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So you’re headed to Greece? How exciting! Greece is one of the most beautiful countries I’ve ever visited. From mind blowing historical monuments in Athens, to the many stunning Greek islands, this place is truly magical. Plus, the food is so unbelievable, I still dream about the gyros daily.
Most people travel to Greece May through September to experience the warmer months. If you are traveling during this time frame, you’ll experience hot days, chilly nights, lots of wind, and bumpy roads. This can make packing complicated. The key is to be as prepared as possible without overpacking. That’s why I’ve compiled a Greece packing list to go over all the essential things you should pack for Greece. Follow this, and you will be prepared for anything during your travels!
Table of Contents
WHAT TO WEAR IN GREECE
You will find a wide range of different clothes and styles in Greece. Culturally there aren’t many restrictions here for things NOT to wear, so be sure to pack your regular clothing. My biggest takeaway is to bring comfortable shoes and leave heels at home. You will be doing a lot of walking in Greece!
WEATHER IN GREECE
The weather will fluctuate depending on when and where you are traveling in Greece. Typically, the summers in Greece are known to be dry and hot during the day and chilly at night. Most of the Greek islands can have windy days, which makes them feel cooler than they actually are. But the sun is still strong, so be sure to wear your sunscreen!
Most visitors will stop in Greece’s most popular city, Athens. Athens is said to be the hottest capital city in Europe! During the summer months, Athens can range anywhere from low 80 degrees Fahrenheit to 100 degrees Fahrenheit.
Visiting Athens? Check out the Perfect 2 Day Itinerary in Athens!
I highly recommend looking up the weather for the places you’ll be going before you start packing. This way you can shift what to pack for Greece accordingly. (You never know when Greece will see an unexpected heat wave or expect lots of rain!) You can read more about what to expect for weather in Greece on a month to month basis here.
WHAT TO PACK- Here are the items you want to pack for Greece.
LUGGAGE & BAGS TO PACK FOR GREECE
- Luggage- Be sure to have luggage that is sturdy! Greece has many cobblestone and uneven streets, so the last thing you will want is your luggage breaking mid trip.
Also, if you have luggage that has a built in TSA approved luggage lock, I highly recommend bringing it! This way you can lock important documents and extra cash in your room when you leave. Here are my top recommendations for sturdy carry ons and checked bag options.
- Packing Cubes– These packing cubes are my go to for almost every trip. Not only do they save space, but they also help me stay organized since I can group items by pants, tops, etc.
- Backpack- If you plan to hike at all, you may want to bring a backpack to Greece. This way you can bring water, snacks, a change of shoes and whatever else you may need along with you. I love my lightweight backpack which I also find the most convenient for travel days. It came in handy when we moved from island to island during our Greece trip!
- Crossbody Bag or Purse- If you are bringing a purse to Greece, I recommend bringing a crossbody one. This way you can keep your belongings and important documents close to you while having your hands free. Be sure you get a lightweight one. You’ll thank me once you realize how much walking you’ll be doing. Plus, Greece is so beautiful you’ll want to stop and take a picture every five minutes. Better to be hands free!
- Hanging Toiletries Bag-
One thing I always travel with is my toiletries bag! It’s spacious, waterproof, and has a hook to hang, which is ideal for small spaces. I love all the compartments too, which allows me to keep medications, make up, and skincare items all separate.
- Organizing Bags- I typically pack a laundry bag, jewelry organizer, and electronics bag for most trips. The laundry bag is ideal for separating your clean clothes from the ones you’ve already worn. If you are bringing jewelry, this organizer helps keep me organized and ensures all my earrings and necklaces won’t get tangled. Also, if you’re like me you probably have 100 different chargers for all your electronics. This electronic organizer helps keep those cords separated and easy to get to.
TRAVEL ESSENTIALS TO PACK
- Neck Pillow- There’s nothing more essential for a long haul flight than a good neck pillow! My pick? This one here with built in neck support! It folds up and fits easily in a carry on without having to hang from your backpack and get dirty your whole trip.
- Travel Eye Mask- If you plan to get some serious shut eye on your flight, be sure to pack an eye mask. With a good eye mask, you’ll be able to block out all light and distractions.
- TSA Approved Luggage Locks– If your luggage doesn’t have a lock on it, be sure to bring some TSA approved luggage locks. This way you can keep your belongings safe and secure! Whenever I leave my room to go exploring, I’ll also lock my important documents in my luggage if a safe isn’t available.
- Purifying Water Bottle- The tap water is fine for drinking in some areas of Greece, but not in others. Be sure to ask where you are staying to be sure! If you aren’t used to the water in another country, it’s best to have a purifying water bottle to help filter the water. Your stomach (and bowels) will thank you later.
Plus, with a refillable water bottle, you’ll limit your use of plastic! (WIN!)
- Quick Drying Towel– When traveling to Greece, you’ll definitely want to explore some of the beaches or take a dip in the Aegean sea! Especially if you plan to explore the beaches, you’ll be grateful you packed this microfiber towel. It dries quickly and easily folds up so it won’t take a lot of space in your luggage or backpack.
(Ask where you are staying prior to your trip if they offer beach towels. If they do, you can leave this at home!)
- Books on Greece- Want to read up on Greece before traveling there? Here are some great reads to cover Greek history, attractions, and more.
ELECTRONICS TO PACK
- Camera
- Phone
- Waterproof Phone Case– If you plan to go snorkeling, or on an epic catamaran cruise, be sure to pack these waterproof phone cases! Technically you can bring them underwater with you to get incredible photos. But be sure to test them before taking them in the sea.
- Universal Travel Adapter- If you don’t have a travel adapter for Greece, be sure to get one BEFORE your trip. You’ll need plugs C and F, which have two rounded prongs. I recommend getting this universal travel adapter. This way you’ll be able to use it on future trips to Europe, Asia, or South America too! I used it the entire time I was in Greece, and it worked great!
- Voltage Coverer- Because some countries have different voltages, chargers or hair tools can get extremely hot and even blow out if they don’t allow for changes in voltage. This voltage converter takes 240v and converts to 120v ensuring the safety of overheating, overcharging or short-circuiting.
- Portable Charger Pack- This is one of the top items EVERY traveler needs. Imagine your phone battery running out right as you are about to capture the perfect picture of the parthenon?! We no longer have to carry that anxiety with us! This is my portable charger bank of choice. It’s super sleek, light weight and has four ports so you can charge multiple items at once.
WHAT TO PACK & WEAR FOR CLOTHING IN GREECE
- Skirts- If you’re going to Greece during the warmer months, pack a couple skirts! I recommend knee length or longer since the islands can be windy. This way you aren’t flashing people or having to worry about holding it down when the wind picks up! Flowy skirts are perfect for looking stylish but also staying cool.
- Flowy Pants- I loved having some flowy pants for my trip to Greece! Just like skirts, they can look nice but also be functional for walking around in.
- T-shirts- I brought a couple t-shirts that could be worn with shorts, skirts or pants. These came in handy if it was super hot outside, but also worked well for under layers on chilly nights!
- Shorts- Depending on how often you wear shorts, I would pack one to two pairs of for sight seeing.
- Tank Tops- Like the t-shirts, pack a couple plain tank tops that you can wear with shorts or skirts and also wear under a light jacket or cardigan.
- Dresses– I highly recommend bringing a couple dresses that can work as comfortable sightseeing outfits but double as a nice outfit to wear out to dinner or wine tasting!
- Athletic Outfit- If you plan to go hiking at all, bring one athletic outfit!
- Light Jacket- Although the days can be very warm in Greece during the summer, the nights (especially in the Greek islands) can get chilly! Bring one lightweight jacket with you for those chillier nights and some windy days.
- Cardigan- I brought one cardigan for cooler mornings or nights but could also easily tie around my waist if I got warm. The weather in Greece can shift, so packing layers is key!
- Undergarments- pack 1 set of underwear per day, with maybe an extra pair.
- Socks- pack 1 set of socks per day. You may not use them every day, but it’s good to have an extra pair in case.
- Bathing Suit- Make sure to pack one to two bathing suits depending on your itinerary! From stunning beaches, to hot tubs and infinity pools, you’ll have plenty of chances to swim in Greece.
- Comfortable Sneakers- One thing you NEED to pack for Greece is a pair of comfortable walking sneakers. Wether you are going to the Greek islands or exploring the incredible sites in Athens, you will be walking a LOT! The last thing you want is to ruin your trip with lots of blisters and hurting feet.
- Sandals- I recommend bringing some comfortable sandals that look cute for nice dinners, but also work for sightseeing and lots of walking. Also, bring some sandals that can slip on easily for swimming and going to the beaches.
- Sunglasses- When it comes to what to pack for Greece, sunglasses are a must! You’ll be in a lot of areas where there isn’t a lot of shade, and protecting your eyes from the sun is key.
- Hat- The sun in Greece can be powerful and can get extremely hot. I’d bring one type of hat for your trip just in case you need to protect your face from the sun. It could be a ball cap or a sun hat. Whatever you typically prefer to wear!
- Swim Suit Cover Up- Be sure to pack a cover up of some sort for Greece! After swimming you’ll want to wear something loose and flowy over your swimsuit.
TOILETRIES & ACCESSORIES TO PACK
- Duel- Voltage Hair Accessories- I’ve been known to blow out a hair straightener or two in my travels. If you need to bring a hair straightener or curler, be sure to get one that has dual voltage so it can work in Greece where they have 220 volt. This way they will work properly and won’t break as soon as you plug them in. (Hair dryers are often provided in most accommodations in Greece.)
This one is a dual curling AND flat iron!
- Deodorant
- Feminine Products
- Body wash, shampoo and conditioner
- Make up
- Make up Wipes
- Chapstick
- Any medications you take on a daily basis- If you have a lot of medication, you may want to invest in a travel sized pill organizer.
TRAVEL SAFTEY & FIRST AID
- Liquid-IV– If you follow me on Instagram, you know how obsessed with Liquid IV I am. I truly believe it’s one of the best products especially for travel! It helps you stay hydrated without drinking so much water you have to pee every five minutes! Keeping hydrated during travel is so important, so be sure to stock up. (My favorite flavors are lemon lime and concord grape!)
Get 15% off your Liquid-IV order here!
- Sunscreen- Make sure you put on sunscreen every single day. The Greek sun is sneaky! Because of the wind in the Greek islands, it can feel cooler than it actually is. The sun is strong though, so be sure to protect yourself.
- Bug Spray- There aren’t too many mosquitoes in Greece, but sometimes they will come out at night. Bring this so you are prepared.
- Travel Sized First Aid Kit- For those “oops” moments. At least you have it. (Plus, the travel size are so small, it’s worth bringing one on most of your trips.)
- Emergen-C– I always take Emergen-C a couple days before my trip, and throughout. It’s a good way to make sure your immune system is boosted so you can fight off any sicknesses during your travels.
- Medications- Highly recommend bringing Imodium, Ibuprofen, and Benadryl. I bring these on every single trip I take because you never know when you are going to need them.
- Motion Sickness Pills- If you get motion sickness, don’t forget these. Especially if you plan to be on a boat, sometimes the rocky waves can really put a damper on the experience if you don’t have relief! I highly recommend Bonine. It doesn’t make me sleepy and always seems to help.
- Travel Insurance– Don’t forget, most health insurance doesn’t cover you while you’re abroad. God forbid if anything were to happen to you or you need medical attention, the bills could be astronomical without travel insurance. So be sure to sign up for a plan before you go so you’re covered in case.
IMPORTANT DOCUMENTS TO PACK FOR GREECE
- Passport– you can’t enter the country without it!
- Debit Card- In Greece, you won’t need a lot of cash unless you are tipping. However, be sure to have a debit card so you can grab cash at an ATM if needed. Don’t forget to call your bank and let them know about your travels before your trip! If you forget, you may not be able to use your card or get money out of an ATM.
- International Credit Card- You can use credit cards almost anywhere in Greece. If you are using a credit card, research beforehand and make sure you are using one that doesn’t have any international fees. Some may, which can result in hefty fines and fees. Again, don’t forget to call your bank prior to your trip so they don’t flag any transactions for fraud.
- Copies of important travel documents- I always make a copy of my passport, airline tickets, etc. That way you have it just in case.
- ID/License– Even if you won’t be driving, it’s always good to have another form of I.D. on you in case of emergency.
- International Drivers License- If you plan to drive in Greece, be sure to get an International Driver’s License! This isn’t talked about a lot, but you technically need this in case you are ever stopped by Police in Greece. In the US, you can get an International Driver’s License at most AAA Travels.
WHAT TO LEAVE AT HOME
- Hiking Boots- Even though there are lots of places to hike in Greece, you don’t really need bulky hiking shoes. Comfortable walking shoes or sneakers will be just fine for the terrain.
- High Heels- The roads and walkways in Greece are usually cobblestones or can be bumpy and uneven. It’s best to keep uncomfortable heels at home unless you are fully prepared to walk on uneven terrain and climb lots of stairs in them.
- Heavy Jackets- If you are traveling in May-September, you most likely will not need to pack a heavy jacket for Greece. Although some parts of Greece can be windy and chilly at night, a light jacket with layers will be fine. Be sure to look up the weather before your travel dates for the places you are traveling to!
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Now that you know what to pack for Greece, you are ready (and prepared) to have a fantastic trip! Be sure to take in the beauty and history this country has to offer. And also the gyros… lots of gyros.
Need more advice on traveling to Greece? Check out my other Greece blog posts!
Have you been to Greece? What was the best thing you packed for your trip? Comment below and let me know your thoughts or questions on What to Pack For Greece!
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