What to pack for a trip to Grece?

Most visitors to Greece are caught off guard not by the heat or the beauty, but by the logistics.

In short, what catches you out here

Many small tavernas, ferry ticket offices, beach bars and market stalls on the islands and in rural villages accept only cash; ATMs are scarce and frequently run out of money in peak season.
Inter-island travel requires booking ferries in advance during summer; schedules change, delays are common, and missing a ferry can strand you for a full day or more.
Summer temperatures regularly exceed 35 °C, with long walks between ruins, ferry ports, and sites often fully exposed to the sun without any shade for extended periods.

Why this list?

The ATM in the village square is empty. The supermarket shuts at 2 pm and won't reopen until 5. The ferry is delayed by three hours and the taverna you planned to eat at won't open for another two. Then there's the cobblestone path up to the windmills that destroyed your sandals by day two. Greece rewards travellers who have thought ahead — not just about sunscreen, but about cash reserves, ferry bookings made weeks in advance, offline maps downloaded before boarding, and a bag of snacks for the long afternoon gap between siesta and dinner. This list focuses on what first-time and returning visitors consistently wish they had prepared for: the cash economy of the islands, the pharmacy deserts of the Aegean, and the very specific physical demands of walking ancient sites in 35-degree heat.

When to go

April to June ·September ·October

Spring and autumn offer pleasant conditions for visiting archaeological sites and islands; July–August brings overwhelming heat and tourist crowds.

Less favourable : July to August

What people ask most before coming

What documents do I need to travel to Greece?

EU citizens (French, Belgian, etc.) can enter Greece with a valid national identity card or passport — no visa needed for tourist stays under 3 months, as Greece is part of the Schengen area. Canadian and Swiss travellers need a valid passport. If you're travelling with an unaccompanied minor, make sure to bring a parental authorisation letter, and note that some airlines may not accept emergency or provisional passports.

Can I pay by card in Greece or do I need cash?

Cards (Visa, Mastercard) are widely accepted in hotels, restaurants and shops in Athens, Thessaloniki and the major tourist islands, but smaller tavernas, kiosks and less-visited islands often work on a cash-only basis. ATMs are available at airports and banks, though coverage thins out on smaller islands and machines can occasionally be out of service — Euronet ATMs in particular tend to charge high fees. It's worth withdrawing a decent amount of euros before heading to secondary islands to avoid being caught short.

What type of power plug is used in Greece and do I need an adapter?

Greece uses Type C and Type F (Schuko) sockets at 230 V / 50 Hz, which is the standard for continental Europe — no adapter needed if you're coming from France, Belgium, Germany or neighbouring countries. Travellers arriving from the UK, North America or Asia should pack a Type C/F travel adapter before leaving, as they can be harder to find locally.

See the 3 other questions

Where is it?

✔To do before you leave

Your countdown: every action at the right time, from furthest ahead to departure day.

J-45 · check European Health Insurance Card (EHIC) validityGreece has public hospitals mainly in large cities; on the islands, medical facilities are minimal, and an expired or absent EHIC leaves you with full private costs.essential
J-30 · book ferry tickets in advanceIn peak summer season, popular inter-island ferry routes (e.g. Piraeus–Santorini, Santorini–Mykonos) sell out weeks ahead; last-minute booking often means no crossing for 24+ hours.essential
J-3 · confirm accommodation check-in time around ferry scheduleFerry delays of 2–4 hours are common; arriving at an island accommodation at midnight without prior notice often means a locked door and no staff, especially in family-run guesthouses.recommended
J-1 · withdraw cash before reaching the islandsATMs on small islands are often empty or out of service in July–August; withdrawing cash on the mainland or at the airport avoids being cashless for your entire stay.essential
J-1 · download offline maps for target islandsMobile signal drops on ferry crossings and in island interiors; without offline maps you can be effectively lost trying to find your accommodation or a beach.recommended
To do · plan grocery shopping around siesta hoursSupermarkets and bakeries close 14:00–17:00; arriving mid-afternoon expecting to restock food or sunscreen can leave you empty-handed for hours.recommended

✔The essentials

Without these, the trip is compromised. Don't forget them.

sturdy sandal with ankle supportCycladic cobblestones, Santorini's volcanic paths, and archaeological sites like Delphi or Knossos involve steep uneven surfaces that ruin flat flip-flops within hours.essential
personal medication supply for full trip duration plus extraPharmacies on small islands keep limited stock; specific prescription or even common OTC medications may be unavailable, and the next pharmacy could be a ferry ride away.essentialfrom 3 nights
Type C/F travel adaptorUK plugs (Type G) are incompatible with Greek sockets; adaptors are expensive and hard to find on the islands, so bringing one from home is critical.essential

✔Nice-to-haves

Not vital, but noticeably more comfortable with them.

portable water filter or purification tabletsTap water on several Cycladic islands is brackish or not recommended for drinking; a filter bottle avoids daily expenditure on plastic bottles and supply gaps in remote areas.recommended
light snack supply for late dinner gapsWith dinner rarely starting before 21:00 and lunch spots closed during siesta, there is a genuine 4–5 hour hunger window in the afternoon that catches most first-time visitors off guard.recommended
small cash wallet or money beltCarrying enough cash for a cashless island without it being visible or pickpocket-accessible is a real daily concern in busy tourist areas like Mykonos Town or Plaka.recommended
power bank (20,000 mAh minimum)Using offline maps, ferry company apps, and Google Translate simultaneously drains phones quickly; charging opportunities on ferries and at beaches are nonexistent.recommended

✔Weather & season

Adjust to the time of year and forecast for your trip.

electrolyte sachetsProlonged heat exposure during sightseeing causes significant salt loss; electrolyte sachets are almost never stocked on island kiosks but are compact and prevent heat exhaustion.recommended☀️ heat
lightweight long-sleeve linen shirtRequired for entry to Orthodox churches and monasteries (shoulders must be covered); also essential sun protection during midday hours at exposed archaeological sites.recommended☀️ heat
reusable insulated water bottleIn 35 °C+ heat, hydration needs are high and constant; buying bottled water repeatedly is costly and difficult during siesta closures; an insulated bottle keeps water cool for hours.essential☀️ heat
high-SPF mineral sunscreenFerry decks, archaeological sites and island beaches offer prolonged sun exposure with no shade; Greek pharmacy sunscreen is expensive and often sold out in resort areas at peak season.essential😎 sun

✔ My own items

✔ Good to know

Make sure your passport is valid for at least three months beyond your planned departure from Greece — border agents at Schengen entry points check this closely, especially now that the EU's new Entry/Exit System (EES) is fully operational and records biometric data on arrival. source
Most visa-exempt nationalities (US, UK, Canada, Australia, etc.) can stay across all Schengen countries combined for up to 90 days within any 180-day period — plan your trip accordingly if you've recently visited other Schengen countries. source
Pack some euro cash before you arrive: smaller shops, market stalls, island tavernas, and quieter villages may not accept cards, and carrying a modest amount of small notes will save you from scrambling for an ATM in remote areas. source
If you travel from outside continental Europe, check whether your devices need a Type C/F plug adapter (two round pins, 230 V / 50 Hz) — buying one before departure is much cheaper than at Greek airports. source
Bring a valid EHIC or GHIC card if you hold one (EU/EEA/UK residents) for access to state healthcare — but also arrange dedicated travel insurance, as the card does not cover repatriation or all medical costs. source
Pack a light scarf or shawl and clothing that covers shoulders and knees: monasteries, churches, and sacred sites across the country — including Meteora and Mount Athos — ask visitors to dress modestly, and entry can be declined otherwise. source
US dollars / British pounds (cash) — Non-euro currencies are not accepted at Greek shops, restaurants, or transport — bring euros or a card to avoid being unable to pay.
Single-voltage electronics (110 V only) — Greece runs on 230 V, so devices that only support 110 V could be damaged without a voltage converter — check your chargers and appliances before packing.
Beach cover-up (if planning monastery visits) — Beachwear and sleeveless tops are not suitable for religious or archaeological sites — a light wrap or change of clothes will let you move between beach and cultural sites without issues.

Grece official website

✔ Frequently asked questions

Is tap water safe to drink in Greece?

Tap water is officially drinkable in most of mainland Greece and on several islands including Athens, Rhodes, Naxos and Paros. In Santorini, the water is desalinated and locals generally rely on bottled water; in Crete, the water is technically safe but many operators recommend bottled water as a precaution. Conditions vary island to island, so it's worth asking locally — and if you're planning hikes, a filtered water bottle can be a practical backup.

How do you get around Greece once you arrive?

Getting between islands relies mainly on ferries, which often run overnight on longer routes — in peak season (roughly mid-June to early September) they fill up fast, so booking well in advance is strongly recommended. Domestic flights (Aegean, Olympic Air, Sky Express) and KTEL intercity buses cover the mainland and some islands, with online booking advisable for popular routes. Once on an island, renting a scooter, quad or small car is the norm; taxis and ride-hailing apps are available in the larger cities.

What should I pack for Greece depending on the season?

Summer (June–September) brings temperatures of 35–40 °C on the islands: light cotton or linen clothing, a hat, sunglasses and high-SPF sunscreen are essentials. In the Cyclades, the meltemi wind can be strong even at the height of summer, so a light windbreaker earns its place in your bag. Comfortable closed-toe shoes are a practical addition alongside sandals for walking on sun-baked archaeological sites. If your trip includes mountain hiking (Crete, Mount Olympus) or travel in spring and autumn, add a light fleece and a compact waterproof jacket.