Linen & Luggage
Europe · Best late May–early Oct

Greek Islands packing list for families

Whitewashed villages, ferry hops, and late dinners by the sea. Here's what to pack for the Greek islands with kids, adjusted for when you're going.

Blue church domes above the caldera in Oia, Santorini

Photo by Dan on Unsplash

Kristina's notes on Greek Islands

  1. Ferries between islands can be choppy. Motion-sickness bands and snacks help.
  2. Many beaches are pebbly. Water shoes are a must for little feet.
  3. Dinner starts late in Greece. Plan a pool nap so kids can enjoy it.
Best timelate May–early Oct
PlugsType C/F, bring an adapter
MoneyEuro
PassportYes
Your packing edit

Greek Islands

This time of year

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    Carry-on8

    Carry-on suitcase per personOur pick
    Packing cubes, one color per personOur pickEveryone knows exactly which cube is theirs.
    Kids' headphones, volume-limited
    Tablet with downloaded shows
    Snack box with dividers
    Reusable water bottles
    Change of clothes for each kid
    Car seat travel bag

    Clothing4

    Daytime outfits8 per person
    Pajamas2 per person
    One nicer outfit for dinners and photos
    Underwear and socks9 per person

    Shoes2

    Sandals
    Water shoesPebble beaches.

    Beach & pool8

    Swimsuits2 per person
    UPF rash guardsOur pick
    Mineral sunscreen
    Wide-brim sun hats
    Swim diapers
    Hyperlite life jacket for boat and ocean daysOur pickA properly fitted life jacket for boats and open water.
    Lightweight beach tote
    Goggles

    Little ones4

    Diapers and wipesenough for 3 days, buy the rest there
    Portable sound machineOur pickMakes every hotel room feel like home.
    Travel blackout shades
    Favorite lovey, plus a backup

    Health & toiletries5

    Travel first-aid kit
    Kids' fever reducer and allergy medicine
    Bug spray
    Hanging toiletry bag
    Motion-sickness bandsFor island-hopping ferries.

    Documents & tech3

    Portable phone chargerOur pick
    Passports for everyone, valid 6+ months past your trip
    Travel plug adapterOur pickType C/F, bring an adapter
    The outfit edit

    Aegean

    Whitewash, Aegean blue, linen, sage

    For the grown-ups

    • Gauzy white and blue
    • A wide-brim hat
    • Flat sandals with grip for steps

    For the kids

    • Light cotton sets
    • UPF swim shirts
    • Water shoes for pebble beaches

    For photos

    • White against the blue doors
    • Sunset in Oia is busy, try mornings
    Month by month

    Greek Islands weather and what's happening

    Typical daytime highs and what each month feels like with kids.

    MonthTypical highWhat it's likeDon't miss
    January57°F 14°CCool and windy. Many island hotels close for the season.Many island hotels and restaurants close for winter. Athens stays open year-round.
    February58°F 14°CCool and windy. Many island hotels close for the season.Many island hotels and restaurants close for winter. Athens stays open year-round.
    March61°F 16°CCool and windy. Many island hotels close for the season.Many island hotels and restaurants close for winter. Athens stays open year-round.
    April66°F 19°CWildflowers and mild days. The sea is still cool.Greek Easter is a joyful celebration with candlelit processions and feasts.
    May74°F 23°CWildflowers and mild days. The sea is still cool.Greek Easter is a joyful celebration with candlelit processions and feasts.
    June81°F 27°CHot and dry. July and August bring the strong meltemi winds.
    July84°F 29°CHot and dry. July and August bring the strong meltemi winds.The meltemi winds can make ferries choppy. Choose morning sailings.
    August84°F 29°CHot and dry. July and August bring the strong meltemi winds.The meltemi winds can make ferries choppy. Choose morning sailings.
    September80°F 27°CHot and dry. July and August bring the strong meltemi winds.
    October73°F 23°CThe sweet spot: warm sea, fewer crowds.
    November66°F 19°CCool and windy. Many island hotels close for the season.Many island hotels and restaurants close for winter. Athens stays open year-round.
    December60°F 16°CCool and windy. Many island hotels close for the season.Many island hotels and restaurants close for winter. Athens stays open year-round.
    Questions families ask

    Greek Islands with kids, answered

    When is the best time to visit Greek Islands with kids?

    The best time is late May–early Oct. Hot and dry. July and August bring the strong meltemi winds.

    What's the weather like in Greek Islands?

    Typical daytime highs range from about 57°F (14°C) in January to about 84°F (29°C) in July. See the month-by-month table on this page.

    Do I need a passport for Greek Islands?

    Yes. Bring a passport for everyone, including babies, and make sure each one is valid for at least six months past your trip. Check visa and entry rules before you go.

    What kind of plug adapter do I need for Greek Islands?

    Type C/F, bring an adapter.

    What's your top tip for Greek Islands with kids?

    Ferries between islands can be choppy. Motion-sickness bands and snacks help.

    The packing edit, in your inbox

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    Want the whole trip handled?

    I'm Kristina, and planning family trips is what I do.

    As a luxury travel advisor with KM Luxe Travel, I plan the hotels, the flow of the days, and the little details, often with perks like breakfast and upgrades when available.

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