Europe · Best Apr–Jun & Sep–Oct
Athens packing list for families
Athens is hot, bright and full of ancient stone steps, which makes shoes and sun protection the real priorities. Here is what our family packs for early ruins, shady lunches and seaside afternoons.
Photo by Constantinos Kollias on Unsplash
Kristina's notes on Athens
- Get to the Acropolis right at opening. The rock has very little shade, and by late morning in summer it's hot and crowded. Bring water and a hat for everyone.
- The marble paths on the Acropolis are polished smooth and can be slippery, so I pack shoes with good grip. Strollers aren't practical up there, so we use a carrier for little ones.
- Athens pairs beautifully with a few days on an island or the Athens Riviera. A morning of ruins and an afternoon swim is the rhythm that works best for our kids.
Best timeApr–Jun & Sep–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
Athens
This time of year
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Carry-on20
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
Travel neck pillow for the grown-ups
Kids' travel pillow
Light blanket or large scarf for the plane
Change of shirt for the grown-upsSpills on a kid mean spills on you.
Baby wipes, even for big kids
Kids' backpack for their own things
Coloring book, sticker book, or activity pad
A new book or two
Gum or mints
Foot rest sling for long flightsKristina's pickHooks over the tray table so your feet are up and your back thanks you after hour six. I never fly long-haul without mine.
Insulated water bottleKeeps water cold on hot, shadeless sites.
Kids' Greek mythology bookStories make the temples come alive.
Clothing13
Daytime outfits8 per person
Pajamas2 per person
One nicer outfit for dinners and photos
Underwear and socks9 per person
Light sweater or sweatshirt per personPlanes, restaurants, and evenings run cool.
Light rain jacket per person
Leggings or comfy travel pants for the flight
Shorts and skirts
Belt
Sports bra or workout clothes
Socks for closed shoes, plus a spare pair
Pajamas for the first night in the carry-onIf a bag is late, bedtime still happens.
Light layers and a rain jacketSpring and fall weather changes fast.
Shoes4
Broken-in walking sneakersKristina's pickNever bring brand-new shoes on a walking trip.
Flip-flops or slides for the pool and shower
Dress shoes or nicer sandals
Grippy walking shoesKristina's pickAncient marble steps are worn smooth and slippery.
Beach & pool1
Mineral sunscreen
Little ones13
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
Sippy cup or straw cup
Bibs and a few spoons
Portable changing pad
Diaper cream
Baby monitor
Fitted crib sheet from homeA familiar smell helps babies sleep in a new crib.
Outlet covers
Potty seat or folding potty
Soft baby carrier instead of a strollerKristina's pickStairs, cobblestones, or trails make strollers hard here.
Little things19
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.
Stick-on battery 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.
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
Small foldable tote for souvenirs and laundry
Sewing kit and safety pins
Luggage tags
Collapsible water bottle for the grown-ups
Sunglasses for the grown-ups
Small umbrella
Health & toiletries19
Travel first-aid kit
Kids' fever reducer and allergy medicine
Hanging toiletry bag
Toothbrushes and toothpaste
Shampoo, conditioner, and body wash
Deodorant
Hairbrush, comb, and hair ties
Face wash and moisturizer
Makeup and makeup remover
Razor
Contact lenses, solution, and glasses
Prescription medicines in original bottlesKeep them in your carry-on, never in checked bags.
Bandages and blister pads
Kids' thermometer
Anti-itch cream
Hand lotion and SPF lip balm
Feminine products
Clear quart bag for liquids
Cooling towelSummer afternoons regularly top 90°F.
Documents & tech19
Phone lanyard or crossbody case
Portable phone chargerKristina's pick
Kids' ID bracelet with your phone number
Driver's licenses and kids' IDs
Health insurance cards
Travel insurance details
Credit cards with no foreign transaction fees
Some cash in small billsFor tips, taxis, and markets.
Photos of passports and IDs on your phone
Booking confirmations saved offline
Phone chargers and cables for everyone
Multi-port wall chargerOne outlet, every device charged by morning.
Tablet chargers and kids' headphones adapter
Wireless earbuds for the grown-ups
Airplane Bluetooth adapter for seatback screens
Camera and memory card
E-reader
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
Athens 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 | Mild and sometimes rainy, with cool evenings | |
| February | 59°F 15°C | Mild and sometimes rainy, with cool evenings | |
| March | 63°F 17°C | Mild to warm and mostly sunny, with spring flowers | |
| April | 70°F 21°C | Mild to warm and mostly sunny, with spring flowers | Greek Easter, usually in April or May, with candlelit midnight services |
| May | 78°F 26°C | Mild to warm and mostly sunny, with spring flowers | Greek Easter, usually in April or May, with candlelit midnight services Open-air cinemas under the stars, some with Acropolis views |
| June | 87°F 31°C | Hot, dry and sunny, with heat waves possible in July and August | Open-air cinemas under the stars, some with Acropolis views Athens Epidaurus Festival performances in ancient theaters Warm sea for swimming along the Athens Riviera |
| July | 92°F 33°C | Hot, dry and sunny, with heat waves possible in July and August | Open-air cinemas under the stars, some with Acropolis views Athens Epidaurus Festival performances in ancient theaters Warm sea for swimming along the Athens Riviera |
| August | 92°F 33°C | Hot, dry and sunny, with heat waves possible in July and August | Open-air cinemas under the stars, some with Acropolis views Athens Epidaurus Festival performances in ancient theaters Warm sea for swimming along the Athens Riviera |
| September | 84°F 29°C | Hot, dry and sunny, with heat waves possible in July and August | Open-air cinemas under the stars, some with Acropolis views Warm sea for swimming along the Athens Riviera |
| October | 75°F 24°C | Warm and pleasant in October, cooler with more rain in November | Open-air cinemas under the stars, some with Acropolis views Warm sea for swimming along the Athens Riviera Ochi Day on October 28, with school and military parades |
| November | 66°F 19°C | Warm and pleasant in October, cooler with more rain in November | |
| December | 59°F 15°C | Mild and sometimes rainy, with cool evenings |
Questions families ask
Athens with kids, answered
When is the best time to visit Athens with kids?
The best time is Apr–Jun & Sep–Oct. Warm and pleasant in October, cooler with more rain in November
What's the weather like in Athens?
Typical daytime highs range from about 57°F (14°C) in January to about 92°F (33°C) in July. See the month-by-month table on this page.
Do I need a passport for Athens?
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 Athens?
Type C/F, bring an adapter.
What's your top tip for Athens with kids?
Get to the Acropolis right at opening. The rock has very little shade, and by late morning in summer it's hot and crowded. Bring water and a hat for everyone.
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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.