Would you leave personal items on Greek Island Beaches?
 

We will be visiting Mykonos, Paros and Santorini next week. In a few cases, we will want to go to beaches that are not near our hotels. We were wondering what you all did with your personal items (keys, wallets, cameras, etc) if you went into the water? (Even here in the States, I try to bring as little as possible, but you still need some things) Any suggestions? Recos? Thank you!

We purchased waterproof bags from a website- can't recall, but REI should have them. We got one large enough for our camera- and two that you can put in your swimsuit pocket or tie around your waist or wrist. It's large enough to hold money and credit cards or keys...they never leaked.

We just returned from Naxos. On beach days we carried a small day backpack and loaded it with towels, books, suntan lotion, bread, fruit, wine and day money ( about 15 to 20 euros.) I figured if anybody takes it they are not going to get away with too much.

My one concern was my camera which we did bring with us. For the most pare we carried the camera and wallet with us for strolls along the beach. Other times we alternated going into the water so one of us was with the valuables. Other times we went into the water just in front of the beach chairs and kept a watchfull eye.
Many people left their bags on their chairs and headed out to a taverna for lunch and I never saw anybody even look at the stuff they left on on the beach.

A couple of years ago my wife and I were on the beach on Naxos. Around 2:00 we headed back to the hotel for a snack and when we returned to our beach chairs the guy who rented them to us, called us over. We had left teh camer and money in a belly pack on the chair and he safeguarded it for us until we returned.

Be wise with securety but don't fret it too much. Virtually all hotes have a safe in every room so you can manage your risk by minimizing how much you carry with you.

Thank you mamaj and stanbr for your responses. These are great tips!

a ziplock bag pinned inside your awimming trunks will do it for a last minute need. No, never leave valuables.

We have never had a problem. Keep your cash out of sight and take it with you at all times. The cameras, towels and all the other beach items should be safe on the lounge chairs. On Myconos you should be able to have a nice lunch and keep your chairs & towels within easy viewing distance. Just take any normal precautions and You'll be fine

Some men's swimming trunks come with a plastic pocket that can be flipped in or out of the trunks (for easy access). When we go to the beach my husband sticks our room keys and money in that if we go into the water.

A camera I'd probably leave in my beach bag buried deep down. If you're really concerned you could buy a few of those disposable cameras to take with you on beach days.

If I have no other options, I just ask somebody sunbathing nearby to have an eye on my stuff while I'm swimming.

In Spain they sell beach towels with a hidden pocket large enough to put some money in and maybe a bottle of sunblock. The pouch velcros shut, so the things stay in, and it is pretty well camoflauged. I bet you could find those in the US before leaving or in Greece if you look around.

I've been to Greece 5 times and I always leave my stuff on my towel while I'm swimming, I don't bring my credit cards to the beach just my money for lunch or whatever. I usually leave my camera rolled up in my shirt or shorts and have never lost anything. If I'm gone all day and therefore have more money or credit cards I will lock them in the seat of my scooter.

Hi Divelin,

I am travelling in Greece alone and this has been a real issue for me. I usually pack a backpack in the morning with my beach attire etc and then go off to visit sites, hike and explore. Along the way I try to find a good beach....so of course I always have my wallet and camera with me. What to do? Well, I have a cable lock and several backpack locks with me - I always pay for the use of a beach chair and lock everything to the chair (always one by the water) then keep an eye on it while swimming. Today I was at a beach and no chairs but the beach was nearly deserted - so I found an off to the side spot and swam around close to shore infront of my stuff. I've been able to find other things to lock my bag to as well, will only do this if I am still close to it. With more than one person you could take turns swimming as well. Of course you can always as someone to also "keep an eye out" but that is hard to trust.

Cheers,

Murphy

Murphy, What a clever reco! You'll always be able to spot the guy walking away with a beach chair under his arm! Thanks for your post. Can't wait... We leave in 3 days! The weather looks awesome...