From whitewashed alleys in Naxos to seaside dinners in Santorini and ferry-hopping adventures across the Cyclades, Greece is effortlessly stunning — and your suitcase should be, too (without overstuffing it like you’re moving in with the Mamma Mia cast).
After 16 dreamy nights exploring Greece’s islands and Athens, I’ve put together this smart, stylish packing guide based on what I wore, what I wish I packed, and what deserves a permanent spot in your travel wardrobe.
☀️ What’s the Weather Like in Greece?
If sunshine had a favourite country, it would be Greece.
- Summer (May–September): Hot, dry, and very sunny
- Evenings: Breezy on the islands — you’ll want a light layer
- Ferries: Can get chilly — pack something windproof-ish
👗 Pack for warm days, salty hair, and that golden hour glow. Think linens, layers, and sandals that can handle a cobblestone ambush.
👗 Island Style Vibes: What to Wear in Greece
Greece is where casual meets chic. Think effortless, not extra. Here’s what worked for me:
- Linen pants, flowy dresses, rompers – Easy and breezy
- Swimwear + cover-up – For beach days and boat trips
- Crossbody bag – Hands-free souvlaki snacking
- Neutral & coastal colours – They photograph so well with white buildings and blue domes
Pro tip: Pack a scarf — not only for modesty at monasteries, but for ferry hair days, plane naps, and surprise wind gusts.
✈️ Long-Haul Flight Must-Haves
If you’re flying from North America, get cozy — and hydrated. These saved me:
- Noise-cancelling headphones – Game-changer for airplane naps
- Compression socks – Because Greek stairs + airplane ankles don’t mix
- Hydration heroes: lip balm, face mist, water bottle
- E-reader or Kindle – Ferry rides = reading time
🎒 Want the full in-flight checklist?
👉 Check out my Long-Haul Travel Essentials Guide
🔥 My Top 10 Must-Have Items for Greece
- Compression packing cubes – Saved me when island-hopping with minimal luggage space
- Microfiber towel – For beach dips, boat days, and last-minute picnics
- Comfortable sandals – Cobblestone-tested in Paros and Athens
- Sunhat + SPF stick – The Cycladic sun does not mess around
- Daypack – For ferry snacks, camera, and sunset wine
- Linen dresses – Wearable for beach or bougainvillaea-strewn streets
- Swimwear + cover-up – For beach clubs, hotel pools, and cliff dives
- Light sweater or scarf – Ferry AC or breezy nights in Santorini
- Electrolyte packets – Hydrate or get left behind
- Dry shampoo + wipes – Especially handy on travel days and beach-to-dinner transitions
🛍 Want the FULL Packing List?
Packing for Greece doesn’t need to be overwhelming. 🧾 I created a detailed, printable-friendly Greece Island Escape Packing List — with 🇨🇦 Canadian and 🇺🇸 U.S. shopping links — ready for beach, city, and everything in between.
🎒 Click below to open the full list in a new tab:
👉 View My Complete Greece Packing List Here
👉 View My Long-Haul Flight Essentials Guide Here
🧠 Final Packing Tips for Greece
- Pack light, but make it cute. You’ll rewear your faves constantly.
- Check ferry schedules ahead — and pack layers for chilly rides
- Don’t forget water shoes if you’re visiting rocky beaches (hello, Milos!)
- Leave room for souvenirs — olive oil soaps, linens, and yes, that perfect hat
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