What to Pack for Greece

Visiting Greece is on many people’s lists, but what to pack for Greece is one of the most frequent questions that I receive. For the most part, packing for Greece is pretty easy. However, there are things you should keep in mind when packing for a trip to Greece. This is a list of what to pack for 10 days in Greece. You can also probably pack the same amount of things for a two-week trip to Greece.

Most people visit Greece in summer, so this Greek packing list is for a summer trip. The winter can be cold and wet, so pack accordingly.

🧳 My Must-Have Packing Essentials for Greece

If you only pack a few things for Greece, make it these — they’ll make your trip so much easier:

👉 Anti-theft crossbody bag– perfect for busy areas like Athens
👉 Comfortable walking sandals – you’ll be on your feet a LOT
👉 Universal travel adapter – Greece uses European plugs
👉 Lightweight summer dresses – breathable and easy to style

What to Wear in Athens

Almost everyone who visits Greece will spend at least one day in Athens. Athens is an old city, and many of the sidewalks need some help. They are also often made of marble, which is slippery even on a dry day!

Stick with flat shoes, like sneakers, for lots of walking. Many ancient sites are within walking distance, so it isn’t worth taking the metro or a taxi to reach them.

People dress up in Athens, but not so much in New York City. Dinner out can be formal or casual, depending on where you want to go. I would also say that darker colors are favored amongst the Athenian crowd, so dress similarly if you want to blend in with the locals. Shorts are acceptable in summer, but you might want a dress or pants for a night out.

👜 Anti-Theft Bag (A Must in Athens)

Athens is generally safe, but like any major city, pickpocketing can happen in crowded areas.

👉 View anti-theft travel bags here

It’s one of those small things that makes a big difference when you’re walking around all day.

What to Wear on the Greek Islands

Dressing on a Greek island is less formal than in Athens. You will see everything as well. Shorts are common during the day and even at night on most islands. I like to wear a casual dress on the islands for dinner, though. However, no one will care if you wear your nice shorts to a restaurant, though.

Even in the summer months, it can get cool at night on the islands, so you may want a light jacket or cardigan for the evenings. Also, a pair of pants. Take an umbrella or a rain jacket in case it rains.

The pants are also good for taking the ferry, where the air conditioning can be intense! It is no fun to be on a freezing ferry in shorts and a T-shirt.

Light colors are best for the islands since the heat and the white of the buildings can make it seem hotter than it is. Choose cotton or linen clothing that is breathable and dries fast.

Packing List for Greece

Three Dresses –  One nice dress for a nice dinner out. The others can be casual wear for walking around during the day or used as a swimsuit cover-up.

3 Shorts  – It gets hot in Greece in the summer. Bring ones that are cotton and easily washable. I love linen shorts for all my hot weather travels such as these.

Pants – One should be fine unless you are in Greece in May, June, September, or October. Then you might want it for the evening. I don’t recommend bringing jeans in the summer, as it can be too humid for them to be comfortable. Only bring jeans if you are coming early or very late in the season.

5 Shirts – Make sure the colors match all your bottom pieces. These should be cotton or a lightweight material. You will feel cooler this way.

One pair of walking sandals – Athens is very hilly, and as mentioned, the sidewalks are made of marble. I have fallen in Toms walking in Athens. You will need something with a good grip on the sole. I love these closed-toed ones from Keen. You might be more comfortable in sneakers for the traction.

Dressy sandals – You will want something nicer for dinners out, but make sure they also have a good grip.

Flip flops  – Flip flops are essential for visiting a Greek beach. The sand can be hot, and you won’t want to wear your nicer sandals, since the sand will come back to the hotel with you.

Light cardigan – Nights can be chilly here, even in summer, since it is close to the sea. You may want a light layer to take with you at night. This cardigan is similar to the one I love and is just light enough to not be hot but take the chill off on a Greek evening.

Beach Towel – You must bring your own beach towel as you can’t rent them on the beach, and the hotels usually don’t let you take theirs to the beach.

Beach bag – A bag for your towel, sunscreen, and book is necessary, since you do not want to take a nice handbag to the beach. I like to bring a reusable tote bag that doubles as a grocery or laundry bag. Like many European countries, Greek grocery stores charge for plastic bags.

2 Swimsuits –  You will want two swimsuits, even for a short trip, since it can be really humid in Greece in the summer. Drying out might take a day, and no one likes putting on a wet suit.

Rain Jacket – While it may not be cold while you are on a Greek island in the summer, it might rain, especially in the shoulder season months. Taking a rain jacket is a better alternative than an umbrella, so you can still use your hands. Make sure to get one with a hood.

Sunglasses – The Greek sun is intense, and even more so when it reflects off the white buildings of the Cycladic islands. Pack at least one pair and bring a backup in case you lose yours in the sea.

Pajamas – Obviously, you will want something to sleep in. This can be tricky in Greece, as many hotels will only offer a sheet on the bed. I think this is because Greeks don’t sleep with the air conditioning on, so you won’t want a heavy blanket. However, if you want the air conditioning on, bring the PJs you will be comfortable in.

Camera – You will want a camera to capture all the beautiful scenery you will see in Greece. I used a Sony A7rii camera, which I love. However, it may be more than you want. Many people will find that their phone camera is enough, just make sure you have a travel adapter and a charging cord!

Travel Adapter – The plugs in Greece are likely different from those in your home country. You will need a travel adapter for dual-voltage items, such as cell phones or computers. A great travel adapter is the Epicka line. Not only will you have a travel adapter that works in many countries, but many of them also have USB-C ports and fast charging capabilities. They come with extra fuses, so no worrying about a fuse dying and being unable to find a replacement. 

Remember, they are not converters, so you will need a converter if your electronics are not dual voltage. Items such as hair dryers and hair straighteners are not usually dual voltage. For these items, I recommend buying them with dual voltage.

Laptop or Tablet – Most of you won’t need a laptop on vacation, but you may want it for entertainment on the plane or in the hotel in the evening. I have been in Greek hotels a few times without any English channels. A tablet is also a good option and may offer you a way to read some books on your beach vacation.

Packing cubes – Want to pack a bit more without having to bring a bigger suitcase? Consider using packing cubes to compress your clothes.  I use them on every trip and prefer the Epika Compression Packing Cubes.

Water bottle  – Water on the islands is not drinkable, but you can refill a water bottle at some city water fountains on the Greek islands. They look like fancy places to wash your hands or feet, but they are actually potable water. It is a good place to fill up rather than buying plastic water bottles all the time, and it is better for the environment.

Toiletries – Bring only what you need to survive a night or two. After that, you can purchase larger toiletries in the pharmacy in Athens or on the islands. Some of my favorite Greek cosmetic brands are found in pharmacies and not in grocery stores. Don’t forget your sunscreen!

Hat – Sunscreen may not be enough to protect you from the Greek sun. I recommend a large wide brim packable hat. This one is foldable and I travel with it all the time!

This will save you weight and space in your toiletry bag, and you’ll also get a usable souvenir if you don’t use them all.

Backpack or Suitcase

Personally, I think this is a matter of preference, but many people will want to know what kind of suitcase to bring to Greece. If you aren’t island-hopping, a rolling suitcase is fine in Athens since you will most likely check into one hotel and not move around.

If you are going to an island after visiting Athens, you might want a backpack, as it will make walking to the ferry or your island hotel much easier, since the sidewalks can be uneven on the islands as well as in Athens. If you are taking a taking a taxi to and from your hotel, then it doesn’t matter much.

I personally take a rolling suitcase on almost all longer trips. It makes it easier for me to get on the Greek ferry and saves my back. I also arrange transport on the islands with the hotel or take a taxi for arrival.

If you want to pack light but struggle with that, I recommend using compression packing cubes. They can help take the bulk out of what you pack and provide organization.

Things to Note

Laundry – Both in Athens and on the islands, you can find laundromats and laundry service, so don’t overpack thinking you can’t do it. On the mainland, you might have to have your hotel do it.

Day Trips – Take a small bag for essentials on day trips around Athens and the islands.

Medicines/First Aid – Things like over-the-counter painkillers and Band-Aids are not often sold in supermarkets unless you are in a small village or island. You will find these at the pharmacy. The pharmacists here are well-trained and help you with minor issues as well. No need to bring tons of first aid items with you.