What to Pack for Greece: A Road Scholar Traveler’s List
- Pack comfortable walking shoes for Greece’s uneven streets, ruins and hilltop sites.
- Bring light layers for changing temperatures between sunny afternoons and breezy evenings.
- Don’t forget sun protection like a hat, sunglasses and reef-safe sunscreen for island days.
- A small day bag, refillable water bottle, and modest attire help you stay comfortable and prepared for cultural sites.
Where Socrates questioned, Hippocrates healed, Pythagoras reasoned and Homer dreamed, learning took root in marble courtyards and seaside cities. And probably in sandals. As Road Scholar’s 2026 Campus of the Year, Greece invites you to step into those stories firsthand (but perhaps in sturdier footwear).
From the Acropolis to the Aegean, your days might include expert-led walks through ancient ruins, conversations over shared meals and island horizons pulled straight from myth. Packing well helps you stay focused on what matters most — discovery, comfort and the joy of learning in one of the world’s first great centers of ideas.
Whether your program keeps you on the mainland, brings you island to island by sea or blends both, here’s a Road Scholar-friendly packing list designed for comfort, curiosity and the realities of Greek climate and terrain.
1. Shoes You Trust (This Is the Big One)
Greece is beautiful, but it’s not flat.
Expect marble steps, uneven stones, hillside pathways and archaeological sites where sturdy footing matters.
Bring:
- Comfortable walking shoes with grip.
- A second pair, in case one gets wet or uncomfortable.
- Sturdy sandals with support (not flip-flops) for warmer days.
Note: Marble and ancient stone are often worn smooth from centuries of footsteps, especially around major sites like the Acropolis. Shoes with traction make a bigger difference than travelers expect.
2. Light Layers for Changing Weather
Greek days often start cool, warm up fast, then turn breezy again at night, especially near the water.
Pack clothing that layers easily:
- Short-sleeve tops for daytime
- A light sweater or fleece
- A packable windbreaker or light jacket
- Long pants for evenings or cooler excursions
Even in summer, the breeze off the Aegean cools things down fast, especially if your program includes time at sea.
3. Sun Protection You’ll Use Daily
Greece runs bright and feels sunnier than many first-time visitors anticipate. Between the sea, pale stone and open skies, the sun feels strong even in spring and fall.
Bring:
- Wide-brim hat or cap
- Sunglasses with UV protection
- Sunscreen (SPF 30 or higher)
- Lip balm with SPF
4. Modest Options for Monasteries and Churches
Some sites, especially monasteries like Meteora, ask visitors to dress respectfully.
Pack:
- A lightweight scarf or wrap
- Tops that cover shoulders
- Knee-length shorts or skirts, or light pants
- A scarf is one of the simplest “pack once, use often” items in Greece: useful for sacred sites, cool evenings and even windy ferry rides.
5. A Day Bag for Excursions
Days on our learning adventures are full: morning lectures, walks with local experts, museum visits, seaside stops.
A small day pack or crossbody bag helps keep essentials close.
Include space for:
- Water bottle
- Sunglasses and sunscreen
- Phone or camera
- A light layer
- Any daily medications
Greek towns often involve stairs and hills, so a comfortable bag that keeps your hands free helps on longer walking days.
6. Refillable Water Bottle + Hydration Support
Staying hydrated is key, especially during warmer months and active days outdoors.
Bring:
- A refillable bottle
- Electrolyte packets if you like them
- Small snacks for longer excursions
Meals often run later in Greece, especially on the islands, so a small snack in your bag can be a lifesaver during full days of exploration.
7. Sea-Friendly Extras (For Adventures Afloat Programs)
If your Greece experience includes time on the water, pack with the breeze and motion in mind.
Helpful items:
- Non-slip sandals or deck shoes
- Motion sickness remedies (if needed)
- A light waterproof jacket
- Swimsuit for island stops or hotel pools
Even calm days on the Aegean feel different than land travel, and a light layer goes a long way once the sun dips.
8. A Simple First Aid + Comfort Kit
Bring a small kit with items you already know work for you.
Suggestions:
- Bandages or blister pads
- Pain reliever
- Digestive support (new foods are part of the fun)
- Prescription copies
- Hand sanitizer and wipes
Road Scholar staff are prepared, but personal comfort items help you stay focused on the experience instead of small annoyances.
9. Tech That Supports Learning
Many participants enjoy capturing moments or keeping notes during lectures and site visits.
Consider packing:
- Phone charger + portable battery
- Lightweight tablet or e-reader
- Headphones for flights or downtime
- Outlet adapter (Greece uses European plugs)
10. A Little Room for the Unexpected
As Road Scholars know, the best souvenirs aren’t always objects. They’re moments — a family-run taverna meal, a conversation on a ferry, the view from the Acropolis at golden hour.
Pack:
- A small notebook or journal
- An extra tote bag for local purchases
- Curiosity, patience and an open mind
Final Packing Thought: Pack for Discovery
Greece rewards those who come prepared, but not overloaded. Bring what helps you walk farther, listen longer, learn more and enjoy each day, whether you’re exploring ancient stadiums, island harbors or the living traditions of modern Greek life.
Ready to pack for your own Greek odyssey? Explore our programs in Greece and find your next adventure.
