What to Wear in Greece: Ultimate Packing List & Outfit Guide for Crete, Athens, Mykonos & Santorini
- Emma Hamrick
- Jul 8
- 5 min read
Mama Mia! Of all of the destinations on my 14-day Mediterranean adventure, Greece was by far my favorite country. From breathtaking cliffside cities and winding paths of whitewashed buildings to the rolling hills of olive trees and abundant ancient architecture, Greece truly has it all! That said, each destination’s various activities lent themselves to specific outfit needs.
I put together this guide to give you some inspiration for outfits that are perfect to wear for your Greece vacation in 2025 or 2026, plus a guide of five surprising essentials you won’t want to leave without. Whether you’re enjoying a glass of wine in Crete, exploring the Acropolis in Athens, wandering the streets of Mykonos, or watching the sunset in Santorini, this ultimate Greek islands packing guide has you covered.
Greece Packing List & Outfit Guide: Clothing Inspiration for Crete, Athens, Mykonos, & Santorini
#1 Crete
Crete entirely exceeded my expectations and is a must-visit if you’re planning a trip to Greece. There are plenty of activities across the island, including shopping, scuba diving, hiking, and touring ancient ruins. I chose to spend my day in Crete visiting an Agrico farm and tasting locally grown wines. If you’re planning to explore the main towns of Heraklion, Chania, or Rethymno, a functional linen pant, a light button-down for sun protection, and a tank top make for the perfect exploration outfit.
#2 Athens
If you’re going to Greece, there’s a good chance you’re going to be in Athens at some point, as the capital city is also a major transportation hub. A visit to the Acropolis should be on everyone’s bucket list, but you may want to maximize your time in the city by also visiting the Panathenaic Stadium, Lycabettus Hill, and the Hellenic Parliament building for the changing of the guard. In my experience, the perfect Athens outfit is comfort-forward, maximizing utility while being weather-conscious of the summer heat.
#3 Mykonos
Mykonos, dubbed the “party island” of the Greek Isles by many, feels like a dream world. Winding whitewashed streets lead to shops are restaurants to stumble upon by day. By night, the city takes on a whole new vibe with nightclubs and bars being a favorite activity amongst visitors. To maximize suitcase space, consider wearing an outfit that transitions seamlessly from day to night with a few easy accessories.
#4 Santorini
Santorini was a highlight on my Greece visit, and for good reason. From the glorious cliffside city views to the stunning sunsets over the caldera every evening, Santorini offers an otherworldly escape to any visitor. Embrace the local ambiance and opt for flowy dresses in blues and whites, layering swimwear underneath during the day for spontaneous dips in cliffside plunge pools or in the sea.
My Greek Outfit Lookbook: What to Wear in Greece
Looking for more outfit inspiration for your Greece vacation? Scroll through my outfit gallery to see what I wore on my recent trip!
Five Surprising Must-Haves for Your Greece Vacation
Need more packing inspo? Don't leave home without these must-have Greece essentials!
Tissues or Toilet Paper Packs – To my surprise, toilet paper or bath tissue is frequently missing from public restrooms. Take it from the girl who learned the hard way in the Athens airport bathroom, a package of tissues is a purse essential for a visit to Greece. I stock up on these ones from Amazon for all of my international travels.
Water Shoes – The feminine urge to jump into the Mediterranean Sea is real, but the need for water shoes is even more so. I desperately wanted to swim in Mykonos, but the rocky shoreline and frequent glass on the beach prevented me from jumping in. Plan to pack a solid pair of water shoes for your Greek beach days. These ones from Amazon are affordable and of decent quality.
Packable Beach Tote – If you’re prone to overpacking like me, or if you’re planning to hit the beach on your trip, a packable beach tote like this one will serve you well. I was able to shove a packing cube in one of these when my suitcase was too heavy, but I also loved having something to carry a beach towel and water shoes in for beach days.
Polarized Sunglasses – The monuments at the top of the Acropolis are super bright during sunny days, making sunglasses an absolute necessity. Spring for a polarized pair like these to truly appreciate the stunning views all around the city.
Electrolyte Packets – The summer sun can really do a number on hydration levels. In order to replace the electrolytes lost to sweat, keep a few packets of electrolyte powders on hand. I’m a big fan of Liquid IV, which is available on Amazon.
Wrapping it Up!
Are you ready to pack your bags for your own Mama Mia moment? What outfit are you most looking forward to recreating on your own? What travel essentials are missing from this list? Let me know in the comments.
If you’re extending your trip to other destinations nearby, check out my other blog posts from my Mediterranean trip in May. Until next time, keep on exploring!
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