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Heading off to the gorgeous Greek Isles? We’ve got the inside scoop on packing for Greece – take a look!

Ultimate Greece Packing List for the Islands

If you’re interested in traveling to Greece strictly for the islands, you aren’t the only one! They are vastly popular, and this gorgeous country has over 200 inhabited islands! The prime time to visit them is during summer, the months of June, July, and August.

By the time September comes, island facilities are winding down, but some travelers still trickle in.

When I was in Santorini, I absolutely wore jumpsuits; they were airy, and an easy instant outfit! (Linen jumpsuits are also cooling to wear.)

I spent a birthday milestone trip in Athens and Santorini during the summer and documented everything I packed and wore–it was an amazing trip full of special memories. Part of my itinerary was in Greece, and the rest was spent elsewhere in Europe.

If you want to read about my whole journey, here are all the trip reports:

If you plan to visit an island in Greece, each has its own personality, and you’ll feel more in sync with the local vibe if you tweak your capsule wardrobe outfits accordingly.

Fortunately, the weather isn’t much different throughout Greece in the summer. Be prepared for hot, sunny days wherever you go, with the chance of rain increasing from zero to slight as you venture toward the mainland.

We’ve covered the top islands to help you curate the perfect packing list for Greece. Check it out!

What to Pack for Greek Islands

What to Pack for Santorini

Santorini is an incredibly romantic and luxurious destination. With panoramic views of the turquoise Aegean Sea and plenty of beach activities, you’ll fit right in wearing beach attire. And with the beautiful white buildings all around you, this is a place where color will pop, so when creating your packing list for Santorini Greece, don’t be afraid to make it colorful!

Enjoying Santorini in my Gevomir Halter Summer Dress

Sundresses will be your staple in Santorini. They’re effortless and can be worn over a swimsuit by day or dressed up by night. Plus, a trip to Santorini entails a lot of leisurely strolls, eating delicious food, and lounging by the water, and dresses are perfect for those activities!

Wit & Wisdom Sky Rise Linen Blend Paperbag Shorts | Sizes 14W-24W

That said, Santorini is a great place for some active adventures. Boat rides, hiking, trekking through archeological sites, and ATV tours are all popular things to do on the island.

For activities like these, pack some shorts (linen or denim are great options), and t-shirts. Flowy linen pants are great for wearing to the beach, too! Try pairing them with a one piece bathing suit for an easy outfit you can wear into town.

Shop Taos Trulie: Amazon | Zappos | Taos

The stacked buildings that make the cliffs of Santorini so beautiful also make for some seriously steep streets, so pack your shoes accordingly. Comfortable walking sandals with secure straps and sturdy soles are perfect for the heat. Heels are almost impossible to wear on the island’s extremely hilly cobblestone streets, so instead, opt for dressy sandals when dressing up for dinner.

What to Pack for Mykonos

Mykonos is all about beach life and nightlife. From hip beaches to ritzy clubs to incredible restaurants, this is definitely the place to have some fun with your wardrobe! That said, the overall style in Mykonos is quite laid-back with just a hint of glamor.

Quince Linen Long Sleeve Shirt paired with Nappa Belt Bag | Sizes XS-XL

During the day, you can keep it casual with cute blouses, slouchy linen shirts, and polished t-shirts.

Dresses are always a great option on the Greek islands, so bring out your cute sundresses! Or, pair a t-shirt dress with platform slides for an effortless yet fashion-forward look.

Caslon Wide Leg Pull-On Linen Blend Pants | Sizes XXS-XXL (Regular & Petite)

If you want to wear pants, wide leg linen pants, and flowy maxi skirts paired with cute blouses or tank tops are perfect for Mykonos’ bohemian vibe. Stylish rompers are fantastic, too!

Birkenstock Arizona Big Buckle Slide Sandal

Keep your feet cool and comfortable in the heat with some pretty sandals that you can take from the beach to the bar. Lean into the glam with snakeskin sandals, or keep it boho with Birkenstocks.

The streets in Mykonos town are more even and flat than Santorini. While fancy heels aren’t common, comfortable wedges are a cute option if you want to elevate your look!

What to Pack for Crete

The largest of the Greek islands, Crete is home to TONS of gorgeous beaches! That means you’ll need to pack up your beach gear, from bathing suits to coverups to sun hats.

Caslon Ruffle V-Neck Organic Cotton Tank | Sizes XXS-XXL

Beat the heat with lightweight clothing. The style is relaxed and beachy, so pack simple, breathable tanks and t-shirts that you can easily mix and match with the rest of your wardrobe. Linen and cotton are the best options for staying cool and comfy.

J.Crew Gwyneth Linen Slip Skirt | Sizes XXS-3X

If you want to look a bit more elevated for a day of shopping and sightseeing in town, pair your tees with crisp white linen pants or a colorful midi skirt.

There are some incredible hikes through mountain villages and ancient ruins all over the island, so bring pants that can handle a bit of action. It’s too hot for leggings, so instead, opt for linen shorts or denim shorts when you’re out adventuring or heading to the beach.

Shop Reef Womens Water Vista: Amazon | Zappos | Reef

When planning what to pack on a trip to Greece, shoes are super important. When splashing around in the ocean or hitting the trails, hiking sandals will keep your feet protected from sharp rocks and rugged terrain. Readers say they’re a must for sporty activities in Greece!

Bring a more stylish pair of sandals for the evenings. Platform sandals are on trend or gladiator sandals will add a Grecian vibe to your look.

What to Pack for Hydra

With a huge art scene and incredible restaurants and nightlife, Hydra is a popular weekend destination for Athenians and tourists looking for a quick break from the traffic of Athens. Hydra is entirely traffic-free – the only mode of land transportation is by foot or by donkey (yes, it’s true)!

Athleta Brooklyn Heights Wide Leg Jumpsuit | Sizes 0-16

You’ll see a ton of chic Greeks, so if you want to fit in with the more sophisticated, arty style, keep your clothing polished and classy. Think slouchy yet well-tailored t-shirts, off-the-shoulder tops, and maxi dresses or jumpsuits in neutral colors.

Boden Sky Smocked Linen Midi Dress | Sizes 2-22

With a style similar to Athens, you could also opt for some wide leg pants, paired with flat sandals and a billowy top. Or wear a midi dress that’s linen or cotton, which is ideal for nights out.

Though there aren’t a lot of beaches in Hydra, definitely pack a chic one-piece bathing suit and a button down coverup so you can jump into the crystal clear water and lay out at Elafonissi’s pink beach!

Shop Munro Juniper Sandal: Nordstrom | Zappos

Cute sandals are the go-to shoes for locals and travelers alike when in Hydra. But with lots of steps and rough streets, bring comfortable walking sandals that are supportive and grippy.

What to Pack for Folegandros

Flying under the radar, Folegandros is a stunning Greek island with a quiet, chilled-out atmosphere. It’s known for its incredible cuisine, so be sure to pack some pretty outfits for going out to dinner! There are also a lot of fun cafes and taverns to pop into.

Shop Columbia Freezer Maxi Dress: Amazon | Columbia (Sizes XS-XXL)

The style is boho-chic but really anything goes on this laid-back island! When wandering through the small, white-washed town, jumpsuits and dresses are perfect. Easy to throw on and effortlessly stylish, they’ll be a go-to throughout your trip.

The quiet and pristine beaches are the main attraction in Folegandros, so bring your bikinis, coverups, and beach sandals. (Don’t miss the boat tour around the island, stopping at many of the isolated beaches and swimming coves!)

Athleta Brooklyn Mid Rise 16 Skort | Sizes 0-26

Pack some lightweight wide leg pants or a skort for the hike up to Panagia church and cocktails by the water. Linen pants and linen shorts will keep you nice and cool, too. Pair your bottoms with a moisture-wicking top by day and a flirty blouse by night!

Shop Teva Midform Inifinity: Amazon | Nordstrom | REI

While it’s a small town, there’s a lot to see, so bring comfortable sandals. If they can be dressed up for a night out, all the better! Flip flops are great for the beach and are commonly seen on locals in town, too. You may want to opt for sport sandals, as some beaches require some hiking or scrambling over rocks.

What to Pack for a Cruise around the Greek Islands

If you’re heading on a leisurely Greek Isle cruise, that means you’ll be hitting a lot of the islands mentioned above, so you’ll need to pack a versatile wardrobe.

Greek cruises definitely involve lots of swimming, whether hitting the beach on port stops or splashing around in the pool when you’re heading to the next destination. Pack multiple bathing suits so you always have a dry one, and bring a few coverups, too!

Quince Linen Sleeveless Swing Dress | Sizes 1X-3X

If you want to be extra efficient with your packing list for Greece cruise, opt for dresses and rompers that can double as coverups! Linen dresses and moisture-wicking dresses are great because they’re cooling and dry quickly. Plus, these styles are always appropriate for Greece, no matter what island you’re on!

Eddie Bauer Mountain Ripstop Long-Sleeve Shirt | Sizes XS-XXL

To round out your versatile cruise packing list, you can never go wrong with basics like t-shirts and lightweight white button downs. These are tops that you can easily dress up and down and even wear to the beach! And some even have UPF protection against the island sun.

Another workhouse piece to have in your travel rotation is linen pants. They’re easy going yet chic, so you can throw them on for a boat trip, visiting ancient ruins, or going out to a nice dinner. Wide leg pants and cropped pants are airy and cute, too.

Shop KEEN Elle Backstrap: Amazon | Zappos

For shoes, flip flops are a must for hanging out on deck and to bring with you for beach days. When you’re heading into town, you’ll want to be wearing comfortable sandals or sneakers. They’ll be the most protective and versatile, and you never know where the day might take you!

For dressy dinners or a night out in town, black sandals or tan sandals always look elevated and will fit in with the beachy atmosphere. Or, pack some chic beach sandals that you can elevate with a sundress!

Quince Italian V-Neck Bikini Top & High-Rise Bikini Bottom | Sizes XS-XL

Swimwear for the Greek Islands

Many Greek islands have incredible beaches. Some are rocky, and some have lovely sand. It’s wise to pack water shoes for the rocky beaches that you may encounter. Despite the terrain, the draw is always the gorgeous blue waters!

For swimwear, there isn’t a worry about modesty in Greece, so bring easy to wear two piece bikinis, as they’re perfect to slip on in a pinch and go.

Old Navy Tie-Back One-Piece Swimsuit | Sizes XS-4X

If you do want to cover up a bit, wear a one piece or a neutral black one piece and pair them with linen trousers to make them into an off-beach outfit.

Elan V-Back Cover-Up Maxi Dress | Sizes XS-XL

Locals can be seen walking the streets in beach cover ups as sidewalk shopping is highly popular after a sun and sand day. Aim for something that can even transition into a sightseeing option.

Shop Spanx One-Piece Rashguard: Nordstrom | Spanx (Sizes XS-3X)

If you’re going on a boat tour, donning a rash guard is a good idea, as the sun can be intense when coming off the water. It’s simple to slip a rashguard shirt over a bathing suit or wear a rashguard suit.

Reef Cushion Bounce Court Flip Flop

Besides water shoes, bring comfy flip flops or pure beach flip flops that can double as short-term walking shoes, as sometimes you have to walk to get back onto your transportation to return to your hotel or walk a bit to grab a seaside lunch. Overall, flip flops are an island packing list Greece essential!

If you want more help choosing swimwear for the Greek Islands, check out these resources:

Taking in Santorini in my Madewell Packable Hat. I got the small/medium, but it was too big, so definitely missed my Wallaroo Victoria Fedora Hat, which is perfect for Greece because you can adjust the sizing!

More Greece Travel Packing Island Essentials

Sunscreen – With little cloud cover in the summer and the water and white buildings reflecting the sun, the risk of burning goes way up. Bring at least SPF 30 and apply it everywhere and often. (For easy re-application, bring a sunscreen stick!)
Sunglasses – Bring sunglasses you like because you’ll be wearing them all day, every day. It’s a bonus if they’re polarized to cut out the glare from the Aegean.
Protective Hat – A sun hat is another stylish way to get some sun protection! But keep in mind that the Greek islands can get very windy in July and August, so bring something secure.
Beach bag – These kinds of bags are what you’ll use for beach days or when you’re out and about all day. It should fit a towel, water, and sunscreen and have a little extra room for miscellaneous items.

Keep reading for some stylish beach dresses that you can wear on and off the sand!

Osprey Transporter Wheeled 38L Carry-On Luggage

Best Luggage for the Greek Islands

Once you’ve compiled your perfect Greece trip packing list, it’s time to organize your luggage! The right suitcase for your trip may depend on the space you’ll need, the size requirements of your flight, and the terrain that you’ll be carrying your suitcase over. It’s wise to check with your airline to see what their baggage policies are before flying, and then use a luggage scale to ensure you aren’t exceeding the weight limit.

On my last trip to Greece, I used the Osprey Transporter 38L wheeled suitcase. It’s carry on compliant but super spacious and easy to pack, with a wide opening, tons of pockets and dividers, and even a 16” laptop sleeve. Overall, it’s such a great, durable suitcase!

Shop Travelpro Maxlite 5 Softside Luggage: Amazon | Travelpro

If you want a more traditional wheeled suitcase, the ultimate reader’s favorite brand is Travelpro. Their Maxlite 5 soft luggage 19” has spinner wheels, organizational pockets on the front, and even has expandable capacity to pack a little bit more.

Read these tips on how to pick a suitcase and consider one of these top brands.

WANDF 18″ Foldable Travel Duffle Bag

A travel tip for souvenir shopping on the Greek Islands is to bring a packable duffle bag to store all your goodies.

Readers swear by the Wandf packable duffle and say it’s so easy to transport and useful for other things like hauling laundry, not just gifts or souvenirs.

Left: Compass Rose Medium Packing Cubes (13″ x 8.5″ x 2.8″) | Right: Compass Rose Slim Packing Cubes (13″ x 5″ x 2.8″)

Depending on how many days or weeks you’re traveling, you may want to use luggage organizers such as packing cubes, which allow optimum use of the space in your luggage, while keeping everything organized and in place during your travels, making the task of unpacking and repacking simple and stress-free.

Many readers use our Compass Rose Packing Cubes for packing, and they’re now offered in two sizes: slim and medium. The slim size cubes measure 13″ x 5″ x 2.8″, and the medium size cubes measure 2.8″ x 13″ x 8.5″. Both fit an international carry-on suitcase and can help you organize and compress clothing items.

The medium size is great for bulkier items or clothes you may want to fold instead of roll. Check out this video on how to organize using packing cubes, it’s incredibly easy!

If you want more resources on what type of suitcase to choose for Greece, start here:

Lo & Sons Pearl Crossbody

Best Day Bag or Purse for Greece Islands

When you’re out sightseeing and don’t need to pack a big bag, a crossbody purse is the perfect day bag for Greece. They’re also great for a night out on the town!

The Lo & Sons Pearl crossbody is light and compact yet quite spacious inside, so it can fit all your essentials. It has great organization and looks super chic, too!

Another great option is the Travelon Classic Messenger bag. It offers excellent organization and versatility. This beauty will hold a day’s necessities, feel light and comfortable to carry, and has all the anti-theft features to keep everything secure.

Luka Laptop Backpack Sizes: 17 inch | 15 inch | Mini

If you’ll be at the beaches of the islands and need to carry some extra essentials, like a water bottle, snacks, or a jacket, then opt for a backpack! If you’ll be on a boat or near the water, make sure your backpack is water-resistant!

Check out this list of waterproof backpacks to pick out a stellar island accessory.

Shop Bandolier Emma Crossbody: Amazon | Bandolier

Alternatively, you could also opt for a sling bag or fanny pack, and if you want to have your phone ready to take pics, readers recommend crossbody phone purses, such as the Bandolier Emma crossbody phone purse. It’s sleek, can hold cards in the back, and is super practical for keeping your phone secure while you snap photos.

Compass Rose Secret Bra Wallet

Safety

Safety is a big concern whenever you travel, and in busy, touristy areas like Athens or the islands, pickpocketing can be a common occurrence. Taking a few safety precautions can help you feel less stressed during your travels.

How can I stay safe while traveling on the Greek Islands?

Be cautious about where you stash your cash so you don’t fall prey to muggings and pickpocketing. Make your clothing theft-proof, and choose items with strong zippers.

Jeans are handy for this reason: you can put important items, like your wallet and phone, in your front pockets, where it’s very difficult for a wandering hand to snatch it.

Add items like the Secret Bra Pocket and Underwear with Pockets to your packing list.

And be mindful of purse snatchers! They either slash the bottom of your bag so the content fall out or slash the strap.

Wear your purse strap across your body and the zipper towards the front. For extra security, check out the “theft-proof” bags featured in this post about crossbody purses.

These are articles with other suggested anti-theft products:

Remember, the safest place for your passport is locked in your accommodation. Carry a photocopy or other ID when you’re sightseeing or are out at night.

Read these tips on how to keep your passport safe when you travel!

Suggested Anti-Theft Accessories

Bra stash, neck pouch, or money belt with RFID protection
Anti-theft Crossbody Bags
Passport case
TSA-approved luggage lock
Clothing with hidden pockets (like underwear, tops, and scarves)

What is your packing list for Greece vacation island getaways? Share in the comments below!

For more Europe packing tips, please read:

Suggested travel resources:

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8 Comments

Patti on September 21, 2023 at 7:53 am

Possible choir tour trip to Greece in 2025, so I’m starting the research now. Thank you for the insights and suggestions. I know I’ll be spending a lot of time on this site as I prep for the trip.
Jolyn Merlino on September 19, 2023 at 12:35 pm

This blog was extremely helpful in packing for our 10 day stay in Greece. Especially the area on footwear, I wanted cute and comfortable and knew I couldn’t go with my normal wedge style heels. Thanks!
Andrea on September 6, 2022 at 4:17 pm

Thank you for the great info. I especially like your sandals recommendations.
- Andrea on September 22, 2023 at 8:26 pm
  
  Your packing lists have been invaluable! Thanks so much!
Bella Kleiman on August 27, 2022 at 1:05 pm

Thank you for the wonderful guide. I am going to Mykonos in a week, very helpful!
Patricia McKnight on August 23, 2022 at 6:47 pm

Thank you for this post. I took your advice on my summer trip to Greece and agree due to the heat it is necessary to wear linen dresses and comfortable walking sandals. I would not have survived without them!!!
Christine on February 17, 2020 at 1:57 pm

Hi, will you please update this page (Greece Summer) with new outfits and items? Every item I clicked on was sold out 🙁 Thank you!
- Alex on February 18, 2020 at 12:15 am
  
  Hi Christine, I am really sorry about this. ? We are currently working to update all our articles to give you the best up to date advice and content. If you are looking for tips for packing for Greece, we do also have this helpful post: https://www.travelfashiongirl.com/what-to-wear-in-greece-packing-list-for-athens-and-style-ideas/ Have a wonderful time!

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