What to pack for a Greek summer.
What to Pack for a Greek Summer
Light fabrics, easy outfits, and everything you actually need
I’ve spent enough time in Greece to know one thing: you don’t need much. The pace is slower here. The days are long. You’ll spend most of your time in swimsuits, dresses, and sandals you can slip on and off in seconds.
Packing for a Greek summer isn’t about having options — it’s about having the right pieces that work in the heat, transition easily from beach to dinner, and make you feel good without trying too hard.
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Mornings by the Water
Off-white sweet bloom bouquet one-piece swimsuit from Farm Rio
The mornings are bright and warm from the start. You’ll want something you can throw on over your swimsuit — I usually go for a loose a light linen wrap, jumpsuit or sarong.
One well-fitting swimsuit is essential. Choose one you feel comfortable in whether you’re swimming, sunbathing, or walking back from the beach. A beach bag for carrying sunscreen, a towel, and maybe a book for those quiet hours in the shade.
Don’t forget a pair of sunnies.
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Wandering Old Streets
By midday, the sun is intense, but there’s still so much to see. Lightweight clothing is key. A cotton sundress is perfect — easy to wear, breathable, and just dressy enough for lunch. I also pack a wrap skirt and tank top combo so I can mix and match.
You’ll likely wear the same sandals every day. That’s normal here. Choose a pair that’s comfortable for walking on cobblestone streets and up those famous whitewashed staircases.
KG Kurt Geiger 'Raymond2' Fabric Sandal
In my bag, I keep a tinted lip balm, a small hair brush, and a light botanical oil or mist — enough to freshen up without a full makeup routine.
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Dinners After Sunset
Greek evenings are magic — warm air, golden light, and tables spilling into the streets. You don’t need anything too formal, but it’s nice to have one dress that feels a bit special. I like something with an open back or off-the-shoulder detail that looks good with flat sandals.
NatElise suggestion
Off-white richelieu sunflower lenzing™ ecovero™ euroflax™ midi dress by Farm Rio
Your hair will probably have a mind of its own after a day outside, so embrace it. A quick swipe of tint on your cheeks and lips is enough. The goal isn’t to look done up — it’s to feel relaxed but put together.
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A Few Things Worth Bringing
• A large beach/day bag to hold all your necessities during the day and a small clutch for your evenings https://tidd.ly/45cmJ3U https://tidd.ly/45Gtn2m https://tidd.ly/3HtmacF
• A large scarf that can works as a sarong or evening cover up https://tidd.ly/41ulM4u
• Sandals that are comfortable from day one
• A few dresses for day and night https://tidd.ly/45mLYze
• A stylish swimsuit
• A pair of shorts and tops https://tidd.ly/4mAE2kM https://tidd.ly/45mOtS8
• A facial mist https://tidd.ly/3UngoMO
• A hydrating face cream with SPF https://tidd.ly/3Uiuf71
• A Rose-tinted lip & cheek stain https://tidd.ly/4ln1rVZ
• Most importantly, your favorite sunnies https://tidd.ly/45K31fW
And always leave space in your bag. You’ll probably come home with small things — a jar of local honey, a handmade bracelet, or a book from a tiny shop you found.
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Anti-OX Wild Blueberry. Moisturising face mist toner by Natura Siberica
The Nat Elise Approach
For me, packing for Greece is about comfort, versatility, and feeling good in your clothes no matter where the day takes you. Bring pieces you can wear more than once, items that can be dressed up or down, and products that keep your skin happy in the sun.
The simpler you pack, the more time you’ll spend enjoying the islands instead of deciding what to wear.
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