Tips & Preparation
What to Pack for a Camper Van Trip in Crete
The WanderVans vans are well-equipped — but there are still things worth bringing from home. This guide covers exactly what's already in the van, what you should pack, and what to leave behind. The goal: travel light, feel comfortable, have everything you need.
What's already in the van
Save weight and space — you don't need to bring any of this:
Included in every WanderVans rental
- Maggiolina roof tent — quick to set up, very comfortable for 2
- Bed module inside — fold-flat mattress system for 2 more people
- Duvets and pillows — for inside bed. Extra sleeping bags available as an add-on
- Full kitchen — 2-ring gas cooker, pots, pans, plates, cutlery, glasses
- Dometic fridge-freezer — runs on 12V / solar, fits 40L of food and drinks
- Fresh water tank and shower — pressurised, heated by solar
- Solar power system — charges phones, runs fridge, powers lights indefinitely
- 4× USB charging ports — never worry about a dead phone
- Air conditioning — essential in July and August
- Drinking water — we provide a full supply to start
- Camping fuel — enough for several days of cooking
- Repellent tealights and lighter — for evenings outdoors
- Campsite map of Crete — given at pick-up, curated by us
- Emergency contact card — attached to the car key
What to bring
Documents & essentials
- Valid driving licence (held 3+ years)
- Passport or national ID card
- Travel insurance documents
- Confirmation email (your booking reference)
- Credit or debit card for daily spending
- Some cash — small villages are cash only
Clothing (pack light — it's warm)
- Swimwear × 2–3 (you'll swim every day)
- Lightweight hiking shoes or trail runners
- Sandals or flip-flops
- One layer for mountain evenings (even in summer)
- Sun hat with a brim
- Lightweight rain jacket (essential May–June)
- Comfortable clothes for evenings at tavernas
Toiletries & health
- Insect repellent spray — most important item on this list
- High SPF sunscreen × 2 (minimum factor 30)
- After-sun lotion
- Basic first aid kit (plasters, antiseptic, painkillers)
- Any prescription medication you need
- Biodegradable soap and shampoo for outdoor showers
Food & kitchen extras
- Olive oil, salt, pepper, basic spices (optional — buy in Crete)
- Coffee if you're particular — Cretan café is excellent but you can't brew it at 7am in a gorge car park
- Reusable water bottle × 1 per person
- A small cooler bag for beach days (the fridge stays in the van)
Activities
- Snorkelling mask and fins (highly recommended — visibility is 20m+)
- Compact day backpack for hikes
- Trekking poles if you plan to do Samaria Gorge
- Waterproof phone case
- Book or e-reader — beach days are long
What to leave at home
Don't bother packing
- Large suitcases — storage space is sufficient for 2 people with bags, not wheeled cases. Use a duffel or rucksack.
- Beach towels — local ones are cheap and you won't miss the weight
- Hair dryer — the solar system doesn't support it. Use a campsite block or let it air-dry
- Full camping gear — the van has everything. Don't double up
- Laptop — leave work at home. This is Crete.
Local shopping tip: There are excellent supermarkets in every Cretan town. Buy fresh produce, local cheeses, wines and olive oil as you go. It's part of the experience — and the van's fridge keeps everything cold.
The golden rule
Pack for warm weather with one layer for cool mountain nights and one evening outfit for tavernas. Everything else, you can buy in Crete or discover you don't need. The van is your home — keep it tidy and it rewards you with perfect freedom.
Everything's ready — are you?
Book your camper van from €80/day. We handle the equipment, you handle the adventure.
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