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What to Pack & Bring

What to Pack & Bring

Northeastern Aegean Islands, Greece

Summer Attire June-August

Pack lightweight, breathable fabrics like cotton, linen, and rayon. Shorts, t-shirts, sundresses, and skirts are ideal for daytime. Bring several Swimsuits. For cooler evenings, a Light jacket, cardigan, or Shawl proves useful. Clothing with UV protection is wise for extensive outdoor time.

Summer Packing Essentials

  • Lightweight clothes: shorts, t-shirts, dresses.
  • Multiple swimsuits.
  • Light jacket/cardigan for evenings.

Shoulder & Winter Attire

For shoulder seasons (April-May, September-October), layers are important: t-shirts, light Long-sleeved shirts, sweaters, and a waterproof light jacket for occasional rain. Trousers, jeans, or capris work well. Swimsuits are still relevant. For winter (November-March), pack warmer layers: sweaters, fleeces, and a Waterproof and windproof jacket for higher precipitation and potential winds. Comfortable walking shoes are useful.

Seasonal Layering

  • Shoulder: t-shirts, light sweaters, waterproof jacket.
  • Winter: warmer sweaters, fleeces, windproof jacket.
  • Comfortable walking shoes for all seasons.

Footwear Recommendations

General & Sightseeing

Wear Comfortable walking sandals, Sneakers, or lightweight closed-toe shoes. Expect much walking when exploring towns and archaeological sites.

Urban areas, historical sites

Beach & Coves

Flip-flops, espadrilles, or slip-on sandals are useful for sandy beaches. For rocky beaches or exploring coves, Water shoes with a sturdy sole guard against sharp rocks and sea urchins.

Beaches, rocky areas

Hiking

Lightweight Hiking sandals or sturdy hiking shoes with good ankle support suit the island's trails. Moisture-wicking Socks prevent blisters.

Hiking trails, mountainous terrain

Essential Documents

Documents for Your Journey

Keep both original and copies of important papers.

  • Passport and visa documentation.
  • Travel insurance policy information.
  • International driving permit (if driving).
  • Vaccination records and health documentation.
  • Printed and digital copies of reservations.
  • Emergency contact information.
  • Student/senior/press IDs for discounts.
  • Keep digital backups of all critical documents.

Technology & Electronics

Power & Connectivity

Greece uses 230V electricity at 50Hz, with Type F (Schuko) and Type C power outlets. Bring a Power adapter to match. Most modern electronics are dual voltage. Local SIM cards from Cosmote, Vodafone, or Wind (now Nova) offer good coverage and affordable data plans. Airalo eSIM offers a flexible digital option.

Tech Essentials

  • European travel plug adapter (Type C/F).
  • Local SIM card or eSIM for mobile data.
  • VPN services (NordVPN, ExpressVPN) for secure browsing.

Photography & Power

A mirrorless or DSLR camera captures high-quality landscapes and historical sites. A Smartphone with a good camera often suffices for casual photography. Consider a Waterproof action camera, like a GoPro, for underwater photos. Portable chargers and power banks are essential for keeping your devices charged throughout long days of exploring.

Capture & Charge

  • Camera (DSLR/mirrorless) or quality smartphone.
  • Waterproof action camera for snorkeling.
  • Portable power banks.

Data Backup & Security

Cloud Storage

Use services like Google Drive or Dropbox to back up photos and important documents. This digital copy protects against loss or damage to physical devices.

External Hard Drive

A Small external hard drive provides a physical backup for large photo libraries, especially for photographers or those with many media files.

Important Apps

Google Maps (offline maps), Google Translate (offline language packs), and Ferryhopper/OpenSeas (for ferry schedules) are valuable tools. Your airline/hotel apps simplify check-ins and reservations.

Health & Wellness Items

Personal Health Kit

A well-stocked personal health kit protects against minor issues. Pack basic pain relievers (e.g., Ibuprofen, paracetamol), antiseptic wipes, various sizes of bandages, blister plasters, anti-diarrhea medication, and antihistamines. A small, ready-made Travel first aid kit serves well.

Medication Essentials

  • Basic pain relievers & first aid supplies.
  • Prescription medications (with documentation).
  • Over-the-counter remedies for common issues.

Sun & Insect Protection

High-SPF Sunscreen and After-sun lotion are necessary for Thasos's sunny climate. Mosquito repellent is also important, especially for evenings near coastal areas. While tap water is generally safe, a Filtered water bottle or Purification tablets might be useful for extensive hiking in remote regions.

Preventative Care

  • High-SPF sunscreen & after-sun lotion.
  • Insect repellent (DEET or picaridin).
  • Optional water purification for remote areas.

Altitude & Motion Sickness

Altitude Considerations

  • Thasos is not a high-altitude destination.
  • Hiking Mount Ipsarion (highest peak) does not cause altitude sickness.
  • No specific altitude sickness medication is needed.

Motion Sickness

  • Ferry crossings are short (35-40 min from Keramoti).
  • Consider motion sickness medication if prone to it.
  • Winding roads, especially in the interior, may cause motion sickness.

Activity-Specific Equipment

Hiking

For trails: a Lightweight daypack for water and snacks, optional Trekking poles for challenging routes, and sturdy hiking shoes with good grip. Moisture-wicking clothing and socks are also suggested.

  • Daypack
  • Trekking poles (optional)
  • Hiking shoes/trainers
  • Moisture-wicking clothes

Snorkeling & Beach

A Snorkel mask and fins (or Full-face mask) for clear waters. A Beach cover-up or sarong. For rocky areas, Water shoes protect your feet. A Waterproof phone pouch is useful.

  • Snorkel mask and fins
  • Beach cover-up/sarong
  • Water shoes
  • Waterproof phone pouch

Cycling

While bicycles are available for rent, bringing your own Helmet is always a good idea for fit and hygiene. Consider a bike repair kit if you plan extensive rides in remote areas. Lights are recommended for evening cycling.

  • Helmet (mandatory)
  • Bike repair kit (optional)
  • Lights for evening rides
  • Suitable cycling attire

Rent vs. Bring Decision Matrix

Rent Convenience

  • Snorkeling gear: Widely available, good for occasional use.
  • Bicycles: Available from shops in towns and resorts.
  • Cars/ATVs: Readily available for exploring the island.
  • Beach umbrellas/sunbeds: Available for rent at organized beaches.

Bring Quality & Preference

  • Personal snorkel mask: For better fit and hygiene.
  • Hiking shoes: If you have specific comfort needs for long treks.
  • Specialty sunscreen/repellent: If you rely on particular brands.
  • Portable power banks: For consistent device charging.

Miscellaneous Must-Haves

Comfort & Security

A Travel neck pillow aids comfort during long journeys. An Eye mask and earplugs foster better sleep. A Money belt or secure neck wallet safely conceals valuables. A Small padlock for luggage and an RFID-blocking wallet contribute to peace of mind.

Personal Items

  • Travel neck pillow, eye mask, earplugs.
  • Money belt or secure neck wallet.
  • Small padlock for luggage.
  • RFID-blocking wallet.

Reusable & Practical Items

A Reusable water bottle aids hydration and reduces plastic waste. A Reusable shopping bag is handy for groceries or souvenirs. Travel utensils are optional but useful for picnics. High-SPF specialty sunscreens, specific brands of insect repellent, or certain over-the-counter medications might be more expensive or harder to find locally.

Thasos Specifics

  • Reusable water bottle.
  • Reusable shopping bag.
  • Comfortable walking shoes.
  • Wide-brimmed hat for sun protection.

Sustainable Travel Items

Reusable Water Bottle

Reduces plastic waste and costs.

Reusable Shopping Bag

Minimizes single-use plastic bags.

Solid Toiletries

Reduces liquid waste and spills.

Reef-Safe Sunscreen

Protects marine ecosystems.

Destination-Specific Items

For Island Exploration

  • A physical map of the island for offline navigation.
  • Binoculars for bird watching or scenic views.
  • A local phrasebook or translation app.

For Comfort & Culture

  • Wide-brimmed hat for sun protection.
  • Versatile scarf or shawl for modesty at religious sites and evening warmth.
  • Hand sanitizer for hygiene on the go.

Packing Pro Tips

Roll your clothes to maximize space and minimize wrinkles. Use packing cubes to organize your luggage and make it easier to find items. Pack travel-sized toiletries to save space and weight.

Wear your heaviest shoes and jacket on travel days to reduce luggage weight. Always check the weather forecast for Thasos before you pack to refine your clothing choices.