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What to Pack & Bring

What to Pack & Bring

Greece

Summer & Shoulder Season Attire

Summer (June-August) is hot and dry. Lightweight, breathable fabrics like cotton and linen are ideal. Shorts, t-shirts, sundresses, and Swimwear are common. Evenings bring a slight breeze, so a Light jacket, thin cardigan, or Shawl adds comfort.

Shoulder Season April-May & Sep-Oct

  • T-shirts or light long-sleeved tops, trousers/jeans/longer skirts.
  • Medium-weight jacket or warm sweater for cooler evenings/cloudy days.
  • A Light rain jacket for occasional showers, especially April/October.

Winter & Cultural Attire

Winter (November-March) is cooler and wetter. Pack warmer clothing, including sweaters, long trousers, and a Waterproof jacket. Thermal layers are useful for cooler mornings and evenings. Winter visits prioritize warmth and rain protection.

Cultural & Activity-Specific Dress

Footwear Recommendations

Casual Comfort

Comfortable walking sandals or flip-flops for beaches, Patitiri strolls, and casual walking.

Beach & Town

Hiking & Exploration

Sturdy Walking shoes or light hiking boots are needed for Chora's cobblestones, uphill climbs, and island hiking trails. Options like Merrell Women's Moab 3 Waterproof or Men's Columbia Newton Ridge Plus II are examples.

Trails & Old Village

Water Protection

Water shoes, such as Barerun Barefoot Quick-Dry, protect feet on pebble beaches and against sea urchins, making water entry comfortable.

Pebble Beaches

Essential Documents

Useful Travel Papers

Organize your documents to prevent trip issues. Keep both physical and digital copies.

  • Original passport and copies of any necessary visas.
  • Travel insurance policy, including emergency contacts.
  • International Driving Permit (IDP) alongside national driver's license (if renting).
  • Vaccination records and doctor's note for prescription medications.
  • Printed and digital copies of all reservations (flights, ferries, accommodation).
  • Emergency contact information for family/friends and your country's embassy.
  • Student/senior/press IDs for potential discounts.

Technology & Electronics

Power & Connectivity

Greece uses Type F and C power outlets (230V at 50Hz). For devices on different voltages (e.g., 110-120V), a Voltage converter is necessary. Most modern electronics are dual-voltage and only need a Universal travel adapter or European plug adapter. Your mobile phone must be unlocked for local SIM cards.

SIM Cards & VPNs

  • Purchase prepaid SIM cards from Cosmote, Vodafone, or Wind.
  • Consider eSIM from Airalo for immediate connectivity.
  • Use a VPN service like NordVPN or ExpressVPN for secure browsing.

Camera & Power

Bring a good camera for landscapes. For marine park activities, a Waterproof camera (GoPro HERO12 Black) captures underwater shots. Portable chargers and power banks (Anker PowerCore Slim 10000) maintain device charge on the go.

Recommended Apps

  • Download offline maps (Google Maps, Maps.me) for navigation.
  • Google Translate with offline Greek language pack.
  • Ferryhopper.com app for ferry tickets. WhatsApp for local communication.

Data Backup & Security

Cloud Storage

Use services like Google Drive or Dropbox for backing up photos and scanned documents.

Device Security

Ensure devices are safe even if lost or damaged.

Electronics Retailer

For camera and electronics needs, check B&H Photo.

Health & Wellness Items

First Aid & Prescriptions

Assemble a Basic first aid kit. Include pain relievers (Ibuprofen, Acetaminophen), bandages, antiseptic wipes, sterile gauze, medical tape, and allergy medications. Adventure Medical Kits offer supplies. A compact Johnson & Johnson All-Purpose First Aid Kit serves as a starting point. Carry all prescription medications in original, labeled packaging, with a copy of your prescription and a doctor's letter.

Common Remedies

  • Antidiarrheal medication and antihistamines.
  • Hydrocortisone cream for insect bites or rashes.
  • Pack small quantities of common over-the-counter remedies.

Sun & Insect Protection

High SPF Broad-spectrum sunscreen (SPF 30-50+) for strong Mediterranean sun. After-sun lotion for soothing skin. Mosquito repellent (DEET or Picaridin-based) for evenings, especially near vegetation.

Water Purification & Hygiene

  • Tap water is generally safe, but a portable water filter like the LifeStraw or Sawyer Mini Water Filter offers extra confidence for remote areas.
  • Bring travel-sized preferred shampoos, conditioners, soaps, and specialized skincare products to avoid searching locally.

Altitude & Motion Sickness

Motion Sickness

Altitude Considerations

  • Alonnisos does not have high altitudes.
  • Altitude sickness is not a concern on the island.
  • Focus on sun protection and hydration instead.

Activity-Specific Equipment

Snorkeling & Diving

Bring your own Mask and snorkel for personal use. Fins can be rented locally.

  • Gear is available for rent from dive centers and boat tour operators.
  • Consider renting if you plan only a few sessions.
  • Bring your own if you have specific preferences for fit or quality.

Hiking Essentials

A small, comfortable Daypack is useful for carrying water, snacks, Sunscreen, and layers during day hikes.

  • Pack light, quick-drying fabrics for summer visits.
  • Sturdy footwear with good grip for uneven surfaces.
  • Consider an outfit from Nordace for travel bags.

Rent vs. Bring

Kayaks, SUPs, and small boats are available for rent at organized beaches or activity centers.

  • Rent larger items to avoid luggage bulk.
  • Bicycles are available for rent, but choice may be limited.
  • A waterproof Dry bag protects valuables during boat trips.

Rental Decision Matrix

When to Rent

  • If you only plan a few sessions for an activity.
  • To avoid luggage bulk, especially for large items like kayaks.
  • For items you will use occasionally.
  • When quality and availability meet your needs.

When to Bring Your Own

  • If you have specific preferences for fit or quality.
  • If you plan extensive use of the equipment.
  • For personal items where hygiene is a concern.
  • When local availability is uncertain or quality might vary.

Miscellaneous Must-Haves

Comfort & Security

A Travel neck pillow, Eye mask, and Earplugs help rest during ferry journeys or in noisy accommodations.

Security Items

Reusable Items & Local Essentials

Reduce waste by bringing a Reusable water bottle (many hotels offer refills) and a Reusable shopping bag for groceries or souvenirs.

Alonnisos Specifics

  • Consider Travel utensils to reduce single-use plastics.
  • A good quality Beach towel (like Rainleaf Microfiber Towel) is useful for frequent beach visits.
  • A small, lightweight Backpack or tote bag carries daily items.
  • Bring enough prescription medications for your entire trip, plus extra days. High-quality hiking gear is best brought from home.

Sustainable Travel Items

Reusable Water Bottle

Reduces plastic waste.

Reusable Shopping Bag

For groceries and souvenirs.

Travel Utensils

Minimizes single-use plastics.

Digital Copies

Reduces paper consumption.

Alonnisos Specifics

Must-Haves

  • B&H Photo for camera gear.
  • Water shoes for pebble beaches.
  • A waterproof dry bag for boat trips.

Additional Considerations

  • Portable water filter if venturing off the beaten path.
  • A good book for relaxed beach days.
  • Binoculars for wildlife spotting in the Marine Park.

Packing Pro Tips

Pack light, quick-drying fabrics for summer visits. This simplifies laundry and keeps luggage manageable.

Water shoes are necessary for pebble beaches. They protect your feet from sharp stones and sea urchins.