There are certain words that just feel correct when strung together. Consider: a Greek vacation. (See what we mean?) This Mediterranean idyll has long been the gold standard for a summer getaway thanks to its distinct iconography: Cycladic architecture, impossibly blue skies with water to match, and hand-glazed plates piled with olives, local cheese, and fresh seafood. It’s no wonder the country receives upwards of 30 million tourists annually. If you’re among this year’s sun-seekers, you’ll need a few Greece outfit ideas to complement your trip.
The destinations you choose will largely influence what to pack for a vacation in Greece. Scouring the markets and exploring ancient ruins in Athens? Don’t forget a hands-free bag and comfortable shoes. Headed straight for the Greek islands? A swimsuit and breathable cover-up are musts. But beyond the logistical details, the best way to achieve a Greece-ready wardrobe is to channel its natural landscapes—blues like the Aegean, white like the limestone architecture, and earthy browns, pinks, and oranges à la the legendary sunsets. And when in doubt, a pattern that resembles pottery from Ancient Greece should do the trick.
Below, a packing guide with 12 outfits that address all the summery situations you’ll encounter on a warm-weather holiday in Greece.
For Touring Ancient Ruins
Since Athens is the first stop for most international travelers, take advantage by spending a few days in the country’s capital—either at the beginning or the end of your trip. Take a stroll through the cobblestone corridors of Plaka, meander among ancient ruins at sunrise, and grab a glass of Robola at a rooftop bar overlooking the Acropolis (like the one at Apollo Palm). As for your outfit, a breezy pair of linen pants will keep you cool while waiting in line for UNESCO sites, while this ruched tank and woven bag inject color and texture.
Buck Mason Sea Breeze Linen Pull-On Pant
Le Monde Beryl Grace Leather Sandals
Now 40% Off
Tom Ford Chloe 52mm Oval Sunglasses
For a Quintessential Caldera Moment
Santorini’s caldera was formed by a volcanic eruption around 3,600 years ago, which calls for a look. Let your outfit blend in with the Cycladic island’s iconic blue-and-white architecture by pairing a white tank with a micro-print skirt. A seashell necklace ties into the seaside locale, and strappy flats will make it easy to pop from lunch down in Ammoudi Bay to a sunset dinner up at Varoulko.
Eterne Cropped Scoop-Neck Tank Top
J.Crew Beckett Midi Skirt
Loren Stewart Sea Chalice Necklace
For Island Ferry Crossings
If you’re island hopping this summer and plan to travel by ferry, pack an outfit that can withstand the wind and waves. Because it’ll be quite warm, long sleeves and pants crafted in linen do double duty for both sun protection and keeping you cool. A pair of boat shoes will make it easy to walk around the vessel, catching different views of the water. A canvas bag that zips up will keep all your essentials in one place, without you worrying about rogue water splashes. (Plus, this fish-shaped silhouette will come in handy in case you need quick access to euros for water or snacks. Pro tip: Secure it to the strap of your tote).
Rails Knox Linen Blend Button-Up Shirt
Tory Burch Fish Coin Purse
For a Cycladic Sunset
Whether you’re at a Michelin-star restaurant in Oia, or a natural wine bar carved into the cliffside of Sifnos (you know the one), sunsets in the Cycladic Islands are nothing short of legendary. So, slip into a look that befits the setting with this elegant dress accessorized with a smoky quartz pendant necklace and seashell-print silk scarf. If it’s possible to wear a low heel, these kitten mules are perfection, otherwise your favorite strappy sandals should do the trick.
Lié Studio The Julia Necklace
A.L.C. Enzo Bag
Now 44% Off
Loro Piana Il Suono del Mare Foulard Silk Scarf
Toteme Lizard-Embossed Leather Mules
For a Scenic Milos Swim
If you haven’t already been, you’ve likely seen Sarakiniko Beach in Milos—it’s unmissable. The bone-white volcanic rock resembles a lunar landscape, which makes a swim in the surrounding turquoise waters all the more picturesque. Pack a beach day look that’s comfortable but photogenic, like this petal pink swimsuit and coordinated jelly sandals. A claw clip will be of great use for post-cliff jumps, and a mineral SPF packed with nourishing ingredients will keep your skin protected and glowing all day long.
Faithfull Omra Recycled Swimsuit
Now 20% Off
Frame The Everyday Denim Shorts
Ancient Greek Sandals Saionara Jelly Flip Flops
The Finest Accessories Small Couture Claw Clip
For a Boat Day on the Athenian Riviera
Style icons such as Brigitte Bardot and Jackie Onassis used to frequent the glittering coastline of the Athenian Riviera. Now, the region is experiencing a glamorous comeback thanks to hotel openings from luxury groups like Four Seasons and One&Only. Extend your time in Athens with a few days by the water, perhaps booking a boat day to round out the trip. For the nautical occasion, toss this squiggle-print dress over a classic black bikini, and complete the look with fish-motif earrings and T-strap sandals.
Roxanne Assoulin The Fish Earrings
For Wandering Around Hydra
Speaking of style icons, Hydra was also a hotspot for ’70s-era names like Sophia Loren and The Rolling Stones. Despite its popularity, the island maintains its Old World charm—being free of cars and full of donkeys has something to do with that. In any case, if you’re headed here, go for this fresh white-on-white look, and add in summer-ready touches like a seashell choker and fisherman sandals.
Gap Pointelle Shell Tank Top
Aligne Straight Leg Trouser
Hereu Barana Woven Slingback Mule
For Fresh Fish in a Taverna
There’s a moment on every warm-weather vacation in Greece when you’ve emerged from a dip in the sea, secured a table by the water, and ordered a plate of saganaki when it all begins to sink in—it’s summer. Such a euphoric occasion calls for a relaxed look, so make it this relaxed striped shirt teamed with linen shorts. To finish, a crochet hat with a fish motif and rope sandals feel particularly on theme.
Alex Mill Jo Striped Shirt
Massimo Dutti Pleated Linen Shorts
Loeffler Randall Mika Sport Sandal
Thistles The Cruz Sunglasses
For a Stroll Through a Traditional Village
When the day’s itinerary is simply to wander around (perhaps in one of Naxos’s many traditional villages), a one-and-done dress fits the bill. Pair this Markarian floral midi with wrap sandals, and pop a point-and-shoot camera into your bag so you can take photos without having to use your phone. And, of course, an evil eye jewelry piece is always a strong finishing touch.
Markarian Penelope Midi Dress
Savette Symmetry Leather Crossbody Bag
By Adina Eden Diamond Cutout Evil Eye Bracelet
Kodak Ektar H35 Half Frame Film Camera
For Trekking the Pindus Mountains
For the outdoor adventurer looking to go beyond the expected Greek landscapes, a visit to the Pindus Mountains is a perfect summer jaunt (especially if you’re hiking the Vikos Gorge). Pack a ribbed tank and track shorts as your base, then add in nostalgic activewear essentials like a bucket hat, fanny pack, and sporty sandals.
The North Face Class V Brimmer Hat
Hikerkind Ribbed Merino Tank
Imogene + Willie Track Short
Teva Hurricane XLT Sandal
Béis The Pack Nylon Belt Bag
For Wine Tasting in Crete
Taste indigenous grapes and savor a day among rolling vineyards with a wine tasting excursion in Crete. Many of the island’s wineries are small and family-owned, which means you’ll be spending your afternoons in idyllic, unpretentious outdoor settings. For the al fresco occasion, style this turquoise tank with a full skirt, and ground the look with a woven clutch and matching flip-flops. As a subtle wink, wear these Ysso earrings (hand-carved in Greece).
& Other Stories Silk Tank Top
Hill House Home The Delphine Nap Skirt
Cos Oversized Folded Clutch
Tkees Croc-Embossed Leather Flat Sandals
For a Road Trip on the Peloponnese
Among the more unique ways to experience Greece’s landscapes is with a road trip along the Mani peninsula—a wild, rugged coastline dotted with fishing villages and untamed beaches. This black cotton mini dress will be both comfortable and cute in case you stop for photos along the drive, and flip-flops make it easy to slip out of them in case of an impromptu toe dip in the sea.
Tory Burch Beaded Flower Bracelet
Prada PR B06SF Rectangular Sunglasses
Hunting Season The Tagua Key Chain
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