of the year.
Luggage
Small Hardcover Suitcase
If you’re island hopping by ferry, your best bet is to have a marked hardcover suitcase.
Bags can get lost or thrown around in a frenzy. Personally, I’m a big fan of Away’s The Carry On and the American Tourister Soundbox – both of which I use on my trips a lot. They’ve withstood knocks galore and still look as swish and stylish as the day they were delivered.
Read Next: Best Cabin Luggage – Rated and Reviewed
Packing Cubes
Packing cubes like these may seem like a scam to the unconverted, but once you’ve tried them, they are an absolute game-changer. They keep your clothes organised and wrinkle-free and help you save space.
Clothes
You’re in luck – a holiday packing list for Greece is relatively easy to compile compared to other freezing countries in Europe. And there aren’t any strict clothing rules (apart from inside monasteries and churches).
Comfortable Clothes
What to pack for a Greece vacation depends on the weather and your itinerary. It can get quite hot, so pack cool and comfortable clothes for walking.
Opt for dresses, shorts, and T-shirts throughout the day in summer. During winter, you might get chilly, so bring a versatile jacket. Winter temperatures can drop dramatically up north, so thicker jackets and socks are necessary.
Semi-casual Clothes
Many know Greece for its beach clubs in Mykonos, but if you’re going to a fancy restaurant, a swimsuit and flip-flops just won’t cut it. Luckily, you can get by with a comfortable kaftan or stylish cover-up, and men should be alright as long as they wear trousers.
Footwear
Footwear can make or break a trip (or ankles), so getting the right shoe is crucial for a holiday.
Comfortable Shoes
If you’re planning on exploring the country on foot (which is highly recommended, by the way), you’ll cover all kinds of terrain. So, comfortable shoes like the Allbirds Tree Runners or Tropicfeel Canyon Shoes are a must.
But being comfortable doesn’t have to mean unstylish. Read my reviews of the best travel shoes for women and travel shoes for men here.
Note: While flip-flops are comfortable, it’s best to reserve them for the beach. Bring stylish sandals to the city instead.
Gadgets + Electronics
Add these travel gadgets to your travel to Greece packing list.
Camera
When looking back at your travels, you’ll be happy you took the snap. Many phones these days take great pictures, but nothing is as great as a good ‘ol camera. I shoot with the Sony A6500 – even though the model is a couple of years old, it’s a great lightweight mirrorless option that creates great images.
Memory Cards
This case for memory cards lets you bring a few extra, so you never have to worry about running out of space. The perfect shot may come when you least expect it.
Spare Batteries
Spare batteries are the way to go if you don’t have time to charge your electronic devices. Bring a couple for your camera, torch, and laptop if possible.
Travel Adapter
Sure, you can get an appropriate travel adapter for Greece or make the process much easier for all your travels with one international multiway adapter. You can use this one in over 150 countries without taking up too much space in your bag.
Torch
Did you know that Greece has scorpions? When taking a moonlight stroll in even the most bustling areas, carrying a backup flashlight like this one is always safe. It has a UV light to better spot them.
Note: Scorpions are only life-threatening if you’re allergic, but shake out your bags and clothes just to be safe.
External Power Pack
This external power pack is a life-saver on travels. It can fully charge your devices a couple of times before you need to recharge the pack. Great for those days where you’re out from dawn til dusk.
Toiletries
Don’t forget to add these toiletries to your Greece travel packing list.
Essentials
This includes; shampoo, conditioner, toothbrush, toothpaste, deodorant, moisturiser, and, for the ladies, don’t forget your feminine hygiene supplies.
Medication
Ask your doctor for a few extra of your daily medication if you’re gone for an extended period. Go through your travel medical kit beforehand and refill supplies as needed. It’s also important to bring your pills in their original packaging to avoid any stress at the airport.
It’s always good to keep things like headache pills, motion sickness medicine, cough drops, and diarrhoea medicine on hand, just in case.
Sunscreen
Greece can get incredibly hot in summer, so a good SPF is crucial – I love this one.
Or, if you’re travelling light, use a sun stick instead of sunscreen to bypass the annoying transfer of regular liquids to travel-sized bottles.
Tip: Many people forget this, but sun protection for your lips like this one is equally important.
Essentials
What could be more important than your travel documents? Make sure you have all of these papers to ensure smooth sailing (or flying).
Passport / Visas
This travel holder is the only document, key, and cardholder you’ll need to pack for any trip. It also has an RFID-blocking wallet to protect your personal information from identity thieves.
Travel Insurance
You don’t think you need it until you do. Travel insurance is your saving grace when flights get delayed, or your luggage gets lost.
Compared to the thousands of coins you might lose, it’s worth spending a few pennies to be safe rather than sorry.
Cash / Credit Cards
Tell your bank beforehand where you’re travelling and for how long. Imagine getting stranded on a Greek island because your card declined, and the bank flagged it as fraud. Horrible, right?
You can book most tickets and reservations online using your credit or debit card to pay. This is an excellent way to save time and money, but ensure you use a trusted company or site.
Even with RFID-protected wallets, it’s safer to avoid taking out any cards at the airport. Cash is king in Greece, anyway. You can exchange or withdraw money from foreign exchange or ATMs in the city — smaller islands may not have these.
Emergency Contacts + Addresses
Give your booking details, flight numbers, and hotel addresses to someone you trust back home.
Carry your hotel’s business card just on the off chance (knocks on wood) that you get lost or injured.
Top tip: The general emergency number for Greece is 112.
Copies of Important Documents to Keep Separate from Wallet
An accident happening in a foreign country is not ideal. So, make several copies of important documents and keep them in a safe place. These documents include:
- Passport, driver’s licence, and visa
- Tickets, reservations, and itineraries
- Travel insurance documentation
- Medical certificates
Tip: It’s also a good idea to leave a copy with someone you trust in your home country.
Guide Book
Technology is great, but it’s not worth much once the battery dies. This Greece Travel guide and Greek phrasebook are great to have regardless of whether you have technology on your side or not.
What to Pack for Greece in the Summer
Now is the perfect time to start thinking about what to pack for a summer trip to Greece. On average, the weather reaches 32°C to 36°C.
Swimwear
Summer means salty air, sand on your toes, and seawater in your hair. So, you can’t forget to add a swimming costume to your Greece packing list for summer.
Men can get by with a simple pair of swim trunks in different colours. Ladies, why not spice it up with some colour with this fun one-piece?
Sun Protection
Just last year, Greece experienced a heat wave with the highest temperatures in its history, with a high of 46.3°C. So, sun protection is crucial in the summer. This wide-brim sun hat is ultra stylish while still blocking the sun’s harmful rays.
What to Pack for Greece in Spring
Spring in Greece is from March to May, with pleasantly warm temperatures averaging highs of 27°C and lows of 17°C.
Sturdy Shoes
Spring is the best time to go for a hike in Greece. These unisex hiking boots are lightweight but offer great ankle support on the trails.
Cover-up
Throughout spring, it can still be chilly at night, so a light cover-up may help you from freezing during dinner. A jumper or cardigan like this one should do.
What to Pack for Greece in Autumn / Fall
From September to November, temperatures remain warm, from 25°C to 35°C.
Trousers
Regardless of gender, trousers are the way to go for autumn. You can dress them up or down, and they are great for when the sun sets and it gets cooler at night.
Light Layer
As temperatures cool down, you can get by with a light layer at night. A black bomber jacket is a great option as it keeps you warm but matches with almost anything. Alternatively, kimonos, light cardigans, and thin jackets are stylish options.
What to Pack for Greece in Winter
Believe it or not, Greece can be rather chilly in winter. Your best bet is to try and stay dry and warm.
Waterproof Layers
Winters are mild and wet, with some northern parts experiencing snow. A great space saver is a handy, foldable, and waterproof jacket like this one to keep you ready for any weather.
Thermal Base Layers
These thin yet warm pieces of clothing are a dream for light travellers. These thermal socks will keep your feet warm and won’t let you feel the bite of the cold.
Greece Packing Tips
- Keep your Greece trip packing list light, as you’ll probably be island-hopping quite a bit during your trip.
- Water on the islands may taste salty to tourists, so bring a reusable bottle (preferably with a filter) to carry with you.
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