Packing List for Greek Islands: Sun, Sea, and Island Hopping
Everything you need to pack for the Greek Islands covering beach essentials, boat day gear, evening outfits for waterfront tavernas, and island hopping logistics for Santorini, Mykonos, Crete, and beyond.
Pack light, breathable fabrics in white and blue tones
Linen and cotton are the fabrics of the Greek Islands. White, blue, and pastel colors match the Cycladic architecture and photograph well against whitewashed buildings. Pack 5-7 tops and 3-4 bottoms for a week. Wrinkle-resistant fabrics save time without an iron.
Bring a lightweight cardigan or wrap for boat rides and evenings
Ferry decks and evening sea breezes drop temperatures by 5-8 degrees Celsius. A light cardigan or pashmina adds warmth without bulk. Air-conditioned ferry interiors can be cold on the 2-8 hour crossings between islands.
Pack a few dressy outfits for waterfront dinners
Greek island tavernas range from casual to upscale. A sundress, linen shirt, or smart shorts cover most dinner situations. Oia sunsets in Santorini and Little Venice in Mykonos draw well-dressed crowds. Pack 2-3 dinner outfits that mix and match.
Bring comfortable walking sandals for cobblestone streets
Island villages have steep cobblestone paths that are smooth and slippery. Leather sandals with rubber soles grip better than flat flip-flops. Avoid heels on Santorini's caldera paths and Mykonos's narrow lanes. Comfortable sandals handle 90% of Greek island situations.
Pack a cover-up for transitioning from beach to village
Greek islands mix beach culture with traditional villages. A sarong or cover-up lets you move from the beach to a taverna or church without changing. Many monasteries and churches require covered shoulders and knees for entry.
Beach and Water Gear
Pack 2-3 swimsuits to rotate
Saltwater and sun degrade swimsuit elasticity quickly. Rotating between 2-3 suits extends their life and ensures one is always dry. Quick-dry fabric is essential when island hopping between beaches throughout the day.
Bring a snorkel mask for clear Mediterranean waters
Greek island waters have 20-30 meter visibility and are full of fish, sea urchins, and underwater caves. A personal snorkel mask with a proper seal saves 10-15 EUR in daily rental fees. The volcanic coastline of Milos and the coves of Zakynthos are outstanding for snorkeling.
Pack water shoes for rocky beach entries
Many Greek island beaches have pebble or rocky entries rather than sand. Sea urchins sit on submerged rocks and their spines are painful to step on. Lightweight water shoes protect your feet and fit easily in a beach bag. Navagio Beach, Red Beach, and many Crete beaches are rocky.
Bring a compact beach towel or Turkish towel
A thin Turkish cotton towel dries faster, packs smaller, and doubles as a picnic blanket or sarong. Hotels provide pool towels but rarely allow them off-property. A personal towel is essential for boat trips and remote beaches reached by taxi boat.
Sun Protection
Pack SPF 50+ sunscreen and reapply every 2 hours
The Mediterranean sun reflects off white buildings and calm sea water, doubling UV exposure. SPF 50+ with broad-spectrum protection is essential. Greek island pharmacies sell sunscreen at 15-25 EUR per bottle, roughly double mainland prices. Bring enough for your trip.
Bring a wide-brim hat or straw hat
A straw hat fits the island aesthetic and protects your face from overhead sun during beach days and village walks. The Meltemi wind on the Cyclades can blow hats off, so a chin strap or clips are useful. A packable hat that survives suitcase compression is ideal.
Pack quality sunglasses with UV protection
Polarized sunglasses reduce glare from the sea and white-painted buildings. The intense Greek summer light at latitude 37 degrees north demands proper UV400 protection. Bring a hard case and a floating strap if you plan to wear them on boats.
Bring after-sun lotion or aloe vera
Even careful sunscreen users burn after full days on exposed island beaches. Aloe vera gel or after-sun lotion soothes skin and prevents peeling. Apply generously after evening showers. Greek pharmacies stock these but at island-inflated prices.
Island Hopping Logistics
Pack a small daypack for ferry days and excursions
A 15-20 liter daypack carries your essentials for ferry crossings and day trips. Keep it as your personal item with water, snacks, sunscreen, a book, and electronics. Main luggage goes into the ferry cargo hold and is not accessible during the crossing.
Bring a packable soft bag rather than a hard suitcase
Ferry gangways are narrow and steep, taxi boats have no luggage storage, and island hotel stairs are tight. A soft duffel bag or backpack handles Greek island transport far better than a rigid suitcase. Wheels are useless on cobblestone alleys.
Pack a European Type C power adapter
Greece uses European round two-pin plugs at 230V. Bring a Type C or universal adapter. Ferry charging outlets are scarce and often occupied. A portable charger keeps phones alive during 4-8 hour ferry crossings. Most island accommodations have limited outlets per room.
Bring a waterproof pouch for boat trips
Small boat excursions, taxi boats to beaches, and catamaran tours involve sea spray. A waterproof pouch protects your phone, passport, and ferry tickets. A dry bag holds electronics and valuables during beach hopping by boat.
Health and Practical Items
Pack motion sickness remedies for ferry crossings
The Meltemi winds from June through September create rough seas between the Cycladic islands. Ferries to Santorini, Mykonos, and Naxos cross open water for 2-5 hours. Dramamine or ginger tablets taken 30 minutes before boarding prevent seasickness. Sit outside at the back of the ferry for the smoothest ride.
Bring basic first aid supplies including antiseptic for sea urchin stings
Sea urchin spines are the most common beach injury in Greece. Tweezers and vinegar dissolve the spines. Pack basic antiseptic, bandages, and pain relievers. Island pharmacies are well-stocked but may close for afternoon siesta from 2-5 PM.
Pack a refillable water bottle for hydration
Greek island tap water is safe to drink on most large islands but tastes of minerals on smaller ones. Refillable bottles reduce plastic waste and save 1-2 EUR per bottle at island shops. Stay hydrated as summer temperatures regularly exceed 35 degrees Celsius.
Frequently Asked Questions
What should I not pack for the Greek Islands?
Leave heavy jackets, formal wear, and bulky items at home. Skip high heels as cobblestones make them impractical and dangerous. Avoid dark, heavy fabrics that absorb heat. You will not need an umbrella in summer as rain is extremely rare from June through September. Most visitors overpack. Greek island life is casual and requires fewer outfit changes than you think.
Do I need a backpack or suitcase for Greek island hopping?
A soft backpack or duffel bag is far more practical than a hard suitcase for island hopping. Ferry gangways are steep, water taxis have no luggage storage, and many island hotels have narrow staircases with no elevator. A 40-50 liter backpack handles a 2-week island hopping trip. If you insist on a suitcase, choose a small cabin-sized one.
What do locals wear on the Greek Islands?
Greek islanders dress casually in summer. Linen shirts, cotton dresses, shorts, and sandals are standard daywear. Evening dining is slightly dressier with light dresses, clean shirts, and leather sandals. Swimwear is only acceptable at the beach, not in villages or restaurants. Nude beaches exist but are specifically designated areas.
Should I pack snorkel gear for the Greek Islands?
Bringing a personal snorkel mask saves money and ensures a proper fit. Greek waters are exceptionally clear with 20-30 meter visibility. Rental gear is available at popular beaches for 10-15 EUR per day. Full snorkel sets including fins are bulky to pack, so bringing just the mask and renting fins locally is a good compromise.