Before starting your self-guided tour in Greece and in order to make the most of your journey, it is important to pack smartly and thoughtfully.
We have prepared a complete packing list to help you get ready for anything that comes your way!
Travel Documents & Driving License
Let’s start with the essentials! You can’t go anywhere without your personal documents, so pack them first. If you plan to rent a car or drive your own vehicle, make sure you have the appropriate driving license.
If you come from a European Union country, as well as Norway, Iceland, Switzerland and Liechtenstein, you do not need an International Driving Permit (IDP) – your valid driving license is enough.
Citizens of Albania, Armenia, Azerbaijan, Bahamas, Bahrain, Belarus, Bosnia and Herzegovina, Brazil, Central African Republic, Chile, Costa Rica, Côte d’Ivoire, Cuba, Democratic Republic of the Congo, Ecuador, Georgia, Ghana, Guyana, Holy See, Indonesia, Iran, Iraq, Israel, Kazakhstan, Kenya, Kuwait, Kyrgyzstan, Liberia, Mexico, Monaco, Mongolia, Montenegro, Morocco, Niger, Pakistan, Peru, Philippines, Qatar, Republic of Korea, Republic of Moldova, Russian Federation, San Marino, Saudi Arabia, Senegal, Serbia, Seychelles, South Africa, Tajikistan, Thailand, North Macedonia, Tunisia, Turkey, Turkmenistan, Ukraine, United Arab Emirates, United Kingdom of Great Britain and Northern Ireland, Uruguay, Uzbekistan, Venezuela, Vietnam and Zimbabwe, are required to hold only their national card-type driving license.
Citizens of all other countries outside the EU are required to hold a driving license valid in Greece and the European Union, or an International Driving Permit, which must be presented together with their national driving license.
Tip: If you carry both an ID and a passport, it is advisable to leave one safely at your hotel and not carry both with you.
Money
We live in the card era, but it is always useful to carry some cash with you.
Most hotels, restaurants, shops, museums, archaeological sites and activity centers accept credit cards. However, you will need cash for purchasing local products in the street markets, such as honey, mountain tea, fresh oregano, fava beans, teaspoon sweets, or souvenirs in remote destinations and small villages.
It is also a good idea to carry a second credit card in a different bag or wallet in case your main card is lost or stolen.
Greece is a relatively safe country, but always stay alert when using public transport or in busy areas like Monastiraki Square in Athens
Mobile phone and chargers
Don’t take only your mobile phone, tablet, camera, wireless earbuds or laptop with you, but also their chargers! A power bank and a car charger are extremely useful during long drives.
In Greece, we mainly use Type F plugs, so check if you need an adapter. Many 4-star hotels also offer USB or Type-C outlets.
Sun Protection
Greece enjoys sunshine almost 300 days per year!
But this means that in the summer it can get very hot and you will definitely need sunglasses, a hat and sunscreen. You will also need an anti-mosquito spray and/or after-bite.
Beach essentials
A road trip in Greece is not complete without swimming in its beautiful beaches.
Don’t forget your swimwear, flip flops or hiking sandals for more comfort, your beach towel and beach bag. Plus, your snorkeling gear and your action camera to capture the turquoise waters of Elafonisos, Limeni, Pelion or other wonderful places.
If you prefer remote beaches and relaxing vacations away from the crowds, make sure you have a beach umbrella and beach mat. There are many beaches in Greece that are not organised, but in many of them you can enjoy the shade of trees or large rocks. If you are traveling by plane, you can easily buy these items at local shops at a low cost.
Tip: The sea is warm enough for swimming even in May or October – and even in winter you can find natural thermal springs. So, always pack a swimsuit!
Travel itinerary
To be perfectly prepared for your journey and make sure you won’t miss the highlights of each destination, planning your itinerary in advance is essential.
If don’t have the time to search what to see and do in each destination, you want an effortless and stress-free journey, and most importantly you look for insider tips and local knowledge, WANDERLIFE Greece is here to help.
We design self-drive itineraries tailored to your needs, interests, hobbies and travel style. You simply book your flights and tell us what excites you, and we will take care of everything else. We arrange accommodation and rental car based on your preferences, book entrance tickets for selected archaeological sites and recommend activities and experiences along the way. We also act as your personalised travel guide, as before your trip you will receive a day-by-day itinerary including tips, recommendations and valuable information on routes, attractions, activities and hiking trails.
Personal hygiene items & medications
Hotels usually provide basic toiletries, but you should bring: toothbrush, toothpaste, deodorant and personal care items, hand sanitizer, wet wipes, contact lenses and liquid. If you forget something, you can easily buy it in Greece.
However, do not forget any necessary medications, especially those requiring prescriptions.
Comfortable clothes and shoes
The ultimate holidays in Greece involve exploration and walking, so comfort is key. Bring comfortable clothes for driving and activities, layers for changing weather conditions and of course comfortable walking shoes.
In winter, temperatures can drop below 5°C, so pack warm clothes, gloves, scarves and thermal wear, as well as an umbrella and ideally a waterproof jacket to ensure rain doesn’t disrupt your daily plans!
Entertainment
Long drives are more enjoyable with good music and interesting podcasts or audiobooks, while holidays with friends and family can get really fun with card or board games (preferably travel-sized). Don’t forget your books or favourite magazines for relaxing moments.
Hiking essentials
One of the best ways to explore Greece is on foot! If you love hiking, bring a backpack for day trips and activities. waterproof hiking shoes, trekking poles, dry-fit clothing, a headlamp, a poncho and dry bags to keep your valuables safe in case of rain or during water activities, such as river trekking in Evrytania or rafting in Zagori.
For safety, always carry a map and compass, a GPS device or smartwatch with maps and your personal first-aid kit.
Travel Responsibly
And last but not least, always carry a small trash bag in your car or backpack to make sure you leave no trace. The best travel experiences come with respect for nature and the environment.
Ready for your road trip in Greece?
The road is calling and the country is ready to be explored. Enjoy every moment of your self-drive adventure in Greece!