The simple answer to packing for the Greek islands is this: pack light. You don’t need tons of outfits or fancy shoes, and you definitely don’t need a huge suitcase to drag up and down narrow, hilly, uneven roads. That said, I don’t always follow my own advice—in the summer, I’m usually in Greece for longer visits with friends and family, so I bring my biggest checked bag and accept looking silly on the cobblestones. But you can do better than me.

What to Pack for the Greek Islands:

– The Breezy Mini: Staud x Da Adolfo Mariella dress – $325, NET-A-PORTER
– The Plane Sweater: Sézane Emile cardigan – $175, SÉZANE
– The Canvas Tote: Banana Republic weekend tote – $150, BANANA REPUBLIC
– The Comfortable Sandal: Birkenstock Gizeh sandals – $140, FREE PEOPLE
– The Easy Two-Piece: Slate Palermo bikini set – $88, SLATE
– The Staple Sunglasses: Chimi Dele sunglasses – $200, SHOPBOP
– The After-Sun MVP: Korres Greek Yoghurt Cooling After Sun Gel – $32 ($28, 13% off), AMAZON
– The Heatwave Accessory: Etsy shell-shaped hand fan – $29, ETSY

No matter which island you choose, your on-the-go wardrobe can be pretty simple. The days are hot and dry, evenings can get chilly, and the wind—especially the Meltemi that sweeps through the Cyclades—won’t be ignored. Pack lightweight pieces like swimsuits, breezy linen tops and dresses, plus a few cozy knits or long-sleeve shirts to layer when it cools down.

From there, let your plans guide you. If you’re an outdoorsy traveler hiking Crete’s gorges or Andros’ trails, bring sturdy shoes, a sun hat, and lots of SPF. If you’re island-hopping to see as many whitewashed port towns as possible in a week, go minimalist: the smallest suitcase you can manage and a wardrobe of versatile basics. If you’re a history lover exploring Rhodes’ ruins or Corfu’s UNESCO sites, add a few city-friendly items, including comfortable walking shoes.

My own routine isn’t that adventurous or educational—it’s mostly lazy beach days and long meals at tavernas. This summer, I’m visiting five islands, with stops home in Athens to do laundry and recharge. Over three weeks, here’s exactly how I’m packing for a vacation in Greece.

The Plane Outfit

Athens is a 10-hour flight from New York City, and I can’t stand being cold on a plane—nothing thin, flimsy, or cropped works for me, so I go with jeans. In summer, sweaters are probably the bulkiest thing you’ll pack, so why not wear yours on the trip to save space and use it as a blanket? A good tote bag is essential (a durable canvas one doubles as a beach bag), and if you can manage it, try to fit everything into a carry-on.

Save to wishlist:
– Sézane Emile cardigan – $175, SÉZANE
– AYR The Secret Sauce jeans – $265, AYR
– H&M Interlock T-shirt – $13, H&M
– Converse Chuck Taylor All Star sneakers – $65, AMAZON
– Away The Bigger Flex suitcase – $345, NORDSTROM
– Banana Republic weekend tote – $150, BANANA REPUBLIC

The Packing List

I’m a woman of many pareos. These gauzy treasures are the heroes of my island wardrobe: you can wear them as a swimsuit cover-up, a shawl for dressier dinners, or tied up as a scarf top for a night out dancing.

The rest of my travel capsule wardrobe is pretty minimal: a few dresses, lots of swimwear, a floaty nightgown for that post-beach, pre-dinner time (and wandering around Airbnbs), and a couple pairs of flat sandals. (Heeled sandals have their place, but it’s not the Greek islands!) I’ve had my Birkenstock Gizehs for years—I wear them to hike to the beach and to hop between islands, and they’re so comfortable.

Save to wishlistWishlist

Staud
Da Adolfo Mariella Dress – $325
NET-A-PORTER
Save to wishlist

Faithfull
Hedy Maxi Dress – $300
NET-A-PORTER / FAITHFULL
Save to wishlist

Mango
Frayed Edge Scarf – $30
MANGO
Save to wishlist

Wolf & Badger
Handwoven Scarf – $206
WOLF & BADGER
Save to wishlist

Tkees
Jo Sandals – $105
REVOLVE
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With Nothing Underneath
The Boyfriend Shirt – $250
WITH NOTHING UNDERNEATH
Save to wishlist

If Only If
Poppy Nightdress – $170
NORDSTROM
Save to wishlist

Slate
Palermo Bikini Set – $88
SLATE / SLATE SWIM
Save to wishlist

Birkenstock
Gizeh Sandals – $140
FREE PEOPLE
Save to wishlist

H&M
Balloon-Leg Pants – $30
H&M
Save to wishlist

Agapée
Thalla Earrings – $101
AGAPÉE
Save to wishlist

Etsy
Crochet Phone Bag – $22
ETSY

The Small Stuff
Don’t forget the entertainment essentials and sun protection. Any Greek pharmacy will have plenty of after-sun care (often called “calm cream”), but if you want to plan ahead, grab this tube from Korres. Personally, I’m most excited to bring my new camera—a birthday gift from my brother. It’s supposedly easy to use and perfect for someone who loves making photo albums.

Etsy
Shell-Shaped Hand Fan – $29
ETSY

Chimi
Dele Sunglasses – $200
SHOPBOP

Porta
Playing Cards – $18
PORTA

Korres
Greek Yoghurt Cooling After Sun Gel – $32 ($28, 13% off)
AMAZON

Apple
AirTag – $29 ($27, 7% off)
AMAZON

West Elm x Emma Chamberlain
Beach Towel – $30
WEST ELM

Margarita Liberaki
Three Summers – $18 ($17, 6% off)
AMAZON

Kodak
Snapic A1 Film Camera – $99
AMAZON

Frequently Asked Questions
Here is a list of FAQs based on a Vogue editors packing recommendations for the Greek Islands written in a natural tone with clear concise answers

BeginnerLevel Questions

Q Whats the most important thing to pack for the Greek Islands
A A great pair of comfortable stylish sandals Youll be walking on cobblestones and heading to the beach so they need to be versatile

Q Do I really need to pack a dress for dinner
A Yes but keep it simple A linen or cotton slip dress is perfect Its easy to pack doesnt wrinkle badly and looks chic for a seaside taverna

Q Should I bring heels
A Probably not The streets are uneven and most nice restaurants are casual A pair of flat elegant sandals or espadrilles is a better choice

Q What kind of swimsuit should I pack
A Bring twoone classic and one fun That way you always have a dry one

Q Is a hat necessary
A Absolutely A widebrimmed straw hat protects you from the strong sun and looks effortlessly stylish

Intermediate Practical Questions

Q How do I dress for islandhopping without overpacking
A Stick to a neutral color palette Mix and match tops bottoms and swimwear so everything works together You can rewear items without looking the same

Q Whats the best fabric for the heat
A Linen cotton and lightweight silk They breathe and dry quickly Avoid synthetics like polyester which trap sweat and feel sticky

Q Should I pack a jacket or sweater
A Yes especially for evenings The sea breeze can get chilly A lightweight linen blazer or a cashmere wrap is perfectit packs flat and dresses up any outfit

Q What about beach geartowels and snorkel sets
A Dont bother Most hotels provide beach towels and you can rent snorkel gear at the beach Save the suitcase space for clothes and sunscreen