Pack for Greece: Your Ultimate Summer Packing Guide
The Peloponnese, where Kalamata is located on the southwest coast, is one of Greece’s crown jewels. In the summer, the country is a sun-drenched paradise. Imagine clear blue skies, pleasant beach days, historic sites nearby, and evenings spent enjoying delicious seafood and local wine. From the mythical locations of Olympia and Mycenae to the olive fields surrounding Kalamata, the Peloponnese region is a gem of natural beauty, history and culture. Warm Mediterranean temperatures welcome summer tourists, providing opportunities to enjoy the sun on the charming beaches of Kalamata and Nafplio. Given the well-known hot, dry, and clear summers (average highs in August are close to 88°F/31°C), packing wisely is essential to enjoying everything without sweating, or worse, being caught unprepared.
Proper packing is essential since a well-made kit keeps you comfortable and prepared for any journey. Having the right equipment makes dealing with the hot sun, the windy mountain paths, and even an unexpected sudden move to a coastal taverna easier. It means you can trek Taygetos without getting blisters, walk Kalamata’s cobbled Old Town at ease, and look wonderful on the beach. Additionally, because Peloponnese summers are crowded, careful planning, including carrying a carry-on, can prevent problems in the event that flights are delayed. To put it briefly, consider this list your travel companion’s guide to what to pack for Greece. It will help you avoid last-minute shopping trips and unexpectedly heavy luggage.
Clothes to Pack for Greece
Lightweight and breathable clothing is essential in Greece’s hot summers. Consider organic fabrics, such as linen and cotton, that allow your skin to breathe. For women, bring a few shorts, skirts, or sundresses, along with a few tank tops and light blouses or t-shirts. A light maxi dress or two is ideal for a pleasant dinner as well as for daytime walking. Remember to bring a cover-up or a casual scarf (a sarong can be used as a temple shawl when you visit churches or as a beach wrap). Add a lightweight shawl or cardigan for cool evenings or air-conditioned restaurants. The essentials are completed with socks and underwear (quick-dry is excellent).
Similar recommendations apply to men: pack two to three pairs of shorts and three to five T-shirts (neutral colours are the best for mixing and matching). You can dress up for dinner with a few linen or lightweight button-up shirts, keeping you cooler than cotton. Bring one pair of light pants or chinos for evenings or when you go to a finer bar. For men, it’s also a good idea to wear a light long-sleeve shirt or a thin sweater if the weather cools off or you end up at a windy rooftop bar. Naturally, don’t forget your underwear and pyjamas. This is a brief overview table for clothes:
| Category | Women | Men |
|---|---|---|
| Tops | Tank tops, short-sleeve blouses, t-shirts | Breathable t-shirts, short-sleeve or linen shirts |
| Bottoms | Shorts, skirts, light pants, summer dresses | Shorts, linen or cotton pants (lightweight) |
| Layers | Light cardigan or shawl, one long-sleeve shirt | Light sweater or jacket (nights) |
| Swimwear | 1–2 swimsuits, beach cover-up or sarong | 1–2 swim trunks, optional rash guard |
| Evening Wear | One nice dress/top for dinner | One dressy button-up shirt or polo |
| Accessories | Sun hat, sunglasses, scarf/shawl | Cap or hat, sunglasses |
TIP: To re-wear items, pack neutral colours that you can mix and match. Greeks are known for their neat yet casual attire; you’ll look great in summer dresses and collared shirts during dinner. Thongs (Flip-flops) are acceptable in beach towns and on islands. However, many restaurants and historic sites demand a little more coverage (no beachwear or bare chests outside of beach zones). Bring a sweater or a lightweight jacket for the surprisingly cool mountain evenings and air-conditioned cafes.
Footwear to Pack for Greece
In Greece’s summer, footwear is crucial. You’ll need a pair of comfortable walking shoes or sneakers for sightseeing. Good support is essential because many of the Peloponnese have uneven stone streets and hiking routes. Bring appropriate sneakers or hiking shoes if you intend to trek (for example, up Taygetos or archeological sites).
Additionally, pack a pair of sandals: a pair of more nicer sandals (such as leather strappy ones) for evenings out and a pair of more casual sandals (such as thongs or slides) for the beach and town walks. Women’s strappy summer sandals can be worn both during the day and at night. For dinners at restaurants, men can bring a pair of loafers or more nicer sandals.
If you intend to spend time at the beach or on a boat, consider water shoes or sturdy thongs for rough shores. (Stones are along the shores of some Kalamata beaches.) Additionally, it’s a good idea to have socks, even thin ones, for early hikes or hotel shoes.
Men's Footwear
Thongs or slides, one pair of leather or stylish sandals, comfortable hiking sandals, and casual sneakers or trail shoes.
Women's Footwear
One pair of dressier sandals, flip-flops, water shoes, sturdy walking sneakers or trainers, and comfortable flat sandals for the day.
Beach Essentials to Pack for Greece
Beach time is a major part of summer in Greece. In order to avoid being caught without a wet swimsuit, bring at least two of your favourite swimsuits. Men should have board shorts or bathers (swim trunks) (and perhaps a rash guard for sun or snorkelling), while women may carry a bikini and a one-piece. Remember to bring a sarong or cover-up.
Although most hotels supply towels, bring a sarong or a quick-dry beach towel. Additionally useful is a lightweight beach mat or blanket. Sunscreen is a must (SPF 50+ is advised) and bring more than you think you’ll need, as even rapid reapplication is required. Similarly, using aloe gel or after-sun lotion for sunburn is good.
Other beach items:
Hat & Sunglasses
A broad-brimmed cap or hat and UV-blocking sunglasses are essential to pack for Greece. (Now is the time to use that floppy sunhat!) Find the right sunglasses to pack for Greece here.
Beach Bag
Something to carry your gear, as this is essential to pack for Greece (books, snacks, etc.). If you’re looking for a beach bag, here is a suggested one for women to pack for Greece.
Snorkeling Gear
Bring your mask/snorkel if you snorkel, as they are essential to pack for Greece if you love to snorkel. The Peloponnese waters can be wonderfully clear.
Reusable Water Bottle
Stay hydrated under the sun. (Tap water in Kalamata is usually fine, but carrying water is smart.)
Beach Footwear
Thongs or water shoes to protect feet from hot sand or rocky beaches are essential to pack for Greece.
A tiny travel beach umbrella or sunshade can be helpful even if resorts have loungers (particularly on less equipped beaches). Bring at least a lightweight sarong or scarf, which can be used as an impromptu picnic blanket, additional sun protection, or beach cover-up.
Toiletries & Health Essentials to Pack for Greece
Packing a small toiletry kit is key. Travel-size or full-size, depending on length:
Sun Protection
Apart from sunscreen (mentioned above), pack sunburn relief (aloe gel or after-sun lotion) and lip balm with SPF, as they are essential to pack for Greece.
Medications
The basics include painkillers, antacids, antihistamines, allergy medications, and prescription medications (in their original bottles). If you use an EpiPen or inhaler, have one on hand. “Your essential carry-on list includes prescription medications,” one blogger reminds us.
Personal Hygiene
Toothbrush, toothpaste, shampoo/conditioner, soap, deodorant (roll-on) and floss are essential to pack for Greece. Greek pharmacies carry most brands, but if you have a favourite, bring it.
First Aid Kit
Band-Aids (for blisters!), antiseptic wipes, tweezers and motion-sickness pills (for boat or winding mountain drives) are essential to pack for Greece.
Insect Repellent
The coast has mosquitoes in the evening. Pack a small bug spray.
Toilet Paper
Public restrooms can run out of toilet paper, so carry tissues or toilet paper squares, especially if you use rural bathrooms.
Feminine Products
Bring your preferred pads/tampons if needed.
Consider bringing a packet of wet wipes or hand sanitiser for days out. Remember your contact lens supplies, sunglasses case (if you wear one), and any grooming or cosmetics you use.
Two Travel Tips about Greek Toiletries: Don’t bring too much shampoo or soap because many hotels provide it. However, sunscreen and insect repellent are recommended because they can be more expensive locally.
In Greece, flushing toilet paper down the toilet isn’t recommended in some places, as the toilet pipes are ancient and narrow. Flushing multiple toilet paper down the toilet would lead to plumbing issues and clogs in older buildings. Instead, use the bins provided in the restroom to dispose of the used toilet paper.
Electronics & Gadgets to Pack for Greece
Keep electronics simple:
Smartphone
(+ charger, headphones) – crucial for maps, photos, and translation apps.
Camera
If you’re a photographer, bring an extra SD card or battery, as they are essential to pack for Greece if taking photos with your camera. Otherwise, your phone camera will do just fine for most shots. If you’re looking for a great camera to take photos and videos with, here is an excellent Sony camera you can get to pack for Greece.
Travel Adapter
Greece uses the standard European plug (Type C/E/F, 220V). Bring along at least one universal adaptor. While many hotels also have USB ports, outlets require an adaptor. If you’re looking for a great travel adapter, here is one you can get to pack for Greece.
Power Bank
A portable charger/power bank to top up phones during long days out. Outlets may not always be convenient on a boat or while hiking. If you’re looking for a reliable power bank, here is an excellent INIU power bank you can get to pack for Greece.
E-reader
For the beach or nights (airplane mode saves battery too!). The Amazon Kindle is a suggested and popular choice if you’re looking for an e-reader to pack for Greece.
Extra Batteries & Chargers
If you use a camera or other gadgets, bring spare batteries or chargers as they are essential to pack for Greece.
Headlamp or Flashlight
Handy if you ever walk on a dark beach path or for power outages (rare but possible). If you want the best flashlight, here is an excellent LE flashlight you can get to pack for Greece.
To avoid being lost without internet, a brilliant idea is to use Google Maps offline areas to download offline maps of the Peloponnese or Greece regions to your phone. Additionally, ensure your phone plan includes data in Greece or consider getting an international SIM card. Free Wi-Fi is available at many cafes and hotels, although in more isolated locations, data may be inconsistent.
Documents & Money to Pack for Greece
Keep copies of your passport with you at all times (keep one digital backup and one in your luggage). Although Greece is a member of the EU, ensure you have the required visas if you travel from outside. Travellers frequently keep a printed or online copy of their travel insurance policy.
In your wallet/bag:
Passport + ID
And a photocopy of the ID page in case (kept separate from the original), as it is essential to pack for Greece.
Driver’s License
If you plan to drive/rent a car, bring your license as it is essential to pack for Greece. An international driver’s permit may be needed for some nationalities.
Travel Insurance Documents
Even a photo of them is good as they are essential to pack for Greece.
Plane/Train Tickets & Hotel Bookings
Printouts or app confirmations for all reservations and transport are essential to pack for Greece. Having a physical copy can save stress if the internet is inconsistent.
Emergency Contacts
Written list of emergency contacts and your country’s embassy info (just in case).
Credit/Debit Cards
Cards are widely accepted, especially in Kalamata and major spots, but have at least one backup card in case, as it is essential to pack for Greece.
Cash (Euros)
The Euro is used in Greece. While many cities and towns have ATMs, small businesses or taxi drivers could only accept cash. Having between 50 and 100 euros in smaller coins and bills for tipping, local markets, and villages is a good idea. Don’t assume every little café outside of cities has a card machine.
Wallet/Belt
A money belt or neck wallet can keep cash and cards secure during excursions. They are essential to pack for Greece.
Keep in mind that the recommended carry-on list includes a passport + two hard copies, prescription medications, cash (euros), and credit cards, as they are essential to pack for Greece. To put it briefly, you should have money and documents in your daypack so that you can quickly access them when you need them rather than frantically searching through your luggage.
Extras & Other Must-Haves to Pack for Greece
Here are a few miscellaneous packing tips that can make your trip smoother:
Daypack/Backpack
Bring a medium-sized daypack for hikes and walking tours, as it is essential to pack for Greece. A backpack with secure zippers is ideal for carrying water, sunscreen, a camera, and souvenirs. If you want a good backpack for exploring, here is one to get.
Pack Cubes or Organisers
To keep your suitcase tidy and save space (Seriously, packing cubes are a game-changer.)
Travel Pillow
If you’re doing long flights or bus rides, a neck pillow helps. If you want a great travel pillow, this one is for you to pack for Greece.
Reusable Water Bottle
Greece can be hot and surprisingly dry. Staying hydrated is key. Refillable bottles (filtered if you prefer) will save money and plastic, and it is essential to pack for Greece.
Zip-lock Bags
This is essential to pack for Greece, whether for wet swimsuits, snacks, or to protect electronics from sand.
Snacks
A few bars or trail mix for long travel days or hikes. Greek village shops might not have exactly what you like.
Entertainment
A deck of cards or small games for ferries or lazy beach days.
Laundry Supplies
If you’re on a longer trip, a travel laundry kit (sink stopper + soap) can be handy for washing clothes, which makes it essential to pack for Greece.
Travel Documents Holder
Keep passports, tickets, and cash in one zippered pouch (consider RFID-blocking for extra security), as it is essential to pack for Greece.
Umbrella/Poncho
Summer rain is rare, but a small foldable umbrella or thin rain jacket is nice to have in case of a freak shower.
Locks and packing cubes are on some ultimate lists. While they may not be spectacular, having a well-organised bag with safe zippers is ideal when travelling. Lastly, pack a small flashlight, extra memory cards, and a charger for your phone or camera, as they are essential to pack for Greece.
Packing Tips for Men and Women
Some packing needs are universal, but here are a few gender-specific suggestions:
Men
Consider packing a belt (if necessary), maybe one pair of khakis or chinos for a dressier look, and a sun hat or a cap to prevent sunburn. If you shave, you are aware of what your razor needs and maybe aftershave (a burn from the sun and aftershave is unpleasant, so bring a mild or alcohol-free lotion). Shorts that dry quickly are ideal for transitioning from swimming to hiking. For trips that involve snorkelling or significant sun exposure, bring at least one swimsuit or rashguard.
Women
In addition to clothes, bring enough bras and underwear (sports bras if you have active days planned). Pack a few dresses or skirts that you may wear to different places. They are light and cover the knees, which is helpful while visiting temples. You can use a lightweight scarf or wrap to protect yourself from sunburn, wrap for church or temple visits, or keep warm in air conditioning. Bring only the necessities if you wear makeup because Greek humidity is rough on makeup layers anyway! Because of the strong winds on boats, don’t forget to bring hair ties and clips.
Both men and women should pack a swimsuit, at least one pair of long pants, and a long-sleeve shirt (it can even be a thin button-down or dress) for cooler nights or more conservative restaurants, as they are essential to pack for Greece.
Keep in mind that versatility is crucial. Every piece should serve multiple uses.
Travel Tips for Kalamata & the Peloponnese
Finally, a few region-specific pointers to make the most of your trip:
Peak Season & Planning
The Greek summer is the busiest time of year, particularly July and August. Accommodations, car rentals, and tours fill up quickly in summer, so book your flights, rental car, and accommodation in advance. June or September are slightly colder, but still have great beaches if you want to avoid the crowds.
Greek Climate
As mentioned, Kalamata/Peloponnese experiences hot, dry summers. Plan your activities for the mornings and late afternoons, and look for midday beach time or shade. Wear light colours and fabrics that are simple to breathe in. Mountain air or sea breezes in the evening can be chilly (between 18 and 22°C), so pack a lightweight jacket or sweater.
Local Culture
Greeks are friendly, laid-back, and respectful. You’ll see beachwear everywhere in places like Kalamata, but be mindful of the clothing requirements for places of worship. Cover your knees and shoulders (no sleeveless clothing) when in churches and monasteries. Women can do this with ease while wearing a sarong or shawl. It is not a good idea for men to be shirtless in public (well, on a beach!). Always say “Kalimera” (good morning) and “Efharisto” (thank you) when you greet someone. Locals really appreciate it when visitors speak a few Greek words.
Local Transport
Because of its size, the Peloponnese is best seen by car. Although the roads are generally good, they are winding and narrow across mountains, so drive cautiously. Keep in mind that Greeks drive on the right. Your rental may require an international driving permit. Although schedules can be irregular, KTEL buses connect large towns (Kalamata, Sparta, Nafplio, etc.) for those who would rather not drive. In towns, taxis operate. Most of Kalamata’s attractions can be reached on foot or by a quick taxi.
Money
Hotels and restaurants in Kalamata accept credit and debit cards. However, smaller tavernas and villages require cash. Tipping is not required. However, it is appreciated (5–10%). For public restrooms, carry spare change (usually €0.50).
Day Trips & Excursions
The Diros Caves, the Mani Peninsula, and ancient Messini are easy day trips from Kalamata. Bring plenty of water and hiking gear if you plan to hike in the neighbouring Taygetos. Suppose you catch one of the breathtaking sunsets across the Gulf of Messinia. Because the Peloponnese is on migratory routes, bring binoculars if you enjoy birdwatching.
Eat & Drink
Think of bringing home a little bottle of local olive oil as a memento since the Peloponnese is known for its olive oil and olives (the “Kalamata olive” is particularly well-known worldwide). Seafood and fresh feta will become staples of the diet. When dining out, remember that many restaurants may close in the middle of the afternoon and open late (8–9pm).
Stay Connected
Hotels and cafes in cities typically have Wi-Fi, while beaches and villas in rural areas don’t. If you depend on apps for translation or navigation, consider getting a local SIM card or configuring your roaming data.
Remember: This trip is meant to relax and explore. Packing well means one less thing to worry about when you’re sipping ouzo on a Peloponnese beach or hiking among ancient ruins.
With this checklist, you’ll pack for Greece like a pro. You’ll be ready for sandy Kalamata beaches, cobblestone streets of old towns, and mountain hikes all in the same suitcase. Have a fantastic summer adventure in the Peloponnese!
Discover more about Kalamata and the Peloponnese by exploring other sections of our website, where you’ll find detailed travel guides, hidden gems, and top recommendations for your trip. If you want cheap flights to Kalamata, click here.