Packing for a sailing trip around the Greek Islands seems like it should be easy, you just through a swimsuit, shorts and sunscreen and go right?! Well, that might be fine on a cruise, but reading the list provided by the sailing company I was unsure how to pack and what to pack it in.
Surprisingly I only found a few blog posts regarding packing for a sailing or boat trip. Most of what I found was not for a two-week trip and were for only very casual trips and I was going to be eating out every night on this trip.
I recommend only bringing cotton and linen items as you will feel much more comfortable in those fabrics, and they dry quickly. You may be able to get laundry done on one of the islands. Greece is also casual and you will not feel out of place in shorts every day. At night people do dress a bit nicer, but Greece is still casual at night, think summer dresses and nice pants.
Clothing
4-5 pairs of shorts – I only brought three and kicked myself for taking the 4th pair out at the last minute. Yes, I did laundry, but even linen takes time to dry in the humid air.
5-6 t-shirts and tank tops – I brought this many because I tend to spill on myself!
7-8 pairs of underwear- You can bring more or less depending on how much hand washing you want to do
3-4 bras – You will probably be in your swimsuit every day during the day
1 pair of pants or jeans – The nights can get chilly, and I was happy to have them
3-4 dresses – We went out to dinner every night, but one and I only brought 3 and wished I had one more for variety
Windbreaker – Preferably one that is waterproof. It rained one day and one rough sea day and mine kept me warm. You also never know when a storm may come up on the water.
3-4 swimsuits – Too many! Probably isn’t a thing, but I wore my two bikinis the most.
1-2 coverups or sarongs – I wore my cover up when walking to beaches from the boat. You could also wear your shorts, but then they might be wet. I made sure mine were long enough to be comfortable to wear inside a shop or restaurant I might want to pop into along the way.
Hat – Make sure it has a strap to keep it on in the wind or attach it to your clothes with a clip.
Shoes
1 pair of flip-flops – Essential for the beach. Sometimes the sand is too hot to walk on and you will need them to get to your desired Greek beach location.
1-2 pairs of sandals – Good for going out. Don’t bring heels. We walked far one some nights for dinner, and the streets are not even. If you must be high, bring wedges. The specific ones I purchased for many years are no longer being made but I have included a link to a new style of Aerosoles sandals that I like.
1 pair of deck shoes with light-colored soles – These are especially important if you plan on helping with the sailing of the boat. They will protect your toes from getting broken! Most boats will want you to have light colored soles so your shoes do not scuff the deck. The ones I wore are no longer available, but these are similar in style.
Toiletries
Sunscreen – Bring as much as you think you will need. You can buy it in Greece, but it will be very expensive. Don’t bring spray sunscreen as it can make everything slippery, which is not what you want on a boat.
Deodorant – It is hot!
Make-up – Most days I only applied this at night for dinner. For the day, I either wore nothing or cc cream with sunscreen
Shampoo/Conditioner – For two weeks, I brought full-sized bottles because I have long hair. You may be able to get away with less. The sea and the wind do take a toll on your hair, so conditioner is a must.
Hair texturizer – You will not be able to blow dry your hair on the boat, so bring something to style your hair (if you want). The link it to my favorite sea salt spray.
Bar of soap – I found this much easier and one less liquid to bring on onboard.
Lotion – The sea and the sun will dry your skin out. Bring something that doubles as after-sun (something with aloe vera).
Bug wipes – There are mosquitos in Greece. I prefer bug wipes as again, one less liquid and it doesn’t spray everywhere. Get the unscented ones!
What to Pack it All-In!
Rolling duffle bag – There is nowhere to store a traditional rolling suitcase. You need a bag that can be squished flat for storage. The one I chose had a small hard bottom, which offered some protection for fragile things and liquids.
Day bag – You will want something to carry while sightseeing.
Beach bag – I didn’t bring one but was given a tote on arrival in Athens, and I was so glad as I brought it to the beach.
Evening bag – You may want something to carry to dinner instead of your day bag.
Dry bags – If you bring a camera or any other electronics, you should bring at least one dry bag. This will keep it protected if you have to take the dingy to shore.
Technology
Camera – This goes without saying, but you will want your camera.
E-reader – If you are a big reader like me, then bringing several books was easier with an e-reader.
Other
Beach towel – The company I went with did not provide beach towels, so I brought a Turkish towel for the beach. They are thinner than a regular towel, are super absorbent and can act as a sarong in a pinch.
Clothespins – You will want to hang your clothes to dry, and the boat may have some pins, but if everyone hangs up at the same time, the pins go quickly.
Earplugs – Some harbors are loud at night, and wearing earplugs helped me to get to sleep and stay asleep.
Eyemask – Depending on where you are you might want to sleep with the windows open so if you want to avoid being woken up with the sun, I recommend an eye mask to sleep a bit later.
Have you been sailing? What do you recommend to pack?
