Greece Packing List – What To Pack For Greece Guide

Summer is already here, and getting ready for your holiday trip is one of the things you probably have in your mind. Looking at this super-detailed Greece packing list is a good idea if you’re heading to Greece and want to know how to dress in Greece in July, what to wear in Greece in the fall, or what to pack for Greece in January.

Don’t leave your packing organization to the last minute, have this Greek packing list at hand, and be prepared for an unforgettable holiday in Greece.

Packing for a trip to Greece is quite an easy task. It’s not difficult for you to find anything you might need almost anywhere in Athens and some other big cities, especially on the mainland. However, if your itinerary includes a few off-the-beaten-path destinations, or if you’re heading to some smaller islands, all the essentials you might need may not be available.

This is where this packing list for Greece comes in handy, as it includes all the essentials you might need for a hassle-free trip to Greece.

 

 

Greece Packing List: Practical Details

Itinerary Documents

As you plan your trip, save important documents and information to have on hand:

• Travel guide: Use the search function on Chasing the Donkey and check if we have a guide to the Greek destination of your dreams. Adding a good travel guide to your bag is also a good idea. This Lonely Planet Greece is a fabulous one. Go for something thorough but not too bulky. If you’re only visiting the islands, check if the island of your choice has a guide of its own and prefer that book over the general travel guide to Greece. It will be more convenient
• Navigation: Get yourself a destination map if you’re traveling by car. Road trips are certainly more manageable with a small, foldable map. If you’re more of a tech guy, feed your navigation device with the coordinates you might need. Doing this before the trip will save you loads of time
• Car rental: It’s quite a good idea to discover Greece by car, especially on the mainland and the bigger islands. We’ve published a guide to driving on Crete that might be useful for you to check. Find out if you need an International Driving Permit, and if you do, check how to get the request process started. Also, check what other documents you might need to rent a car in Greece, including your credit card, here
• Tickets: Start looking for reasonable ticket prices to accommodate your dates around them whenever you can. Book the flight as soon as you find the prices that suit you. If your itinerary also includes bus trips or ferry trips, book those too
• Accommodation: Have a general idea of your itinerary to look for convenient accommodation. We have guides for accommodation for Crete, Mykonos, and Santorini. Start the booking process early
• Insurance: Never travel abroad without adequate insurance coverage. Now is the time to take care of it!

Travel Documents

Similar to most international travel, ensure you have the following list of documents for entering Greece:

• Visa: If you’re from a European country belonging to the Schengen Zone, you can access the country only with your ID. Those traveling from other countries should contact the Greek Embassy in their home country and check whether an entry visa is needed. If yes, do start the process as soon as possible
• Passport & ID: Bring a valid passport and ID. Please keep these safe in a passport holder
• Copies of prescriptions & medicine names: If you need to carry prescribed medication, bring this information along with photos of the pill bottles
• Travel itinerary: Having this saved on your phone or printed, along with confirmations of tickets purchased in advance to reference at a moment’s notice, is crucial

Greece Packing List: Carry-On

An Efficiently Packed Carry-On

• Choose the right carry-on: To decide on the best size, check the airline regulations; they vary from company to company, so keep this in mind when traveling with two carriers
• Toiletries: Get all your liquids inside a zip lock bag or choose a more fashionable (and reusable) transparent toiletry pouch. Add toothbrush and toothpaste, deodorant, and any other products you usually use. You can buy items like shampoo, conditioner, body wash, and lotion in Greek supermarkets or will be provided them at your hotel, so feel free to leave those behind
• Earplugs: Include earplugs or an eye mask if your trip to Greece is long-haul
• Hygiene: Don’t forget hand sanitizer and possibly a mask
• Pillow: For long flights, neck pillows can help you get to your destination fully relaxed and rested. If you have a short flight, leave your pillow at home to travel lighter
• Entertainment: Bring books, magazines, a Kindle, or a tablet – try to limit your books to 2 to avoid hauling extra weight.
• Medicine and prescriptions: Prepare a special pouch for medications, especially those needed daily
• Carry-on for kids: If you’re traveling with kids, choose a comfortable backpack to let your kids have the freedom to move around. Pack fun activities for the flight in your kid’s carry-on – a Kindle or a tablet, a few travel-sized games, cards, dice, and their favorite snacks. Get a water bottle that can be refilled on the go. Airplanes tend to be chilly – pack a light jumper or jacket

Greece Packing List: Clothes

Let’s get to it: what to wear in Greece? Clothes are very personal items. However, these are some of the basic clothes to wear in Greece based on what I wore in Greece

Summers tend to be quite hot on the Greek islands. So don’t go crazy when packing for Greece. Try not to overpack. The weather, especially on the islands, is quite hot, and usually, the Meltemi wind blows strongly enough for your clothes to dry fast

If you’re wondering what to wear in Santorini, Mykonos, Rhodes, what to wear in Corfu or any other Greek island, these are some essential tips and items to bring

Clothing Guidelines

• If you’re wondering how people dress in Greece, don’t worry. Greek people are usually as casual as those who visit their beautiful country. Like you, they’ll wear comfy, light clothing on hot days and bundle up when it’s cooler. Don’t overthink this; the typical Greece dress attire is pretty casual! Anything goes
• If you plan to visit churches or monasteries, like Meteora, make sure at least one outfit is modest. No shorts, mini skirts, or deep cleavage shirts will be allowed
• Layers & lightweight materials for the win. Layers are always a good idea no matter where you travel, and in Greece, making sure those layers are made of breathable, lightweight material will make you more comfortable

Everyday Clothes

• Tops: Choose light materials like cotton or linen to let your skin breathe. Include 3 to 6 tops depending on the length of your stay
• Shorts: Add 2-3 pairs of shorts. They are great for visiting the villages, hiking, exploring, and even going to the beach
• Long Shirt & Casual Pants: Bring one long-sleeved shirt and casual pants or capris for slightly cooler evenings
• Cover-up: A pivotal piece to spending long days at the beach. It’s a versatile piece you can put on top of your swimming suit to head to the pool or beach bar for an afternoon drink
• Swimming suit: Two swimsuits are usually enough for any trip to Greece. Toss one more in your bag if you are a fashion victim!
• Fresh summer dress: We must mention a couple of fashionable outfits for Greece! Summer dresses are another versatile piece that can be used to visit the islands, landmarks, museums, or even for a quick shopping trip. Add one or two according to your travel style. Avoid synthetic materials; go for cotton or linen for more comfort
• Underwear: Pack enough underwear for you and the family. Underwear is among the essential clothes to wear in Greece. Add a couple of pairs of summer socks if you plan to hike or love to wear running shoes. Include your favorite pajama or a nightgown

This essential packing list for Greece is identical for every family member. However, if you’re traveling with small kids, include some extra pieces. My thumb rule is to double the number of items you carry for yourself. So, for instance, if you’re packing three t-shirts for yourself, pack six tees for each of your kids.

Other Practical Clothing Items 

• Light raincoat: It’s odd to find rain in Greece in the summer, but occasional showers happen. Showers are usually brief, so an umbrella is not necessary. Please don’t get caught in the rain unprepared; add a light, foldable raincoat or a light waterproof jacket and have it at hand. We like these travel raincoats best
• Sunglasses: A must when traveling in summer, especially if you’re heading to the beach or planning to spend a lot of time outdoors. Choose a good-quality pair with high UV protection. Pack sunglasses for kids too
• Hat: Hats are a super valuable item you need to pack for every family member. Hats for children are essential when spending long hours at the beach or in open spaces, especially in the hottest hours of the day. There are some models in the market with USV protection; they’re not so expensive and are a good idea when traveling with babies and toddlers. A cap is also a good alternative

Greece Packing List: Shoes

So, what shoes to wear in Greece?

Shoes For The Whole Family

Three pairs of shoes for every family member is my rule of thumb. The must-have shoes for Greece are:

• Flip-flops for the beach
• Hiking sandals, running shoes, and hiking boots for long mountain walks or hiking to less accessible beaches
• Cute but comfy flat sandals to go out at night. Streets on most islands are not paved, but they’re those picturesque but uncomfortable cobblestoned alleys, so heels are not a great idea

Shoes For Women

If you really need to have heels, trade the flat sandals for a comfortable pair of wedges

Shoes For Men

For men, a nice pair of summer loafers are a great addition to appropriate Greece outfits for nightly walks and going to a restaurant

Shoes For Kids

Regarding kids and shoes for Greece, their hiking sandals can double as shoes for dinner or visiting museums and archaeological sites. In that case, add a pair of water shoes as the third pair of shoes. Many beaches have small stones and pebbles, something quite uncomfortable for kids

Greece Packing List: Extra Toiletries

Another essential part of the answer to the question is, ‘What do I need to travel to Greece?’. As mentioned before, many toiletry items can be purchased at local supermarkets in Greece, but there are some items you may want to bring from home:

• Sunscreen: Look for a very high-protection sunscreen lotion made with Zinc. When traveling with babies and toddlers, look for a fragrance-free formula specially designed for sensitive skin, and of course, with little ones, the higher the protection, the better
• After-sun lotions: These tend to be overpriced at many destinations since most tourists buy them. 
• Protective lip balm
• Toothbrush, toothpaste, and floss
• Hair-specific products for the beach if you have difficult hair. Sun, sea salt, and wind are a terrible combination for the health of your hair.
• Make-up & face cosmetics
• Deodorant: Did we say yet that it’s hot in Greece!?
• Hairbrush
• Tweezers & nail clippers
• Washcloth: If you prefer to use a washcloth in your daily routine, know that hotels don’t typically provide these in Greece

All of these are best packed in a hanging toiletries bag like this to save room on your suitcase.

Toiletry Items NOT To Bring

• Hairdryer: These are so standard in hotels now that bringing your own is unnecessary
• Shampoo, conditioner, body wash, and lotion: These also are provided in almost every hotel and are easily purchased throughout the country at a reasonable price
• Feminine products: Again, these are easily purchased throughout the country and take up precious travel space

Greek Packing List: Medicines

In Greece, you can easily buy simple painkillers and ointments. In addition, you can purchase bandaids and bug repellent at local pharmacies and supermarkets.

You’ll need to visit a hospital for a prescription for more serious medications, like antibiotics. 

With that in mind, these are the medicines from home we suggest you bring: 

• Prescribed medications: If there are medications you have a prescription for, definitely bring those. Also, bring either the original pill bottle, a copy of the prescription, and a photo of the bottle
• Allergy medication: Bring anything you need to treat an allergic reaction if you have an allergy. It’s also a good idea when traveling with kids to bring over-the-counter allergy relief in case a bite causes an uncomfortable response
• Pills for seasickness

Greek Packing List: Electronics

Essential Electronics

What to pack for Greece in terms of electronics? These are the basics you should carry with you:

• Phone, charger & extra cords
• Waterproof phone pouch: While not electronic itself, it will save you worry when taking your phone to all those lovely seaside locations!
• Voltage adapter: Greece uses plugs that have two round pins and two earth clips on the side. Greece operates on a 230 V supply voltage and 50 Hz
• Portable power bank: These are lifesavers, especially when out and about all day. Charge your electronics no matter where you are

Optional Electronics

Depending on what you plan to do on your holiday, these are other electronics that could be useful:

• Bluetooth headset: Consider this if you plan to rent a car. It’s not legal to drive and talk on the phone simultaneously. Choose a Bluetooth headset to respect the law and be on the phone while driving
• Earbuds are a good idea if you love to hear music on the beach
• Laptop: Include your computer or tablet (and their chargers). They help you book excursions and research the area you’re traveling to. They are also a great way to keep you busy on long flights and ferry rides from one island to another. Pack it with downloaded films, games, or other entertaining activities
• Extra memory card & stabilizer: Add an extra memory card if you’re taking photos with your phone. You might also want a good stabilizer for a more professional result
• Additional camera gear: If you love to shoot the traditional way, don’t forget your camera, the charger, and the cord. If you’re a photography geek, include any extra batteries to keep charged at all times, additional memory cards, filters, different lenses, and even a tripod. Action cameras (such as the GoPro Hero 8) are great for underwater pictures

Greek Packing List: For The Beach

Visiting the Greek islands and wondering what to wear in Santorini or Mykonos? What to wear to Greece in June, the start of summer? How to dress in Greece in July? 

If your vacation will include many beach days, here are some beach essentials that you should put on your Greek holiday packing list:

• Comfortable beach bag: Go for a foldable model or a comfortable backpack, or repurpose your carry-on tote if you’re on a budget. Cotton totes are practical and easier to pack than beach baskets
• A good pair of goggles or even a snorkeling set, including a mask and fins, are fantastic things to add to your beach bag. Remember to get a specific set for kids if you’re traveling with children. These items tend to cost more at the destination, so buying them beforehand can save you a few bucks
• Beach towel: I always prefer the microfibre models, which dry fast and don’t take up a lot of space like this. They’re lighter even when they are wet, so your beach bag won’t end up weighing a ton. There are microfibre towels specific to kids. Don’t forget to pack one towel for each family member!
• Sarong: If you want to visit an isolated beach, you won’t easily find sunbeds for rent; keep your towel clean and free of sand, and add a light cotton sarong for you to sunbathe. These can also double as a cover-up

Greek Packing List: To Go Out At Night

If you like to have a fancy night or two out on vacation to dine, take evening walks, or grab a drink, consider packing a few nightlife essentials.

• For women: an evening dress or a blouse with nice pants
• For men: a nice pair of Bermudas and a light T-shirt 
• For kids: Choose something fancy for your kids too, but make sure it’s comfortable and easy to clean.

General nice clothes are usually all you need! For example, the fashion in Athens, Greece, resembles other Balkan countries. It’s usually not too fancy or over-the-top but generally just lovely and appropriate. So, don’t worry too much about what to wear in Greece for nights out – even wearing jeans in Greece on a night out is totally normal. 

Greek Packing List: For Hiking

Not everybody is aware that Greece is a very mountainous country. So clothes dedicated to hiking, trekking, canyoning, or similar sports are vital pieces to pack if you are an adventurer and plan to add a few hikes to your Greece itinerary.

These are the basic hiking items you’ll want, but if you practice any sport for which you need specific garments or equipment, don’t forget to add them to your list.

• Comfortable walking shoes
• Sun hat: don’t pick something too bulky, as you want to move freely while wearing it
• Hiking backpack
• Collapsible water bottle
• Hiking socks
• Salty snacks: you can buy these at the local supermarkets
• Hiking pants and hiking shirts made of breathable material
• Walking sticks: these are especially helpful if you hike in the Cyclades, where the wind is quite strong

Tip: Download trail maps or buy paper copies before you start out on your trek.

You’re now one step closer to your following summer holidays! Are you ready for a great experience in Greece? I’m sure that you’ll know exactly what you need to be packing for Greece with this Greece packing list.