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What to Pack & Bring

What to Pack & Bring

Greece

Summer Attire June-August

Pack lightweight, breathable fabrics like cotton and linen. Shorts, t-shirts, and sundresses suit daytime wear. A Light scarf or shawl offers sun protection or a cover-up for cooler evenings. Swimwear is a must for beach days or hotel pools.

Items

  • Lightweight tops and bottoms.
  • Sun protection/evening warmth.
  • Beach and pool outfits.

Shoulder Season April-May, Sep-Oct

Layers are beneficial. Bring t-shirts, Long-sleeved shirts, and light sweaters or cardigans for cooler evenings. A Light jacket or Windbreaker is useful for windy days or boat trips. Swimwear remains relevant as the sea stays warm enough for swimming, especially in September and October.

Layering Essentials

  • Versatile tops for varying temperatures.
  • Outer layers for wind and chill.
  • Swimwear for comfortable water activities.

Footwear Guide

Walking Shoes

Comfortable walking sandals or supportive Sneakers are a must for Oia's cobblestone streets and numerous steps. A lightweight, cushioned walking shoe is good for daily comfort.

Daily exploration

Hiking Boots

Sturdy Walking shoes or light hiking boots suit the Fira to Oia trail and volcanic terrain. Shoes with good ankle support and grip are good.

Trails & rugged terrain

Beach Footwear

Flip-flops or Water shoes are useful for rocky beaches and hot volcanic sands. A versatile sandal works well for both beach and casual use.

Beach & casual

Essential Documents

Important Records

Keeping your documents organized and accessible prevents unnecessary trip stress.

  • Carry original passport and any visa. Store digital and print copies separately.
  • Travel insurance policy info: policy number, emergency contacts, coverage summary.
  • International driving permit (if applicable): Needed if your home license is not English or fails to meet international standards.
  • Vaccination records and health documentation: Useful for medical emergencies or history requests.
  • Printed and digital copies of reservations for flights, hotels, and tours.
  • Emergency contact information: List of home contacts and local embassy/consulate.
  • Student/senior/press IDs for discounts (if applicable): An ISIC card may offer student discounts.
  • Proof of onward or return travel.

Technology & Electronics

Power & Connectivity

Greece uses 230V, 50Hz electricity. Plugs are Type C (two round pins) and Type F (two round pins with two earth clips). A Universal travel adapter with USB ports is a choice, for charging multiple devices.

Mobile Phone & SIM

  • Most modern smartphones work with Greek networks.
  • Local SIM cards (Vodafone, Cosmote, Wind) are available at airports, stores, or kiosks.
  • Wi-Fi is widespread in hotels, restaurants, and cafes.

Camera & Charging

For capturing Oia's stunning landscapes, a Mirrorless camera with a versatile lens (e.g., 18-105mm) works well. A Wide-angle lens is a good choice for expansive caldera views. A Tripod helps for sunset or low-light shots.

Power Accessories

Digital Safety Tools

VPN Services

NordVPN or ExpressVPN for secure browsing and accessing content.

ESIM Options

Airalo offers digital SIM cards, removing the need for physical card swaps.

Photography Retailer

B&H Photo for camera and electronics.

Health & Wellness Items

Essential First Aid

A small, well-stocked health kit prevents minor issues from affecting your trip. A Destination-specific first aid kit is a good idea.

Kit Contents

Medication & Protection

Pack enough prescription medications for your entire trip. Keep them in original packaging and carry a copy of the prescription and a doctor's note for customs. Over-the-counter medications for common issues include motion sickness pills (useful for ferry rides or boat tours), antacids, and cold/flu remedies.

Climate-Specific Items

Motion Sickness & Personal Care

Remedies for Travel

  • Motion sickness remedies are useful for ferry travel or boat tours around the caldera.
  • Over-the-counter medications for common ailments.
  • Doctor's note for prescription medications.

Hygiene & Comfort

  • While standard toiletries are available, pack specific brands you prefer.
  • A reusable water bottle helps cut down on plastic waste.
  • Personal care items that may be difficult to find locally.

Activity-Specific Equipment

Hiking Gear

Pack gear tailored to your planned adventures. For hiking, a Small backpack for water, snacks, and a light jacket is a good choice. Hiking poles are useful for the Fira to Oia trail if you prefer added stability.

  • Small backpack
  • Hiking poles
  • Moisture-wicking clothing
  • Sturdy walking shoes

Snorkeling & Swimming

For water activities, a Snorkel mask and fins can be brought, though often available for rent on boat tours or at beaches. A Quick-dry towel is practical.

  • Swimsuit
  • Quick-dry towel
  • Snorkel mask and fins
  • Water shoes

Photography Needs

In addition to your camera, pack extra batteries and memory cards. A tripod provides stability for sunset shots or low-light conditions. For action shots, especially if you plan water activities, a rugged Action camera is a good option.

  • Extra batteries
  • Memory cards
  • Tripod
  • Action camera (optional)

Rent vs. Bring Equipment

Items Readily Available for Rent

  • Snorkeling gear is often available for rent on boat tours or at beaches.
  • ATVs/Scooters are widely available for rent across the island.
  • Cars are available for rent at Santorini Airport or in Fira.
  • Assessing the cost and convenience of renting is a good practice.

Items to Consider Bringing

  • No items are uniquely specific to Oia beyond general Travel gear.
  • The need for comfortable walking shoes is paramount due to many steps and paths.
  • Specialized camera equipment or specific hiking gear may be more expensive locally.
  • Personal care items or specific over-the-counter medications you prefer.

Miscellaneous Must-Haves

Travel Comfort & Security

Small additions enhance comfort and convenience during your trip.

Comfort & Protection

Reusable & Climate-Specific Items

Help reduce environmental impact and enhance your experience.

Eco-Friendly & Oia Specific

Sustainable Travel Choices

Recycle Properly

Look for recycling bins for plastic bottles and other waste.

Reusable Coffee Cup

Reduce single-use cup waste by bringing your own.

Carry Reusable Bags

For shopping and souvenirs, skip plastic bags.

Support Eco-Tourism

Choose accommodations and tours with sustainable practices.

Destination Specific Items

Oia Essentials

  • A good hat for sun protection.
  • Sunglasses for bright conditions.
  • High-SPF sunscreen for intense Mediterranean sun.

General Travel

  • Extra camera batteries to capture all moments.
  • Offline maps downloaded to your phone.
  • A travel journal to record your experiences.

Packing Smart

Consider rolling clothes to save space and reduce wrinkles. Use packing cubes for better organization within your luggage.

Create a checklist a few days before your trip to avoid forgetting important items.