Greece Packing List (28 Things You Might Forget to Bring)

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You’re on your way to the trip of a lifetime in Greece! But first, you’ve got to pack everything you need for several days in a foreign country. This isn’t exactly the fun part of the trip…

But don’t despair! I’ve compiled a list of everything you need to pack for a successful trip to Greece. This includes a carry-on travel backpack that even those pesky European budget airlines (I’m looking at you, Ryanair and EasyJet) won’t object.

Use this as a virtual checklist as you gather your belongings for your trip. This guide will take the headache out of packing so you can focus on the excitement of your Greek adventure. 

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Travel Essentials for Greece

🖨️ Get a free, printable version of this checklist here!

Travel Backpack

I don’t know about you, but the very thought of rolling a suitcase up a steep, cobblestoned street makes me shudder. Greece is a travel backpack country through and through.

Ah, yes: my 1,000th plug for the Tortuga Travel Backpack! This is the only backpack that truly fits all of my belongings without breaking my back. The design fits in the overhead bins of every airline so you never have to check a bag, and the hip and chest belts maximize comfort with weight distribution. This bag is #1 in my book.

📚 Read More: Our full Tortuga Travel Backpack review shares all of the details. 

Day Bag

You’ll need a smaller pack to hold your everyday essentials for daily explorations in Greece. The Osprey Ultralight Pack collapses to a negligible size in your main bag, then expands to fit everything you need for long days out and about. It’ll carry you through the country without weighing you down.

Waterproof Camera

Greece is one of the most photogenic countries in the world. Instead of a bulky DSLR, I suggest bringing a packable waterproof design like that of the GoPro HERO13 Black. 

This tiny but mighty camera takes incredible photos and video above and below water in up to 4k quality. Just make sure it’s properly assembled before diving in (I broke mine when I jumped off a boat with the battery pack still slightly open 😭).

Reef-Safe Sunscreen

Sunscreen is essential for every day spent in the Greek sun. But you need to be aware of the ingredients you may be leaving behind if you plan to swim in the sea.

Blue Lizard is my favorite eco-friendly sunscreen brand. This mineral formula is designed without harmful chemicals that can have negative effects on underwater ecosystems. It’s also safe for sensitive skin and stays put for hours on end.

Swimsuit

A swimsuit is a must in Greece, whether you’re poolside, boating, sunbathing, or cliff diving into the Ionian Sea.

I bought this suit from BIKINX since they had so many options in shades of Greek blue. It stayed put through boat dives and I got tons of compliments on the cute design.

Reusable Water Bottle

Tap water is safe to drink in mainland Greece and many of the islands (though you should always ask a local expert first, just in case). Save money on bottled water by bringing a 40-oz Hydro Flask. I’ve been using these reusable water bottles since high school and they never fail to keep my drinks cold all day long.

Packing Cubes

Take the stress out of packing by keeping every category of clothing in its respective compartment. These Amazon packing cubes transform your suitcase or travel backpack into a tidy, organized container. Transfer them straight from your bag to your hotel dresser for easy unpacking!

Beach Tote

You’ll likely spend hours, if not days, at the beach in Greece. Carry all of your beach supplies with a lightweight beach tote from Fammart. This mesh bag packs down to a paper-thin size, then expands to hold everything you need like towels, sunscreen, sandals, and more.

Travel Towel

Have you noticed the trend in beach essentials yet? A travel towel will come in handy for trips to the Ionian Sea or lazy days by the hotel pool.

I’ve had this Youphoria Microfiber Travel Towel since 2019 and it still looks brand new. It packs down to the size of a burrito and dries completely in less than an hour. I especially suggest bringing this if you plan to stay in a hostel (they don’t always provide towels). 

Walking Shoes

Greece boasts sights that are thousands of years old. These areas are certainly not laid out in a smooth, easy-to-navigate fashion. You need the proper footwear to ensure comfort and stability for everyday exploring in Greece.

These ALLSWIFIT Walking Shoes offer the perfect combination of breathability, comfort, and grip. Scale steep steps and explore ancient grounds with ease in these adorable slip-ons. 

Hiking Sandals

I recommend bringing hiking sandals over bulky hiking shoes/boots for the sake of bag space and comfort in Greece. It’ll likely be hot when you visit, so an airy design will boost your comfort levels tenfold.

My go-to hiking sandals from Teva strap securely to your feet, have fantastic traction and arch support, and can be worn in water. These babies come with me on every summer trip and they never fail me. Try to break them in a bit before the start of your trip, though!

Sunglasses

Sunglasses should be in your bag for every adventure, but they’re especially a must in Greece. The abundant whitewashed buildings act like a snow bank when it comes to reflecting bright sunlight.

I recommend these classic polarized sunglasses from my favorite affordable brand, SOJOS. They block almost 100% of UV rays and you can get them in seemingly every color. They tie any outfit together!

Sun Hat

Sun protection is a high priority in Greece, especially if you visit during the summer. This ZOORON Bucket Hat is affordable, cute, and comfy. With UPF 50+, it’ll protect your face and neck from damaging rays while adding a little flair to your beach outfit.

Universal Adapter

Greece uses the standard Type C Europlug, which obviously requires an adapter to be able to charge your electronics.

The TESSAN Universal Travel Adapter works wonders in Greece as it can charge multiple devices at once, thanks to its multiple USB/USB-C ports and plug-ins. Though it’s a bit bulky, you shouldn’t have trouble finding space for it in your main pack or crossbody bag.

First Aid Kit

As mentioned before, Greece is a country of uneven surfaces and very old infrastructure. In case of small nicks and scrapes, you should always have a Protect Life First Aid Kit in your bag. This compact kit holds 100 pieces of emergency medical equipment that will come in handy for minor injuries on-the-go. And it’s barely larger than the size of your hand!

Motion Sickness Patches

Boat rides can take their toll on your senses, especially if you’re not used to the motion. These Hionfurt motion sickness patches work wonders if you’re the type to get easily nauseated. I didn’t feel sick for one moment of my 5-hour boat tour around Zakynthos.

Checklist of Other Greece Essentials to Pack

• Toiletries
• Toothbrush
• Toothpaste
• Passport
• Wallet
• Phone
• Chargers
• Headphones
• Medications
• Makeup bag
• Makeup wipes
• Hair ties
• Hair brush
• Deodorant
• Neck pillow
• Eye mask 
• Book(s)

Clothing, Shoes, & Accessories to Pack for Greece

Light, breathable clothing is ideal for a trip to Greece. The country can get very hot, especially during the busy summer season, so you want to bring items that will keep you cool and comfortable. Think linens, comfy walking shoes, bathing suits, and lightweight layers.

You should bring a mix of adventurewear for exploring ancient sites, as well as dressier outfits for upscale nights out. Greece is famously Insta-worthy, so here are some trendy options for your new profile pic:

Linen Pants

Breathable clothing is the name of the game in Greece, and linen is all the rage these days. Not only will you look fashionable as heck in your photos, but you’ll also stay cool in the Mediterranean sun. 

My linen pants cost me only $25, but their use proved priceless. These were my go-to for every adventure outfit in Greece. I felt cool both literally and fashionably!

Maxi Dress

Let’s face it: Greece is one of the most Insta-worthy destinations in the world. Tourists snap selfies in every aesthetic corner of the islands, but the vanity is warranted here. It’s just too beautiful not to photograph!

Stay camera-ready during your tours about the country with a couple of chic maxi dresses. The material is super soft and breathable. You can explore comfortably while looking picture-perfect.

Beach Coverup

Beach coverups are the most stylish form of sun protection! You can toss one of these over your swimsuit and go about exploring the islands without a second thought.

This Bsubseach swimsuit coverup comes in tons of different, flattering designs and costs less than $30. Plus, the breathable material makes it so you can wear it multiple times without having to wash it.

Atheleisure

Greece will be quite warm if you visit during the busy summer season. Athleisure is the perfect type of clothing to keep you cool, comfortable, and stylish.

This WIHOLL lounge set is the perfect way to combat the hot weather while still looking fabulous. The moisture-wicking material offsets sweaty days and keeps you moving through the balmy Greek climate.

Dressy Sandals

While I firmly believe gyro stands could satisfy my every craving, there are some stellar restaurants to try in Greece. Many of these have an upscale vibe, though are still very affordable.

Elevate your dinner outfit with a pair of Katliu flat sandals. They’ll make you look way fancier than the hiking sandals previously mentioned and they’ll hardly take up space in your bag.

Waterproof Jewelry

The crystal blue seawater in Greece is perfection. Be ready to dive in at any moment by wearing waterproof jewelry.

The jewelry sets from DEARMAY don’t tarnish or rust, no matter how long you’re submerged. This way, you won’t have to take off all your stylish bling every time you jump into the water.

Windbreaker

Many areas in Greece get a bit chilly and windy as soon as the sun sets, especially if you’re staying near the water. A lightweight Columbia windbreaker is all you need to combat the evening chill when you’re wandering around the islands at night.

Hiking Boots

Planning a trek up Mount Olympus? You’re going to need something more heavy-duty than the Teva hiking sandals I mentioned above!

These Columbia Transverse Boots have lasted me years and provide exceptional support during strenuous climbs. Just try to wear them on the plane since they’re bulky and will take up a large hunk of space in your bag.

Other Clothing, Shoes, & Accessories to Pack for Greece

So what clothing, shoes, and accessories should you pack for Greece? Here is a quick clothing checklist for Greece: 

• 2-3 pairs of shorts
• 2-3 pairs of leggings/pants
• 3-4 tank tops
• 3-4 t-shirts
• 2-3 sundresses
• 1-2 swimsuits
• 3-4 bras (sports bras, too)
• 2-3 pairs of pajamas
• 1 ball cap
• 1 pair of flip flops
• 1 pair of walking shoes
• 1 pair of water shoes
• 7 pairs of underwear
• 1-2 dressier outfits
• 3-5 pairs of socks

Seasonal Items to Pack for Greece

Most of this guide has discussed how warm and dry Greece is. But it can get chilly and rainy if you plan to visit during the colder seasons. These additional items will ease any discomfort in more extreme weather.

Here are recommendations for seasonal items or clothing you might need in Greece:

Lightweight Jacket

A lightweight jacket is the perfect layerable item to bring to Greece. It won’t take up much space in your bag, and it’ll provide that extra shield against the elements when the wind picks up and the temperature drops after dark.

This UPF 50+ sun jacket from Soothfeel gives just the right combination of style and sun/wind protection. It’s perfect for sunny hikes and strolls along the beach. You can get it in multiple eye-catching colors at such an affordable price.

Umbrella

Unexpected rain can really put a damper on your trip to Greece. Keep this Repel Travel Umbrella with you at all times in case the weather takes a soggy turn. It packs down to the size of a fist and withstands harsh winds like a champ.

Thermals

A thermal set is the most space-friendly cold-weather essential you can pack. I bring this flattering set from Cuddl Duds on every trip with questionable weather. 

It’s relieving to know you can toss this on underneath any outfit when the temperature gets too chilly. It’s also unbelievably soft and cozy for airplane travel or lounging around the house.

Portable Fan

Heat waves can rattle the most heat-averse people, including this Arizona girl. On the flipside of the aforementioned cold-weather recommendations, you should bring a JISULIFE handheld fan if it’s really hot during your time in Greece. 

This handy gadget will cool you way down in the sweltering temperatures. It also has a built-in flashlight and can easily clip onto your day bag for easy carrying.

Greece Packing Tips

Dress for the Mediterranean islands

When you think of “island clothing,” you may imagine tropical tops and flip flops. But the Mediterranean climate is hot, dry, and rugged. Though you may be visiting an island, you’ll need the proper attire to get around comfortably in the environment. Take heed of this packing list! 

Greece is credit card-friendly

I have never once needed to pull out cash in Greece. Even the street vendors in remote areas take credit cards and Apple Pay! However, you may want to have a few euros on you, just in case. 

Consider getting an international license

You may need an international license if you want to rent a motorized scooter or quad in Greece. We were only allowed to rent a certain type of car with our US licenses during our time in Zakynthos. Consider these restrictions when deciding how you want to get around Greece.

Prepare for uneven ground

As mentioned multiple times in this guide, Greece is a mountainous country. Many of the major destinations are built on steep hills and boast rugged environments. If you have a physical disability, confirm that where you’re staying provides accessible accommodations.

Take note of the seasons

The southern part of Greece stays warm and mild year-round. This means you don’t need to worry too much about bringing cold-weather clothes for any purpose outside of the plane ride there. However, take note of the weather if you plan to venture to the colder northern regions, especially during the winter.

🖨️ Get a free, printable version of this checklist here!

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Your Greek adventure awaits! And with this comprehensive packing list, you’ll have everything you need to enjoy the trip of a lifetime.

Planning to venture beyond the Greek isles? Check out my 5-day Albania itinerary if you want to explore Greece’s underrated neighbor to the north.