# What to Pack for Halkidiki: The Complete List > Proper packing preparation for Halkidiki depends on the season, the length of your vacation, and your activities. Below is a practical list by category — not "general" like most packing lists, but with specific thoughts for Halkidiki. What you pack for Halkidiki comes down to more than swimwear: a few small things make the difference between an easy holiday and a string of little headaches. Here's the complete list — plus what you can safely leave at home. ## Essential Clothing (All Seasons) - **Swimsuits**: 2-3 to alternate. They dry slowly due to humidity. - **T-shirts**: one for each day + 1-2 extra. Made from natural materials (cotton, linen) — avoid polyester in the heat. - **Shorts**: 2-3 pairs. - **Light dress or shirt**: for the evening or for tavern visits. Not "formal" — Halkidiki is casual. - **Underwear**: one for each day + 2 extra. - **Canvas shoes or sneakers**: for walks and light hiking. - **Flip-flops**: for the beach and pool. - **Sandals**: one "nicer" pair for tavern/evening outings. ## For Summer (June-September) - **Wide-brimmed hat**: essential — the sun is intense. - **UV sunglasses**: not "fashion" — with real UV protection. - **Sunblock SPF 30-50**: bring 2-3 tubes — at the beaches, they cost 12-18 euros. - **Burn ointment**: aloe vera in case you get burned. - **Light jacket or shirt**: for the evening hours (temperature drops 5-8°C after sunset). - **Beach towel**: small or microfiber — hotels usually do not provide beach towels. - **Water shoes**: for rocky beaches (Kavourotripes, Spathies) and protection from sea urchins. - **Beach bag**: to carry your things to the beach. ## For Spring/Fall (May, October) All of the above, plus: - **Jacket or light coat**: for hours after 6 PM. - **Long pants**: for evening outings. - **Closed shoes**: for mountain walks. - **Raincoat**: small, just in case. ## Cosmetics and Hygiene - **Shampoo, conditioner, shower gel**: hotels usually provide these, but if you prefer your own, bring them in small sizes. - **Toothpaste and toothbrush**. - **Perfume/deodorant**. - **Iodine tincture**: for minor wounds. - **Lip balm**: the sun and wind dry out your lips. ## Medications - **Pain relievers**: paracetamol, ibuprofen. - **Stomach medications**: if you are sensitive to local food/water. - **Antihistamines** (if needed): for mosquitoes and potential allergy changes. - **Nausea medications**: if you plan on boat trips. - **Your regular medications**: sufficient quantity for the entire duration. ## Electronics - **Mobile charger** + power bank for all day out. - **Plug adapter**: Greece uses type F (like in Europe). If coming from the US/UK, you need an adapter. - **Camera / GoPro**: for beach and underwater scenes. - **SIM card**: or roaming. Greek SIM cards cost 10-20 euros with data, easy activation. ## Documents - **Passport or ID**: for bookings and identification. - **Driver's license + International** (if needed from outside the EU). - **Travel insurance**: photo copy. - **Credit card + some cash**: for small grocery stores and taverns that sometimes do not accept cards. ## Specifically for Certain Activities - **Hiking**: appropriate shoes, hat, water bottle, snacks. - **Snorkeling**: mask, snorkel — if you don’t want to rent. - **Boat trip**: sunblock, hat, jacket for when it’s windy. - **Mount Athos**: long clothing (pants, long-sleeve), accommodation permit, cash (no cards). - **With children**: beach toys, children's sunblock, UV t-shirt. ## What NOT to Bring - Formal clothing — Halkidiki is almost entirely casual. - Too many books — there are kindles/tablets for reading. - Hair dryer — all accommodations have one or shampoo that doesn’t require rinsing. - Iron — rarely necessary. - Bottled water from home — Greek water is drinkable almost everywhere in Halkidiki. ## Tip — One Week Suitcase For 7 days of summer vacation, a carry-on (40Lt) is sufficient for one person. You can wash clothes once in the middle of your stay (the accommodation or a self-service laundry). This saves you the checked baggage fee on airline tickets and speeds up your arrival. ## Practical notes for international visitors What suitcases most often forget: water shoes (pebble and rock coves!), a UV beach shelter for toddlers (natural shade is scarce), mosquito repellent for the evenings, and a power bank for long beach days. EU visitors need no adapter — Greece uses the Type-C/F round-pin plug — but **UK, Irish, US and Swiss travellers do**, so pack a couple. What to leave at home: half your medicine cabinet (pharmacies are excellent and everywhere), a stack of beach towels (cheap locally), and any worry about running out of cash — ATMs stand in every sizeable town, though watch the withdrawal fee. --- Source: Type: BlogPosting · Halkidiki, Greece