Athens isn’t your typical European city. Between slippery marble at the Acropolis, scorching summer heat, and casual-chic Greek style, packing smart makes a real difference.
Here’s exactly what to pack for Athens in 2026, based on the season you’re visiting.
Quick Packing Checklist#
Essentials (any season):
- Comfortable walking shoes with grip
- Lightweight, breathable clothing
- Sun hat or cap
- Sunglasses
- Reef-safe sunscreen
- Day bag or crossbody
- Portable phone charger
- Travel adapter (Type C/F plug)
The Most Important Item: Shoes#
Let’s start with what matters most. You’ll walk 8-12 km (5-7 miles) daily in Athens, often on uneven surfaces.
What to Bring#
- Walking sneakers with good grip — Non-negotiable for the Acropolis
- Comfortable sandals — For casual evenings and beach days
- One nice pair — Greeks dress up for dinner; nice sandals or loafers work
What NOT to Bring#
- High heels — Useless on cobblestones and marble
- Flip-flops as primary shoes — No support for all-day walking
- Brand new shoes — Break them in before your trip
Packing by Season#
Summer (June - August)#
Athens summer is HOT — regularly 35-40°C (95-104°F). Pack for extreme heat.
Clothing:
- Loose, light-colored linen or cotton
- Breathable shorts and skirts
- Tank tops and sleeveless shirts
- Light maxi dress (versatile for day and evening)
- Light cardigan (for air-conditioned museums)
- Swimsuit (for day trips to beaches or islands)
Accessories:
- Wide-brimmed sun hat (essential)
- Quality sunglasses (UV protection)
- Refillable water bottle (hydration is crucial)
- Small hand fan or portable fan
- Light scarf (can double as beach cover-up)
Spring (April - May) & Fall (September - October)#
The best seasons to visit. Warm but not brutal, with occasional rain.
Clothing:
- Mix of short and long sleeves
- Light layers (mornings and evenings are cool)
- One light jacket or sweater
- Light rain jacket or compact umbrella
- Long pants and jeans
- Comfortable dress for evenings
Temperature range: 15-25°C (60-77°F)
Winter (November - March)#
Mild by northern European standards, but Athens can be chilly and rainy.
Clothing:
- Warm layers (sweaters, long sleeves)
- Medium-weight jacket
- Waterproof outer layer
- Jeans and long pants
- Warm socks
- Light scarf
Temperature range: 8-15°C (46-59°F)
What to Wear to the Acropolis#
There’s no strict dress code, but practical choices matter.
Do wear:
- Comfortable shoes with excellent grip
- Light, breathable clothing
- Sun protection (hat, sunscreen)
- A small backpack or crossbody bag
Don’t wear:
- Slippery-soled shoes
- Heavy backpacks (you’ll be climbing)
- All black (absorbs heat in summer)
What to Wear to Churches & Monasteries#
Greek Orthodox churches have modest dress requirements.
Requirements:
- Shoulders covered
- Knees covered
- No revealing clothing
Solution: Keep a light scarf in your bag. It can cover shoulders quickly when entering churches.
Athens Style Guide#
Greeks are generally more put-together than casual American or Australian tourists. You don’t need to dress up, but a few tips help you blend in:
Greek style tends toward:
- Fitted (not baggy) clothing
- Neutral colors with occasional bold accessories
- Nice sandals and leather goods
- Simple, quality pieces
Avoid looking like a tourist:
- Skip the athletic wear outside of actual exercise
- Cargo shorts and sports jerseys scream tourist
- Baseball caps are fine, but fanny packs across the chest… not so much
Toiletries & Health#
Bring:
- Prescription medications (with original packaging)
- Basic first aid (bandaids, pain relievers)
- Reef-safe sunscreen SPF 30+ (expensive in Greece)
- Insect repellent (summer evenings)
- Hand sanitizer
- Any specific toiletries you’re picky about
Don’t bother:
- Full-size toiletries (pharmacies everywhere)
- Hairdryers (hotels provide them)
Tech & Electronics#
Essential:
- Universal power adapter (Greece uses Type C/F plugs, 230V)
- Portable phone charger (long sightseeing days drain batteries)
- Phone with offline maps downloaded (Google Maps works great)
Optional:
- Kindle or e-reader (for beach days)
- Small camera (phone cameras are usually fine)
- Noise-canceling headphones (for flights)
What NOT to Pack#
Leave these at home:
- Excessive jewelry (unnecessary and theft risk)
- Formal business attire (too hot, too stiff)
- More than 2 pairs of shoes (you’ll only wear your favorites)
- Guidebooks (your phone has everything)
- Towels (hotels provide them)
- Too many clothes (laundry is cheap and easy)
Luggage Recommendations#
For a 5-7 day trip:
- Carry-on suitcase (saves time and baggage fees)
- Day bag or small backpack
- Crossbody bag for valuables
Day bag essentials:
- Water bottle
- Sunscreen
- Sunglasses
- Phone and charger
- Light layer
- Small snacks
- Any medications
Seasonal Packing Summary#
| Season | Key Items | Weather |
|---|---|---|
| Summer | Sun hat, sunscreen, light linens, water bottle | Hot & dry, 30-40°C |
| Spring | Layers, light jacket, rain protection | Mild, 15-25°C |
| Fall | Similar to spring, swimsuit for early fall | Warm to mild, 18-28°C |
| Winter | Warm layers, rain jacket, umbrella | Cool & rainy, 8-15°C |
Frequently Asked Questions#
Do I need to dress modestly in Athens?#
Not generally. Athens is a modern European city. Modest dress is only required in churches and monasteries — keep a scarf handy for quick cover-ups.
Can I wear shorts in Athens?#
Absolutely. Shorts are normal and practical in summer. Just opt for nicer shorts (not gym shorts) for evening dining.
What shoes should I wear to the Acropolis?#
Rubber-soled shoes with good traction. The marble is notoriously slippery. Sneakers or sturdy walking sandals with grip work well.
Is Athens a good place to buy clothes?#
Yes! Athens has excellent shopping from international brands to unique Greek designers. The Ermou Street shopping area has everything.
Should I bring a jacket in summer?#
A light cardigan or layer is useful for heavily air-conditioned museums and restaurants. Evening boat cruises can also be breezy.
Final Packing Tips#
- Roll, don’t fold — Saves space and reduces wrinkles
- Wear your bulkiest items on the plane — Sneakers and jacket
- Pack a small laundry kit — Sink-wash extends your wardrobe
- Leave room for souvenirs — Olive oil, ceramics, leather goods
- Check the 10-day forecast — Adjust for any unusual weather
Planning your Athens trip? Check out our 3-day Athens itinerary and Athens neighborhood guide.
