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What to Pack & Bring

What to Pack & Bring

Greece

Seasonal Clothing Guidelines

Choose clothing based on the season of your visit. Layering suits spring, autumn, and winter.

Considerations

Activity & Cultural Attire

Pack clothing for specific activities and respect cultural dress codes.

Important Reminders

Footwear Essentials

General Sightseeing Shoes

Comfortable Walking shoes or Sneakers are a must for city exploration and archaeological sites with uneven terrain.

Ideal for cobblestone streets.

Hiking Footwear

For trails on Mount Olympus, Hiking boots with good ankle support are recommended. Break them in before your trip.

Useful for mountain trails.

Beach Footwear

Sandals, flip-flops, or Water shoes are suitable for coastal areas and swimming in Chalkidiki.

Perfect for coastal relaxation.

Essential Documents

Critical Travel Paperwork

Ensure you carry all necessary documents in original and copy forms.

  • Original passport and any required visa documentation.
  • Physical and digital copies of your travel insurance policy.
  • International Driving Permit (IDP) if non-EU citizen driving.
  • Doctor's note for prescription medications, especially controlled substances.
  • Printed and digital copies of all reservations (flights, hotels, car rentals, tours).
  • Emergency contact list (family, doctor, embassy/consulate).
  • Student, senior, or press ID for potential discounts.
  • Consider a Travel document organizer for secure storage.

Technology & Electronics

Power & Connectivity

Ensure your devices remain charged and connected throughout your trip.

Electricals & SIM Cards

  • Greece uses Type F and C plugs (two round pins), 230V at 50Hz. A Universal travel adapter is advisable.
  • Check if devices are dual voltage (100-240V). A Voltage converter may be needed.
  • Local SIM cards are available from Cosmote, Vodafone, Wind Hellas (passport needed). Alternatively, consider an eSIM from Airalo.

Photography & Power Backups

Capture your memories and maintain device power on the go.

Gear & Essentials

Essential Apps & Resources

Navigation & Transit

Google Maps (offline maps), Moovit for public transit, FREE NOW (taxi app).

Translation & Food

Google Translate (offline Greek language pack), Wolt/Efood for delivery.

VPN Services

For secure browsing: NordVPN or ExpressVPN.

Health & Wellness Items

Medical Preparedness

Be ready for minor health issues and special medical needs.

Kit & Prescriptions

Protection & Hydration

Safeguard yourself from the elements and ensure constant hydration.

Outdoor Essentials

Specialized Health Considerations

Motion Sickness

  • If hiking at high altitudes (e.g., Mount Olympus).
  • Or taking boat trips (e.g., in Chalkidiki).
  • Consider bringing Motion sickness medication.

Personal Hygiene

  • Bring personal hygiene essentials.
  • Specific brands or products might be hard to find locally.
  • Travel-sized versions are convenient.

Activity-Specific Equipment

Hiking Gear

For extensive hikes on Mount Olympus, bring a comfortable backpack.

  • Hiking poles for support.
  • Durable Hiking shoes with good grip.
  • Proper layers for varying mountain weather.
  • Water and snacks for the trail.

Snorkeling/Swimming

For coastal areas in Chalkidiki, enjoy water activities.

Skiing Equipment

If visiting in winter for ski resorts like Kaimaktsalan and Seli.

  • Ski gear can be rented directly at the resorts.
  • Bringing your own gear is an option for avid skiers with specialized equipment.
  • This saves luggage space if renting.
  • Ensure proper winter clothing and accessories.

Gear Strategy: Rent vs. Bring

Benefits of Renting

  • Reduced luggage weight and bulk.
  • No airline baggage fees for oversized gear.
  • Access to well-maintained, up-to-date equipment.
  • Convenient for casual activities (e.g., snorkeling).

Benefits of Bringing Your Own

  • Familiarity and comfort with your own gear.
  • Guaranteed quality and fit for serious activities.
  • Cost-effective for very frequent use.
  • No time spent on rentals.

Miscellaneous Must-Haves

Comfort & Security

Items that improve comfort during travel and enhance personal security.

Travel Aids & Protection

Eco-Friendly & Niche Items

Reduce waste and ensure availability of specific products.

Sustainable Travel & Personal Needs

Sustainable Travel Choices

Reduce Plastic

Carry a reusable water bottle.

Reusable Bags

For shopping and markets.

Walk or Cycle

Explore local areas on foot or bike.

Support Local

Dine at local tavernas, buy from small businesses.

Region-Specific Essentials

Thessaloniki Exploration

  • A good city map or reliable navigation app.
  • Camera for historical sites and city scenes.
  • A phrasebook or translation app for basic Greek phrases.

Coastal & Mountain Ventures

  • Snorkeling gear for Chalkidiki's clear waters.
  • Headlamp/flashlight for early morning hikes or exploring ancient ruins.
  • Insect repellent, especially for evenings near water bodies.

Packing Pro Tips

Roll clothes tightly to save space and minimize wrinkles. Use packing cubes to organize your luggage and categorize items.

Wear your heaviest clothes and shoes on travel days to lighten your luggage weight. Keep a small bag or empty space for souvenirs.