Planning your vacation in Greece this year? Excellent choice! In this guide “Greece: What to Pack for Your Holiday” we’ll walk you through everything you need. Sun, beautiful beaches, rich history, and the unforgettable atmosphere of the Greek islands and mainland await you. To ensure your vacation goes smoothly and you don’t miss anything, we’ve prepared a complete list of things you should definitely pack in your suitcase.
TL;DR
Most Important Things for Greece:
- Documents: ID card or passport (children need their own document)
- Sun Protection: High SPF sunscreen, head covering, sunglasses
- Clothing: Light summer clothes, swimwear, something with long sleeves for churches
- Footwear: Sandals, water shoes (against sea urchins)
- Health: Basic first aid kit, Panthenol for sunburns
- Beach Gear: Snorkel and mask, beach bag, beach towel
- Travel Insurance, for example SafetyWing
Greece: What to Pack for Your Holiday
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Documents
Essential Documents:
- ID card or passport (valid for the entire duration of your stay)
- Travel insurance (SafetyWing) and European Health Insurance Card
- Flight tickets and accommodation documents
- Driver’s license (if you plan to rent a car or scooter)
For Families with Children:
- Children under 15 need their own travel document
- A passport is recommended instead of an ID card for better readability
Important: If you plan a trip to Turkey (for example, from Rhodes or Kos), a passport is required!
Useful Cards:
- ISIC student card – free entry to archaeological sites and state museums
- International driver’s license
Weather-Appropriate Clothing
Summer Clothing (June – September):
- Light, breathable clothing made from natural materials
- T-shirts, shorts, summer dresses
- Linen shirts for evenings
- Sweatshirt or sweater for air conditioning and evening chill
Special Clothing:
- Swimwear (ideally multiple pieces)
- Clothing with long sleeves and covered knees (for visiting churches and monasteries)
- Pajamas or sleeping shirt
- Sportswear for hiking
Winter Period (October – May):
- Warmer clothing
- Waterproof jacket
- Long trousers
Footwear for Various Activities
Basic Footwear:
- Sandals or flip-flops for the sea
- Comfortable shoes for walks and excursions
- Sturdy hiking boots (if you plan mountain hikes)
Water shoes – an absolute must!
- Protects against sea urchins (common near rocks)
- Prevents slipping on rocks
- Especially necessary on secluded beaches
Sun Protection
Basic Protection:
- Sunscreen with high SPF factor
- After-sun lotion
- Panthenol for sunburns
- Head covering (hat, cap)
- Quality sunglasses
For Sensitive Skin:
- Lip balm with UV filter
- Light scarf to cover shoulders
Beach and Water Gear
For Diving and Snorkeling:
- Diving mask and snorkel
- Fins (optional)
- Waterproof camera or phone case
Beach Equipment:
- Large beach bag
- Beach towel or sarong
- Beach mat or blanket
- Inflatable lounger (optional)
- Inflatable pillow
For Children:
- Swim armbands
- Sand toys (bucket, spades)
- Inflatable water toys
- Water gun, ball
First Aid Kit and Health
Basic Medications:
- Headache medication (Ibalgin, Paralen)
- Digestive medication (Endiaron, activated charcoal)
- Motion sickness medication (Kinedryl)
- Allergy medication (Zodac, Flonidan)
Medical Supplies:
- Panthenol for sunburns
- Fenistil gel for insect bites
- Disinfectant and plasters (waterproof)
- Thermometer
- Insect repellent
- Regular medications you take
Caution: Consult your doctor about the interaction of your medications with sun exposure!
Technology and Electronics
Basic Equipment:
- Mobile phone with activated roaming
- Chargers for all devices
- Power bank
- Camera and spare batteries
Useful Accessories:
- Waterproof phone case
- MP3 player for travel
- Headphones
Electricity: In Greece, the sockets are the same as in the Czech Republic, you don’t need an adapter.
Practical Items
For Meals:
- Sharp knife for cutting fruit
- Small tray or cutting board
- Water bottle
- Water purification tablets (on islands, tap water is not potable)
Other Essentials:
- Toilet paper (for the bus)
- Paper tissues
- Small laundry kit (detergent, line, pegs)
- Bags for dirty laundry
- Basic sewing kit
Money and Payments
- Cash in euros
- Payment cards (inform your bank about your trip)
- Check card limits
Tip: In Greece, cash is preferred over cards, especially in smaller shops.
Entertainment and Culture
For Leisure Time:
- Books or e-reader
- Cards, crosswords
- Notebook and pen for notes
- Addresses for postcards
Language Essentials:
- Basic Greek phrases
- Czech-English dictionary
- Area map
What NOT to Take to Greece
Prohibited Items:
- Metal detectors (strictly prohibited!)
- Drugs and narcotics
- Firearms
Quantity Restrictions:
- Alcohol and tobacco – observe permitted limits
- Souvenirs from the sea require special permits
Cultural Specifics
Greek Customs:
- Greeks are hospitable and friendly
- Tipping in restaurants: 5-10% of the bill
- Gesture for “no” = nodding the head forward
- Gesture for “yes” = slight nod
Inappropriate Gestures:
- Raised palm towards another person
- Thumb and index finger joined
Practical Information
Time Difference: Greece is 1 hour ahead of the Czech Republic Currency: Euro Drinking Water: On the islands, we recommend bottled water Toilets: Toilet paper should be thrown in the bin, not the toilet!
Frequently Asked Questions
Is an ID card enough for Greece, or do I need a passport?
An ID card is sufficient for Greece. A passport is only required for a trip to Turkey.
Do I need to bring a plug adapter?
No, the sockets in Greece are the same as in the Czech Republic.
Can I drink tap water?
On the mainland, yes; on the islands, bottled water is recommended due to desalinated seawater.
Does my Czech SIM card work in Greece?
Yes, Greece is part of the EU, so you pay the same rates as at home. Just be careful about connecting to Turkish operators near the Turkish borders.
Tips and Tricks for Your Vacation
Don’t Overpay for Flights
Search for flights on Kayak. It’s our favorite search engine because it scans the websites of all airlines and always finds the cheapest connection.
Book Your Accommodation Smartly
The best experiences we’ve had when looking for accommodation (from Alaska to Morocco) are with Booking.com, where hotels, apartments, and entire houses are usually the cheapest and most widely available.
Don’t Forget Travel Insurance
Good travel insurance will protect you against illness, accidents, theft, or flight cancellations. We’ve had a few hospital visits abroad, so we know how important it is to have proper insurance arranged.
Where we insure ourselves: SafetyWing (best for everyone) and TrueTraveller (for extra-long trips).
Why don’t we recommend any Czech insurance company? Because they have too many restrictions. They set limits on the number of days abroad, travel insurance via a credit card often requires you to pay medical expenses only with that card, and they frequently limit the number of returns to the Czech Republic.
Find the Best Experiences
Get Your Guide is a huge online marketplace where you can book guided walks, trips, skip-the-line tickets, tours, and much more. We always find some extra fun there!
