Packing Tips

Below are packing tips to help you make the most out of your trip to Ikaria. See which ones you haven’t thought of yet, but are essential for Ikaria island travel planning!

15 Packing Tips for Exploring Ikaria:

1. Good walking boots or shoes are a must for Ikaria’s uneven roads, rocky paths and inclines. Suggestions: a hiking shoe by a reputable brand like Columbia hiking shoes, Merrell hiking shoes. For winter hiking, I go with a more rugged hiking boot like Timberlands.

2. A large water bottle to stay hydrated and refilling at village water fountains. Suggestions: a good insulated water bottle like the Owala.

3. Light weight pants are necessary when hiking on Ikaria and other Greek islands. (They keep your ankles and legs from getting terribly scratched by low-growing thorny bushes.) Suggestions: Baleaf Women’s Hiking Pants, Toomett hiking pants, CQR Men’s hiking pants

4. A small light backpack for trail snacks and other necessities.

5. Extra socks and also flip flops or sandals (to slip on at the end of walking/hiking).

6. Lightweight jacket or windbreaker for chilly evenings and changes in temperature/precipitation.

7. Beach necessities: A good sunhat, sunscreen, lightweight beach towel, extra bathing suit. Suggestions: bring a couple of travel sized good sunscreens, especially +50 SPF face sunscreens.

8. A light bag or satchel to pick up any debris on the beaches and trails. We all need to do our part to help keep Ikaria’s beaches and trails clean.

9. Trekking/Walking poles to keep pressure off the knees and help maintain a steady pace. Suggestions: TrailBuddy Trekking Poles

10. Snorkel and mask. Bring your snorkel and mask to Ikaria! A good set lasts many trips and means exploring life under the sea at any time! Suggestions: G2 Full Face Snorkel Mask, Greatever Dry Snorkel Set

11. Sim card. If you want to get an eSim for Greece and Ikaria, check out the ones from Airalo. Suggestions: Airalo eSim for Greece

12. For coffee lovers - A coffee filter to make your own coffee at any time. It is also a way to save some Euros each day. Many rooms have kettles for boiling water. Suggestions: a Pour Over Coffee Dripper

13. A lens hood for your camera. The Ikarian sun can be intense. For great photos, make sure to use a lens hood like the tulip flower lens hood. Make sure to find one that fits to your camera.

14. An underwater camera to capture how crystal clear the sea is below the surface! Suggestions: AKASO action camera

15. Last but not least - Travel Insurance! We all know that world changed after the Covid pandemic. Good travel insurance is definitely worth it. (I covered a relative traveling once, and it came in use!) Suggestions: World Nomads, Travelex, or Travel Guard