Greece Packing Guide & Outfit Inspiration
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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 the 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 add it to your cart.
A Classic Swimsuit
Investing in a quality swimsuit is one of the best purchases you can make. This swimsuit is THE MOST FLATTERING one I own. I pack it on every trip and it also doubles as a top on beach or pool days if I just want to pair it with a pair of pants or a skirt.
I also think SummerSalt swimsuits are very flattering and universally loved!
A 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. These are also great to throw over a swimsuit for boat days.
I have found my FAVORITE top. It comes in a bunch of colors and there’s even a short sleeve style. Stock up - I have it in white, green and pink.
White Linen Pants
You will never go wrong with classic & comfortable white linen pants. These match the linen top linked above and come in the same colors, and best of all, they 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 rarely 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. 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 OF MY FAVORITES 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 for Greece. Especially if they can transition into the evening.
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 can be VERY strong and Marilyn moments can happen with short flippy skirts lol.
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 pants that come in a few different colors.
When it comes to jeans, you can leave those at home between the months of May - early October 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 something 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 OF MY FAVORITES 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!
You won’t believe how affordable this Cashmere is - this is where I get all my staple cashmere pieces.
A Day to Night Dress
Bringing a variety of dresses that can go from day to night is always a good idea. I love this brand for vacation dresses.
A two piece set
I am SUPER into sets for travel because you can mix and match them as needed.
This set would be a perfect cover up!
This Free People set is perfect for Greece!
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 shoulder seasons (May or October).
But it’s always great to travel with some sort of jacket on any trip for when the sun goes down or when it’s windy.
MORE OF MY FAVORITES 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. This one is reasonably priced and comes it in a bunch of colors (I have 3 of them haha).
MORE OF MY FAVORITES 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. There are so many different styles and some have punny sayings, I love a little whimsy lol.
A Day-to-Night Bag
If you can find a bag that transitions from day to night (are you sensing a theme here haha) will be your BFF in Greece. This seashell one is SO cute!!
If you’re looking for something that’s a bit less $$$ check this one out!
Also, bag chains are all the rage right now and this one is so perfect for Greece.
Toptote hat clip
These clips are such a game-changer! It’s a magnetic clip that attaches to your bag so that you can carry your hat instead of constantly having to wear it. I like it because then it allows me to bring two hats haha I wear one and use the clip to carry the other.
MORE OF MY FAVORITES LINKED BELOW:
SHOES
My perfect Greece shoe formula is:
A casual sandal (ideally something that’s waterproof or can easily rinse off)
A dressy sandal (good for daytime or night time)
A pair of walking shoes (what I wear on tour days)
OPTIONAL: dressy shoes with a chunky heel or a wedge
Sandals
These are, hands down my new favorite travel sandal. I’ve packed them on every warm weather trip for the last 3 years. They're SO comfy! AND I FOUND THEM ON SALE!
White Sneakers
There’s really nothing more classic to travel with than a white sneaker. I love these white Sam Edelman sneakers. They’re so comfortable and incredibly lightweight which makes them a fantastic travel shoe. 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.
Waterproof Birks
I rarely travel without these. I have the more classic style in a bunch of colors and they’ve become a Gals Abroad Getaways favorite. Mostly because they’re comfortable. But also because they are so easy to rinse off after a day at the beach. I wear them out and about with dresses and even wear them on long walking tour days - they’re THAT comfortable.
Dressier Sandals
Everyone has different tastes and preferences when it comes to sandals but this is the brand that I almost exclusively shop at for all my most comfortable sandals. I’m linking the ones you see in the image here because these feel very Grecian. But when you click the button below, it will take you to all their sandals you can find a pair that fits your style best.
Hiking / Adventure Shoes
If you plan on doing any hiking (like on Santorini), make sure to bring a pair of sneakers that have good traction.
Water Shoes
I know I know…but in Greece, some of the beaches are pebbly, and trying to walk in flip flops into the water is a pain in the you know what. Also if you want to jump off any cliffs (it’s a thing) - these are always a nice to have to give you a better grip!
Swallow your pride and get some ugly water shoes so you don’t have to worry about that rocky sea floor. PS - turns out these days water shoes aren’t so fugly.
MORE OF MY FAVORITES LINKED BELOW:
TOILETRIES
Supergoop! Sunscreen
Say goodbye to gloopy sunscreen that never seems to sink in. Supergoop! has TONS of amazing products! I love this travel-size kit that helps you cover all your bases. I also love their re-setting powder so that you can apply it throughout the day if you get shiny!
Shimmering Body Oil
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. Perfect after a day at the pool or at the beach!
MORE OF MY FAVORITES LINKED BELOW:
MY GREECE PACKING LIST
Day dresses/jumpsuits
Night dresses/matching sets
Outfits for the evening
Swimsuits
Cover-ups / sarong
White linen button down
Linen pants
Jean shorts
Maxi/midi skirts
Tank tops / t-shirts
Jacket
Loungewear / athletic wear
Flat sandals
Wedge / chunky small heels
White tennis shoes
Water shoes
Flip-flops
Sunhat / visor
Sunglasses
Scarf
Beach bag
Wicker bag / clutch
Jewelry
Toiletry bag (makeup, hair & skincare)
First aid kid (pain meds, bandaids, etc.) Click here for a full post on how to stay healthy while traveling
Device chargers
External battery
Travel wallet
Carry on
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.
