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What to Pack & Bring

What to Pack & Bring

Athens, Greece

Summer Attire June - August

Pack lightweight, breathable fabrics like cotton and linen. These materials keep you cool in the heat. A light cardigan or jacket has use for cooler evenings, especially on island excursions.

Items

  • Shorts, T-shirts, Tank Tops, Sundresses.
  • Swimwear for beaches or pools.
  • Wide-brimmed hat and Sunglasses.

Shoulder/Winter Attire

Layering holds importance during shoulder seasons. For winter, warm, insulated layers come with the season. Cultural dress codes for religious sites suggest shoulders and knees be covered for both men and women.

Recommended Pieces

Footwear for Every Step

General Walking

Comfortable, broken-in Walking shoes or Sneakers are a must for daily exploration. Skechers Women's Go Walk Shoes are an example.

Pavements can be uneven.

Summer & Beaches

Sandals or open-toed shoes work for casual wear, but ensure good support for walking. Flip-flops work for beaches or around the hotel. A Quick-dry travel towel offers versatility.

Consider Water shoes for rocky shores.

Winter & Boat Trips

Waterproof shoes or boots handle rainy periods. For boat trips or ferries, non-slip sandals or deck shoes provide safety on slippery surfaces.

Rain readiness for comfortable travel.

Essential Documents for Travel

Important Papers

Proper documentation makes for smooth entry and exit. Keep both printed and digital copies of all important reservations. An emergency contact list, separate from your wallet and phone, holds value.

  • Valid passport and visa confirmation (if applicable).
  • Travel insurance policy details and emergency contact numbers.
  • International Driving Permit (IDP) with national license (for non-EU citizens driving).
  • Vaccination records and doctor's note for prescription medications.
  • Printed and digital copies of flight, accommodation, and ferry tickets.
  • Emergency contact information (family, embassy, bank).
  • Student/Senior/Press IDs for potential discounts.
  • A Travel document organizer keeps papers tidy.

Technology & Electronics

Power & Connectivity

Greece uses 230V electricity at 50Hz, with Type F (Schuko) and Type C plugs. A Universal travel adapter comes as a necessity. Check if your devices are dual-voltage. For mobile phones, Greece uses GSM networks (2G, 3G, 4G, 5G). Local SIM cards are available from COSMOTE, Vodafone, Nova. Airalo for eSIMs.

Charging Essentials

Photography & Apps

A Mirrorless camera or a good quality Smartphone camera captures the scenic views. Extra batteries and memory cards are prudent. Regularly back up photos and documents to cloud storage or an External hard drive. B&H Photo has camera gear.

Recommended Tools

Data Backup & Security

Cloud Storage

Use services like Google Photos or Dropbox for automatic photo and document backup.

External Drive

A physical External hard drive provides an additional backup layer.

Offline Maps

Download offline maps for navigation without internet access.

Health & Wellness Essentials

Personal First Aid Kit

A well-stocked personal health kit promotes comfort and readiness. A general Compact first aid kit has use for minor injuries or ailments.

Contents

Medications & Hygiene

Carry all prescription medications in original packaging, with a doctor's note. Include over-the-counter remedies for common issues like colds or headaches. Most common toiletries are available locally, but bring preferred brands if specific.

Supplies

Altitude & Sun Protection

Motion Sickness

  • Motion sickness medication for ferry trips.
  • Consider on rougher seas or high-speed hydrofoils.
  • Acupressure bands may also have use.

Activity-Specific Gear

Swimming & Beach

Essential items for enjoying Piraeus's coastal access or nearby island beaches.

Light Hiking & Exploring

Gear for comfortable exploration of Kastella Hill or island towns.

  • Sturdy walking shoes with good grip.
  • Small daypack for essentials.
  • Reusable water bottle.
  • Camera for scenic views.

Rent vs. Bring Decisions

Bring your own comfortable walking shoes. Rental of specialized gear is available locally.

  • Bring: personal items, preferred toiletries, prescription meds.
  • Rent: Snorkeling equipment (on islands).
  • Rent: Bikes (limited infrastructure in Piraeus).
  • Osprey Daylite Plus Backpack for versatility.

Equipment Choices

Items to Bring

  • Comfortable walking shoes.
  • Personal toiletries (if specific brands preferred).
  • Prescription medications with documentation.
  • A small daypack for excursions.

Items to Consider Renting/Buying Locally

  • Snorkeling or diving equipment for island trips.
  • Motorcycles or scooters (with caution in city traffic).
  • Bicycles for leisure along coastal paths.
  • Common toiletries or basic items (widely available).

Miscellaneous Must-Haves

Comfort & Security

Comfort items make travel more pleasant. Security items protect valuables. Most common items are available locally, but specific brands or specialty items might be harder to find.

Travel Aids

Eco-Friendly & Region-Specific

Reusable items aid in reducing waste. For Piraeus, a good camera captures the unique maritime scenes.

Sustainable & Unique Items

Sustainable Travel Ideas

Refill Bottle

Carry a reusable water bottle.

Reusable Bag

Use for shopping and markets.

Travel Utensils

Reduce plastic waste from street food.

Minimize Waste

Conscious consumption of single-use items.

Destination-Specific Items

For Port & Views

  • Good camera for expansive port views.
  • Binoculars for distant island observation.
  • Physical map for exploring local neighborhoods.

For Island Day Trips

  • Small, lightweight Backpack for essentials.
  • Headphones for ferry entertainment.
  • A book or e-reader for ferry travel.

Packing Pro Tips

Roll your clothes to save space and minimize wrinkles. Use packing cubes for better organization. Weigh your luggage before heading to the airport to avoid excess baggage fees.

Consider bringing a separate small bag for dirty laundry to keep packed items fresh.