What to Pack for Greece in 2024: The Ultimate Greece Packing List

Are you planning your dream trip to the Greek islands? Look no further for the ultimate Greece packing list! I’m thrilled to share my expertise and guide you through the essentials for an unforgettable experience.

Whether you’re strolling through Athens, checking out the views in Santorini, or basking in the sun in Mykonos, this comprehensive packing guide has you covered. Based on multiple trips, I’ve curated a list of things to bring to Greece and travel tips to ensure your adventure is stress-free.

From sun-soaked days to enchanting evenings, let me help you pack like a seasoned traveler for your upcoming Greek island-hopping vacation. In this packing list for Greece, I’ll begin with tips for packing efficiently and list crucial travel items.

Then, we’ll offer insights into clothing for each season, as well as what to bring for those idyllic beach days. Follow our recommendations and you’ll be perfectly prepared for anything Greece throws your way!

Disclaimer: This article contains affiliate links. I may earn a small commission when you purchase a product or book a stay through these links at no extra cost to you.

Table of Contents

Packing for Greece tips

Double-check that you have the essentials.

Before you even think about clothing, remember the must-haves: your wallet, complete with ID, passport, cash, and credit cards. You’ll also want to ensure you have any important documents you need and travel insurance (if you bought it for your trip).

Let’s not forget your medications, either! Ensure you have all necessary prescriptions, allergy medicines, or pain relief. Plus, it’s always wise to carry extra doses, along with copies of prescriptions and generic names.

Pro tip: Scan your passport and credit cards as a precaution against loss.

Pack light when you can.

The land of ancient myths and breathtaking coastlines is meant to be explored, and that often means you’ll be on the move during your time in Greece. From the bustling streets of Athens to the serene shores of Santorini, the last thing you want is to lug around an overstuffed suitcase.

Additionally, Greece’s extensive network of taxis, ferries, and flights will be much more enjoyable when you’re not weighed down by excess baggage. With this in mind, we recommend bringing a suitcase you feel comfortable picking up and dragging through the cobblestone streets.

Review your itinerary when packing.

If you plan to spend most of your time on the beach, pack water shoes to shield your feet from coral and slippery rocks. For those cultural and religious site visits, make space for a scarf or sarong to drape over your shoulders and bottoms that cover your knees out of respect.

If you’re looking forward to exhilarating ATV adventures, prioritize lightweight and breathable clothing that can handle a bit of dirt. Experienced hikers, on the other hand, should make room for sturdy hiking shoes with good traction.

Greece travel essentials

Travel documents

Passport and a photocopy
Passport holder (to keep passport protected)
Visa (if required)
Travel insurance documents
Itinerary and hotel reservations

Money & cards

Euros in cash (small denominations)
Debit/Credit cards
Money belt or hidden pouch for added security

Health and safety

Prescription medications
Basic first-aid kit
Insect repellent or bands
Any necessary vaccinations
Anti-nausea medicine (for boat or car rides if you deal with motion sickness)
Antihistamine
Antacid
Decongestant
Pain and/or fever medicine

Toiletries

Toiletry bag
Travel-sized shampoo, conditioner, and body wash
Deodorant
Toothbrush and toothpaste
Hairbrush/comb
Razor and shaving cream
Feminine hygiene products
Prescription eyewear and contacts
Make-up and remover
Moisturizer
Chapstick
Antibacterial wipes or hand sanitizer

Pro tip: If you forget any over-the-counter medications or toiletries, you can purchase these at a local pharmacy in Greece.

Travel accessories

Packing cubes
Personal item (Backpack or crossbody bag)
Travel pillow
Water bottle
Earplugs and/or an eye mask for better sleep during long flights or noisy accommodations
Packable daypack
Travel umbrella
Noise-canceling headphones (optional)
AirTag (optional): Throw an AirTag in your luggage if you’d like to track its location for peace of mind.

Electronics for Greece

When contemplating what to pack for Greece, you’ll likely want to keep your electronics at a minimum. After all, you don’t want to be lugging around thousands of dollars of devices during your trip.

With this in mind, you may want to leave certain items at home to save space, like your laptop or camera–use your phone or tablet instead! Here are the electronics we considered packing:

Travel adapter: The standard power outlets in Greece are Type C and Type F, similar to the rest of Europe. Those coming from the U.S. will need to purchase travel adapters that convert Type A/B plugs to Type C/F.
Smartphone and its charger
Tablet and its charger
Camera/GoPro, memory card, and charger
Extra memory card and battery for the camera
Laptop and its charger (if necessary)
Kindle and its charger
Power bank
Headphones
E-sim card: Downloading an eSIM application like Airalo before traveling to Greece ensures convenient access to local mobile data and phone services without needing a physical SIM card, making your international travel experience smoother.

What to pack for the beach in Greece

Sunglasses
Dry bag
Beach bag
Goggles
Water-resistant phone pouch: Highly suggested if you’re planning to do any boat trips, snorkeling, or diving adventures.
Water shoes: Especially if you’re traveling with kids, you’ll want to protect their feet from sharp rocks when swimming. Plus, if you’re planning to visit any black sand beaches, think about how hot the surface of the sand feels in the summer!
Sun hat: Remember to choose a hat that can be fastened to your head so the Meltemi winds won’t blow it away.
Sun protection: If you need to save room in your suitcase, you can always buy sunscreen at a pharmacy in Greece. It may cost a little more on one of the more expensive Greek islands, but traveling light may be worth it.

Clothes to wear in Greece

When considering what to wear to Greece, the dress code is refreshingly casual and relaxed, matching the laid-back vibes of this stunning Mediterranean destination. Remember that comfort is key, especially on scorching summer days when everyone opts for lightweight clothing.

The secret to staying comfortable in the fluctuating Greek climate is to embrace layers. Breathable materials should dominate your choices, ensuring you can easily adapt as you move from the bustling city of Athens to the windy Greek island beaches or cooler mountain villages.

We’ll make suggestions for your Greek packing list depending on the time of year you’ve planned your vacation. However, we’ll first go through a general list of clothes to bring to Greece:

7-10 pairs of underwear (you’d rather have too many than not enough)
5 pairs of socks
2 bras
1 sports bra (if you plan to go hiking)
3-6 short-sleeve t-shirts or tank tops (light materials like cotton or linen)
1 light long-sleeve shirt for layering
2-3 skirts, sun dresses, or maxi dresses (cotton or linen)
2-3 pairs of shorts
1-2 pairs of linen pants for cooler evenings
1 lightweight sweater, hoodie, or jacket
3 pairs of pajamas or comfortable clothes that you can sleep in and wear on the plane home
1 set of athletic/hiking clothes
1 pair of flip-flops for beach days
1 pair of comfortable walking shoes
1 pair of more stylish shoes for dinners
1 pair of water shoes
2-3 swimsuits (one-pieces or bikinis)
2 cover-ups for the beach

Best shoes for Greece

Comfort is paramount, especially when navigating Greece’s diverse terrain and cobbled streets. While flip-flops are perfect for the beach, they may not provide the support needed for more extensive explorations.

When deciding what to bring to Greece, think comfortable walking shoes–footwear like running shoes or flat sandals are ideal. These are easy to slip into and will keep your feet content as you wander through picturesque yet occasionally uneven cobblestone streets.

If you plan on venturing into the mountains or visiting remote beaches, hiking sandals or running shoes are your ideal companions. And when it’s time to hit the town in the evening, a pair of cute yet comfy flat sandals is an excellent choice.

Water shoes are essential for those planning to spend most of their time at the beach. After all, you don’t want to cut your feet on slippery rocks or step barefoot on hot black sand beaches!

Packing for Greece in the summer

Packing for Greece in the summer means preparing for a delightful yet hot Mediterranean experience. During this season, which spans from late June to early September, Greece enjoys dry, sun-soaked days.

The high season falls in July and August when the country sees the most visitors and sweltering temperatures (70-95 degrees Fahrenheit). As you make your way to Greece’s enchanting beach clubs, remember that you don’t have to dress up–casual beachwear is the norm.

Be ready for the Meltemi winds, especially in the Cyclades islands, where beaches can be windy. If you’re wondering what to pack for Greece in summer, the following items are must-haves:

Water bottle
Flip flops/beach sandals
Water shoes
Hat with SPF protection and chin strap
Rash guard or other sun protection clothing
Bug spray
Sunscreen
Additional bathing suits (depending on how much time you’ll spend in the water)

Packing for Greece in the spring

Packing for Greece in the spring means embracing the enchanting shoulder season. Spanning from mid-March to mid-June, this time offers a comfortable blend of rising temperatures, fewer rain showers, and extended hours of sunshine.

As the season unfolds, the Greek islands gradually warm up, with average temperatures ranging from 60°F at the beginning of spring to around 77°F by mid-June. While the weather is generally pleasant, mild rainstorms and cooler days are possible, particularly in the evenings.

By the end of spring, the beaches are open for swimming and sunbathing, offering a serene experience with fewer crowds. May, in particular, is a fantastic month to explore Greece, providing a delightful mix of affordability and ideal weather conditions.

The following are essential items for a vacation to Greece in the spring:

Close-toed sneakers
Sweater or pullover
Packable rain jacket
Travel umbrella
Long pants instead of shorts
Leggings and/or yoga pants
1 comfortable pair of jeans

Packing for Greece in the fall

The fall in Greece spans from September to November, offering budget-conscious travelers a fantastic shoulder season experience. Greece still enjoys summer-like temperatures in September, making it an ideal time to visit.

Early in the season, it’s wise to pack similar to summer, including lighter clothing and swimwear. Don’t forget your sunscreen for those sunny days! In October, temperatures are pleasantly mild, and the sea retains its summer warmth, although there’s a slightly increased chance of rainfall.

Usually, the beach season continues until mid-October. As November approaches, it starts to feel more like winter, so you’ll end up packing more sweaters and pants this time of year and focusing on sightseeing and hiking instead of beach days.

Packing for Greece in the winter

In the winter, Greece offers the chance to experience the country without the usual crowds while enjoying relatively mild temperatures, especially in coastal cities. January, the coldest month, sees temperatures ranging from around 45 to 60°F.

Overall, Greek winters are relatively pleasant compared to many European destinations despite increased rainfall and reduced sunshine. To ensure a comfortable visit, pack a warm coat and clothing that can be layered for versatility. Consider the following items:

Warm coat
Sweaters
Rain jacket
Waterproof shoes
Scarf, gloves, and hat

What NOT to bring to Greece

If you’re having trouble deciding what to bring when traveling to Greece, let us help you by ruling out certain items we just don’t think you’ll need. Avoid packing:

Impractical footwear: Greece’s diverse terrain, from cobblestone streets in ancient towns to rugged hiking trails on the islands, demands comfortable and sturdy footwear. Impractical shoes, like high heels or new shoes that haven’t been broken in, can lead to blisters, discomfort, and even injuries, significantly impacting your enjoyment of the trip.
Jeans: While they might seem like a versatile wardrobe staple, they are a less-than-ideal choice for Greece’s warm Mediterranean climate, particularly during the scorching summer months. Travelers often gravitate towards shorts, skirts, and lightweight trousers to stay cool and enjoy the balmy weather.
Hats that will blow away: On any packing list for Greek islands, you’ll need to take the Meltemi winds into account. Only purchase sun hats with chin straps to secure them in place–otherwise, they’ll blow away.
Valuable jewelry: Wearing expensive jewelry can make you a target for pickpockets and increase the chances of misplacing cherished items. A simple, inconspicuous travel ring can be just as sentimental while minimizing the risk of loss or theft.
Hiking boots: While essential for serious trekkers, they’re not a practical addition to most packing lists for a standard trip to Greece. These rugged boots are heavy, take up a significant amount of space in your luggage, and can be quite an overkill for the typical traveler’s needs.
Hair dryer: Most hotel rooms, hostels, and Airbnb accommodations in Greece provide hair dryers for their guests. Plus, if you’re from the U.S., you’d need a voltage converter to even be able to use your hair dryer safely.