Simply say the word Greece, and feelings of connection and history are evoked—crystal clear waters, white seaside homes, salt air, and the tang of authentic Greek food that becomes so much more flavorful when served up by a local.
There’s a reason this ancient civilization calls so many of us to its shores year after year. Whether you are keeping your trip focused on the shore or the inner cities, the historic sites or the exciting new areas, the culture and weather of Greece are both important factors to consider as you decide what to wear in Greece. So, as you prepare for your trip to the birthplace of Western culture, use this guide to determine the best things to pack, from bikinis for Greece to cover-ups, pants, dresses, and more.
Linen Pants or Shorts
The fabric and texture of linen pants lend themselves to breathability and movement, making them a staple for Santorini, Greece clothing and a perfect option for what to wear in Greece. Linen immediately draws to mind breezy summer days that lazily roll into nights, with a look that works for both. These pants or shorts are easy to pull on and often include a drawstring, ideal for a long day of walking around. While the fabric can seem heavy, it is incredibly lightweight and keeps you from feeling stifled or sweaty during the day.
If you want to elevate the linen shorts look, invest in a matching set that can also be worn separately.
Button-Up Tops
The key to what to wear in Greece always ties back to effortless and comfortable clothing meant for a day of moving around and exploring. After all, Greeks were the original athletes, explorers, and purveyors of sophisticated, yet comfortable draping garments that allowed for ultimate movement.
In that vein, find tops that aren’t heavy and can stand up to a long day. This can often mean packing button-ups—again, go with linen if you have the option—which can work as something to toss over a short sleeve blouse. You can also throw a button-up over a stylish tank top and remove your outer layer when the temperature heats up, or you are getting your heart rate up on Greece’s infamous stairs.
Speaking of tank tops, they are perfect when considering clothing for Santorini, Greece because they can work beneath a button-up, on their own, or just as lounge clothing for when you are relaxing at the hotel. A button-up can also work as a cover-up if you are floating around in your bikini in Greece.
Rompers
If you are a minimalist and prefer packing as lightly as possible, consider switching out the shorts and button-up tops for rompers. These one-piece outfits are easy to slip on and go about your day, never sacrificing comfort or ease, making them a top choice for what to wear in Greece. They can be dressed up or down, allowing you to wear them all day for any event, and they take up much less space in a suitcase.
Comfortable Dresses
There is something universal about putting on a pretty dress and striding through an aesthetically pleasing town with an iced coffee and no set plans. It evokes a sense of childlike wonder and provides a dose of serotonin that few other experiences can match. So, as you decide on what to wear in Greece, be sure to pack at least one or two dresses for the occasion (perhaps more, depending on your length of stay).
Soft and pastel colors will show off the tan you’ve been working on, and flower prints allow you to feel a part of the natural flora surrounding you in the Mediterranean country. Greece can be quite windy at times, as seaside towns are apt to be, so packing long linen maxi dresses or breathable midi dresses can pay off.
Cardigans and Layers
The weather in Greece can fluctuate throughout the day. The morning will be crisp and chilly, the afternoons can reach well into 90 degrees Fahrenheit during the summer, and evenings dip back down, the heat of the day still hanging on, but cold air blowing in off the water. As you go through what to wear in Greece, make sure to bring along layers. This can include the aforementioned button-ups, but it’s also important to pack a cardigan or two or a light jacket.
You want to be able to adjust your layers as the day calls for it, meaning take the jacket or cardigan on and off depending on where you are and what time of day it is. As such, try not to take a bulky coat unless you travel in the winter.
Hats
A good hat is versatile, long-lasting, goes with anything, and can protect you from the sun. It’s a lot to ask of an accessory, but a hat is up to the challenge. The hat you bring needs to coordinate with your other choices for what to wear in Greece, but it should also represent you, your style, and most importantly, your needs for the trip.
Is the bulk of your vacation going to be spent exploring rough terrain, requiring you to be active, or include a lot of walking? Maybe a dark neutral baseball hat is the best option. If you prefer to feel in alignment with iconic Santorini, Greece clothing, a wide-brimmed sun hat is more befitting of your vacation wardrobe.
Regardless of the type of hat you choose, it’s crucial to remember the primary function of this accessory is not to be cute—although it can absolutely be cute. The primary function is to protect you from the sun on long days. So much of Greece is situated on the water, and it’s easy to forget that water often reflects sunlight, causing you to become sunburnt much quicker and easier than normal. Take the proper precautions and pack a hat.
Swimwear
As mentioned, Greece is surrounded by water since much of the country acts as a peninsula in the Mediterranean Sea, with thousands of smaller islands peppered throughout the Aegean and Ionian seas. The deep blue crystal clear water has inspired thousands of poems and become the setting for some of literature's most famous stories. Poseidon practically entices you to jump in and swim a while in the waters featured in history for millennia.
Therefore, you want to have bikinis in Greece. Take multiple sets to mix and match: pack ones made for wading in the water all day, sturdy suits ideal for cliff jumping, or just throw on a top for relaxing on the black sand beaches in Santorini.
No matter what your itinerary looks like while in Greece, the water will always be calling. Make sure you’re ready by having plenty of swimwear on your list of what to wear in Greece.
Flowy Cover Ups
If you’re going to be spending that much time in a bathing suit, then you absolutely need to have cover-ups in your suitcase. These can be full-coverage cover-ups that also act as dresses for exploring town, or a simple sarong or kimono to wrap around you while outside the water. As with all these suggestions of what to wear in Greece, we recommend bringing lightweight and flowy options to work with the beachy weather on display in much of the country.
Colors That Match the Location
The topography and infrastructure of Greece often lean on pigments and hues found in the water and mountains that define the country. From stark white to deep blues, the color palette of Greece isn’t neutral so much as natural. Some of the best outfit choices for what to wear in Greece match this palette, allowing you to feel a part of the beautiful surroundings. However, Greece is still varied and layered like the people who make up the country. For example, traveling to the city of Mykonos, you will find a party scene with a youthful crowd and vibe. In a city like that, bright colors might feel more natural.
Above all else, though, dress according to your style, what makes you comfortable and most like yourself. Nothing is as complimentary as confidence.
Comfortable Shoes
The most important part of every outfit in Greece will inevitably be the shoes. As you pack what to wear in Greece, consider your itinerary and where you will be. There’s a good chance you’ll be traveling up and down stairs in these ancient cities built into the hills or over historic stone streets. Don’t pack footwear that can cause you to trip or will cause blisters. Nothing can ruin a vacation faster than pain while walking, so prepare accordingly when deciding what to wear in Greece.