What to wear in the Cyclades and Greece: our ultimate packing list

Discover what to pack for Greece in summer (April to October)

Ah, Greece. The land of sun-drenched islands, ancient ruins, and the eternal battle of what should I wear? You might think it’s always sunny, calm weather, but that’s not the case. One minute you are sweating on a beach, the next you are blown away by the northern Meltemi winds while exploring the Greek islands.

If you are planning a trip to Greece in spring (April, May, June), high summer (July, August), or autumn (September, October), and wonder what to pack, this article is for you. If you are planning to visit the Greek islands in winter, check out our packing list for what to wear in Greece in winter.

Read more: How to get to Syros

After several seasons of hopping around the Greek islands and mainland with my family, I’ve finally cracked the code on what to wear and when. I’ve got you covered. Literally.

In short: pack smart, dress comfortably, and don’t stress too much about what you’re wearing. Greece is relaxed, sunny, and welcoming, and as long as you’re comfortable (and not melting or freezing), you’ll fit right in. At the end of this article, you can download our packing list to get you started.

Whether you are going to the Greek mainland, such as Athens and the Peloponnesos, or some of the Greek islands, such as Syros, Mykonos, Paros, or Santorini, we will explain in detail what to wear and pack, and share the best outfits for your travels.

Ready to dress like a seasoned Greek traveler? Let’s go!

Weather in the Greek islands

Let’s talk about the weather on the Greek islands, because it’s one of the main things that will determine what you’ll want to wear.

In spring (April to June), the weather is flirting with summer with pleasant and mild temperatures, but it can still be unpredictable, especially in April. One moment it’s sunny and warm, the next there’s a breeze or a little rain that’ll make you wish you packed that jacket (yes, even in paradise, layers are your friend).

Summer (July and August) brings the real heat, expect hot, dry days and plenty of sunshine. Lightweight, breathable fabrics are a must, along with swimsuits, sandals, and sun protection. On the islands, there is often a breeze (the northern Meltemi winds), so bring that extra layer in the evenings.

In autumn (September to October), one of our favorite seasons, the crowds thin out, the sea’s still warm, and the evenings start to get a bit chilly again, especially by the sea.

Generally speaking, just always have layers with you. And always remember, comfort over fashion, especially if you plan on exploring, hiking, or island hopping. Save the heels for a fancy night out.

General clothing and outfit tips for Greece

After spending a good chunk of time exploring Greece and the Cyclades with my family, sometimes sweating through ancient ruins, or getting caught in surprise cold northern winds, I’ve gathered a few tried-and-true tips for dressing right in this beautiful country.

Comfort is key (but you can still look cute)

I know the Instagram reels make it look like everyone’s floating around in white linen jumpsuits and strappy sandals, but trust me, Greece is full of stairs, uneven paths, and the occasional sprint for a ferry. Comfortable walking shoes or stylish sneakers are lifesavers. Sandals are great for the beach, but sturdy shoes are essential for hiking and sightseeing. Leave the heels at home unless you plan on a nice evening out, walking from your hotel room to dinner and back.

Layers for the win

Greek weather, especially in spring and autumn, can’t quite make up its mind. One minute it’s sunny and warm, the next you’re reaching for a jacket. Bring layers: think breathable fabrics for the day (cotton, linen, or moisture-wicking if you’re planning a hike), and a cardigan, denim jacket, or shawl for cooler mornings and evenings. If you come in winter, early spring, or late autumn, make sure you also have a windproof/waterproof jacket and warm layers.

Respect the culture (and the sun)

If you’re visiting churches or monasteries, be prepared to cover your shoulders and knees. A scarf or wrap is perfect for this, and also doubles as a beach cover-up or an emergency sunshade. Speaking of the sun, it will sneak up on you. Bring a wide-brimmed hat, sunglasses, and sunscreen.

Go with the flow(y)

Especially during summer, loose and airy clothes are your best friend. Not only do they keep you cool, but they also help you blend in with that easy, breezy Greek island vibe. Long skirts, maxi dresses, linen shirts, flowy pants, basically anything that lets the breeze in and doesn’t stick to your skin like a second layer of regret.

Don’t forget swimwear (and more than one)

You’ll probably end up swimming more than you planned. Always bring at least two swimsuits so one can dry while you wear the other. A quick-dry towel, flip-flops, and a waterproof bag for beach days are also super handy. Bonus points for a cute cover-up you can wear straight from beach to taverna.

Keep it simple

You really don’t need a new outfit every day. Neutral colors and mix-and-match pieces make life easier, and your suitcase lighter. Plus, laundry services or washing a few things in the sink are totally doable if you’re traveling for a while.

Choose the right luggage

In general, don’t overpack when you come to Greece. If you are planning to island-hop and take ferries, you will have to handle your luggage quite a bit. When you arrive, you can take a taxi to your accommodation, but chances are you still will have to carry your luggage up some stairs, as not all houses are reachable by car.

Therefore, overweight, large hardcase suitcases might not be your best option. Our favorite luggage is rolling duffel bags. They are often lighter, can fit into tighter spaces, are rollable when possible, and are easier to carry if you need to walk up the stairs. There are even a few types of rolling duffel bags that can be converted into a backpack if you want to be prepared for anything.

What to wear in Greece and the Greek islands

As mentioned before, packing for Greece doesn’t have to be overwhelming. Just think light, breezy, and practical with a touch of style. Here’s a breakdown of what to wear and bring, based on our own adventures across the islands and the mainland.

Clothing 👕

Greece is generally very casual, especially on the islands. During the warmer months, pack lightweight and breathable fabrics (cotton, linen, lightweight blends). Think of cotton t-shirts, tank tops, linen shirts, and flowy dresses or skirts. Shorts and comfy trousers are perfect for exploring.

For cooler spring or autumn days (especially in April and October) and summer evenings, add a few light layers like a cardigan, light sweater, or denim jacket. If you travel in early April or late October, also bring a wind and waterproof jacket for windy and/or rainy days.

Don’t forget something a bit nicer for dinners out, especially in more stylish places like Mykonos, Santorini, or Athens, just a simple dress or shirt and pants combo will do.

Shoes 👟

Let’s talk shoes, because Greek pavements (and ancient ruins!) aren’t always flip-flop friendly. Comfortable walking shoes or sandals with good support are a must, especially if you plan to hike or visit more rugged islands. For the beach and lazy days, pack flip-flops or slides.

I usually bring one pair of each: casual sneakers, comfy sandals, and flip-flops.

Beachwear 🏖️

You’ll likely spend a lot of time near or in the water, so bring at least two swimsuits so you always have a dry one ready. A light beach cover-up, sarong, or kaftan is great for walking to and from the beach or stopping at a taverna along the way.

A quick-dry towel and waterproof bag for wet clothes or sandy things will come in handy. A rash guard might also be useful if you burn easily or plan on water sports.

Accessories 🧢

The Greek sun is no joke. Bring a wide-brimmed hat (choose a packable hat) or cap, UV-protective sunglasses, and reef-safe sunscreen (you can find some locally, but it can be pricey on the islands).

A scarf or shawl is a surprisingly versatile item: use it for sun protection, temple visits, or an extra layer in the evening. A small daypack or crossbody bag is also super useful when exploring villages or going on excursions.

To stay warm on colder days or during windy conditions, you can also bring a hat if you want.

We also never travel without our reusable water bottles. They are eco-friendly and keep your water cold if you choose the insulated water bottles. And last but not least, pack all your stuff in travel packing cubes, perfect to organize clothing and maximize suitcase space.

Toiletries & Medical 🧴

Most toiletries can be found locally, but I recommend bringing your favorites in travel-sized bottles. Pack any prescription medications, after-sun lotion, mosquito repellent (especially for the evenings), and a mini first aid kit. If you wear contacts, bring extras and eye drops. It can get dry and dusty.

Tech & Travel Essentials 📱

Keep things simple, but don’t forget the basics: your phone (with maybe a waterproof phone case), charger, and power bank. A universal travel adapter is useful if you’re coming from outside Europe.

We also love our Kindle e-reader (we have the waterproof Paperwhite) to read on the beach or on the terrace of your accommodation and our camera (we have the Sony AR7IV and adore it) to capture all the beauty Greece has to offer. Earphones can also be nice to have. Bonus points if you bring a portable fan for those really hot summer days!

Oh, and don’t forget to download offline maps if you plan to hike.

Our downloadable packing list for Greece and the Greek islands

To make your life easier, I’ve created a free downloadable packing list for Greece.

Because let’s be honest, we’ve all stood over an open suitcase wondering if we really need that fourth pair of sandals (spoiler: you don’t).

Our list includes everything you’ll need for spring, summer, and autumn, whether you’re heading to the islands or exploring the mainland.

It’s organized, practical, and based on real experience, no fluff, just the essentials (plus a few nice-to-haves).

Download it here, print it out, check things off as you go, and avoid that dreaded “I knew I forgot something” feeling!

I hope this article on what to wear in Greece and on the Greek islands was helpful! If you have any Greek outfit tips or things you can’t travel without, let us know in the comments!

Happy travels to Greece!