What to Pack for Greece in 2024: The Essential Packing List

So you’ve booked your tickets and you’re wondering what to pack for Greece? Well firstly, I am so excited for you! Greece is one of my favorite European countries and offers so much to its visitors. Whether that’s the incredible culture, delicious food, jaw-dropping scenery or just its wonderful history, Greece packs a punch. 

Secondly, you’re going to have the most amazing time. So as you prepare for your dream vacation, let’s look into exactly what to pack for Greece. There are some essentials that you can’t do without, and if you’re anything like me who doesn’t need much of a push to purchase some (un)necessary travel items for their vacations, I’ve also included them.

Let’s dig into what to expect and exactly what to pack for Greece in 2024. 

Clothes to pack for Greece

Shoes for Greece

• Hoka White sneakers (aka the best shoe on the planet – absolutely obsessed with my Hoka’s).
• Flip Flops
• Birkenstock Arizona‘s Or Boston‘s. I’m obsessed with the lemon big buckle Birkenstocks that I’ve spent far too much time looking at.
• The Lenny Low Mules from Sezane are a wardrobe staple, and you’ll be pulling them out of the closet year after year (which justifies the price – Girl Math).
• At your own peril, a pair of heels. The Maribel High Sandals are the perfect pair for Greece. (Greece has plenty of cobblestones/uneven paths – so be cautious about packing your skyscrapers.)

Picture Greece and you’ll be drawn to the incredible range of blues that you’ll find throughout the country. From the domes of the Greek Orthodox churches to different arrays of blues found in the sea. When thinking about what to pack for Greece plan for the season.

During the summer months packing for Greece is easy with lots of light dresses, swimsuits, beach cover-ups, shorts, and tops.

Packing for Greece during the spring and autumn months is slightly trickier and requires a bit more ingenuity when planning outfits. When planning what to pack for Greece in early spring, the weather can dictate a lot of warmer clothing and a rain jacket.

If you are planning on visiting Meteora or any of the Greek Orthodox churches make sure that you dress appropriately. This means covering shoulders and knees.

Accessories for Greece

At this stage, I think we all own at least one color of the iconic Uniqlo cross-body bag. However, the rattan version of ‘THE’ Uniqlo bag is perfect for sightseeing and your Euro summer.

Some cute sunglasses from H&M, or if you’re feeling really fun, these floral cat-eye sunglasses from Anthropologie are delightful.

A good hat is essential for covering up (protect that precious skin people). H&M have a cute little straw bucket hat, or you can go super big and bold with this lush hat from Anthropologie.

For my thick thighed friends, Megababe is the best solution I have found for your thigh rubbing together in the heat. I never ever leave home without it and dread the day I run out of the product.

My go-to sunscreens for the summer are Biotherm Waterlover Sun Milk & Clarin’s Sunscreen Spray 50 SPF gives me the best protection and color.

Dresses for Greece

When planning what to pack for Greece it would be rude not to include some cute dresses right? Greece is the perfect place to wear adorable dresses you’ve saving for the perfect occasion.

I adore this blue midi dress from Anthropologie that is absolutely perfect for daytime or evening wear. Or another version of a blue midi dress from Abercrombie & Fitch that comes in a variety of colors.

This cute button-down dress from H&M comes in a linen white or black, accompanied with some cute strappy sandals, and you’ve got the perfect little outfit for Greece.

Depending where in Greece you go, you’ll find that the Greeks are very well-dressed and put together. So make sure to add some gorgeous dresses to your Greece packing list. Shop via my LTK page for some suggestions of what to pack for Greece.

Beachy Clothes & Essentials for Greece

• Hunza G Swimsuit – If I could I’d buy every single Hunza G in every model and colour under the sun. I am obsessed. The pink ‘Pamela’ is to die for.

• Love this L Space simple swimsuit that is so flattering and stylish.
• This adorable black bikini top with a white trim from Abercrombie & Fitch is timeless and also comes in 4 other colors. Complete the set with a matching high-waisted bottoms.
• The Leon One Piece from YLLW The Label is an artistic masterpiece – such a bold and statement swimsuit.

• Swimsuit cover-up – I love a large oversized shirt for walking around the pool or beach, that I can also rock up to a Greek taverna for lunch in too.
• Sunglasses
• Supergoop Glow Screen – Factor 40 for faces people!

Skirts & Shorts

Skirts are such a wardrobe staple and I love the satin midi’s from H&M that come from in black & light beige. Shop the LTK widget below for more skirt ideas when packing for Greece.

I’m also a huge fan of Abercrombie & Fitch’s Sloane shorts – I own a pair of their regular Sloane pants and they’re one of my essential items in my wardrobe. The Sloane shorts come in a wide range of sizes & colors. They’re perfect for the evening and can be dressed up with a simple little top, or a high-necked top, or funky shirt.

The Rome Shorts from Sezane are gorgeous and are the perfect summer short that come in a variety of colors. Pair with a cute top. Sizes run from a 0 to 16 (US).

The Non-Negiatable Travel Essentials

Passport

When planning your Greece packing list and things that you need to be able to check off, make sure you can locate your passport. A valid passport is necessary for entry into Greece if you are not a European Union citizen, and you’ll need at least 6 months of validity on your passport before it expires. 

In 2025 visitors from over 60 countries will need to apply for ETIAS authorization to enter countries within the EU, this includes Greece. Visitors from the following countries United States, Canada, Australia & United Kingdom will need to apply for travel authorization that is valid for 3 years.

Travel Insurance

Look we’ve been through a lot in the past couple of years with Covid-19 and the one thing that we cannot take for granted is the guarantee of ‘normal’ anymore. Who knows what the next thing might be, but it’s essential in 2024 that you do not leave your country without travel insurance. 

It costs less than a coffee a day and it protects you in the event you lose luggage, are injured, or need to be repatriated because of a global pandemic. For peace of mind and security don’t skimp on this necessity. 

You can usually purchase additional travel insurance options from your local healthcare provider, or certain credit cards may offer it as part of their package. Whenever I travel I purchase my travel insurance from SafetyWing and *touch wood* have never had to use it. But it’s always good to know that I have it. 

Trip Essentials for Greece

Airalo eSim (Mobile Data)

The Airalo eSim is one of the best discoveries I made when traveling overseas. Before I even arrived in the country I set up my eSim so that upon landing I would have data and could navigate my way from the airport to my hotel.

Most new cell phones have an eSim port and setting up the Airalo app is super easy. And the best thing about it is that it reduces the stress of trying to connect to Wifi in a foreign country.

The Airalo eSim makes accessing Google Maps (Apple Maps), Whatsapp, Instagram or whatever you depend on super easy from the moment your plane touches down wheels in Greece (or over 200 countries & regions).

And it’s really really cheap too. For 1 GB of data, you can expect to pay $5. Or 20GB for $49. Purchase your Airalo eSim before departure here.

Beach or Pool Essentials

Quick Drying Towel

For years I would take my trusty beach towel on my vacations which ended up taking over half of my suitcase. Nowadays I bring my quick-drying microfibre beach towel that is light, sand-resistant, and extremely quick drying.

I purchased mine from Decathlon for when I go swimming, but you can purchase larger versions (and prettier patterns) on Amazon for the beach. I love these towels for how little room they take up in my luggage and for their amazing functionality. 

Waterproof Phone Case

I’m not a huge fan of leaving my belongings on the sand whilst I go into the sea or pool for a quick swim. Sadly my cell phone is one of my most precious possessions and if I lost or had it stolen I’d be bereft. Which is a terribly sad omission but the absolute truth.

Which is why I put my phone and cards into a handy waterproof case. I don’t have to worry about my belongings on the beach, and can also take pictures in the water too. If you are unsure about the product, test it out with some paper in the compartment and see if it remains dry.

Nice to Have but Not Essential

These are definitely not essential items to add to your Greece packing list but they can make your life a little bit easier. Who doesn’t like to make their vacation a teeny bit more stress-free? 

I’m a sucker for gizmos and gadgets that I definitely don’t need. And none more so than this very list. Who would have thought that I would need a gadget for watching my phone on a flight hands-free? Not me! But my goodness how I love it. 

Hands-Free Phone Holder

Speaking of hands-free phone holders! Here is the ultimate gadget that is sheer genius and I’m so glad that someone thought of inventing it. I travel a lot of low-budget airlines in Europe (hello Ryanair!) and they notoriously have stripped back everything on the airplane. There are no pouches for putting your belongings in, and you just about get a tray to put your overpriced terrible food on. 

I use my phone to catch up on TV shows and movies that I’ve missed out over the past year. This ingenious product from Wicked Chili is my favorite gadget when traveling and allows you to mount the device on the tray table when it’s stowed away. This is the perfect gadget to have for flights with no in-flight entertainment or if you just want to watch Netflix on your phone. 

Hands Free Coffee Holder

This useful gadget allows you to slide a drinks holder over the arms of your luggage handle. I usually carry a coffee in one hand, a bottle of water tucked under my armpit, and pull my suitcase behind me as I navigate the airport.

I try and fly first thing in the morning, so I’m not usually at my peakiest (read: alert) at this time, and coffee is a non-negotiable for when I’m traveling that early in the morning. It’s a fun little device to have.

Laundry Bag

During my vacation, I’ll find a plastic bag that will become my laundry bag. It’s unsightly but hey it does the job! But I think it might be time for me to invest in an actual laundry bag that I can add to my suitcase. 

It also makes unpacking a lot easier knowing that everything in that one bag needs to go straight into the laundry. You fall into two camps with that last sentence. Either you love doing laundry or you’re in my camp that hates anything to do with the washer and dryer. 

Cooling Towels

My partner suffers terribly in the heat. Actually, he suffers if the temperature climbs above 40ºF. He’s perpetually sweaty and unfortunately for him, I love the heat. When I discovered these cooling towels on TikTok, I knew I had to buy them for him. 

All you need to do is soak the towel in cold water, wring it out and stick it in the little plastic pouch. So now when I drag him to the beach, he can whip out one of these chilly towels and cool down in the shade. They have made us both very happy. It’s a small relief, but it makes a difference and something to add to your Greece packing list. 

Portable Fan

Ok, this might be the best invention to combat the summer heat. I purchased a portable fan when I was traveling in Thailand, and it’s probably one of my favorite purchases. And it also happens to be USB-C rechargeable.

Water Shoes

If you are planning on visiting some of the beaches in Greece that are stoney or hard to access, then you’ve got to bring a pair of water shoes.

Water shoes are definitely advisable for climbing on the rocks and for getting in and out of the water and not being in a lot of pain. Water shoes are unsightly but I honestly don’t go anywhere on vacation in Greece without throwing a pair into my suitcase for the inevitable rocky beach I’ll stumble upon.  

Kindle

No vacation is complete without a good book. I’m a former librarian and educator so I’ll always be an advocate of books and the importance of reading. The beauty of the Kindle is instant access to that latest book or series that you’ve been dying to get your hands on. Traveling with a Kindle is bringing a whole library of books along with you. 

I’ve owned 3 Kindles since the early 2010s, and the last one I owned lasted 6 years before I accidentally dropped into the bathtub. Nowadays the Kindle is waterproof, so even if you do drop it into the bathtub, it’ll still survive.

I also LOVE the length of the battery life on the Kindle. If I read for several hours every day, I can get a full two weeks of reading from the Kindle without needing to recharge it. Amazing.

Check out my favorite books to read over the summer or to enjoy lounging on the beach.

GoPro Hero10

Reef Safe & Biodegradable Sunscreen

A necessity for your Greece packing list is to have reef-safe sunscreen if you plan on swimming in the sea.  Beauty brands have become a lot better at making sure their sunscreens are compliant for protecting marine life.

I am absolutely obsessed with Biotherm Waterlover Sun Milk. It’s marine friendly and has no nasties that will hurt the environment. Check the back of your favorite brand to see if they are compliant. 

Portable Charger

When you’re packing for Greece there is nothing worse than your cell phone running out of battery. Especially on vacation when you want to take photos, look up directions or browse Instagram. My phone barely lasts a full day after it’s been fully charged, so I cannot leave the house without having my portable charger.

I purchased the Anker Powercore II which is able to charge my cellphone up to 4 times and has 2 USB ports. It means that no matter what I can charge my phone and not worry about running out of battery. It has a 20000 mAh battery which takes a while to charge ( I usually charge it overnight every couple of days) and is compatible with a wide range of brands. 

Apple Tags / Tile Mate

It’s never ever fun to find out that your luggage hasn’t made it to the same destination as you. 

A small relief is purchasing Apple Tags (for iPhone users) or Tile Mate (for Android users) that helps you locate your luggage. Using Bluetooth technology, your tag or tile can send a signal to indicate where it is located. So even if you do somehow get separated from your luggage, you’ll be able to find out where your belongings are. 

When considering what to pack for Greece these luggage trackers are travel essentials section as unfortunately this problem is increasing and it may end up giving you some peace of mind should this occur.

Packing Cubes

Whether you’re an organized person or not, packing cubes make packing for Greece a little bit easier. What I love the most about packing cubes is how organized they are. My suitcase no longer explodes as soon as I walk into a hotel room anymore! 

Instead, I have everything organized into each of the packing cubes. One packing cube will contain all my underwear and bras, another for my swimsuits, another for my daytime clothes, etc. 

I also feel with packing cubes that I’m no longer sitting on my suitcase trying to squeeze it shut. It’s like everything magically fits in the packing cubes. 

The Weather in Greece

Tourists descend on Greece throughout the year, but most of the countries visitors tend to visit during the warmer months. This packing list for Greece is mostly geared towards that time of the year, but for the most part, this what to pack for Greece travel guide can be used throughout the entire year. 

Summer in Greece

It gets hot in Greece and you’ll find that even the mainlanders from Athens and beyond head to the coast and islands during the summer months, especially in August to cool off from the heat.

Summer in Greece is the busiest time of the year to visit and places like Santorini, Mykonos and Crete experience an enormous influx of tourists. Prices are through the roof in some of the more popular Greek islands, but there are still small gems to be found if you’re looking to get away from the crowds. 

Fall in Greece

The Greek islands begin to wrap up their season, and towns and hotels in some of the most popular places such as Mykonos and Santorini start to shut down. The end of the travel season in Santorini ends around the end of October. The weather in Greece in the fall starts off warm with the end of the summer sun gradually losing its intensity by mid-October. 

The weather is perfect at the end of September and the beginning of October, and this makes visiting Greece one of the best times of the year to go. 

Winter in Greece

If you’re planning to visit Greece during the winter months you’re in for a quiet time. Most of the islands are shut down to tourists, with the majority of hotels closing in the winter months. If you’ve ever wanted to visit Santorini without the crowds, this is one of the best times to go. Just bear in mind that you’ll need a few sweaters and long pants with the biting winter wind. 

Spring in Greece

One of the nicest times to visit Athens is during the Spring months. The islands are awakened to the start of another glorious year, and you’ll see tourists begin to flock to Athens and the islands during the Easter holidays.

The weather can be hit and miss with spring showers one moment and a gorgeous summer’s day the next. Spring in Santorini is delightful and one of the best times of the year to visit the magical island.

What Will Your Greece Packing List Look Like?

Whether you are packing for Greece or the Maldives, I’m a firm believer that you can always buy something if you forget it. Missing underwear? Head to the local market or mall and pick up some new underwear.

Following a list of things you should or shouldn’t bring is always discretionary. This Greece packing list may have sparked something within you to purchase or remember to throw into your suitcase.

The one thing you can’t pack for are the memories and fun that you’re going to have. Have a great time and enjoy your vacation! Bring back the sun with you!

Some of these may be affiliate links, which means when you buy something I may receive a small commission. There is no additional charge to you, and it really helps to support me – so thank you!

Meet Missy…

Missy spent the first 2 decades of her life living in her native Dublin, Ireland. Before a life living overseas called to her, and she spent the next decade living in China, Laos & Belgium. She now splits her time in Antwerp, Belgium, and wherever the sun is currently shining. You can follow Missy’s real-time travels on her Instagram.