Greek Packing List 2026: What To Pack And What Not To Pack {+Checklist PDF}

Having travelled Greece for five years now I have well and truly perfected my Greek packing list. Although at first glance Greece seems like an easy place to pack for – summer clothes and beach wear right!?

Wrong! Annoyingly for me after my first trip here I realised there were some essentials I definitely neglected to pop in my suitcase!

Greece is an incredible place to visit, but it’s also really varied. You can be hiking to a beautiful vista one day, exploring temples the next, and then chilling on the beach all afternoon. You’ll want to make sure you’ve packed appropriately so you can spend your time worrying about where to eat dinner rather than shopping for that essential item you’ve forgotten.

This packing list includes essential items that I wouldn’t come to Greece without and some luxury items that you might want to consider for special holidays.

I have also included some items that are easy to find when you’re here and others that you might be better packing before you come! You can save space (and often money) by buying some things out here.

This is the ultimate guide on what to pack that should cover your needs for any trip to Greece, at any time of year.

the ultimate greek packing list — The Ultimate Greek Packing List

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Practical Details

We’ll start with the boring stuff like getting yourself organised before you even book! There are a few things you should consider in advance.

Passport. Now is the perfect time to make sure your passport is up to date!
Visas. Depending on your citizenship, you may need a visa to holiday in Greece. You should check the Greek embassy website for more information.
Car rental. We use Discover Car when in Greece. Greece doesn’t have Uber, so car rental is almost always the cheapest and most practical way to get around. Just read up on roundabouts before you come!
Accommodation. It’s best to book places to stay in advance in Greece. They have the usual Booking.com and AirBnB though we have increasingly found Booking.com to have the cheapest and best accommodation here.
Tickets. If you’re keen on taking any trips, excursions, or activities while in Greece then make sure you book in advance. The best things get booked quickly, as Greece is a popular destination. We use Viator or Get Your Guide to book all our trips and haven’t yet had a bad experience.
Insurance. We use Safety Wing for our holiday cover. If you plan on taking several trips in the year then it often works out cheaper to get annual cover.

Packing For Greece Essential Clothing

To be honest, you can wear pretty much whatever you like in Greece and you’ll fit in. Depending on where you visit in Greece the people here are quite casual with their dress, especially during the day.

That being said, there are a few extra things you’ll want to consider for practicality and comfort when you’re putting together a Greek packing checklist.

Decent backpack
Dry bag
Light clothes
Sunglasses
Lots of layers
Swimsuit
Walking shoes
Cover-ups for visiting churches

There are also a few things to remember which might help with some of your choices!

If you plan on heading to the Cyclades (Santorini, Mykonos, etc) then you’ll want to consider how floaty your dresses are. The wind can be really strong on these islands during the summer and it’s a good idea to bring clothes that won’t show off your underwear! You will also want cover-ups as the wind can make things chilly in the mornings and evenings.

If you’re visiting in the shoulder seasons then pack a waterproof, just a light one. Thunderstorms are common and it’s better to be prepared so you can still get out and about during the day.

Bring layers. Get something light that can act as a sun cover-up, but take it out in the evening too to ward against mosquitos. They aren’t uncommon here and you never know when they might strike!

#1 Bring A Decent Backpack

The most practical luggage bag for travelling in Greece is definitely a backpack. We have seen many a tourist wandering the cobbled streets with their wheelie travel bags, getting more and more flustered up the many steps and uneven ground as they search for their hotel!

Cut out all of that with a decent backpack. We love the Tortuga bags as they are rugged, long lasting and look great too. They are the most practical for ferry travel, and for walking short distances to and from your accommodation.

✅ The backpack we travel with

#2 Waterproof Bag

Greece’s main attraction is its crystal clear blue waters, and it’s almost guaranteed that you’ll spend time in or on the water when you visit.

With this in mind, it’s important to take at least one waterproof bag with you. They are essential for boat trips, where you never know what the conditions will be like out there, and they’re also so handy for spending time on the beach.

If you don’t have anyone to watch your bags then simply pop your valuables in the dry bag and take them paddleboarding, snorkelling or swimming so you’re not constantly worried they’ll go missing while you’re away.

✅ Our recommended waterproof bag

#3 Wear Light Clothes

Most people visit Greece in the summer months, as that’s when it’s hottest. Endless sunny days are top of everyone’s wish list. But Greece is very, very hot during the summer, especially in destinations closer to Turkey, like Rhodes and Crete.

You’ll want to pack clothes that are light – in both colour and material! If you’re looking for some great photos, consider buying colours that complement Greece’s famous blue and white colour scheme!

Bring clothes that you can use to cover up from the sun. It’s often tricky to find decent shade in Greece, especially if you’re visiting historic sites or wandering the streets of one of Greece’s beautiful towns.

Bring a lightweight shirt (these are UPF40, designed for use in the sun and super cute too) or a sarong to cover your shoulders and a wide-brimmed hat for your face.

✅ Grab a sarong to pack for your trip to Greece

#4 Sunglasses Are Essential

Not only is it usually very sunny in Greece but it’s also very bright! Most buildings in Greece are white or pastel coloured and reflect the sun extremely well – straight into your eyes! Bring polarised sunglasses to make sure you can actually see Greece’s beauty!

If you wear glasses then don’t forget a prescription pair or two (nothing worse than losing or breaking a pair while in a foreign country).

For some of the best sunglasses for summer vacations check out our review article.

#5 Lovely Layers

Depending on where you visit in Greece you might find the evenings are cooler or that it’s pretty windy, creating a cooler temperature. This is lovely during the heat of the day but at night you’ll be pleased you bought some longer sleeves to keep the chill off.

Layers are also great protection against air conditioning! If you’re eating indoors, taking ferries or staying in a hotel then have some layers on hand. It goes from boiling to freezing pretty quickly when that air conditioning is blasting!

Trousers will probably still be a stretch too far if you’re visiting in the summer, but consider taking a maxi skirt and a cardigan or shirt. I also live in my cropped trousers during summers in Greece. They’re perfect for keeping away pesky mozzies.

#6 Swimsuit And Accessories

This is an essential item of clothing in Greece! Just wait till you see the colour of the sea!

Even if you’re not staying somewhere with a pool you will want to take at least two pairs of bikinis (get one in that traditional Greek blue and white like above for great Insta pics!) so you always have a dry one on hand. During the summer I live in my bikinis and I have four pairs on the boat.

If you burn easily you’ll want to take a rash vest if you plan on taking advantage of the wonderful snorkelling in Greece. You can lose hours just staring underwater and sun cream probably won’t cut it.

Make sure you pack a cover-up for the beach in case you can’t find shade. You’ll also want to add a light dress or sarong to your Greek packing list if you plan on making the most of Greece’s pretty beachside cafes and bars.

✅ Shop for high quality swimwear here

#7 Sensible Shoes

Well, they don’t have to be sensible, just comfy. The roads, paths, and pavements in Greece are a little uneven at the best of times. There are also a lot of cobblestoned streets.

Bring shoes that you can walk in for long periods of time and if you like to get off the beaten track and explore then some lightweight trainers or hiking sandals are also a great idea.

Greece has many beautiful walking trails that lead to amazing sea views like the one in Monemvasia or even just getting to some of Santorini’s famous black sand beaches – make sure your shoes don’t stop you from exploring!

✅ My go to hiking sandals

Do you need beach shoes for Greece?

This is a great question! Greece does have some sandy beaches on certain islands, but it’s actually far more common to find pebbles and rocks here. For this reason, you might want to pack a pair of reef shoes to swim in the sea with.

✔ Buy reef shoes now

#8 Getting Cultural

If you fancy visiting some of Greece’s incredible temples, churches and monuments then make sure you bring a full-length skirt and a top or cover-up that covers your shoulders.

They don’t require it everywhere, but it’s a sign of respect to cover up a little and there are places you won’t get into without dressing appropriately.

Top Tip: If you’re planning a trip to any of the more popular Greek islands then you’ll find no shortage of clothes shops.

Think light, floaty dresses in blue and white, and tonnes of different bikinis! If I wasn’t living on a boat with limited funds and space I’d have bought up most of Greece by now, so bear this in mind and leave a little room in your packing for the odd treat item!

Greek Packing Guide Accessories

Aside from the clothing packing essentials, there are a few other things you won’t want to leave home without when taking a holiday to Greece!

Filter water bottle
Inspect repellent
Snorkel and mask

#9 A Filter Water Bottle

If you pack nothing else, pack this. It will save you tonnes of money and the environment! The water in Greece isn’t always potable, especially on the quieter Greek islands.

Take a filter water bottle to get rid of the nasties and you won’t have to keep buying plastic bottled water. A filter water bottle like is also much easier to carry around – and you’ll want water on you at all times in the heat of the summer!

✔ Buy a filter water bottle now

#10 Insect Repellent

The bugs in Greece can be pretty bad, especially if you react badly to bites as I do! They sell mozzie coils in most shops out here but the most effective method of keeping the bites at bay is definitely some mozzie spray. Get it before you go to save the hassle of looking around all the shops you can find!

We had the most awful experience with mosquitos at a quiet little backstreet bar in Paros. It was the nicest place to grab a drink but boy did we get eaten alive!

✔ Buy plant-based mozzie spray now

#11 Snorkel and Mask

When you see the colour of that water you’re going to want to check out what’s underneath. Snorkelling in Greece isn’t quite as impressive as some of the colourful sights in other continents, but it’s still pretty good for Europe.

We spend a lot of time under the water and we’ve spotted small rays, octopuses, eels, and lobsters alongside interesting fish and sea plants. You might even get lucky and spot a turtle or dolphin! If you’re heading off on a boat trip, like a catamaran trip in Santorini, then you’ll definitely want your snorkel.

✅ Grab a mask and snorkel before you go

Must Have Electronics

European adapter
Camera
Kindle

#12 European Adapter

You’ll probably need to pack an adapter or two unless you’re coming from another European country. Greece uses the round 2-prong adapter that’s used all over mainland Europe (not the UK). They’re easy to pick up at the airport, but will be cheaper if you buy online beforehand.

One with a USB connection is the handiest, as you can get more things charged on one plug! When Adam and I travel together we tend to just take one adapter and a power strip for all our charging needs!

✔ Buy a European adaptor

#13 Camera And Accessories

Everywhere in Greece is a photo just waiting to happen and I don’t go anywhere without my Olympus O-MD. If you want to get into photography for blogging or social media then check out our guide on the best cameras for blogging to help you decide on the right one for you!

#14 Waterproof Kindle

I refused to get a Kindle for a long time, but they’re the handiest things ever. Do yourself a favour and just give in and get one! You’ll use it all the time by the pool or on the beach, and it’s also great for flights and bus rides.

✅ Buy yours here

Save Space On Your Packing List For Greece

beautiful harbour views in greece — What not to pack for your holiday to Greece!

There are lots of things you can easily pick up in Greece itself if you’re staying near to a village or town. Below I’ve listed items that we have found easily over here that you could just grab on your first day.

Sun cream – They sell sun cream everywhere in Greece so you can leave it off your Greek packing must haves or just take a mini bottle to save on space. Most supermarkets here sell reef-friendly sun cream which is vital if you plan on swimming in the sea!
Hair care – This one is up to you. We’ve found shampoo and conditioner from well-known brands to be very expensive out here, so if you’re fussy about decent conditioner then bring some from home. If not then they sell it everywhere!
Beach towels – If you’re staying in hotels then most provide you with towels you can use
Hiking boots – As I said earlier, take some lightweight trainers or hiking sandals instead if you plan on walking cross country. Greece is just far too hot for walking boots!
Hairdryer – Again, check your hotel’s amenities – they almost always have one!

Packing For Each Season

Greece has incredible weather compared to many places in Europe, but you’ll still find distinct seasons.

What To Pack for Greece in June, July, August, and September

This is peak season in Greece and these are the months when it will be the hottest. You will want to be wearing light clothing that provides protection from the sun, and you’ll also want your swimming gear!

Whether it’s the crystal clear ocean or the hotel pool, cooling down will be the aim of the game during these summer months!

Bring a light shirt to cover up from the sun and wear in the evening when it can sometimes be a little cooler.

If you’re in the Cyclades during these months then you can expect it to be quite windy, so floaty skirts should be worn at your own risk!

Packing list for Greece in March, April, May, and October

rock needles sticking out of the sea in Greece — The ultimate Greek packing list!

The shoulder season in Greece is probably my favourite! The weather is cooler than during the summer, but still hot enough for shorts and t-shirts during the day.

You can expect a few storms at this time of year, so you might want to bring a light raincoat or umbrella. It’s also the perfect season for some hiking, so bring a pair of trainers and get outside.

Swimming is chillier but still possible, especially in May and October. If you plan on doing water-based activities you might want to bring a wetsuit.

What to Pack for Greece in November, December, January, and February

The winter months in Greece can be surprisingly chilly. You can even ski in the mountains in Greece over winter!

Bring a coat and some layers. You’re likely to get some warmer days, and lots of sunshine, but you should be prepared for the cold. I was wearing a coat and hat in December.

You probably won’t want to swim over winter but if you do then you’ll want to bring a thick wetsuit!

Greek Packing List Checklist

I’ve based this Greek packing list on a 7-day holiday, but you can easily add or take away items depending on the length of your stay!

Laundry in Greece is hard to find so try to bring enough clothes to last you all week, and bring a travel bottle of hand wash for any emergencies!

7 x underwear
2 x socks – if you wear socks under your trainers then bring a few pairs. If you anticipate using them every day then wear one pair and hand wash them (they’ll dry in an hour out here!)
1 x loose, lightweight trousers – I go for cropped trousers in this heat!
3 x shorts and/or skirts
2 x sun dresses
2 x long, loose shirts
4-5 x t-shirts or tops
2-3 evening outfits (you can easily double up sundresses and skirts with a nice top for the evening but bring something nicer if it’s a special holiday!)
2-3 swimsuits or bikinis
1-2 beach cover ups
1 x sweater or cardigan
1 x flip flops
1 x sandals
1 x running shoes (or other shoes you can walk in)
sunglasses
sun hat
personal medication
waterproof makeup (for all that swimming!)
toiletries – shampoo, conditioner, deodorant, toothpaste/toothbrush, face wipes (or buy there!)
hairbrush and accessories
jewellery – avoid anything valuable
1 x beach bag/dry bag
1 x day backpack
kindle
camera, charger, batteries and SD cards
European adapter
phone, charger
passport
Revolut card or similar
insurance

Frequently Asked Questions

Here are few of the questions we get asked the most about packing for a holiday in Greece. Don’t worry, we wondered what the answers were to half these questions too before we travelled here, so no question is too daft to answer!

Should I bring toilet paper to Greece?

Almost everywhere in Greece has toilet paper, it’s basically the same as every other European country! You might find the odd cafe bathroom has run out, so it’s always worth keeping some tissues in your bag for emergencies but you can get these easily while you’re out here.

Likewise, if your airbnb hasn’t supplied toilet roll (it does my head in when they do this!) then it’s easy to pick up at any local supermarket or corner shop.

Basically, don’t waste packing space on toilet roll!

How should tourists dress in Greece?

You can wear what you like almost anywhere in Greece (as long as it’s decent obviously!) The only;y exceptions might be churches/places of worship or ancient temples where you’ll be expected to dress more modestly.

The monasteries and nunneries in Greece are usually really pretty and well worth visiting, but sometimes they require that women wear long skirts (I’ve got no idea why). If this is the case they usually offer you one to put over your trousers if you aren’t wearing one.

You’ll also be expected to cover knees and shoulders, and just generally dress more modestly than you might be for the heat! So bear this in mind and bring a change of clothes or some cover ups if you’re in any doubt.

Greece is generally pretty relaxed and a lot of the beachside restaurants and cafes won’t care what you wear, but be a bit more conscious when heading into town after a day on the beach. Most places won’t be too happy if you rock up in your thong bikini without any shoes or a shirt on!

What are you not allowed to bring to Greece?

You can’t bring all the usual offensive things into Greece. Think drugs, weapons, medication that isn’t yours, plants with soil etc. but other than the common things you shouldn’t travel with Greece doesn’t have any special exceptions.

Is it OK to wear shorts in Greece?

We get a lot of questions like this.

Is it ok to wear crop tops in Greece?
Can you wear flip flops in Greece?
Can you wear denim in Greece?

You can wear whatever you like in Greece, as long as it’s decent and as long as you consider where you’re wearing it. For example, shorts are perfect for every day use in Greece (I don’t think Adam has ever taken a pair of trousers) but if you’re dining somewhere super posh they probably won’t like you wearing shorts.

Crop tops are great, but not in a monastery. Flip flops are perfect, but not for hilly bush hikes. Denim might be lovely in winter, but you might end up a sweaty mess if you wear heaps of denim in the summer.

Greece doesn’t have too many dress requirements, but there are a few places to be more considerate. If your holiday is based around the beach then you can wear what you like!

Conclusion: The Ultimate Greek Packing List

Hopefully, you’re now prepared for the holiday of a lifetime with the ultimate guide on what to pack for your trip. Where ever you’re off to, you’re bound to have the most amazing time as Greece is absolutely stunning!

If you’re looking to buy some new items for this holiday then make sure you take a look at my eco-friendly packing list. There are some great ideas for useful travel products that are good for environment and super handy too.