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What to Pack & Bring

What to Pack & Bring

Greece

Summer Attire June-August

Lightweight, breathable fabrics such as cotton and linen are optimal. Pack shorts, t-shirts, sundresses, and multiple Swimsuits. A light cardigan or long-sleeved shirt for evenings or air-conditioned spaces provides comfort and sun protection.

Summer Essentials

  • Light, breathable clothing (cotton, linen)
  • Light cardigan or long-sleeved shirt for evenings
  • Multiple swimsuits

Shoulder/Winter Attire

Shoulder seasons (April-May, Sep-Oct) gain from layering: t-shirts, light Long-sleeved shirts, light sweaters, or fleeces. A Light jacket or Windbreaker proves useful. Winter (Nov-Mar) calls for warmer layers and a Waterproof and windproof jacket.

Layering for Comfort

Footwear Recommendations

Old Town/Sightseeing

Rethymno's Old Town features uneven cobblestone streets. Comfortable walking shoes or sturdy sandals with good support are essential. Avoid high heels.

Walkable but uneven.

Beaches & Water

Flip-flops or casual sandals suit sandy beaches. For rocky coves or sea urchins, Water shoes (e.g., Speedo Men's Surfwalker Water Shoes) provide protection.

Water protection.

Hiking & Trails

Sturdy Hiking shoes or trail runners offer optimal support and grip for gorges, mountain trails, or rough terrain. Consider Teva Women's Hurricane XLT2 Sandals for lighter trails.

Rugged terrain.

Essential Documents

Important Travel Papers

Organizing and securing your travel documents remains a main concern for a smooth journey. Keep papers in a secure location.

  • Valid passport and any required visas.
  • Travel insurance policy details (printed or digital).
  • International Driving Permit (IDP) with home license (if renting car, non-EU).
  • Vaccination records and health documentation (e.g., doctor's note for medications).
  • Printed/digital copies of flight, accommodation, car, tour reservations.
  • Emergency contact list (family, embassy/consulate).
  • Student/Senior/Press IDs for potential discounts.
  • Secure storage: a Travel wallet or hotel safe.

Technology & Electronics

Power & Connectivity

Greece utilizes Type C and F electrical outlets (two-round-pin European plugs), 230V at 50Hz. An Universal travel adapter for Europe is necessary. Devices operating on different voltages (e.g., 110V from North America) need a Voltage converter. Most modern electronics are dual voltage.

Connectivity Options

  • Local prepaid SIM cards (Vodafone, Cosmote, Wind) offer affordable data.
  • Consider roaming plans from your home provider.
  • For secure browsing, consider NordVPN or ExpressVPN.

Device Support & Apps

A Portable charger or Power bank (e.g., Anker PowerCore Fusion Portable Charger) maintains device charge. B&H Photo for camera needs.

Useful Applications

  • Navigation: Google Maps (online/offline), Maps.me (offline maps).
  • Translation: Google Translate (offline Greek download).
  • Local Services: TripAdvisor, Google Reviews.

Data & Security

Data Backup

Regularly back up photos and important documents to cloud storage (Google Photos, iCloud, Dropbox) or an External hard drive.

Travel Wallets

A Money belt secures passports and cash. RFID-blocking wallet (e.g., Alphahider RFID Blocking Travel Wallet) protects cards.

Luggage Security

Luggage locks provide peace of mind for bags. Airalo for eSIMs.

Health & Wellness Items

Personal Health Kit

A well-stocked personal health kit manages minor ailments and sustains comfort. A First aid kit with basics, like Band-aids, pain relievers (Ibuprofen), and Hydrocortisone cream, provides utility.

Medication & Hydration

Sun & Insect Protection

High-SPF Mineral sunscreen with UVA/UVB protection gains importance due to the strong Mediterranean sun. After-sun lotion soothes skin after sun exposure.

Repellents & Hygiene

  • Insect repellent (DEET or picaridin-based) for mosquito protection.
  • Personal hygiene items, as specific brands might not reside locally.
  • Consider an Adventure Medical Kit for comprehensive first aid.

Altitude & Motion Sickness

Altitude Considerations

  • Rethymno resides at sea level.
  • Trips to mountainous areas present higher elevations.
  • No specific altitude sickness precautions for most visits.

Motion Sickness

  • Ferry journeys or winding mountain roads may induce motion sickness.
  • Carry appropriate motion sickness medication if prone to it.
  • Over-the-counter options for comfort on routes.

Activity-Specific Equipment

Hiking Gear

For strenuous treks, a Small daypack and appropriate footwear are essential. Hiking poles provide stability on uneven terrain.

  • Sturdy hiking shoes
  • Layers of clothing
  • Water bottle
  • Sun protection

Snorkeling/Diving

While gear rental is available, bringing your own Mask and snorkel offers a proper fit and hygiene. Fins, often bulky, remain available for rent locally.

  • Personal mask and snorkel
  • Swimsuit
  • Water shoes
  • Underwater camera (optional)

Beach Essentials

A Quick-dry beach towel, a Wide-brimmed sun hat, and quality Sunglasses prove useful for beach days. A cover-up for walking to and from the beach is practical.

  • Quick-dry towel
  • Sun hat
  • Sunglasses
  • Beach bag

Rent vs. Bring Decision

Items to Rent Locally

  • Bikes, scooters, ATVs, or cars.
  • Full diving gear from dive centers.
  • Kayaks or paddleboards for water activities.
  • Beach chairs and umbrellas at organized beaches.

Items to Bring from Home

  • Personal Snorkel mask and fins (for preferred fit).
  • Specialized Hiking boots for specific requirements.
  • High-quality photography equipment (consider B&H Photo for gear).
  • Specific brands of toiletries or medications.

Miscellaneous Must-Haves

Comfort & Security

Comfort items for transportation, like a Travel pillow (e.g., Cabeau Evolution S3 Travel Pillow), Eye mask, and Earplugs, contribute to a pleasant journey. Security items protect valuables.

Security Items

Reusable & Region-Specific

Reusable items aid sustainability and convenience. A Reusable water bottle minimizes plastic waste. A Reusable shopping bag serves market visits.

Region-Specific & Practicalities

  • Reusable utensils for street food.
  • A Light shawl or sarong for religious site visits.
  • Specialty medications or specific toiletries may not reside locally.
  • No particular specialty items for Rethymno beyond general Mediterranean travel.

Sustainable Travel Items

Reusable Water Bottle

Reduces plastic waste, stays hydrated.

Reusable Shopping Bag

For markets and groceries, avoids plastic bag fees.

Reusable Cutlery Set

For street food and picnics, minimizes single-use plastic.

Reef-Safe Sunscreen

Protects marine ecosystems during swimming.

Cultural & Site-Specific Items

Religious Sites

  • Modest attire (shoulders and knees covered) is mandatory.
  • A light shawl or sarong provides impromptu coverage.
  • This practice shows respect for local customs.

Old Town Exploration

  • Comfortable walking shoes are for cobblestone streets.
  • A camera captures the picturesque architecture.
  • A physical map aids navigation in winding alleys.

Packing Pro Tips

Pack a small, collapsible daypack. This proves useful for day trips, beach visits, or carrying souvenirs.

Roll clothes to save space and minimize wrinkles.