What to Wear in Greece: Vacation Outfits, Packing List & Style Tips

Greece is one of the most photogenic destinations on Earth — and what you pack matters more than you might think. The right outfits let you look great in photos, stay comfortable in 35°C heat, respect local dress codes, and actually fit everything in a carry-on for island-hopping.

The Greece dress code in a nutshell:

• Daytime: Light, breathable fabrics. Linen, cotton, flowy dresses. Light colors photograph beautifully against whitewashed buildings.
• Beaches: Swimsuit, cover-up, sandals. That's it.
• Evening: Slightly elevated casual. Sundresses, nice sandals, linen pants. Greeks dress up for dinner but not formally.
• Churches & monasteries: Covered shoulders and knees required. Bring a scarf or light cardigan.
• Ancient sites: Comfortable walking shoes essential. Marble is slippery and uneven.

Here's my complete guide to what to wear in Greece — with outfit ideas, packing lists, and the practical tips nobody tells you.

Greece Outfit Essentials: What Actually Works

Before diving into specific outfits, understand what works in Greece and what doesn't.

Fabrics That Work

Linen — The Greece MVP. Breathable, looks effortlessly chic, photographs beautifully. Yes, it wrinkles — embrace it as "relaxed Mediterranean style."

Cotton — Lightweight cotton is your friend. Avoid heavy cotton that holds sweat.

Rayon/viscose — Flowy and breathable. Great for dresses and blouses.

Quick-dry fabrics — Essential for island-hopping when you might swim at lunch and dine at sunset.

Fabrics to Avoid

Polyester — Traps heat and sweat. You'll be miserable by noon.

Heavy denim — Too hot. If you must bring jeans, make them lightweight and loose.

Anything that needs ironing — You won't have access. Pack wrinkle-resistant pieces.

Colors That Work

White and cream — The classic Greece palette. Photographs beautifully against blue doors and sea.

Blue — All shades work. Matches the Aegean, complements whitewashed villages.

Terracotta, rust, ochre — Earth tones pop against white buildings and work for sunset photos.

Pastels — Soft pinks, sage greens, lavender. Feminine and photogenic.

Colors to Reconsider

Black — Absorbs heat. Fine for evenings, brutal for daytime sightseeing.

Neon — Clashes with the natural palette. You'll look out of place in photos.

Greece Vacation Outfits by Activity

Beach Day Outfit

The beach is the main event on most Greek islands. You'll go from beach to lunch to beach to sunset drinks without returning to your hotel.

The outfit:

• Swimsuit (pack 2–3 so one is always dry)
• Flowy cover-up or beach dress
• Flat sandals that can get wet
• Straw tote bag (fits towel, book, sunscreen)
• Sun hat (wide-brimmed protects face and shoulders)
• Sunglasses

Pro tips:

• Choose swimsuits you can actually swim in (avoid complicated strappy styles that shift)
• One-piece swimsuits photograph better than you'd expect
• Pack a sarong — multipurpose as cover-up, beach blanket, or scarf for churches
• Wet swimsuits + bus rides = uncomfortable. Pack a waterproof bag for damp items

Beach to lunch transition: Throw on your cover-up, add sandals and sunglasses. You're ready for any beachside taverna.

Island-Hopping Day Outfit

Island-hopping days involve ferries, walking with luggage, and possibly swimming at a new beach — you need comfortable, versatile pieces.

The outfit:

• Comfortable dress or linen shorts + loose top
• Flat sandals or comfortable walking shoes
• Crossbody bag (hands-free for luggage)
• Light cardigan or denim jacket (ferries are air-conditioned and cold)
• Swimsuit underneath (you might stop for a swim)
• Sunglasses and hat in bag

Pro tips:

• Ferries blast AC — you'll freeze in just a sundress. Always pack a layer.
• Wear shoes you can walk in with luggage on cobblestones
• Avoid anything that needs perfect styling — wind on ferry decks is real
• Pack essentials in your personal bag, not checked luggage (delays happen)

Acropolis & Ancient Sites Outfit

Visiting ancient ruins requires practical choices — you're walking on marble, climbing ancient steps, and dealing with intense sun and zero shade.

The outfit:

• Comfortable dress with movement or linen pants + breathable top
• Sneakers or sturdy sandals with grip (marble is slippery!)
• Crossbody bag (pickpockets exist; keep hands free)
• Sun hat (essential — no shade at the Acropolis)
• Light scarf (useful for sun protection and impromptu church visits)
• Refillable water bottle

Pro tips:

• Skip the heels. Ancient sites have uneven surfaces, steep climbs, and slippery marble.
• Wear sunscreen on your feet if wearing sandals (learned this the hard way)
• Light colors keep you cooler — black absorbs Athenian August heat
• The Acropolis is uphill and exposed. Dress lighter than you think you need.

What NOT to wear:

• Heels or wedges (dangerous on marble)
• Heavy fabrics (you'll overheat)
• Anything too revealing (respect for historical sites)

Church & Monastery Outfit

Greek churches and monasteries have dress codes — covered shoulders and knees for everyone. Some provide cover-ups at the entrance, but don't count on it.

The outfit:

• Knee-length dress or skirt, or long pants
• Top that covers shoulders (or bring a scarf/cardigan)
• Closed-toe shoes often preferred (some require them)

Pro tips:

• Pack a lightweight scarf in your bag always — instant shoulder cover
• Wrap skirts or sarongs work to cover shorts
• Some monasteries require women to wear skirts (pants not allowed)
• Meteora monasteries are strict — come prepared

The easy solution: A midi-length linen dress covers you appropriately while staying cool. Add a scarf for shoulder coverage and you're set for any church.

Dinner Outfit (Casual Taverna)

Most Greek dinners are casual — think beachside tavernas, village squares, harbor-side tables. You don't need to dress up, but you'll want to feel put-together.

The outfit:

• Sundress or linen pants + nice top
• Sandals (can be flat or low heels)
• Light jewelry
• Small crossbody or clutch
• Light cardigan for evening breeze

Pro tips:

• Greeks eat late (9–10pm+), so evenings are cooler. Bring a layer.
• Restaurants on islands are casual — you'll see everything from beach cover-ups to dresses
• Comfortable shoes — you might walk cobblestones to find your table

Dinner Outfit (Upscale Restaurant)

Santorini caldera restaurants, Mykonos hot spots, and Athens fine dining warrant slightly more effort — but still not formal.

The outfit:

• Elevated dress (midi length works well) or dressy jumpsuit
• Heeled sandals or nice flats
• Statement jewelry
• Small bag
• Pashmina or light wrap (air conditioning can be cold)

Pro tips:

• "Smart casual" is the maximum dress code almost anywhere in Greece
• Men: linen pants + collared shirt is plenty. No jacket required.
• White and cream photograph beautifully at sunset dinner
• Santorini caldera restaurants can be windy — avoid anything too flowy or complicated

Mykonos Nightlife Outfit

Mykonos has the most fashion-forward nightlife scene in Greece — beach clubs transition to cocktail bars to late-night venues.

The outfit:

• Statement dress or stylish co-ord set
• Heeled sandals (cobblestones are challenging but manageable)
• Fun jewelry, hair accessories
• Small crossbody or clutch
• Light jacket for late night

Pro tips:

• Mykonos is the one place in Greece where you can go all out
• Beach club (day): Swimsuit + glamorous cover-up
• Sunset drinks: Elevated sundress
• Late night: Whatever makes you feel fabulous
• Heels are common but cobblestones are real — wedges are safer

Greece Outfits by Season

Summer (June–August)

Peak season means peak heat — 30–35°C (86–95°F) is normal, and 40°C (104°F) happens.

Key pieces:

• Lightweight, breathable everything
• White and light colors (dark colors absorb heat)
• Minimal layering (you won't need it except on ferries)
• UV-protective hat
• Multiple swimsuits

What to expect: Hot, sunny, minimal chance of rain. Pack for heat above all else.

Shoulder Season (May, September–October)

Ideal weather — warm enough for swimming, cool enough for comfort. Temperatures range 20–28°C (68–82°F).

Key pieces:

• Light layers for cooler mornings and evenings
• Denim jacket or light cardigan
• Closed-toe walking shoes (useful for exploring)
• Mix of summer dresses and pants options

What to expect: Warm days, pleasant evenings, occasional cooler weather (especially October). Water is still swimmable through mid-October.

Spring (March–April)

Variable weather — can be warm and sunny or cool and rainy. Temperatures range 15–22°C (59–72°F).

Key pieces:

• Layers are essential (mornings cool, afternoons warm)
• Light jacket or trench
• Pants and longer dresses more practical than shorts
• Comfortable walking shoes
• Small umbrella or rain jacket

What to expect: Wildflowers, fewer crowds, unpredictable weather. Swimming is cold for most people.

Winter (November–February)

Off-season — many islands close or reduce services. Athens and mainland Greece remain open.

Key pieces:

• Proper jacket (it's genuinely cold)
• Warmer layers, sweaters
• Closed-toe shoes, possibly waterproof
• Umbrella
• Scarf and light gloves (December–February)

What to expect: Cool to cold (8–15°C / 46–59°F), rainy, windy. Not beach weather. Focus on cities and mainland sites.

Complete Greece Packing List

Clothing Essentials

Tops (5–7 pieces):

• 2–3 lightweight blouses or tanks
• 1–2 linen shirts (versatile day to evening)
• 1 light cardigan or denim jacket

Bottoms (3–4 pieces):

• 1–2 pairs linen shorts or skirt
• 1 pair linen pants or lightweight jeans
• 1 midi skirt (church-appropriate)

Dresses (3–4 pieces):

• 2 casual sundresses (day)
• 1 midi/maxi dress (evening or churches)
• 1 nicer dress (upscale dinners)

Swimwear:

• 2–3 swimsuits (rotation for drying)
• 1–2 cover-ups or kaftans
• 1 sarong (multipurpose)

Outerwear:

• 1 light jacket or denim jacket
• 1 pashmina or large scarf

Footwear (3–4 pairs)

• Comfortable walking sandals (leather or Birkenstocks)
• Flip-flops or slides for beach
• Sneakers or sturdy walking shoes (for ruins and hiking)
• One dressier sandal for evenings (optional)

Shoe tip: All shoes should be broken in. Cobblestones, marble, and hills are everywhere. Blisters ruin vacations.

Accessories

• Wide-brimmed sun hat
• Quality sunglasses (you'll wear them constantly)
• Crossbody bag (hands-free, secure)
• Beach tote (straw or canvas)
• Small evening bag
• Light jewelry (nothing you'd cry about losing)
• Hair ties and clips (wind is real)
• Reusable water bottle

Beauty & Grooming

• High-SPF sunscreen (European brands excellent)
• Facial SPF and/or tinted moisturizer
• Lip balm with SPF
• After-sun lotion or aloe
• Minimal makeup (heat melts it anyway)
• Hair products for humidity/salt water
• Dry shampoo (island water is often limited)
• Nail polish if desired (see nail tips below)

Practical Items

• Waterproof phone pouch (beach photos, boat trips)
• Portable charger
• Universal adapter (Greece uses European plugs)
• Waterproof bag for wet swimsuits
• Packable day backpack
• Ziplock bags (wet items, toiletries)

Greece Nail Ideas

Greece vacation nails are a thing — and the contrast of a good manicure against white buildings and blue water photographs beautifully.

Classic choices:

• White — Clean, matches the architecture, always works
• Coral/peach — Summery, photographs well against tan skin
• Blue — Match the Aegean (pale blue to navy all work)
• Nude/pink — Safe, elegant, low-maintenance

Bold options:

• Terracotta/rust — Earthy, complements warm-toned outfits
• Bright red — Classic, photographs dramatically
• Mediterranean blue — Matches the doors of Santorini

Pro tips:

• Get your manicure 1–2 days before departure for best wear
• Gel polish lasts better through beach days and saltwater
• Pack a matching polish for touch-ups
• Greece has excellent salons if you prefer to get nails done there

Greece Outfit Mistakes to Avoid

Overpacking

The mistake: Bringing a different outfit for every day and multiple "just in case" options.

The reality: You'll wear the same 5–7 things repeatedly. Pack light, especially for island-hopping. Laundry exists. Mix and match pieces work best.

Wrong Shoes

The mistake: Packing only flip-flops and heels.

The reality: You need supportive walking shoes for ancient sites and day exploration. Flip-flops for beach, comfortable sandals for everything else, heels optional for evenings.

All Black Wardrobe

The mistake: Packing your city-appropriate black wardrobe.

The reality: Black absorbs heat. You'll be miserably hot during daytime activities. Save black for evening only and pack light colors for day.

Ignoring Church Dress Codes

The mistake: Arriving at Meteora monasteries or Greek churches in shorts and tank top.

The reality: You'll either be turned away or given an unflattering cover-up to wear. Pack appropriate options or at least carry a scarf.

Heavy Fabrics

The mistake: Packing regular jeans, thick cotton, or anything structured.

The reality: Greece in summer is HOT. Lightweight, breathable fabrics are essential for comfort.

What Greek Women Actually Wear

Looking at local style helps you fit in (and look better in photos):

Daytime: Greeks dress casually during the day — cotton dresses, linen pants, simple sandals. Nothing overly styled.

Evening: Greeks dress up for dinner more than Americans/Brits typically do. A nice dress or put-together outfit is standard for evening.

Beach: Locals tend toward more conservative swimwear than tourists. Topless sunbathing is less common than it used to be.

Style notes: Greek style is elegant but effortless. Think Mediterranean minimalism — good quality basics, neutral colors, gold jewelry, natural fabrics.

Packing Tips for Greece

Pack light for island-hopping. Ferry luggage handling is DIY — you'll carry your own bags up gangplanks and across cobblestones. One carry-on suitcase + personal bag is ideal.

Roll, don't fold. Reduces wrinkles and saves space. Pack cubes help organization.

Bring laundry supplies. A small packet of travel detergent lets you wash swimsuits and underwear in your sink. Most Greek accommodations don't have in-room laundry.

Compression bags work. For the return trip when you've inevitably bought things.

Leave room for souvenirs. Greek leather sandals, olive oil, ceramics, jewelry — you will buy things.

For more planning guidance, see our how to plan a trip to Greece guide, Greece trip cost guide, and girls trip to Greece guide.

Need help planning your Greece trip? Try our free AI trip planner to get personalized recommendations.

Greece Photo Outfit Tips

Let's be honest — you want great vacation photos. Here's what photographs well:

Best colors: White, cream, pale blue, terracotta, coral. These pop against whitewashed buildings and blue water.

Best fabrics: Flowy pieces that move in the wind photograph beautifully. Linen shirts, maxi dresses, lightweight scarves.

Best times: Golden hour (hour after sunrise, hour before sunset) makes everything look better. Plan your best outfits around these times.

Santorini tip: White or blue dresses against white buildings and blue domes = the classic shot. But you'll look like everyone else. Stand out with warm tones (coral, terracotta) instead.

Mykonos tip: The famous windmills and Little Venice photograph well with bold colors and statement pieces.

Practical tip: Bring a small lint roller. Dark clothing shows everything. Cats are everywhere.

FAQ

What should I wear in Greece to not look like a tourist?

Greeks dress casually but neatly — quality basics in neutral colors, minimal logos or graphics, good shoes. To blend in: skip the athleisure (yoga pants, sneakers as casual wear), avoid overly American-looking graphic tees, and dress up slightly for dinner rather than wearing shorts to nice restaurants. That said, Greece is extremely welcoming to tourists — you don't need to stress about fitting in. Just dress appropriately for the context (churches, nice restaurants) and you'll be fine.

What do you wear to dinner in Greece?

Most Greek dinners are casual — a sundress, nice sandals, or linen pants with a blouse is perfectly appropriate for tavernas and most restaurants. Greeks do dress up more than Americans typically do for evening meals, but "dressed up" means a nice dress or put-together outfit, not formal wear. For upscale restaurants in Santorini, Mykonos, or Athens, elevate slightly — a nicer dress, statement jewelry, heeled sandals. Men should wear linen pants and a collared shirt for nicer spots, but shorts are fine at casual tavernas.

Can you wear shorts in Greece?

Yes, shorts are completely fine for casual daytime activities, beaches, and casual restaurants. However, avoid shorts for: visiting churches and monasteries (covered knees required), very upscale restaurants, and the Acropolis if you want to look put-together in photos. Linen shorts are cooler and look dressier than denim cutoffs. For maximum versatility, pack a mix of shorts and skirts/dresses so you're prepared for any situation. When in doubt, a knee-length dress solves most dress code questions while staying cool.