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.
Kristina's notes on Greek Islands
- Ferries between islands can be choppy. Motion-sickness bands and snacks help.
- Many beaches are pebbly. Water shoes are a must for little feet.
- 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
Seeing more of Greece on this trip? Start with the Greece packing list.
Your packing edit
Greek Islands
This time of year
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Every item links to what Kristina would buy. Tap Add to bag on what you're missing, then check out on Amazon in one tap.
Carry-on8
Carry-on suitcase per personKristina's pick
Packing cubes, one color per personKristina's 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 guardsKristina's pick
Mineral sunscreen
Wide-brim sun hats
Swim diapers
Hyperlite life jacket for boat and ocean daysKristina's 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 machineKristina's pickMakes every hotel room feel like home.
Travel blackout shades
Favorite lovey, plus a backup
Little things15
AirTag in each checked bagKristina's pickYou'll know your bag made the connection before you do.
Stain remover penGelato happens. Photos still look great.
Laundry detergent sheetsOne sink wash halfway through means packing half the clothes.
Gallon zip bags, a handfulWet swimsuits, sandy shoes, and the occasional car-sick emergency.
Pen in your carry-onFor arrival forms, so you're not borrowing one in the immigration line.
Hair ties and a small detangling brush
Hand sanitizer wipes and pocket tissues
Lollipops or gum for takeoff and landingSwallowing helps little ears pop.
A few wrapped surprise toys for the flightUnwrapping buys you twenty minutes. Unwrapping slowly buys thirty.
Tap night lightHotel rooms are pitch dark, and the bathroom is never where they expect.
Kids' nail clippers and tweezersSplinters from boardwalks and docks are a vacation classic.
Kids' sunglasses
Wet bag for swimsuits
Electrolyte packetsHot days and long walks catch up with kids before they say they're thirsty.
Earplugs and an eye mask for the grown-ups
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 chargerKristina's pick
Passports for everyone, valid 6+ months past your trip
Travel plug adapterKristina's pickType C/F, bring an adapter
The outfit edit
Aegean
Whitewash, Aegean blue, linen, sage
For the grown-ups
For photos
- White against the blue doors
- Sunset in Oia is busy, try mornings
Tap any piece to shop the look.
Month by month
Greek Islands weather and what's happening
Typical daytime highs and what each month feels like with kids.
| Month | Typical high | What it's like | Don't miss |
|---|---|---|---|
| January | 57°F 14°C | Cool and windy. Many island hotels close for the season. | Many island hotels and restaurants close for winter. Athens stays open year-round. |
| February | 58°F 14°C | Cool and windy. Many island hotels close for the season. | Many island hotels and restaurants close for winter. Athens stays open year-round. |
| March | 61°F 16°C | Cool and windy. Many island hotels close for the season. | Many island hotels and restaurants close for winter. Athens stays open year-round. |
| April | 66°F 19°C | Wildflowers and mild days. The sea is still cool. | Greek Easter is a joyful celebration with candlelit processions and feasts. |
| May | 74°F 23°C | Wildflowers and mild days. The sea is still cool. | Greek Easter is a joyful celebration with candlelit processions and feasts. |
| June | 81°F 27°C | Hot and dry. July and August bring the strong meltemi winds. | |
| July | 84°F 29°C | Hot and dry. July and August bring the strong meltemi winds. | The meltemi winds can make ferries choppy. Choose morning sailings. |
| August | 84°F 29°C | Hot and dry. July and August bring the strong meltemi winds. | The meltemi winds can make ferries choppy. Choose morning sailings. |
| September | 80°F 27°C | Hot and dry. July and August bring the strong meltemi winds. | |
| October | 73°F 23°C | The sweet spot: warm sea, fewer crowds. | |
| November | 66°F 19°C | Cool and windy. Many island hotels close for the season. | Many island hotels and restaurants close for winter. Athens stays open year-round. |
| December | 60°F 16°C | Cool 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.
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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.