Greece summer packing list for women

by
This post may contain affiliate links. Find our full disclaimer here. Never leave home without travel insurance. Click to find the best travel insurance for you.

If you are wondering what to wear on our Greece island-hoping sailing trip, the answer is very simple: whatever makes you feel comfortable and great under the sun while exploring quaint villages.

In this packing list, I have included tips on how to dress in Greece based on what the locals like to wear, and a list of must-haves I travel with that I hope will be useful.

This packing list isn’t a strict checklist to follow, but rather an insight into the local culture that will be helpful if you prefer to blend in, along with tips to guide your packing.

See our Amazon Greece summer packing list with all the product recommendations mentioned here.

What to expect in the summer months in Greece

To get right to our packing list and tips, click here, otherwise keep reading for everything you’ll need to know about the weather in the Greek islands during the summer.

Summers in Greece are very warm, and can be pretty humid too, with sea breeze coming from the Mediterranean Sea taming the heat a bit and long days where the sun is up until past 8pm. Even in late October, Athens can still enjoy summer temperatures while the rest of Europe is already in winter mode.

Many of the Greek islands suffer from lack of rain and from strong winds resulting in few to no trees, so shade is hard to come by and the sun shines strong through the day.

This means that when packing for a summer trip to Greece, you should consider the heat, the sun, the wind and the time you’ll spend walking around exploring the many beautiful sites.

Being comfortable and smart when planning your Greek outfits will help you stay cool, protected from the strong sunrays and comfortable.

Weather in Greece in the summer

Summertime in Greece runs from June to September, officially, from the 21st of June until the 21st of September, but temperatures are high in May and October too, making it one of the countries with the longest summer seasons in Europe.

However, not all months are the same and you need to differentiate between the warm but pleasant season between the beginning of May and mid June and between mid September to mid October, and the peak season from mid June to mid September when everything is crowded and thermometers hit heat wave status.

Particularly in July and August, temperatures easily reach 40 C (100 F) daily across many parts of Greece, rain is unheard of, and in some of the islands, like Santorini or Mykonos, constant and strong Cycladic winds help ease the heat but can become too much.

In the peak hours of the day during these months, you can’t do much, which is why everyone heads to the beach or takes a siesta in the shade, coming back out in the evenings.

In contrast with the crowded mid-summer months, we love June and September in Greece, especially June. The days are long, the weather is warm but milder than in July and August and there is a sense of celebration in the air. 

There are also lots of summer solstice celebrations and the strong winds of other months have yet to arrive. This means fewer disturbances to ferry schedules and less wind messing up your hair!

Because of rising temperatures, October has recently started to become the new shoulder season and many of the islands are increasingly staying open till the second half of the month. This is an excellent month for sightseeing and island hopping if you don’t mind the winds.

The sea temperature won’t be as high anymore (though they are still high enough for the beach), but the crowds are completely gone, so it is perfect for those who do not want to explore the more popular islands along with thongs of other tourists.

How to dress in Greece in the summer

With the above weather conditions in mind, it is important to pack accordingly for a trip to Greece in the summer, not so much for cultural reasons but to make sure you are comfortable. 

To help you plan your packing list, below are some considerations on outfit and cultural insights that may help you decide what works best for you.

Footwear for cobblestone streets, stairs and rocky paths

Greece was not built yesterday. Most of the islands and archeological sites you’ll visit were made centuries ago, even millennia ago, and they have withstood the passing of time graciously.

This means many of the streets on most of the islands you will visit are cobblestoned, steep, winding, full of stairs, rocky, made of stones and polished by centuries of foot traffic.

What this means for you: It’s easy to slip so you need to be prepared to watch where you walk. In terms of shoes, when going sightseeing, it’s best to wear closed off shoes or strap on sandals with grip that hold your feet in position so as to avoid spraining an ankle.

High heels are unpractical in the islands, and you won’t go very far with them (even in Athens). Wedges are also dangerous as it’s easy to twist an ankle on the irregular cobblestoned streets. Flat flats can become quite tiring after a while and do not provide support when walking on uneven surfaces.

Greek are not big fans of AC

While the weather will be hot outside, public indoor spaces will have AC, though it is not something readily available everywhere and locals prefer to open windows and doors. 

Most restaurants will have all doors and windows open to let the summer breeze in instead of turning on the AC and when on, it will not be too strong. Hotels and indoor restaurants may be the exception.

On our other women-only tours in hot destinations like Barcelona, Italy’s Amalfi Coast and Tanzania, guests have raved about this portable air conditioner you wear around your neck, which can help if you are someone who overheats easily.

Add an Ancient Greece touch


Across the islands you will find all kinds of Ancient Greece inspired outfits, from shorter embroidered dresses to longer ones with an embellished neckline in Greek motifs. Here are some ideas to bring out that look:

Beware of pickpockets

Europe is generally a very safe continent for solo female travelers but popular tourist destinations such as London, Paris, Milan or Florence are magnets for pickpockets who, believe me, are absolute pros. 

When walking the many touristy towns or wandering the streets of Greece, you should be extra alert to anyone trying to distract you, asking something from you, etc. who may have hidden intentions.

Never leave belongings unattended (eg. your handbag hanging from the back of your chair) or in plain sight (eg. on the table when having a meal) and keep everything inside a zipped handbag.

A cross-body bag that is always zipped and in front will help but the best safeguard is a slash-proof, anti-theft bag, designed for extra safety.

There are a few anti-theft bag models that I specifically recommend because Meg and I, our team or many of our guests have used on our European tours:

  • Our photographer uses this backpack from Pacsafe for all her photographer equipment and highly recommends it.
  • Meg has this larger cross body bag that even fits her laptop and can also expand (think shopping).
  • Many of our guests have this one from Travelon that comes with a compartment for the water bottle. This has to be the most commonly used by our guests.
  • Another classic cross-body bag from Travelon that is smaller so many of our guests love it because it is lighter.
  • A waist bag option from Travelon that you can wear on your waist or across your chest like I always use mine. This makes it much more convenient to reach out for things and much closer to your body, so harder to steal from.
  • For shorter trips to the beach, or a half day excursion, a simpler water bottle with a compartment for some essentials is usually enough. Meg likes to use this one, to the amusement of her nephews who think she is “not cool enough”.

There are so many easy targets available in crowded places that, as soon as you make yourself a more difficult one, you raise the barrier for the average thief. 

Everything goes

In Greece you can dress however you like. There are no restrictions, cultural or otherwise, on what clothes you should or should not wear.

Modesty is only required in religious buildings where you should cover knees and shoulders and high-end fine dining restaurants may require long trousers, closed toe shoes and a jacket for the men but otherwise, freedom reigns supreme. 

Everything goes and you should bring whatever clothes make you happy and you enjoy wearing. In the next points I am adding some details related to the fashion sense and style of locals in case you prefer to blend in.

Bold and Boho

Summertime in Greece is beach time and that means bold colors and patterns that stand out against the whitewashed walls and pink and purple bougainvillia.

Oversized maxi dresses are great against the wind. Here is a bit of inspiration:

Try the local designers

Local fashion designers from Greece are a great alternative to take home something more than a souvenir and while you may have never heard of them, I can promise you they have nothing to envy famous French or Italian fashion designers.

Mary Katrantzou is known for her bold prints and unique designs, and is one of the most famous Greek fashion designers with pieces worn by the likes of Michelle Obama. Her designs are fantastic for a Greek summer.

Angelos Bratis is a minimalist designer who creates simple, extremely elegant pieces that are beloved by fashion insiders. I typically want everything from its collection.

Famous haute couturier Celia Kritharioti owns Greece’s oldest fashion house and has dressed many celebrities. She has also shown her collections at Paris Fashion Week.

Vrettos Vrettakos is another favorite to the stars with his unique style “Ultra Glam Rock Femininity”. He even designed the wardrobe for Beyonce’s 2013 World Tour. His main store is in Athens and you should go check it out even if the prices are beyond your budget.

For effortless summer chic, check out Evi Grintela, the Greek designer inspired by men’s shirts that most certainly conveys a simple summer style. Her designs don’t go out of style because she does not follow fashion trends, so they will always be perfect to wear in any European summer destination.

If you are into streetwear, Sneakaces is strongly influenced by Greek mythology and made of non-GMO Greek cotton and bold designs that stand out.

Zeus + Dione is another local and relatively new brand that bases a lot of its designs in Greek mythology and symbolism, including featuring the letter Delta Δ in its designs which alludes to spirituality, harmony and creativity.

If you are more into shoes, check out Sante, a local high street Greek brand that is reminiscent of Manolo Blahnik minus the tag. Or Ancient Greek Sandals, the new brand inspired by the Greek God Hermes feather sandals. Their gladiator designs are beautiful.

Last but not least, Korres is an Ancient Greece-inspired skincare brand that makes wonderful products from Greece’s nature and elements. You will find the store in Greece and at the airport in Athens, but they also have an Amazon store where you can shop all their products in advance.

Summertime equals beach time

In the summertime, Greek islands are extremely beach-focused and casual wear is the general dress code for the whole day. 

It is common to see women in their bikinis and a cover-up, romper, skirts or shorts, and men driving in unbuttoned shirts in their scooters towards the beach. 

While you can pretty much put on whatever on the beach and adjacent areas, do not take the beach attired to a restaurant unless it is one on the beach where it is easy to dress up any swimsuit with a sarong, a classy dress shirt, skirt or shorts. Otherwise, eating out away from the beach, you will be expected to cover up, even if just throwing on a dress, is expected.

Stylish sneakers and walking shoes

Plenty of people wear sneakers in Greece, especially on the islands where the cobblestoned streets and many stairs make these the best choice for walking.

Have a look at brands such as Tiger or Gola, the global brand Converse, or cute options such as the Italian Superga or Lacoste. 

A proper pair of lightweight sneakers (I have these specific ones from Salomon and these ones from New Balance) will come in handy for hiking.

If you are a sandals person, make sure to bring comfy, ankle-strap ones that hold your foot in place and provide support like these strappy ones. Birkenstock sandals are extremely popular and many of our guests wear them on tour.

For the evening, a pair of crystal sandals like these ones will upgrade any outfit, or opt for a pair of flat embellished sandals, or platform sandals, that come with a rubber sole that offers grip.

Alternatively, almost everywhere you go, you will be able to find a shop that creates handmade custom sandals to ensure your perfect fit, material and style. While this is a cool souvenir, it can sometimes be a tourist trap (not using real leather, or just bad craftsmanship) and expect to pay a pretty penny!

If you prefer espadrilles, a pair of wedge ones like these pretty ankle strap ones or these ivory flatter ones are a great option.

Watershoes

The beaches in Greece are mostly pebbley which means that you can’t always walk barefoot and need some sort of water shoes to protect your feet.

Flip flops would be fine for a sandy beach, but not for the majority of the beaches, including the beach clubs in Mykonos and several of the beaches we stop at during our sailing trip.

Reef shoes or closed waterproof sandals like the ones from Teva (which last a lifetime) are essential because beaches are made of pebbles.

Several of our guests wore these woven ones on our Greece tour because they are waterproof and can we worn at the beach.

A coverup can take you from day to night

To go from beach to club on the islands, a cute and fashionable but easy to carry, wear and pack chiffon kimono is a fantastic idea. It can “glamourise” a beach outfit and make it ready for the posher villages, while being light to carry and easy to throw on.

A shirtdress is also a great alternative to a coverup, as is a kaftan. Pair with a statement earrings or a necklace to complete the outfit.

What to pack for Greece in the summer

Now that you understand the weather and the fashion sense in Greece, let’s look at the best things to pack for a summer trip to Greece.

Dresses

Dresses are the best summer outfit. They are light, they don’t occupy a lot of space in your suitcase and they can be super flowy, fresh and comfortable.

It can be long or short, mini or maxi, in a solid color or patterned, but generally, it is loose and not tight. But bear in mind that the strong winds can end up with a Marilyn Monroe moment if your dress is too short and you aren’t wearing shorts underneath.

In Greece in the summer, you can wear any kind of dress. Think wrap-around dresses, spaghetti strap dresses, florals, etc. Keep in mind, if you plan to visit churches or religious sites on your trip, you’ll be expected to cover your shoulders and knees with a lightweight silky pashmina or light cardigan.

For the night, a cute short or classy long dress in a paired with a summery clutch will help you blend in. I love this V-neck dress and this statement tunic dress or this great summery option.

Skirts

A long skirt with a top is another great alternative to a dress. I wear all kinds of skirts in the summer, but prefer a flowing skirt to a tight one that can result in chafing (this anti-chafing stick does wonders) or roll up when I walk.

Long layered ballet skirts are a fabulous evening outfit, and save from the wind that always blows in the Cycladic islands.

I also love double tulle floral skirts, a pleated white and navy blue one that you can pair with a simple white top or a lavender midi mesh one.

Three quarter length boho ones like this one are great day or night and short skirts with short are a good compromise for the windy islands. 

Skirts are a girl’s best friend through the Greek islands and all these skirts from ChicWish are perfect for Greece. I have and wear three of them in all our summer European trips to Croatia & Montenegro, Tuscany, Amalfi Coast, Barcelona in addition to our Greece sailing tour.

Shorts

I like to wear shorts in the summertime. They are comfortable, easy to pair with a tshirt or top and will keep you fresh when the sun is shining. Plus, they are safer than short skirts for Greece’s winds and if you wear them with a cute pair of sandals and a nice jewelry piece, you can upgrade them to a fashionable evening outfit.

Shorts are also a great choice if you plank to hike as it gets really hot in the sun (there is no shade in most Cycladic islands as there are barely any trees).

Elevate an outfit with chinos or cute cotton shorts can be a classier option to the classic and trusted denim shorts to switch it up on your trip through the islands.

Cropped pants

I am a big fan of cropped pants because they can be really cute, come in a variety of materials and are fun yet conservative and cover me from the sun, plus they fit my silhouette. 

A pair of light crop denims like these ones or linen pants will come in handy.

You could also opt for floral jumpsuits, comfy and loose wide-legged jumpsuits or ruffle rompers. Many of our guests wear all these kinds of outfits for the comfort, look and easiness of only having to pack one item to make a full outfit.

Leggings and linen slacks

Leggings are another great comfortable outfit to pack. They cover your legs and knees for any religious building and can pair up with lots of tops. They are light and comfy and they take up no space in your suitcase. They are also great for hiking so you cover from the sun.

Linen is a great material for the hot summer weather and I love to wear it, especially in loose fitting shirts over leggings or as a pair of boho long trousers. 

The main issue with linen clothing is that it requires ironing and I don’t like to iron when I am on holidays. To minimize creasing, check out our packing hacks and roll the clothes. Or bring a portable travel steamer.

A light cardigan

Although it is quite warm from June to September in Greece, evenings get chilly because of the wind, so a light jacket comes in handy.

Think blazers, a cute denim jacket, a faux leather jacket (especially for late September or early June) or a lightweight or knitted cardigan, anything that is light to carry if you will be out and about all day.

This is why we suggest always bringing a light jacket or cardigan with you during the evenings. Alternatively, a soft silky pashmina or chiffon kimono top will match the bohemian, laid-back energy of the islands while keeping you comfortable.

Swimwear

Greece in the summer means plenty of time at the beach so packing swimwear is essential.

Pack a bikini or a swim suit, or go for coverage with a one piece rash guard that will protect you from the sun.

If you plan to enjoy the many beaches, bring your own sarong, you’ll be able to borrow towels from the boat when we stop for swims. A quick dry towel or Turkish beach towel will be useful if you are venturing solo to the beaches in your free time.

Cute t-shirts and tops

The islands call for comfy but cute tshirts, sleeveless, strapless or tank tops and blouses that may be floral, with a design or have details that make them a bit more than just a white t-shirt. Materials such as cotton and silk can dress you up and are light and fresh, linen works great in the summer.

Crop tops, spaghetti strap silk tops and other clothes that show a lot of skin are certainly worn by younger women (like everywhere else) but you will not generally find a local woman dressed like that. 

A stylish evening outfit

On the more upscale islands of Santorini and Mykonos, where 5* uber-expensive hotels abound, the dress code veers more towards designer chic, bandage dresses, cute tops and high heels in the evening.

Here are some ideas for inspiration for the evenings in Santorini and Mykonos:

Statement accessories

The Greek like to dress up relatively neutral outfits with statement accessories for maximum impact.

Pack a couple of pieces of jewellery, a cute clutch and beach tote bag, earrings, a scarf, or even just an oversized pair of sunglasses or hat to show off your style.

Other things to pack for Greece

In addition to the above tips and outfits to pack for Greece, below is a list of items you should considering bringing on your trip.

A sun hat: As mentioned, the sun will be shining all day long so a hat is a great way to protect eyes and face from the sun exposure. However, it sis really windy in Greece so bring a hat with a strap or it’ll be useless. Locals like straw hats. Check out this wide brim one.
Hair ties or bands: I mentioned it a few times but the strong winds make it impossible to keep your hair in place, bring hair ties, scrunchies, clips, or hair bands that helps you style it and keeping it away from your face.
A strapless bra: For all those tops and dresses, or if your outfit demands it, a stick-on one so you look perfect, or these best selling nipple covers if you don’t need the support. Find a comfy wire free strapless bra here.
European / universal plug adaptor: Greece uses standard two round prong European plugs. We like the ones which come with USB ports so that we can charge phones, cameras and everything else with just one adaptor. I love this one because it has USB ports for all the electronics we now carry.
Power bank: This Anker Portable Charger has a 20000mAh capacity, and fast-charging USB-C ports, you can power up your devices in a flash, while the LED display keeps you in the know about your battery level. It’s the perfect companion for road trips, travel adventures, or just surviving a long day out and about.
Sunglasses: We expect sunshine, so a pair of sunglasses is an essential travel item in Greece. We like Oakley sunglasses as they are polarized and protect your eyes from any damaging sun rays. I alway wear them. Yes, they are not fashionable, but I have sensitive eyes that don’t like bright days, so they are a lifesaver for me. Lately, they have been launching more modern and stylish models. Check out their store on Amazon.
Waterproof mobile phone case: This comes in handy to take with you in the water in case you go to the beach alone as you can stash other belongings like credit cards or money in it and make sure they are safely with you even if you go for a dip. This one is a commonly purchased one by our guests to Iceland who take it to the Blue Lagoon for pictures.
Water bottle: Single use plastic bottles are terrible for the environment so we recommend you bring your own reusable bottle as part of our efforts towards zero-waste and responsible travel. Tap water in Greece is safe to drink and you don’t need to bring a water filter, just your regular bottle will do. Replenish it in your room or at breakfast, or use any of the public fountains.
Sunscreen: Perhaps the most important item in this packing list for the summer in Greece is sunscreen. The sun is very strong in the summer and you will be under its powerful rays for many hours, protecting your skin is key. We like using Japanese Biore SPF 50++++ because you can wear it under makeup and it is non-sticky and silky smooth. Living in the tropics, this is an everyday item for me I never leave the house without.

For the body, I highly recommend Aussie brand Sun Bum which is specifically designed for strong sun, is vegan, reef-safe and smells heavenly. They have a travel pack with sizes below 100ml that comes with a pretty pouch and includes sunscreen, lip balm (very important) and aftersun.
Lip balm: The sun makes it particularly tough for the skin and lips so you should bring a lip balm to stay moisturized. I find these are essential to not end up with completely ruined lips or even blisters. This best selling Neutrogena has SPF 15, so your lips will never be dry again!
Sleep mask: Although hotels have proper blinds, you will be sharing the room with another traveler who may be a late owl. Bring a sleep mask like this one to block the light. Or upgrade to Manta Sleep, I have been using the sound mask for months now and it is INCREDIBLE both for the flight as well as to sleep at night and get over the jetlag. It is magic when paired with my Calm app.
Travel pillow: If you are flying to Italy overnight, you will need a proper neck pillow to sleep and arrive rested. Me and Meg both use the Turtle neck.
Pajamas: As mentioned, you will most likely be sharing a room so don’t forget to pack your pajamas! Here’s a comfy choice from Amazon.
Ear plugs: It is never a bad idea to have a pair of earplugs handy, for the flight, a noisy neighbor or an antsy roommate. Check out these from Amazon.
A foldable toiletries bag: I always travel with a foldable toiletry bag which I can hang anywhere. You will be moving around a lot on any trip to Iceland because of the fact that most people visit on a road trip, so you save on packing and unpacking. They also help you keep everything easy to find and tidy. This one is very cute.
First aid kit and medication: Available medications, brands and products in Greece may not be the same back home so it’s always best to bring everything you are used to and of course, all prescription medication or vitamins you take. We also recommend packing a basic first aid kit with items such as plasters, an antiseptic ointment, eye drops, hydration powder, etc. Have a look at our suggested first aid kit here. Make sure whatever you bring is allowed by checking our Greece travel tips section on medication.
A shawl: Some religious buildings such as churches will require that you cover your shoulders and knees so a shawl or sarong comes in pretty handy in those situations. Most notably, this will be required in Meteora and inside most of the churches. This beautiful one is very similar to the “manton de Manila” shawls worn by flamenco dancers.

What not to pack for summer in Greece

There are also a few things we do not recommend you bring to Greece if you are coming in the summer, mainly, because you won’t need them.

  • Thick jeans: Summertime is too hot and humid for jeans, though a pair of light summer denim trousers or cotton jeans, chino style, in light colors like blue, white or pastels will come in handy for an evening meal and can be styled to look cute.
  • Hair dryer: Most hotels have them and if yours is old, you’ll also need to carry a converter or make sure it works with double voltage so that it does not get fried by the Greek 220V.
  • Hand bags that don’t close: You know the ones, the basket-style ones that don’t have a zipper to close them are a big no-no in Greece an anywhere in Europe, unless you want to make pickpockets happy.
  • Dress like you are going on safari: There’s no need to dress like you are in the Serengeti, with khaki clothes, trousers that unzip to shorts and trekking boots, in the middle of the city. You’ll stand out as a tourist and become a target for pickpockets, plus you really don’t need bulky boots.
  • Hats without straps: I already mentioned it above but I want to repeat it. It is really windy across many of the Greek islands including Santorini and Mykonos, so if your hat is not attached, it will be useless.
  • Really short dresses / skirts: For the same reason as above, anything that is short and can be blown away by the wind (thus exposing your behind), is not a good idea. You will be forever holding it down and it will be pointless. So you either layer it and wear a dress / skirt over a pair of leggings, or opt for the three-quarters length.
  • A big suitcase and lots of luggage: You will most likely move from island to island in Greece by ferry and this means dragging suitcases up and down ramps, stairs and through ferry terminals and ports. Taxis will only drop / pick you up from the shore and there is nobody to help you otherwise. Pack light. I would not recommend bringing suitcases that you can’t easily pull yourself or that don’t have wheels, you will regret it.
click here to go back to our greek islands itinerary