Greece Packing Guide & Outfit Inspiration

YOU’RE GOING TO GREECE - YAY!

I’m going to go out on a limb here and assume that if you’ve found your way to this post its because you’re either planning a trip to Greece or have already booked your trip - either way YAY! No matter whether you’re going to Santorini, Paros, Athens or one of the many other incredible islands, it’s time to start thinking about what to pack!

Depending on the month you’re visiting will slightly alter your packing list but I will mostly be creating this post for anyone visiting the islands & Athens between the months of May - October.

No matter the Greek destination, having looks that can go from day to night is the go-to. Versatility is the name of the game in Greece and what's fabulous about this destination is that many people find ways to transition a simple dress from day to night by just switching up accessories.

The only rule I have for Greece - leave your spikey heels at home. With the uneven roads & LOTS of (sometimes slippery) steps - especially in Santorini - you'll want to have comfortable shoes with good traction at the bottom. If you need a heel, opt for a chunky one like these or a wedge.

Scroll to the bottom of this post where you’ll find a little checklist for your reference.

PRO TIP: Copy and paste that list into your notes section of your phone so that you can reference it when you’re packing.

MOST IMPORTANTLY: if you're looking to Jazz up your looks for this trip without breaking the bank you should absolutely look into Rent the Runway. This is my GO-TO when traveling. You can use my code: RTRALLEP for 40% off two months.

Another fantastic option that is also much more size-inclusive than Rent the Runway is Nuuly (owned by Anthropologie and Free People) I also rent from them and LOVE their selection. While my discount code isn't as good as RTR if you click this link you'll get $20 off your first month!

GREECE MVPS

There are a few things I NEVER travel to Greece without. So just to help you in your packing process I'm sharing some of my staples. Each of these items is linked just in case you see something you love and want to shop.

A classic swimsuit

Investing in a quality swimsuit that you can rely on for any summer vacation is quite a staple.

These SummerSalt swimsuits are universally loved!

A clean linen top

Any sort of linen top is fabulous to have with you to keep the harsh sun off your shoulders when you’re at the beach, on a tour or out on a boat. If you’re looking for a classic button down keep scrolling but this one is a favorite of mine.

Shop more linen pieces here.

White linen pants

You will never go wrong with a classic & comfortable white linen pant. These come in a few different colors, match the top above and best of all have pockets!

A great pair of sunglasses

While I always bring wayyy too many sunglasses with me when I travel, these are always the ones I wind up wearing every day.

A sunhat

No matter where I’m traveling in the world, a hat is a staple. Not only for fashion but mostly so that I can get away with extending the length I can go in between washing my hair because well…I’m lazy haha.

Bandolier phone case

If you’ve been following me for a while you know that I NEVER travel without a Bandolier phone case. These are fantastic because you can put some money, your idea and cards and then you don’t have to worry about bringing a purse.

Comfortable shoes

These Birkenstocks are my go to. Literally I wear these around the house all day every day and when I’m traveling it’s the same. They come in a bunch of colors and are pretty affordable!

MORE OPTIONS LINKED BELOW:

What to wear during the day in Greece

LOTS of dresses

When it comes to dressing in the daytime, I find that dresses make up the bulk of what I pack (especially if they can transition into the evening like the one pictured).

If I can find fabrics that are breathable or don’t wrinkle than that’s a HUGE win.

I suggest opting for a dress that is either midi like this dress or maxi like this dress because the wind in Greece in the summer can be VERY strong and Marilyn moments can happen with short flippy skirts.

The Effortless Shirtdress Cover-Up

This Summersalt timeless cover-up is perfect for throwing on for lunch on the beach or poolside cocktails!

White button down

While you’ll undoubtedly want to bring a few different types of tops - a white button-down is a STAPLE piece to pack for any trip to Greece.

A variety of bottoms

I like to bring a couple pairs of pants, shorts and skirts but my favorite pair of pants are these Free People Linen Utility pants that come in a few different colors.

When it comes to jeans, you can leave those at home between the months of June - early September but if you have a comfortable pair that you love to wear feel free in the cooler months.

Again no matter what you bring - opt for lightweight and something that can be dressed up or down.

AGOLDE Parker Vintage Jean Shorts

While I’m not a huge fan of jean shorts (I don’t find them all that comfortable) these AGOLDE shorts are different & I love that they are not terribly short.

Jumpsuits

Now these can be kind of polarizing depending on how you feel about them but I have to say I LOVEEEEEE a travel jumpsuit. I think they are great for exploring & dressing up or down. Plus I think that Free People is the best place to shop for the most comfortable jumpsuits out there.

This one comes in a bunch of colors AND it has pockets!

MORE OPTIONS LINKED BELOW

What to wear in the evenings in Greece

Wrap for the evening

If you’re looking for a little something something to wrap around your shoulders when it gets cooler in the evenings - having a light scarf will be perfect!

These can also double as a sarong!

A slip dress

There is no better style of dress for travel in the warmer months than a slip dress. J.Crew makes this version in a bunch of colors and I think they’re comfortable, flattering and can easily work with or without a jacket/warp over.

These can also work in the daytime too!

A two piece set

I am SUPER into sets for travel because you can mix and match them as needed. I LOVE some of Reformation’s sets (including the one pictured which can work for day or night)

I also love this top and skirt set which is currently on sale & this set for all my gals who love color.

And for a more casual daytime look for less $$$ I think this Free People set is perfect.

Oh and one more…I LOVE this FP set it looks so comfy I might just buy it.

Jean Jacket

You honestly might not need one of these unless you’re visiting in the cooler months (May or October).

But it’s always great to travel with some sort of jacket on any trip!

MORE OPTIONS LINKED BELOW:

What to wear to the beach/pool in Greece

A well-made swimsuit

I just recently purchased some swimsuits from SummerSalt and I LOVE that they have tons of different styles depending on what type of bathing suit style and coverage you like. Plus all the styles have matching colors so that you can mix and match as you like.

High waisted bottoms

High-waisted bathing suit bottoms are my favorite and these are the best!

Sarong

These are so incredibly versatile on summer vacations you can also use this as a wrap if you’re chilly in the evening.

A classic one-piece

Another simple staple for my one-piece girlies!

Sunhat

A wide brim staw hat is such a vibe. And these can pack up easily which is great if you want to travel with multiple hats.

MORE OPTIONS LINKED BELOW:

MOST IMPORTANTLY: if you're looking to Jazz up your looks for this trip without breaking the bank you should absolutely look into Rent the Runway. This is my GO-TO when traveling. You can use my code: RTRALLEP for 40% off two months.

Another fantastic option that is also much more size-inclusive than Rent the Runway is Nuuly (owned by Anthropologie and Free People) I also rent from them and LOVE their selection. While my discount code isn't as good as RTR if you click this link you'll get $20 off your first month!

ACCESSORIES

A Carry-All Beach Bag

This brand of beach bag is my absolute favorite. I love their quirky sayings and they carry A LOT!

Straw Bag

A great bag for going to dinner if you don’t want to carry a big big.

Toptote hat clip

These are HUGE for me when I travel with a hat. It’s a magnetic clip that attaches to your bag so that you can carry your hat instead of constantly having to wear it.

MORE OPTIONS LINKED BELOW:

SHOES

What shoes to pack for a trip to Greece

Sandals

These are hands down my new favorite travel sandal & come in a bunch of different colors. They're SO comfy!

White Sneakers

There’s really nothing more classic to travel with than a white sneaker. I love these white Sam Edelman sneakers and I also LOVE this brand of sneakers (super comfortable but also an investment)

Oh and I’ve also got my eyes on these All Birds which everyone raves about.

Flip Flops

These are good for just walking around the hotel room or the pool - something easy to slide on and off.

Sandals for walking around

You already know I can’t shut up about these shoes. They have quickly become the go-to for any event or trip where I am going to be on my feet all day.

Running Shoes

If you plan on doing any hiking make sure to bring a pair of running sneakers.

Water Shoes

I know I know…but in Greece many of the beaches are pebbly, and trying to walk in flip flops into the water is a pain in the you know what.

So swallow your pride and get some ugly water shoes so you don’t have to worry about that rocky ocean floor. PS - turns out these days water shoes aren’t so fugly.

MORE OPTIONS LINKED BELOW:

TOILETRIES

Some of my travel staples for Greece trips

Supergoop! Sunscreen

Say goodbye to gloopy sunscreen that never seems to sink in. Supergoop! has TONS of amazing products, even sunscreen for your part!

I also love their re-setting powder so that you can apply it throughout the day if you get shiny!

Major Glow Body Oil

Pack this for your next beach/summer vacation! I lather this stuff on my legs and arms and it gives the most perfect after sun shimmer (plus it smells sooooo good)

OUAI Wave Spray

This is PERFECT for that easy undone hairdo look. I love to use this when I have minimal time and let my hair air dry. It creates beachy waves and adds texture and volume to your hair. If you want to keep your time spent getting ready to a minimum, check out this product.

MORE OPTIONS LINKED BELOW:

MY GREECE PACKING LIST

  1. Day dresses/jumpsuits

  2. Night dresses/matching sets

  3. Outfits for the evening

  4. Swimsuits

  5. Cover-ups / sarong

  6. White linen button down

  7. Linen pants

  8. Jean shorts

  9. Maxi/midi skirts

  10. Tank tops / t-shirts

  11. Jacket

  12. Loungewear / athletic wear

  13. Flat sandals

  14. Wedge / chunky small heels

  15. White tennis shoes

  16. Water shoes

  17. Flip-flops

  18. Sunhat / visor

  19. Sunglasses

  20. Scarf

  21. Beach bag

  22. Wicker bag / clutch

  23. Jewelry

  24. Toiletry bag (makeup, hair & skincare)

  25. First aid kid (pain meds, bandaids, etc.) Click here for a full post on how to stay healthy while traveling

  26. Device chargers

  27. External battery

  28. Travel wallet

  29. Carry on

  30. Away luggage (click here for $20 off)

GREECE OUTFIT INSPIRATION

Do you have any packing suggestions on what to bring for a trip to Greece? If you do, please share them in the comments!

If you are looking for more Greece travel tips, make sure to check out my Paros Guide or my Santorini Guide.