Choosing what to wear in Greece is just the start of your adventure. This inspiring country in southeastern Europe is awash with ancient sites, cinematic islands, and lively nightlife fuelled by ouzo and the freshest seafood in the Mediterranean.
You’ll want to look the part whether you’re sipping Assyrtiko in the restaurants of Naxos or clambering around the historical monuments in Athens.
This Greece packing list covers what clothes to wear and what else to pack for your summer vacation in Europe.
What’s the Weather Like in Greece?
Scattered across the Aegean and Ionian seas, the Greek islands are perennial favorites. These islands and Athens experience a Mediterranean climate of mild, rain-prone winters and hot, dry summers.
July and August are the hottest months with daytime temperatures pushing 90°F (mid-30s Celsius) in many locations.
The Meltemi Winds can bring surprisingly cool (and blustery) temperatures to the Cycladic islands. By contrast, Athens ranks as one of the hottest cities in Europe in summer and doesn’t get cold at night.
Summer is the worst time to visit the most popular Greek destinations as they are so overwhelmed. You’ll want to search for destinations beyond the typical Santorini, Mykonos, Crete, and Athens.
Instead consider the beaches of Kefalonia or Paros.
The best time to visit Athens and the Greek islands is in May/early June and the end of September/October. The weather is pleasant for a mix of activities and there are far fewer crowds. The sea is still warm enough for swimming in September.
As the most southerly islands pass as some of the warmest places in Europe in winter, the low season isn’t a bad shout for avoiding the crowds.
If you are traveling to the mountainous regions of Greece in winter, you may want to consider taking a light coat or a jacket and several layers.
What are the Meltemi Winds?
Before you fling your boho summer Greece vacation outfits into your luggage, take a moment to read up on those Meltemi Winds.
These are high-pressure northerly winds that impact the Cyclades in the Aegean Sea. They can blow at gale force 7/8 on the Beaufort scale and prove dangerous to sailors. As a tourist, they can make islands like Santorini, Naxos, Paros, and Mykonos feel pretty chilly and impact beach time and the ferry timetables.
The Meltemi Winds grace the islands between May and September with July and August bringing the strongest conditions.
What Clothing to Wear in Greece?
Greece is a popular destination and most types of clothing are acceptable in tourist destinations. You’ll find women wearing everything from shorts to maxi dresses and jumpsuits.
Europeans do have a natural knack for fashion and you may feel inclined to dress in a similar way. Just as you would when dressing for France and Italy, avoid wearing scruffy clothing and gym wear if you’d prefer to blend in.
Linen clothing, longer dresses, tailored shorts, and footwear that is practical yet stylish are the way to go in summer. When choosing what to wear in Greece in October onwards, you’ll want to go for jeans and trousers and warm layers for the evening.
Some regions are more traditional than others. It’s important to be mindful of this and choose more conservative summer Greece vacation outfits when venturing beyond the typical destinations.
Explore the islands during the summer in shorts and tank tops or tshirts and don’t forget plenty of sunscreen!
What to Wear in Greece
If you are visiting Greece as part of a wider European itinerary, you’ll find that your Greece packing list overlaps with nearby countries. Our guides on what to wear in Italy in summer and what to wear in Croatia have extra tips.
1. Swimsuits
If you’re planning a Greek island hopping adventure then this is one time where you can overpack swimsuits.
You’ll want to take around three bathing suits in different styles, although you can get away with packing a few extras for a beach-centric vacation.
A one-piece swimsuit is useful for watersports such as snorkeling, kayaking, and jet skiing. This way, you’re less likely to half of your bikini in the process.
In terms of what to wear in Greece in September, swimming remains a possibility. The sea stays warm for most of the month although it’ll start to feel nippier by the end of the month/early October.
2. Beach cover-ups
A cover-up has your back when the temperatures start to drop in the evening but it’s also useful when grabbing lunch by the pool or beach. Restaurants in Greece don’t take kindly to patrons turning up to lunch in just a swimsuit.
3. Dresses and skirts
Dresses and skirts are a winner when figuring out what clothing to wear in Greece in summer. They’ll keep you far cooler and more comfortable compared to typical staples like denim shorts that can trap heat.
Pack at least one longer option such as a midi skirt or maxi dress. This will be appropriate when visiting churches and monasteries (remember to cover your shoulders too). You’ll also appreciate longer designs when the sea breeze picks up.
This linen swing dress, embroidered linen shift dress, and strappy summer dress are lovely choices for islands and lowland areas.
If you’re not keen on dresses, introduce a couple of jumpsuits to your outfits for Greece. This cool cotton jumpsuit works for day and evening wear.
When the sun comes out in the winter in Greece it’s still warm enough for jeans and a tshirt.
4. Shorts
If you feel most comfortable in shorts then don’t forget to factor these into your summer Greece vacation outfits. There’s always debate over wearing shorts in Europe but you’ll see plenty of women sporting them when the temperatures rise.
However, never wear shorts to a church or monastery.
Linen and cotton shorts are better during Greek summers. They’ll keep you cooler and are quicker to wash and dry while on a longer vacation or backpacking trip.
Tailored shorts are excellent for what to wear in Athens day or night. These can be dressed down with sneakers for clambering around the Acropolis and accessorized in the evening for tavern hopping.
These ladder-stitch gauzy shorts and cotton cover-up shorts are technically beach cover-ups. However, they’re spot-on for what to wear in Greece in June, July, and August while pootling around the coastal areas.
5. Two pairs of shoes
As with your everyday outfits for Greece, your choice of footwear will depend on your itinerary. If you’re planning a mellow island getaway bouncing around the beautiful beaches in Paros and the occasional historical site, a pair of flip-flops or sandals will suffice.
Rainbow makes the most incredible flip-flops with a memory foam insole for maximum comfort. These are perfect for most sightseeing activities in Greece. Read our full write-up before ordering a pair of Rainbow sandals (honestly, you won’t regret this purchase).
On the other hand, spending a couple of days in Athens is likely to include a fair few hill climbs to visit historical landmarks. You might prefer to wear closed-toe shoes like classic Adidas or Converse sneakers.
No matter where you go in Greece, you can expect cobbles. Heels aren’t a practical choice so leave those at home and pack a pair of flats that you can wear out in the evening.
These platform slide sandals have a chunky base that’ll make it easy to walk on uneven surfaces while feeling stylish. If you prefer to add a little height, opt for espadrille wedges that’ll prevent you from toppling over.
Subject to your itinerary, pack one pair of practical shoes for daytime wear and a slightly smarter pair for the evening alongside your summer flip-flops.
There are SO many places to go shopping for amazing things to wear in Greece while you are visiting, especially on the islands and in Athens.
6. Sun hat
The sun is extra-fierce at the height of summer in Greece. Protect your scalp and neck with a wide-brim sun hat for the best coverage. This floppy straw hat is quintessentially summer and is foldable.
If you’re planning a lot of hiking and outdoor activities, a baseball cap might be more practical. This hiker’s cap comes in loads of colors and has a 50+ UPF rating.
A Panama hat meets you in the middle as it works for the beach, hikes, and transit days. This is fantastic for what to wear in Athens when sightseeing.
If you are staying in a nice resort, bring some casual loungewear so you can enjoy sunsets on your balcony with a beer or glass of wine in comfort.
7. One/two warmer layers (more in winter)
The temperatures are usually a few degrees cooler in the evening during summer and some islands are especially breezy – whether or not they receive the Meltemi Winds.
You’ll want to have at least one light jacket or cardigan to wear in the evening. A denim jacket or lightweight knitted cardigan will be fine for summer. To avoid overpacking, just make sure your warm layer goes with all your outfits for Greece.
In terms of what to wear in Greece in September and October, you’ll want to take a few extra layers or light sweaters. Subject to the exact time of year and your destination, you might need to wear warmer clothes during the day too.
8. Mix ‘n’ match tops
Whatever time of year you are planning to travel, you’ll need to take a couple of tops and shirts in different styles.
During the hottest months, stick to a base of versatile tank tops and cotton vests that go with your selection of shorts, skirts, and trousers.
Chuck in a couple of dressier options like this drapey short sleeve shirt or lacy camisole.
In regard to what to wear in Greece in October (and winter), you’ll want to go warmer. Opt for lightweight sweaters in organic materials that’ll spare you overheating as daytime temperatures fluctuate. This organic cotton/cashmere blend is on the right track.
If you want to go out for dinner, a few casual linen dresses are the perfect way to stay cool in the summer but still look put together.
9. Colorful trousers (and jeans for fall/winter)
Even if you prefer dresses and skirts, it’s wise to pack at least one pair of summery trousers that you can wear on a cooler day or in the evening.
These wide-leg pants are made from a thin cotton material and are a great alternative to linen. They’re ideal for what to wear in Greece in June, July, and August and come in fun colors.
Pack cautiously if you are only spending time in Athens during summer. Evenings remain warm and usually stay in the 80s (mid-20s Celcius). When choosing what to wear in Athens in winter, note that the lowest temperature will be around 44°F (13°C).
In terms of what to wear in Greece in October, you’ll want to consider something thicker for cooler days and evenings. We’d recommend a smarter pair of jeans for anywhere in Europe rather than ultra-baggy or ripped ones.
Greece Packing List
These are the other bits and pieces to pack for Greece in all seasons.
10. Day bag
You’ll need a bag that’s large enough to carry your essentials but not so huge that you risk overstuffing it. This will ultimately depend on whether you’re planning an outdoorsy travel itinerary, a beach vacation, or a weekend in Athens.
Our guide to the best bag for Europe travel will help you whittle down the best option.
If you plan on renting a quad bike, which is a popular mode of transportation on the islands, then be sure to bring at least one pair of shorts or linen pants so that you can easily sit on it!
11. Solid shampoo and conditioner
Shampoo and conditioner bars are so much more practical for European travel. They’re lighter and less wasteful than plastic bottles and streamline airport security.
This Kitsch rice water shampoo and conditioner duo is free from parabens and will give your hair a much-needed boost after swimming and being in the sun.
The same company makes cruelty-free body wash bars as well.
12. Tangle Teezer hairbrush
A Tangle Teezer hair brush is another priceless investment for travel and home. These brushes have two-tiered teeth that gently tease out knots from the pool, sea, and blustery hikes.
The compact Tangle Teezer has a clip-on cover to protect it while in your regular handbag or luggage.
Nafplio is a beautiful city to explore in Greece and no matter what time of year the weather is wonderful for exploring.
13. Universal travel adaptor
Greece uses Type F plugs (Type C also works) so you’ll need a travel adaptor for your Greece packing list. If you don’t already have one, pick up a universal travel power adapter to cover all trips to Europe (and beyond).
14. Reusable water bottle
It’s safe to drink tap water in most urban areas in mainland Greece. However, it’s not potable in all hotels or in some rural areas and islands. In some cases, the water is safe to drink but the taste might not be to your liking.
Nevertheless, it’s handy to carry a reusable water bottle to use as much as possible.
The Hydracy water bottle is leak-proof, BPA-free, and has a fruit infuser strainer. This way, you can drop a wedge of lemon in to help with the taste of the water in Greece.
Lifestraw’s bestselling water bottles filter any bacteria, silt, and chlorine. The double-filtration system targets hygiene issues and taste. They’re a little costly but they soon earn that initial investment back. Plus, you can just remove the filters when you don’t need to use them to prolong their longevity.
15. E-reader
Round off your Greece packing list with a Kindle Paperwhite.
The latest model reduces glare, is water-resistant, and has a warm reading light. One full charge should provide around 10 weeks of battery life and you can connect to the hotel Wi-Fi to download books on the move.
Kindle Paperwhite devices are compatible with Audible. You might want to consider signing up for Kindle Unlimited which comes with lots of free ebooks and audiobooks.
Otherwise, the Kindle Daily Deal emails yield huge savings on new releases and bestsellers.