You may be wondering what to wear in Greece and, for that matter, what to pack and what Greece outfits to assemble. No worries, in this post, we cover some of the basics and what we recommend you take for your trip to the Mediterranean. The alluring Greek islands are staggeringly beautiful, rich in history, abundant in delicious cuisines, and full of extraordinarily hospitable locals.
We were out of our element the first time we landed in Santorini. We were on a European backpacking trip, and little did we know how posh and romantic the island was for travelers. Now, we make annual trips to Greece and safely say we know how to pack our bags and have mastered what to wear in Greece.
Quick Tips For Packing For Greece
Greece is an easy destination to pack for, as the weather doesn’t change much throughout the day. The Greek Isles are relaxed, but you’ll still want to pack some nice clothes for trendy islands like Santorini, Mykonos, Paros, or Hydra.
- Linen shirts are standard and rarely feel out of place. Men can live in these shirts every day in the summer.
- Pack light if you plan to island-hop, as the ferries often require a lot of moving. You’re more likely to regret packing too much than too little.
- Mesh/breathable packing cubes help separate damp and dirty clothes from clean ones.
- Sun protection is always a good idea, whether sunblock, hats, or UPF clothing.
- Adventure clothes such as hiking footwear and active clothes are great for activities.
- Wear lightweight clothes as the heat and sun can be intense in the summer.
- Swimsuits and beach clothes are the most worn items in a suitcase.
What Luggage To Bring For Greece?
Hardshell Suitcase
Travel Backpack
I have two bag recommendations for a trip to Greece. You can opt for a traditional hardshell suitcase with four wheels or a travel backpack. Our favorite hardshell suitcase is the Delsey Helium Aero.
Travel backpacks are great for young backpackers, digital nomads, or minimalists! If paying for taxis or car rentals makes you hesitant, you’ll need to book accommodation near public transport or have a backpack. Our favorites are the Peak Design Travel Backpack and the NOMATIC Backpack but read about the best backpacks for Europe if you’d like to learn more.
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Hardside Suitcase
Travel Backpack
What to Wear in Greece
Linen Shirt
There is probably no look more synonymous in Greece than a linen shirt. It’s our favorite item to wear when visiting Greece. Linen is as practical as it is stylish. It’s great as it tends to dry faster, feel lighter, and cope with sweat better than its cotton counterparts. The fabric has a long history with Greece and was even worn by the ancient Greeks several millennia ago.
Pair a linen shirt with sandals, shorts, jeans, or shoes, or even go barefoot. It will always work. A versatile piece of clothing that looks good for both sexes and works at the beach or a restaurant. It’s tough to find decent linen shirts online since you can’t test them out before buying, but I love the quality of Everlane’s linen shirts.
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Women’s
Men’s
Relaxed Pants
Greeks care about their appearance, but their dress is generally more casual than in Western Europe. We love to wear a pair of relaxed pants in a light neutral color on the islands. There are various options, but we prefer natural fibers such as hemp or linen that handle the heat well and have a classic look.
Tasha’s favorite pair of pants is prAna’s Fernie Beach Pant, but they often go out of stock as they are so popular. The pants are airy and made from a Fair Trade TENCEL fabric, but you’ll have to keep checking their website. Lulus has some fantastic flowy beach pant selections as well.
For men, Prana makes the excellent Vaha Pant. They are perfect for beach destinations and blend well for a stylish beach look when paired with a linen shirt. They’re lightweight and made from hemp so that they can last for multiple wears without a wash.
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Men’s Vaha Pant
Women’s Beach Pant
Travel Shorts
Greece gets hot in the summer, you’ll want some shorts for your trip. They’re also easy to pack as they take up less space in your luggage and can be easily washed. For days out exploring ancient ruins, hikes, or early morning runs we love to have a pair of shorts. With the hot temperatures,
Men shouldn’t worry about being informal. Greek men have no problem wearing shorts because pants would be almost unbearable during the day come July. We like to pack two or three pairs for versatility, such as gym shorts and travel shorts. We’ve tested a lot of shorts for travel and have been impressed by a handful.
Our recommendations for men’s shorts are the Western Rise Evolution, Quicksilver Amphibian, Vuori Kore Shorts, and Outlier OG Freeway. Recommendations for women include the prAna Elle Short, Vuori Dash, prAna Kanab, and Patagonia Baggies. We suggest whatever suits your style and recommend they do not involve cargo pockets.
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Women’s
Men
Swimsuit
You’re going to Greece! A swimsuit is a must unless you’re on some of the famous nudist beaches. If you’re heading to the Mediterranean, the number one thing you need is a swimsuit! We like to travel in two swimsuits to know we always have an extra dry one on hand.
When it comes to bathing suits, we have two great recommendations. For a fantastic women’s swimsuit brand, we recommend Londre. They make high-quality swimsuits that are stylish yet supportive.
Vuori makes fantastic lightweight Cruise Board Shorts in various prints and colors. They’re super comfortable, quickly dry, and the cut is perfect. We’re not a fan of board shorts that are too long or loose, as they look sloppy.
Our Swimsuit Recommendations
Women’s
Men’s
Warm Fleece
Greece gets cold too! A warm fleece or lightweight jacket is perfect for that evening stroll along the sea. While the summer months generally remain warm all day and night, it’s still nice for long-haul flights. You’ll likely face cool weather if you visit Greece in the shoulder seasons. For those days, warm clothes are nice to have for chilly evenings.
Patagonia’s Better Sweater is our favorite fleece for the beach. It has a classic relaxed cut with a timeless look for a walk on the beach or an evening bonfire. It’s a double-sided fleece that provides plenty of warmth while remaining soft and comfortable.
Best Fleeces for Travel
Sunglasses
The white-washed buildings of Greece see plenty of sunshine, so a stylish pair of sunglasses is a great addition to an outfit. Everyone owns at least one pair of sunglasses. However, it’s best to ensure they have UV protection for the health of your eyes.
We always travel with two pairs of sunglasses, one for activities and one for style. Smith Optics Lodown 2.0 makes excellent active sunglasses that look sharp enough to wear around a posh seaside town.
If you’ve seen the photos in this post, you likely noticed one of these sunglasses. For a more formal and stylish brand, we love Persol and Rayban for their timeless style.
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Sandals
Sandals are meant only for the beach in Europe, especially for men. However, with all of the gorgeous beaches in Greece, sandals are acceptable beach attire everywhere, and they’re far more comfortable on the sand.
For nights out on the town, we advise men to wear shoes. However, stylish sandals are great for women no matter the time. Greece is very laid-back, and most islands cater to tourists in the hot summer, so you won’t feel out of place.
We both travel with sandals from Olukai that have lasted for years. They are sandals with leather accents and feel stylish enough. They’re super comfortable, too, and they get us around the beach. Women should also check out the Sanuk Yoga Sling for an affordable, lightweight, stylish sandal.
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Travel Underwear
It would be best to pack several pairs of sports/travel underwear. Generally, we’ll pack five to seven pairs of underwear for a typical trip. We recommend several pairs of underwear made from wool or synthetic material.
These materials are antimicrobial, so they stay fresh longer and can dry quickly overnight if you hand wash them. For women, it’s best not to wear your typical cheap cotton undies. Women’s hygiene is essential, so antimicrobial undies are a lifesaver when you’re active in the heat.
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Women’s
Men’s
Simple Sneaker
For everything outside of the beach, a simple sneaker is great! Many brands make light and airy sneakers that aren’t overly flashy, match a wide range of outfits, comfortable for all-day wear, and remain cool in hot weather. We’ve tried various travel shoes over the years and love Allbirds Tree Runner in warm weather.
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Women
Men
Women’s Packing List Items for Greece
Tank Top
When thinking about what to wear in Greece, a few comfortable tank tops and shirts are a must-have. They’re perfect for the hot Greek summer and can be worn under a blouse or alone with a skirt or capris. It’s always a good idea to pack solid colors that can pair with everything.
We recommend you pick up new ones before your trip if they’re a little old. That way, they look fresh and aren’t pilling. The ones in the photo above are off Amazon and super comfortable.
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Flowy Skirt
When planning my Greece outfits there is nothing higher on my packing list than a flowy skirt. I wore the yellow one in the photo above on so many nights out in Greece and it was always the perfect item that went with anything!
The one above is from Lulus, but they sell out of it often so you’ll have to browse their site. There are similar flowy skirts on Amazon in different colors.
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Cute Summer Dress
When you’re walking around the islands or cute seaside towns, a loose-flowing dress is a great wardrobe choice. Unless it’s winter or you’re in Athens, we’d leave the jeans behind as they’re heavy, restrictive, and hot in the sun.
I love to wear a cute summer dress in Greece during the summer months. Choose a classic dress like an exposed shoulder top or a slip dress and go with light colors for the classic Greek Isles look. You can also opt for a more bohemian beach style which I love! My favorite dresses come from Salty Crush, like the one above at a vineyard in Corfu.
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Romper/Playsuit
Rompers are our favorite travel outfits for women because they’re stylish, comfortable, and practical. You can’t go wrong here, and we suggest throwing at least one or two rompers in your suitcase for Greece.
They’re great for a night and super cute for casual days. We love Patagonia’s Fleetwith Romper and prAna Railay for travel, but you can shop on Free People and Lulus for more great options.
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Beach Cover Up
A cover-up is one of those vacation clothes you should always travel with. Not only do they look cute, but they will also protect you from the sun’s harsh rays. Many establishments don’t allow beachgoers to wear just a swimsuit, so a cover-up is essential when heading to a taverna near the beach.
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Black Flats
A pair of black flats is always great to have in a suitcase. They’re stylish and comfortable, and take up minimal luggage space. Stay away from heels, many towns in Greece have uneven streets, and you don’t want to break an ankle trying to look good. Just let the locals impress you with their skills of walking in heels.
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Sunhat
If you are considering what to pack for Greece, I recommend picking up a stylish beach hat! Try to keep it in a practical size that travels well and doesn’t crinkle in a suitcase. If you pack a large hat, it will always be in your way, and you’ll likely ditch it by the end of your trip.
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Sports Bras
Greece has several great hikes and adventure activities. I always bring sports bras when I’m traveling. It’s easy to forget to bring a sports bra as you might not be headed to the gym, but they’re tremendous for active or hot summer days.
I love sports bras from Handful! Of course, you should pack your usual undergarments like bras and underwear; it’s easier to forget a sports bra.
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What to Wear In Greece For Men
T-Shirt
A classic tee shirt is a wardrobe staple and we can not imagine a trip without a couple in our bag. A stained or old shirt looks a little slobbish, so it’s a great time to pick up some new shirts before a trip. Solid colors are a great option that can be mixed and matched on a trip for more outfits. We love the quality and ease of ordering from Bombas if you’re after a classic cotton tee.
A merino wool shirt is a worthy investment and one of the best travel clothes. Wools shirts stay fresh longer and do an excellent job at temperature management. I’ve tested a lot of wool shirts out, and my favorite for travel so far is from Unbound Merino. That said, I spend many of my days in Greece in a linen shirt with the sleeves rolled up.
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Dress Shirt & Chinos
You’d look pretty ridiculous wearing a graphic T-shirt or a flannel out to a nice meal in Greece. The islands and the mainland have excellent restaurants and a great culinary scene. Not to mention men in Greece are known for their style and always look clean-cut when it comes to a night out.
We suggest every man travels with at least one nice outfit that fits their style. Pair awesome travel pants from Western Rise or Bluffworks with a simple dress shirt, or go all out with a travel suit. A nice outfit is always a solid choice of what to wear in Greece for men.
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Loafers
Loafers are a good shoe to have in the summer for a more relaxed look by the seaside. It’s perfect for a night out at a local Taverna while you listen to live music. Although, I’ve gotten away with a simple sneaker for almost all settings around Greece! The important thing with footwear is that it looks clean and simple.
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Beard Trimmer
Greek men love their beards, seriously. Taking good care of their personal hygiene is very important, and you’ll find most men with trimmed beards and clean necklines. I always love to travel with a facial trimmer, which helps me manage my facial hair. While you’re at it, I’d suggest getting a fresh haircut before you leave on your trip.
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Accessories to Pack for Greece
Beach Tote
You’ll likely want a beach bag for your beach days. This is to throw in anything like towels, a book, a speaker, sunglasses, snacks, and sunscreen. Alternatively, we often use our daypacks for trips to the beach.
However, a classic tote that everyone has in their closet also helps for shopping trips at the local market. They also travel well as they can fold flat and lie in your luggage.
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Sunscreen
Skin cancer is for real! Don’t forget your SPF during the summer. We recommend ordering some online before leaving the house, as you will need them underneath the sun. Most of the islands have limited imports and charge high prices. The main brand we find around Greece is Nivea, and it’s not my favorite sunscreen, so we like to bring our own.
We highly recommend getting an eco-friendly sun cream that does not contain harmful chemicals. They’re mineral-based and usually only cost a few dollars more to help protect our seas.
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Travel Towel
We always recommend packing a travel towel when you’re on the road. Greece is no exception. If you head to the beach or want a hike, it never hurts to have a towel in your day bag. Consider a towel essential for your Greece packing list. A towel is one of those things you’ll likely regret not packing!
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Greece Guidebook
We love to have a physical guidebook when traveling. We spend enough time attached to our phones in everyday life and planning our trips. Once we reach a destination like Greece, we put the phone away and pick up a guidebook to help with our trip.
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Belt Bag
Do yourself a favor and get a travel belt bag for any trip! It’s become a travel essential as a great spot to stash everything you need for a day out without needing a clumsy bag or backpack. My absolute favorite is the Lululemon Everywhere Belt Bag; I’m not alone!
These small belt bags are perfect for going through the airport or venturing around a new island. Plus, they are much more secure than a traditional purse, as the way they wrap around the torso would detract from any pickpockets.
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Toiletry Bag
Keeping your toiletries organized and separated from your clothes. It almost feels like a toiletry bag is essential for any trip. Plus, it’s not uncommon to find small or cramped bathrooms in Greece.
Buying a hanging toiletry bag is an excellent option if you are limited on counter space. This bag style tends to have a better organization system with various sections for storage than the traditional option. We love the Peak Design Wash Pouch. It contains a hidden hook to hang and features terrific organization.
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Packing Cubes
Packing cubes are phenomenal for the organization of any backpack or suitcase. They are one of those packing essentials that should be in every bag as they keep all of your clothes and toiletries organized. Cubes also keep clothes folded and protect them from wrinkles.
Our favorite packing cubes are currently from Peak Design. It’s a slick design, and each cube has a divider to separate clean from dirty clothes. This saves the need for additional cubes and makes organization easier.
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Jewelry Case
We don’t travel with all our best jewelry for obvious reasons, but that doesn’t mean we don’t travel with any jewelry in Greece. We love having necklaces, bracelets, rings, and earrings when we dress up on the road. A travel jewelry box is the best way to keep this jewelry safe and organized!
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Passport Wallet
A travel passport wallet is an affordable travel essential. Your passport is a vital travel document you will need to carry for a decade. Protect your passport in a wallet to ensure its longevity and save the headache of replacing it. Several options can protect the passport or replace your wallet. We recommend a great wallet from Herschel Supply Co.
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Travel Adaptor
A universal power adaptor is essential for any trip to Greece. We recommend picking up one before arriving in the country. Once in Greece, finding one that is not overpriced or poor quality can be challenging.
Also, I never want to be searching for an adaptor when I have just come off a long travel day and need to plug in my computer. I want to have it with me and ready to go. We’ve tried a bund of adapters, but this one from Ceptics has to be our favorite in our travels. It has multiple plugs and USB ports. It also works as a surge protector.
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Kindle Paperwhite
While I love having a good real book when I travel, sometimes it’s just not practical because of the weight — keep them at home. If you plan to island-hop, you’ll want to pack fairly light.
A Kindle is an essential travel accessory for travelers who love to read. As much as we love an actual book, they are too heavy and take up too much room in my suitcase. We recently upgraded to the Kindle Paperwhite and love it. It’s small, has touchscreen functions, and has a backlight to read at night without a harsh glare.
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Anker Power Bank
I love traveling with a power bank to ensure my electronics never die. I usually don’t need to use it on long flights as some new international flights provide entertainment systems with USB ports! (Always make sure your charging cable is handy when boarding the plane)
We also make sure to find a charging point during layovers, but getting to a new city without your hotel reservations and map can be a significant pain. I recommend purchasing this power bank because it’s a great value with solid reviews.
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You Need This To Travel in Greece!
Travel Insurance
We never travel without travel insurance with Heymondo. With all the risks of travel in a foreign country and insurance coverage, we never have to worry about a good health plan. Heymondo offers incredible flexibility and great plans!
You never know if the worse could happen while you’re abroad, and your insurance plan at home often will not cover medical emergencies abroad. Having the peace of mind that we have a good backup plan helps us sleep at night.
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What NOT to Pack for Greece
Heavy Items
Leave heavy items at home like a hair dryer, books, and multiple shoes at home. You may find yourself carrying luggage up a flight of steps, on a ferry, or along a cobbled street, and you’ll regret any heavy luggage.
Heels
Most of the towns and cities are set along hills with old cobbled streets or uneven surfaces. Unless you’re staying within a resort, you’ll just put your ankles at risk by wearing heels.
Silly Travel Accessories
Don’t fall for silly travel accessories that are unnecessary expenses like a neck wallet, jet lag pills, charcoal tablets, or a female urination device. If you plan on investing in travel accessories, stick with the classics.
Useful investments for travel are quality luggage, packing cubes, a toiletry bag, a power bank, adapters, or noise-canceling headphones. We use eye masks and earplugs all the time as well!
Heavy Boots
There are some great hikes in the mountains and hilly countryside in Greece, but you can leave the hiking boots at home. Instead, opt for a lightweight trail running shoe that eats up less space and can be used at the gym or run.
The Kitchen Sink
It’s really easy to overpack when you’re getting ready for a trip. When you travel, you’ll often gravitate towards only a few staple items. This means you end up reaching for the same items over and over because they’re the most practical, fitting, or stylish.
Try to think about what you wear in a week for everyday life. Also, don’t forget Greece has plenty of shops and stylish boutiques for shopping.
READ MORE GREECE TRAVEL TIPS
I hope you enjoyed this Greece packing list! Hopefully, you found it useful. Here are a few relevant articles for more travel around Greece!
Very helpful, thank you!
You’re welcome!
This was the best what to wear/bring packing lists. Plus your outfits are actually stylish and something that I would wear.
Love this list! We are headed to Italy and Greece this summer. Would you be willing to share some of the links for the out fits above? I am look for the gold skirt, green romper, and beach hat. Lobe your style!
Thanks in advance.
Hi Brianne!
They don’t sell the gold skirt at Lulus anymore, but you can get a very similar one (linked in the article) on Amazon. I bought the linen romper at a small boutique store in Hydra. Here’s a similar hat to what I have! https://amzn.to/3QOe4LX
Hi there! Love your site and all of these amazing tips! Okay, I’m addicted to my hair dryer because my hair is thick and wavy, but you said not to pack a hairdryer, since it’s kind of heavy. Do they have hair dryers in any of the resorts, etc? Also, silly question, but what are the bathrooms like in most places (accommodations)? Like what is the water pressure? My husband and I want to plan a trip for September 2024.
It all depends on where you stay! However, most rentals and hotels have a hair dryer in the room. A hairdryer, along with a tea kettle, is a standard feature that Europeans expect. Of course, if you’re in budget accommodation, there may not be a hair dryer.