A beloved Mediterranean destination, Greece offers its visitors a chance to immerse themselves in centuries-old historical sites, swim in azure waters, and experience the warmth of the locals who are ever-so-welcoming.
Whether planning on an adventurous island-hopping Greek holiday or one where you do nothing at all, our ultimate packing list for Greece is your first step towards preparing for a cheerful and memorable summer vacation.
Apps and Websites
Just like we pack our bags with clothes, in our modern tech-savvy world, it is convenient and essential to fill our smartphones with the best apps and websites available before heading out on holiday. For Greece, you will need a few basic apps such as Google Maps, Airbnb for island-hopping without an itinerary, and Google Translate if visiting smaller non-touristy islands.
In addition to the above, one vital website to have handy on your phone is Ferryscanner, which lets you plan all your ferry connections and book ferry tickets in Greece and has a blog featuring hotel tips and restaurant recommendations for different Greek islands. For land transportation, there is Taxibeat, whereas Greek Gods Free is the must-have app for all history and mythology buffs.
Clothes
The mantra to a hassle-free Greek vacation is to pack smart by carrying light and breathable clothes. Thin-layered button-down shirts, tank tops, shorts, and skirts are what you will end up wearing most of the time.
However, it helps to have a couple of full-sleeved tops and lightweight pants to save you from the sun/mosquitoes, and for the evenings, which can be a little cooler, even during the summer months.
As much as comfort is key, the enjoyable part of being in Greece is the perfect opportunity to be fashionable. So, pack in a dress or two, a maxi, and something a little more formal for those romantic dinner dates at one of the more exclusive restaurants on islands such as Mykonos and Santorini.
It’s no secret that Greece is one of the most Instagrammable destinations in the world. Thus, when packing, carry a few bright clothing options for your Instagram feed. Eye-popping colorful dresses juxtapose beautifully against whitewashed Greek backgrounds and are bound to be a hit in your social media circle.
Life on the beaches of Greece is quite relaxed, so you can wear pretty much anything your heart desires, or in some cases, nothing at all. It’s best to have a few different swimsuits, a kaftan, and beachside loungewear for days when all you desire is to sit by the water.
Lastly, there will be moments, even in summer, when you will need to layer up. When taking the five-hour-long Blue Star ferry from Athens to Naxos, for example, you’ll find that the inside areas are air-conditioned and chilled. If sitting outside, admiring the spectacular seascapes, expect it to get windy. Therefore, it is best to have a scarf and a light sweater or jacket in your backpack for such occasions.
Footwear
Leave your fancy shoes and heels behind for Greece, choosing instead to pack comfortable sandals you can wear casually during the day and simultaneously match with your dresses for a night out.
No packing list for Greece is complete without flip-flops for the beach, and no one will take a second look if you decide to wear them while walking around in the city either.
However, you need one pair of sports shoes, since there is typically a lot of walking around in cities like Athens or the islands. Moreover, Greece has plenty of rocky beaches, and carrying a pair of water shoes is advisable, particularly for travelers who like to visit offbeat and hidden beaches.
Medication
Greece has excellent medical facilities, but it is best to bring your own bag of medications when traveling between islands. Definitely carry any prescription medicines, along with a doctor’s note.
You should also pack a few common ailment medications such as charcoal tablets and Imodium for the stomach, Paracetamol for light fever and headaches, Band-Aids for scratches and small cuts, pills for motion sickness, and anti-allergic tablets or creams for sunburn. With mosquitoes being a problem occasionally, it is also advisable to carry a mosquito repellent band in your handbag.
Carry-ons
No matter how much we intend, a Greek vacation isn’t just about lying on the beach listening to music and reading a book, two entertainment items to have in your bag.
Eventually, though, you will have to take ferries, will be intrigued to explore the quaint old villages on the islands, and, if nothing else, would want to moped around discovering different beaches, each with its own characteristic.
Thus, your packing list for Greece must include a backpack to carry the essentials, a camera, water, and other knick-knacks. On the other hand, a beach bag is useful when heading only to the beach and will help keep all your belongings in one place. Beach time also requires that you pack a waterproof phone pouch and a money belt to keep your valuables safe.
Whether on the beach or exploring the islands, Greek summers can be notoriously hot. So, pack a water bottle in your backpack and make sure to stay hydrated at all times.
Accessories
Sunglasses, sun hat, and sunscreen are the three most vital accessories you need to have no matter when and where you are traveling in Greece. Protection against the sun is of utmost importance and can result in a spoilt holiday if you do not take care.
Exploring the islands of Greece on foot is a beautiful experience. However, to visit some of the more secluded areas, you will need to hire a moped or a car. Therefore, when packing for Greece, remember to carry your international driver’s license.
In terms of toiletries, the dry sun can play havoc with your hair, and carrying a small bottle of your favorite shampoo might thus be worth the trouble. A hairbrush, toothbrush, and toothpaste complete the list, and while they are readily available, bringing them from home means you don’t have to rush to market as soon as you arrive in Greece.
Electronics
Before we get down to discussing electronics, make sure you pack a multi-adapter to connect and charge all your equipment, be it a laptop, phone, camera, or hairdryer.
One of the best ways to capture Greece’s beauty, from its majestic sunsets to historical sites, is by taking loads of photos. Most smartphones nowadays have excellent cameras, which are a must, especially if you regularly update your social media accounts.
However, it is preferable to bring a DSLR or a mirrorless camera, as the panoramas in Greece deserve the very best in photographic technology.
Those interested in adventure and plan to go rock climbing, kayaking, or scuba diving should look into bringing action cameras to make videos from a unique perspective. Most importantly, don’t forget extra batteries and a power bank to keep your electronics charged when on the move.
Quick Tip
Packing for Greece doesn’t always mean you have to be ready for everything. For instance, you can easily hop from one island to another unplanned and still find a fantastic bed and breakfast stays at the last minute. However, having insurance that covers flight delays, medical costs, and accidents is vital. Things go awry unexpectedly, and it is worth spending a little on insurance beforehand for a worry-free Greek vacation.