What to Pack for Greece + FREE Printable Packing List

1.) Easy to move luggage + packing cubes

To get started, it’s important to have a good suitcase picked out for your trip to Greece.

You’re likely going to need to move around a lot and don’t want to make it too difficult by having a suitcase you can’t easily maneuver through the steep cobbled streets and steps of Athens or any of the Greek islands.

The lighter you can pack, the better, and if you’re an overpacker like me, you can still manage, but I recommend making sure you’ve been exercising and lifting weights, as you will be maneuvering your bag across all manner of steps, stairs, and streets!

I highly recommend using a bag that is easy for you to roll but also carry if it is not possible to roll (stairs, bumpy streets, etc.). I like the hard shell American Tourister bags (but, again, I’m an overpacker), and my husband likes the Eddie Bauer duffle with wheels above. The duffle bag is especially easy to carry in spots where a roller bag is just not going to work! We have been using both of these bags for years and love them.

I am also a big fan of using packing cubes, as they keep me organized, especially on a trip like this, where you’re constantly packing up your bags and moving every few days. These are the ones I use and recommend.

2.) Small backpack or crossbody bag

You will be out exploring most days, no matter which parts of Greece you are visiting. It will be important that you have a way to carry sunscreen, a water bottle, your wallet, snacks, hand sanitizer, any medication, etc.

My husband used a small backpack most days, while I carried a crossbody bag. I would recommend making sure that it is something that zips and latches securely, so you don’t have to worry about pickpockets.

3.) Comfortable shoes

Packing comfortable shoes that have some grip is REALLY important and will make or break your Greece trip. The cobbled stone streets of Athens and the rocks around the Acropolis can get very slippery, especially when wet. The islands will also likely have smooth, stone streets, or at the very least, many stairs.

Comfortable shoes will look different for everyone, though. And it is really personal preference. My husband wore his favorite Under Armour sneakers for almost the entire trip. He brought a pair of his Sperrys as his dinner shoes when we ate at nicer restaurants.

I wore my Keds for most of my days of exploring around Athens, in Meteora and Delphi, and on the islands. Although for any hiking days, I had my APL sneakers for more support (like doing the Fira to Oia hike).

I also had a pair of flat Dune sandals along as my dinner shoes. I would say having a strap is a must. You’ll notice in some of my photos that I am wearing white slides, and I strongly recommend NOT doing that. Walking in them was an absolute nightmare, whether I was in Athens or Santorini. I was constantly slipping and sliding.

Having a pair of cheap flip-flops along is also a good idea for any beach or boating days. (But not a must, your sandals would be fine too.)

4.) Dresses

I lived in dresses while I was in Greece. They are just so much more comfortable to wear in the hot weather, in my opinion. And if you are traveling in the shoulder months, it’s easy to pair them with a cardigan or light jacket.

Midi or maxi dresses are a good bet, especially for the islands, as there will always be a breeze (and anything short will likely expose your bottom half at some point). And if you are visiting Meteora, your shoulders and knees will need to be covered anyway.

Karina Dresses are my go-to travel dresses; they are great for days of exploring and wearing straight to dinner. I also had a couple of cotton maxi dresses from Chicwish that worked very well for both exploring and wearing to dinner.

You’ll also notice a fancier Zimmermann dress and a Frances Valentine dress in some of these photos that I had along for a few really fancy dinners. These weren’t by any means necessary; any of my other dresses would have been perfectly fine, but Greece is a great place to have fun with what you wear, in my opinion. So if you have a couple of fun dresses that aren’t getting enough use, Greece might be the best spot to break them out (provided they breathe well).

Now, I also want to mention, I am not into clubbing or going out to bars. But what I noticed of the ladies who were heading out when I was heading to bed LOL, is that most had dresses or outfits that looked like they were straight from Revolve. All super cute and fun!

5.) Shorts and pants

If dresses aren’t your thing, shorts and breathable pants can be just as comfy. If you are going the shorts route, I highly recommend skipping jean shorts and opting for more of an activewear material – like these bamboo-lined breeze shorts from Freefly (These are the only shorts I can stand to wear). There is also a men’s version that my husband loves too.

I would say it is wise to pack at least one pair of breathable pants as well – even if you visit in summer. You will need your knees covered at religious sites, such as Meteora, and some nights at dinner if you’re indoors or have a sunburn, having a nice pair of pants can work well.

My husband had his Freefly breeze pants along. I stuck to dresses, but would recommend Quince’s linen pants. Just note, the lighter colors are VERY see-through, so opt for a darker color if you don’t want to deal with that.

Wearing a pair of chino shorts for dinner is perfectly acceptable, even at dressier restaurants, too.

7.) Dark swimwear

Swimwear is a must if you are visiting in the summer or fall (spring might be a bit too chilly for a dip in the ocean). And if you are planning to do a hot springs cruise in Santorini, be sure to wear a dark colored swimsuit, as a light colored one will get stained orange. (I like this black one from Carve Designs.) Just ask my husband, who did not heed my warning about this and ruined his light blue swim trunks!

A sunshirt and your shorts will work just fine as a swimsuit cover-up to save on luggage space. Otherwise, you could bring a cute cover-up for a little more fashionable beach/boat attire.

12.) Toiletries

Don’t worry too much about the toiletries you pack. You can find just about anything you need in Greece. (I made a couple Sephora runs myself after I realized I forgot face wash and a moisturizer.) But packing these can save you a bit of time and hassle.

Essentials

• Sunscreen – Greece’s sun is strong, and SPF can be pricey on the islands.
• After-sun lotion or aloe gel – For soothing skin after a day outside.
• Toothbrush & toothpaste – Obvious, but easy to forget in a rush.
• Deodorant – Bring what you like; formulas differ abroad.
• Shampoo & conditioner – Hotels often only provide a small 2-in-1.
• Face wash & moisturizer – Especially important if you’ll be in the sun/saltwater daily.
• Razor & shaving cream – Your preferred brand may not be available.
• Lip balm with SPF – The sea breeze can dry your lips fast.
• Hair ties or clips – The wind in the islands is no joke.

Nice-to-Haves

• Travel-size dry shampoo – Saves you from daily washes.
• Makeup remover wipes or balm – Sunscreen + sweat can be stubborn to remove.
• Small first-aid kit – Band-aids, blister pads, pain relievers, stomach meds.
• Hand sanitizer – Useful in rural areas or during ferry travel.
• Bug spray – Mosquitoes can be an issue in certain regions at night.