Travel Gear

Packing for a Greek Island Summer

by Lindsay
How to pack for a Greek Summer

Last updated: 14 May 2024

Santorini or Sifnos, that sunkissed Greek island dream follows the same fetching formula of cerulean seas and countryside adventures. Full of charm, yet riddled with potholes, you’ll want to avoid tripping over cobblestone streets, slipping over ubiquitous marble floors, and the chilly bite of meltemi winds (northern summer winds affecting the Cycladic islands). From anatomic flip flops to the perfect type of swimwear, there’s a smart way to pack for the sea and sun. Here’s how: 

Summer mini bags
Little, but large enough for your phone, card holder and keys, the perfect mini bag slips seamlessly into a large tote you can leave behind in your car rental (discreetly, so as not to encourage break-ins) for a quick run. Whip it out for quick trips to archaeological sites, village walks, or toilet trips with your toddler.
Summer travel tote bags
Greece is where your basket bag is truly home. But few travel well with bulky frames. Lightweight and packable, we’re in love with Loewe’s shell and anagram market bags. But if you, like me, find it hard to splurge on raffia only to toss it around in the sand, haute-hippy Sezane has a staple line of French-chic raffia totes. More practically, State of Escape’s neoprene bags are super-light and washable. They also have an oversized collection for the family mule of large households. Our top beach bag pick? Zara’s reusable XL shopper, or Ikea’s waterproof Sackkcarra. 
Archies Slippers and ON Sneakers
While sneakers are better suited for walking, our summer footwear of choice is something that lets sand pass between our toes. Snug, supportive, and grippy enough to provide traction on marble streets (and steps!) and slippery beach rocks, Archies might be one of the few flip-flops your podiatrist won’t mind you wearing.
Need a little more support? On’s Cloud Coast sneaker series is breathable enough for sock-free strolls, and also has kick-down heels for beach walks and travel packability.

Ideal footwear for Greece
Avoid heels, and anything that will get trapped between cobblestones streets. If you enjoy exploring Greek villages as much as we do, look for shoes that have supple straps and provide comfortable padding between you and the rocky paths you will roam. It’s also a good idea to choose something that’s not afraid of a splash of water (e.g. Birkenstocks).
Sun protection essentials in Greece
Sun protection (all kinds of it) is nearly as essential as your phone and keys. For sunscreen, easily found in Greek pharmacies are local go-to brands Apivita and Korres, in addition to European favourites like La Rosche Posay and Avene. Looking for a cute hat? If you’re bound for the windy Cyclades, get something with chin straps, or a baseball cap. Lastly, I wouldn’t normally recommend carrying an umbrella, but Fulton’s aerolite umbrella is so light and small it’s made itself a staple in the heat of July and August. Quick tip on hydration and water bottles: tap water is not drinkable on most islands. We find bringing our own refillable water bottles redundant since you will have to purchase bottled water anyways.
Ever ready for a splash, we live in our swim gear in summer. So I bring at least 3. While I’ve long outgrown my bikini-fit years, bandeau-style two pieces still make for the easiest changes on the beach, toilet trips, and dry quicker than one-piece swimsuits if you’re in them all-day-long. The list for beach trips can get lengthy – use this as an added guide. (Pictured here: Seafolly’s Summer Crush twist tie front bandeau bikini from their Spring/Summer 2023 Collection)
Sundress
There’s nothing more uncomfortable than plasticky-type feeling fabrics clinging onto sweaty skin in the sweltering sun. Pick out a wardrobe that’s light, cottony soft, and breathable. Sundresses are easy to throw on after beach trips and should be stylish enough for continuing to the chora (main town) for sunset cocktails. In the evening, the temperature drops quickly with the sun – don’t forget a cardigan or light jacket, and longer summer dresses. If you’re travelling in May and June, you’ll want pieces that provide more coverage. (Pictured here: Short printed cotton dress from Zara’s Spring/Summer 2023 Collection)

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