When I decided to travel to Thessaloniki in the winter, my friends were surprised: “Greece in winter? Isn’t it cold and gloomy?” But for me, winter travel has a unique charm—less noise and crowds, more peace and introspection. Especially in a city where history and modern life intertwine, wintertime Thessaloniki feels like an old photo album unexpectedly opened—quiet, delicate, and full of depth. To explore it comfortably and still look good in photos, a thoughtful and practical packing list is essential. From outfits to photography gear, from skincare to small accessories, every item in my luggage is a result of careful consideration after walking through sea winds and ancient alleys.
I. Clothing: Balancing Warmth, Lightness, and Style
Winter temperatures in Thessaloniki range from 5°C to 13°C. While not as frigid as Northern Europe, the dampness from the Aegean Sea breeze can easily sneak into your layers if you’re unprepared. Your wardrobe should strike a careful balance between thermal comfort, ease of movement, and aesthetic appeal. Layering is key—you want to stay warm without sacrificing the ability to walk freely or appear stylish in travel photos. I found that thoughtful fabric choices and a cohesive color palette helped me blend into Thessaloniki’s winter tones—its gray skies, terracotta roofs, and golden-hour lighting.
1. Outerwear: Wool Coat + Lightweight Down Jacket
I brought a camel-colored long wool coat and a black mid-length lightweight down jacket—each serving distinct purposes. The wool coat, with its tailored cut and soft texture, looked timeless against the city’s stone-paved streets and neoclassical buildings. I often wore it when exploring historical sites or dining at charming street-side tavernas. The down jacket, meanwhile, was a practical lifesaver on colder, windier days. It was water-resistant, warm without bulk, and packed well into my day bag. I recommend picking one elegant and one functional outer layer—you’ll appreciate the flexibility.
2. Inner Layers: Cashmere Knit + Basic Turtlenecks
For inner layers, bulkiness is your enemy. Instead, I leaned into warm but thin materials. Two cashmere sweaters became my go-to: breathable yet insulating, with a luxurious feel that worked well for both day outings and dinners. Underneath, I rotated between three fitted turtlenecks—easy to mix and match, and great for layering under outerwear. The darker shades gave me a refined look in solemn places like churches and museums, while lighter shades like misty blue or off-white felt ethereal during sunlit walks by the waterfront or at local cafés.
3. Bottoms: High-Waist Wide-Leg Pants + Fleece-Lined Leggings
I packed a pair of gray wool wide-leg trousers—structured, warm, and stylish enough for photographs. Their tailored lines complemented both coats and gave me a graceful silhouette in photos, especially at the city harbor or trendy districts like Ladadika. For practicality, I also brought two pairs of fleece-lined leggings. These were indispensable for long walks, day trips, and sitting through long bus rides to nearby towns. On chillier days, I’d wear leggings under a midi wool skirt, combining fashion and function while staying comfortably warm.
4. Shoes: Waterproof Ankle Boots + Casual Sneakers
Shoes are the cornerstone of a comfortable city trip. I brought black leather ankle boots that were waterproof, fleece-lined, and had a slight heel—just enough to elongate the legs in photos without compromising comfort. They paired beautifully with both trousers and skirts. My backup shoes were a pair of white retro sneakers—cushioned, breathable, and excellent for long days exploring the city’s alleys or strolling by the sea promenade. Alternating between the two pairs helped prevent fatigue and allowed me to adapt to both wet and dry conditions.
II. Photography: Lightweight Gear, Cinematic Results
Thessaloniki’s winter ambiance is remarkably cinematic. The light is soft and diffused, especially on overcast days, which gives buildings and faces a gentle glow. Rather than haul a heavy camera kit, I focused on a compact setup that allowed me to stay agile while still capturing high-quality shots. Whether you’re a serious photographer or just someone who enjoys travel snapshots, the city’s moody skies and historic textures offer ample inspiration—if you’re equipped with the right gear.
1. Camera: Mirrorless + 35mm Prime Lens
I traveled with a Fujifilm X-S20 mirrorless camera paired with a 35mm F1.4 prime lens. This combo offered the perfect blend of portability and image quality. The 35mm focal length mimics the natural field of vision, making it great for candid street scenes, portraits, and architectural details. The wide aperture also allowed me to shoot comfortably in low-light conditions—like inside ancient churches or at twilight. In golden-hour lighting, it captured warm tones and soft flares, especially against Thessaloniki’s marble structures and aged brickwork. The camera’s film simulation modes were a bonus, adding vintage vibes without needing post-processing.
For those less inclined toward manual photography, a flagship smartphone like the iPhone 15 Pro or Google Pixel, paired with a small gimbal for stabilization, can produce equally stunning results. With modern computational photography, even handheld night scenes in Ano Poli or near the waterfront lights become rich with depth and emotion.
2. Tripod: Foldable + Bluetooth Remote
To avoid constantly asking strangers for help, I brought a foldable, lightweight tripod and a Bluetooth shutter remote. This allowed me to take self-portraits with thoughtful composition—something especially useful when traveling solo. I set it up at the White Tower during sunset, letting the camera capture a sequence of images while I moved naturally through the scene. It also came in handy for low-light shots, where stability made all the difference. Compact tripods that fit into a backpack can truly elevate your photography without weighing you down.
3. Filters & Props: ND Filter + Handmade Scarf
Occasionally, I used a neutral density (ND) filter when shooting near water—especially on blustery days when the sea was active. The filter helped me control exposure and achieve that creamy motion blur that makes waves or fountains look dreamy and cinematic. I also brought a handmade wool scarf, not only for warmth but as a versatile photo prop. Draped over a chair in a café, wrapped around my shoulders, or laid on a stone ledge, it added texture and a personal touch to my compositions. I even carried a vintage-style magazine which added a nostalgic element to my setups.
III. Skincare & Self-Care: Repairing in Wind and Cold
Thessaloniki’s winter sea breeze means high humidity, but the combination of wind and temperature changes can dry and irritate your skin. Choose products with strong hydration and healing properties.
1. Face Care: A Trio That Covers It All
I packed travel-size repair serum, rich moisturizer, and sunscreen. Choose serums with ceramides or squalane to strengthen the skin barrier. Moisturizers should be thick and nourishing, especially effective overnight. And don’t skip sunscreen—Greece’s UV rays remain strong even in winter.
2. Others: Lip Balm + Hand Cream + Body Lotion
Lip balm is a must-have—especially when shooting by the sea. I also carry hand cream and travel-size body lotion. After a long day walking, a warm shower followed by lotion feels incredibly soothing and rejuvenating.
IV. Small Essentials: Functionality Meets Aesthetic
The small items in your bag often decide the true comfort level of your trip.
1. Foldable Umbrella + Windproof Hat
Winter weather can be unpredictable. A compact windproof umbrella is a must. I also brought a knitted beanie—not only warm but also adds style in photos.
2. Multifunctional Scarf or Shawl
A muted-color wool scarf keeps your neck warm and doubles as a shawl for churches or misty mornings. In photos, scarves and shawls elevate the look—more artistic, more vintage.
3. Thermos + Heat Packs
On long walks through the city, a hot drink is the best comfort. My thermos isn’t huge but keeps drinks warm for hours. On extra cold days, I use heat packs around the waist or shoulders—especially helpful when climbing hills or watching sunrise.
V. Travel Stationery: Slow Down, Write It Down
I firmly believe that travel is not just about footsteps, but about writing from the heart. On every trip, I bring a travel journal and quick-dry pens. Thessaloniki’s corners, cafes, and harbors offer many moments worth recording.
While sipping coffee by the sea, I’ll jot down the weather, wind, and my feelings. In the museum, I sketch a piece of Byzantine mosaic. Watching the sunset from the White Tower, I write:
“A beam of light slips through a thousand-year-old stone crack and softly falls on my face.”
These notes aren’t for anyone else—just for me.
Travel Is a Way to Get Closer to Yourself
Thessaloniki in winter isn’t dazzling, but it’s real. With its gray-blue skies, languid streets, and warm glances, it quietly embraces you. As long as you slow down, it always has surprises waiting.
This packing list isn’t a strict template but a reflection of my genuine experience after spending days with the city. I hope it provides useful guidance for your winter trip to Greece—so you can stay warm and look good, enjoy the views and feel your best. May we all travel light in body and full in spirit, meeting a new version of ourselves along the way.
