Wondering what to pack for Greece? You’ve come to the right place! Let’s get you ready and off to this beautiful blue country in no time with our handy Greek packing list.
What to Pack for Greece
Are you just starting to wonder what to pack for Greece, with a far off travel dream on your calendar horizon? Or are you desperately flinging things around with the Uber due to take you to the airport at any moment?
If you have time to spare, then let’s do things properly. First, check out our printable pre-travel checklist PDF. Then take a look at our ultimate packing list.
If the clock is ticking, however, we’ll just cover the basics right here of what to pack for Greece. We’ll cover city trips, road trips and those sail boat forays into the glittering Greek Islands.
Recommended
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- I never book a flight without looking on Skyscanner first
- My favourite one stop shop for airport transfers, food tours & excursions is Get Your Guide
- Out of the big accommodation machines, I use Expedia and Booking.com the most
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- Access all our planners and budget spreadsheets in the Travel Toolbox ©
- Plan the perfect road trip with our Road Trip Planner & Toolkit ©
- Use these packing cubes to make life so much easier on the road.
- Save on mobile phone roaming charges with an eSIM from Airalo.
Planning for Greece
When it comes to planning your trip to Greece, you’ll find a lifetime of options. Start by browsing through this list of the most beautiful landmarks in Greece. And then chase that down with a shot of raki and a look at these hidden gems and secret places in Greece.
Most journeys to Greece pass through Athens, so don’t miss our Athens food guide and go off the beaten path with an Athens philosophy tour. And if you like that, you’ll find more secret spots in Athens right here.
For island hopping, popular spots include some of the most beautiful islands in the Mediterranean, like these Mykonos villas.
And never overlook the power of a big fat Greek road trip. You can drive the Peloponnese in 7-10 days and discover a world of pine, olives, beautiful beaches and ancient history in the land of the gods.
A Busy Street in Kalamata’s Old Town
Packing for Greece
Greece is, by and large, a beautiful, friendly, easy going Mediterranean country. You are likely to find most things you need in Athens and some of the other bigger cities, like Kalamata in the Peloponnese. But on the islands and in smaller areas, you won’t have many choices when it comes to shops.
It is, therefore, a good idea to pack everything that you need. In particular, always pack your own prescription medication, prescription glasses and sunglasses and have some spare snacks available if you have any dietary restrictions.
OK, let’s dive into what you need to know to pack for Greece.
Hey – is this a packing list for Greece for women or a packing list for men? Well, it’s both! I think you’ll find it obvious which items are which, right?
Kalamata, Greece. Where the colours match your dress ;-)
Clothes: What is the dress code for Greece?
Greece, like much of the Mediterranean, has a relaxed attitude but a fairly smart dress code. You’ll generally be welcomed no matter what you wear but if you want to fit in, it’s best to wear long trousers or a dress to dinner, complete with proper shoes not trainers.
Tweak the following packing list for Greece to suit how long you will be away:
- Short sleeved tops, 1 per day of your trip
- Shorts
- Long, linen trousers
- Summer dresses
- Sweater/jumper or cardigan
- Smart jacket for dinner
- Socks & underwear
- Sun hat
- Sunglasses
- Nightwear
- Light rain jacket
- Scarf
Shoes
- Comfy sightseeing shoes for those cobblestone streets
- Dressy dinner shoes
Toiletries
Safety & Paperwork
- Passport
- Visa if required
- Copy of travel insurance
- Cash
- Credit card
- Copy of any key documents like prescriptions
- Safety alarm
Electronics
Plugs in Greece take a standard two pronged European plug, which is different to the ones used in the US and UK.
Want a top tip? Buy a worldwide travel adapter and then you’ll never have to worry about this again. (Well, unless you travel to India or South Africa. But everywhere else is good!)
- Travel adapter
- Headphones
- Camera
- Memory cards
- Tablet
- Chargers
- Kindle
Sightseeing
- Compeed for blisters!
- Comfortable shoes
- A day pack
- A water bottle
- A sun hat in the summer
At the beach
How can you come to Greece and not end up at the beach? It’s virtually impossible! So, the following should be on your Greece packing list:
- Swimwear
- Beach shoes / flip flops / water shoes
- Travel towel
- Cover up
- Sun hat
- Board shorts
- Rash vest
- Beach bag
Road Tripping
While Greece deserves its reputation for island hopping, you can create some phenomenal road trips through Greece as well. Check out our list of road trip essentials over here, but certainly don’t forget:
Sports Equipment
- Sports shoes – eg hiking boots or walking shoes
- Sports tops
- Sport shorts
- Sports bra
- Heart monitor/FitBit
- Sports water bottle
- Sports sunscreen
- Sun sports hat
See also these handy packing lists for hiking trips and cycling holidays.
Personal Items
- Glasses and/or contact lenses
- Sanitary pads and/or tampons
- Water bottle (be cautious of tap water in some parts)
Health
- Aspirin
- Paracetamol
- A basic first aid kit
- Hand sanitiser
- Wet wipes
- Pocket tissues
- Vitamins
- Health documents
- Anti sickness medication if you need it!
Miscellaneous
- Packing cubes
- Hairbrush
- Snacks
- Hairbands
- Laundry bag
I would really recommend bringing packing cubes on all your trips. They sound so pedestrian but the effect they have is great! They keep everything organised and crease-free. Once you try them, you’ll never look back, I promise!
What to pack for Greece in your Hand Luggage
If you’re flying straight to one of the Greek Islands, I’d pack some swimwear and sunscreen in your carry on. Then, should the worst happen and the airline loses your luggage, you can still get out and go for a swim without getting burned!
Otherwise, remember to pack all valuables and medication in your hand luggage. It’s also a good idea to pack your headphones and a scarf as well.
Check out our in depth article on what to pack as your flight essentials here.
What to pack for Greece for kids
In many ways, packing for kids is similar to packing for adults when it comes to Greece. Just make sure to have at least Factor 50 SPF sunscreen and sun hats with neck protection, ideally.
Greece, in general, is one natural playground so unless you’re only in the city, you won’t need to bring many toys.
It’s probably a good idea to bring your own car seat, though, and that’s something that most airlines include for free for children under 12 anyway. Always check the small print first.
What to pack for Greece for Babies and Toddlers
When it comes to what to pack for Greece for babies and toddlers, it’s a whole different game. In general, Greece is wonderfully welcoming to young children, with every passer by falling in love with them.
But be prepared to find a small selection of formula milk in shops and a certain amount of confusion around the idea of sterilising bottles and heating up milk. It’s fine to breastfeed, with a little discretion.
Check out our dedicated lists for what to bring when you travel with a baby and how to entertain a toddler on a plane.
What to pack for Greece for Summer
Summers in Greece typically run from May to September and are balmy at best and roasting hot at worst. You can probably get away with packing only one light jacket or jumper for cooler evenings or travel on a boat and can manage with open sandals most of the time.
What to pack for Winter
Greece in winter is colder than most people imagine, particularly in the north. Make sure that you have a coat, several layers like cardigans and jumpers and long sleeved shirts and T shirts.
While the weather won’t be as cold and wet as in Berlin and London, you won’t be swimming outdoors if you have your wits about you. Instead, snuggle up with a scarf, gloves and hat.
Oh, and don’t turn up with only open toe shoes. Brrrrr!
Reviewing Villa Vager Mani: A Beautiful Boutique Hotel near Kalamata in Greece
Greece Travel Tips
A few things to know before you head out of the door.
- In many parts of the country, the sewage system can’t handle toilet paper. Don’t flush it down the toilet. Please, just don’t!
- Olive oil is big business here. Try some fresh before you leave.
- Avoid peak season in the tourist hot spots.
- Give Athens a chance. There’s plenty to discover but it isn’t a city to happily wander around without a plan.
More Travel Tips for Greece
Start with our collection of beautiful and unusual things to do in Greece and then delve deeper into the Greek archives. Decide between Mykonos or Santorini with our guide to both islands.
In particular, look for the Peloponnese road trip itinerary and guide to things to do in Kalamata.
And don’t forget Athens (as if you could!) Find unusual things to do in Athens, retrace the steps of Plato with a philosophy tour and indulge with our Athens Food Guide.
Enjoy!