The parties of Mykonos, the Santorini sunsets… the list goes on-and-on. It’s VERY easy to see why Greece is an allure for many.
Thankfully, a country as large as Greece is only split-up into two major parts, the island-life and Mainland Greece.
The most popular time to visit Greece is during the Summer, and the temperatures on both the islands and mainland are very HOT! (30-40 degree days)
So, this all being said, what do you need to pack for your next trip to Greece?
Pre-Departure Checklist for Greece
1. Passport and Passport Cover
It is better to be safe than sorry, so make sure you follow the protocol
Always make sure, before you travel, that your passport is good for at least six months.
Check the amount of entry stamp spaces you have left.
2. Visa
The EU has adopted some new rules and regulations for the Schengen-area countries. However, the 90/180 rule appears to continue.
Called the ETIAS (European Travel Information and Authorization System), this new visa incudes a background check and it costs money.
I recommend checking out https://www.etiasvisa.com for information. As a relatively new program, there will surely be changes before full-implementation.
If you have any questions, tweet at me @worldembark and I will do my best to explain/help.
3. Passport Photos
I cannot think of any major reason to carry passport photos in Greece. I didn’t need them when I purchased my SIM card. But you never know.
4. Pictures of Passport & Credit Cards
For safety reasons, it is best to have pictures of your passport/credit card in the unfortunate event of theft. (It’s even better to back your pictures up in the cloud!)
Reminder: If your passport is stolen/lost, please contact your local embassy or consulate.
Luggage Options for Greece
5. Backpack or Suitcase
Some road in Greece are cobblestone, but thousands of tourists visit Greece every year with suitcases.
A daypack is advised (something you wouldn’t mind getting dirty.) Besides the hospitality of the Greeks, Greece is known for being a beach destination. I purchased a small drawstring bag, as I didn’t want to carry my large backpack everywhere.
Clothing for a Greek Holiday
If you stay in Athens or mainland Greece, you can pack one pair of pants if you want. I never wore my jeans though, and I rarely saw people wear pants. (Except for the locals)
The only occasion you will need pants is if you visit a monastery.
7. Jacket
In the evening/night, it might get cool. However, when I was in Greece, the temperature never dipped below 70 (21 Celsius)
Thankfully, it never rained as well. (This can be bad as evidenced by the yearly wildfires.)
The weather in Greece is hot but predictable.
8. 3-5 Pair of Shorts
12. Dress/Fancy Clothing
For the romantic evenings overlooking the Santorini Sunset, I will leave this up to you.
What Shoes do I need for Greece?
14. Comfortable Walking Shoes
Sandals are my go-to travel shoe, and they are acceptable in Greece. However, comfortable walking shoes are a must. Sidewalks are un-even, and the roads are cobblestone *usually.
Don’t expect level walking conditions when visiting ruins in Greece.
15. Water Shoes
What about Toiletries in Greece?
Extra Items Needed for the Perfect Greek Holiday
17. Reusable Water Bottle with Filter
The water in Greece is safe to drink. However, it is always safe to carry a filtered-water bottle.
Most locals will drink bottled water, and expect to be served bottled water at restaurants.
Fun fact: The price of bottled water is regulated in Greece.
18. Daypack/Backpack & Beach Bag
I prefer carrying a backpack as I carry photography equipment. However, before I left Athens, I also purchased a cheap, three-euro draw-string bag.
By the time I left Crete, I completely destroyed that bag. (Not on purpose of course.)
However, I never worried about getting sand inside my backpack or ruining my photography gear.
19. Sunscreen & Chapstick
The Greek Islands are giant rocks constantly exposed to hot sun and wind.
Yes, you will need these.
20. Camera
If you want me to tell you the best photo spots in all of Greece, tweet at me! @worldembark is my handle
21. Electric Adapter
Everyone has a favorite adapter, you just need to pick one.
22. Currency
Greece uses the Euro. Note: For the best exchange rate and for a lack of fees, the only ATMs I recommend in Greece are BNP.
23. Travel Insurance
Iceland. 2021. A new windshield. Everyone has a travel story about why you need travel insurance
24. Sim Cards
I purchased a sim card for 10 Euro from Vodaphone. I can use that sim card all around Europe.
I don’t recommend purchasing a cellphone plan at the airport, as the costs are exponentially higher than they are everywhere else.
Backpacking Essentials for Greece
25. Backpack
I use the Peak Design 35 L Travel backpack. It’s expensive but looks brand new despite months of abuse across different climate.s
26. Earplugs and Sleeping Mask
Essential Items for Hostel Life
27. Hat
For those times you forget to put on sunscreen.
or
For those times when you don’t want to put on sunscreen.
28. Sleeping Bag
A former colleague of mine carried a sleeping bag AND a tent. I would never do that. Very few hostels allow sleeping bags/bring your own bedding in 2022 due to the possibility of bed-bugs.
29. Some sort of emergency blanket
This is probably not needed for its purpose, but you might need to repel some water at any point in your trip. (Think poncho)
30. Battery Pack
Something large enough so your cell phone can take pictures of places like this.
31. More Pairs of Socks
Can never have too many.
32. Microfiber Towel
Nothing fancy. But it does help and dries fast.
Sometimes hostels charge extra for towels.
33. Travel Lock
I carry a few travel locks, and I recommend you do too.
In Conclusion
That’s all I can think of to make sure you have the best Mama Mia Greek Holiday!
Enjoy the food, history, and people, as those are the things that makes Greece a great place to visit!
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