The time is nigh! You have booked your flight, accommodation, and hopefully some of the things you’ll get to do here. You’ve figured the hard part out.

But one tricky detail is left; what to pack?

Here are some expert tips to help you come prepared to the sunny city of Athens, avoiding rookie mistakes that will burden not only you but also the environment!

The sun is great, but not on your face!

Greece is sunny for over 300 days a year! In the summer, it is best to avoid exposure all together during the midday hours, but in the winter, it offers welcome relief from the cold. Whichever the case, damage from UV rays remains an issue! Make sure to pack the essentials to protect your eyes and skin; sunglasses and a hat are a must - both for protection and style! 

You will also probably want to go back home with a nice tan, but make sure to use sunscreen religiously, as sunburn is quite a different issue. You may also want to keep yourself light and airy with breezy clothes that cover a bit of skin and help with sweat.

Don’t worry if you’re already here and forgot a thing or two! Greeks are nothing if not pioneers, so you are sure to find everything you need in shops big and small at every corner - you can also try some local brands, which will provide quality products you can use and keep as souvenirs!

Right shoes for ready travelers

We know sandals are a summer hit! However, if you are planning to make your way around Athens by yourself or join walking tours, you should make sure to pack one pair of comfy walking shoes.

Keep in mind that the best way to see the Athens city center is on foot - as cars are not allowed on many roads in the Plaka and Old Town - and that you will need to tackle millennia-old sites, which can be slippery. If your plans include other places on the Greek islands or mainland, be prepared for ships, planes, cobblestone roads, and weedy paths.

Stay happy and hydrated

If you’re not used to drinking a lot of water throughout the day - which you should! - be prepared to make a habit of it, since it will help you cope with the heat and sun. Remember: Tap water in Athens is drinkable and entirely safe! Therefore, there’s no need to spend even a small amount of 50c to buy a plastic water bottle whenever you feel thirsty; pack your own refillable bottle and fill it up at your accommodation or public places with fountains. Save money and reduce waste in one fell swoop!

Avoid Printing your documents

We know you may feel safer holding things in your own hands - but these days, almost everything can be done with your phone! You can download your travel documents and have them ready for use on and offline. This way, you will also be able to keep up with the latest updates from providers regarding your reservations.

At Athens Walking Tours, we stopped asking for printed vouchers a long time ago. Come to our meeting points and say your name to one of our hosting agents; we’ll have your name on our list and you’ll be good to go!

Don’t Give In to the Itch

Summer comes with some unnecessary visitors as well! Mosquitoes increase as the temperature rises; keep yourself safe and itch-free with a trusty mosquito repellent! Same as with sunscreen, you can trust Greek brands that use mostly natural ingredients and even herbs to create mosquito-repelling products that do not hurt your skin or your nose! You can even find hydrating ones that double as body creams!

Plug In!

Sometimes it’s the last thing we think of - unless we are seasoned travelers - but plugs differ from continent to continent and country to country. Save on last-minute rushing to tourist shops because your battery is running low and pack a plug adaptor suitable for Greek sockets - for our visitors from the States, s voltage converter may also be needed.

Pack Smart - Pack Sustainably

Greece is beautiful all around and Athens will likely not be your only stop. Make sure to pack the essentials, and perhaps skip on something that you may like to wear but will realistically not (such as dressy high heels or heavy clothes). Consider that you will have to carry your luggage wherever you go next - from the airport to the hotel, to the port, to the islands, and back - so be kind to yourself and to the environment, since the plane will create fewer emissions if it doesn’t have to carry that extra pair of shoes you won’t be wearing.