Are you planning a trip to Greece and not sure what to wear? Greece is one of the most popular travel destinations in Europe, full of ancient history, amazing archaeological sites and stunning beaches. But knowing what kind of clothes to pack can be difficult, especially if it's a place you've never been before.
Well, no need to worry. In this post I will tell you a little about fashion in Greece, about the weather, and I will also give you some tips on what to wear. I'll conclude with a list of things you'll need to pack, whether you're heading to the islands, mainland Greece, or a road trip in the Peloponnese.
Fashion in Greece
In ancient times the Greeks used to dress themselves Abayas And HematationBut today they mainly wear modern, “world-class” clothes. Except for some special occasions when they wear traditional Greek costumes, you will not see people wearing these clothes Fostanella and pointed shoes (He remembers) in the streets of Athens.
But unlike Western Europeans who dress elegantly and sophisticatedly, people in Greece do not care much about fashion. They tend to focus more on comfort than style.
One reason for this is that the weather in Greece is mostly warm. Since there are more warm days than cold days, locals tend to wear simple, lightweight clothes and comfortable shoes.
But the other reason why people in Greece don't wear fancy clothes is financial. The economic crisis of 2008 had a significant impact on Greeks. Therefore, even those who were accustomed to wearing expensive branded clothes had to stop spending money on useless things.
How much luggage should you pack for Greece
You really don't need a lot of clothes in Greece. The weather here is mainly warm, or even very hot. So, unless you plan to visit Greece in the winter when there is heavy rain, you will only need to pack lightweight fabrics, such as cotton and linen. We usually take two suitcases plus two backpacks for electronics and liquids.
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What to wear in Greece
Choosing what to wear in Greece depends to some extent on the season in which you want to take your trip. If you plan to visit in the winter (December-February), late fall (November), or early spring (March), be sure to bring a jacket, light jacket, long pants, and covered-toe walking shoes.
Regarding “travel etiquette” there is no official dress code in Greece, unlike countries like Morocco or Jordan where dressing modestly is essential. However, in upscale hotels and restaurants, you are expected to dress more formally, so you should pack a nice, smart shirt and trousers, or a more elegant dress for the evening.
The only place where a dress code is required is at religious monuments. In Greek Orthodox churches and monasteries, men must wear long trousers and women must cover their arms and wear long skirts. These are very strict rules, so if your Greece itinerary includes visits to churches and monasteries, make sure you add these items to your packing list, otherwise you won't be allowed in!
In general, we found Greece to be more casual than the rest of Europe. Bottom line, you can confidently wear anything in Greece without adhering to any fashion mistake!
Essential packing list for greece
Here is a list of holiday clothes to wear in Greece that should be suitable for all seasons. The days are warm and the evenings are generally cool and breezy, so a light jacket is always a good idea. We visited Greece in the fall and spring, and although it rained a few times, it was hot tropical rain, not cool autumn rain.
Light blouses and shirts
Some lightweight blouses and shirts are essential for any trip to Greece, as you can wear them almost everywhere. I recommend linen or cotton as fabrics for both men and women, as they keep you cool.
Pants, skirts and shorts
Long or midi skirts and linen pants are perfect additions to your Greece packing list. They are very versatile, so you can wear them to the beach even in the evening. Skirts are very useful if you plan to visit any religious sites as well.
You'll also need to wear a pair of shorts or two for the beach. I love the look of white or classic denim without the discomfort of wearing leggings.
Summer dresses
Sundresses are an essential item to add to your packing list for Greece. They are versatile, lightweight and take up very little space in your luggage, so you can pack a long dress and some short dresses. Here are some ideas for inexpensive clothes you can buy on Amazon, but you can also find more at Anthropologie, Lulu, or Etsy.
You can wear dresses almost everywhere in Greece, from morning until evening. Depending on how you accessorize, you can make the dress look more or less elegant. Wear dresses at the beach with flip-flops and a sun hat, or on an afternoon stroll around town. I suggest bringing 4-5 sundresses with you. It doesn't take up much space in your luggage, and as a woman, you'll probably want to change it often.
Swimwear and beach cover-ups
Beachwear should not be left out of the luggage even if your trip is in the fall or spring. There are warm days in Greece all year round, and no matter where you head, you'll likely be surrounded by plenty of beaches you'll want to visit.
One thing to keep in mind is that Greek men, like almost all other Europeans, wear Speedo-style swimwear. So don't be surprised if you see a lot of tiny swimsuits on the beaches of Greece.
As a woman, I find a swimsuit cover-up to be very convenient for the beach. It's nice to have something light to put over your swimsuit when walking on the beach, or from the beach to your hotel room. I also wear it to protect my skin from the strong rays of the sun. Cover up was very useful when I was boating in the Ionian Islands.
Also, always pack a hat, sunglasses and sunscreen because the sun is very strong in Greece, just like in Southern California, where we live. I'm used to applying sunscreen on my face even in winter, so I used it in Greece even when it was overcast.
Sandals, sleepwear, walking shoes
Greece is full of beautiful beaches, but many of them are rocky and difficult to walk on. Others require some climbing on steep slopes. So, instead of wearing hiking shoes at this type of beach, I suggest wearing water shoes. I have some very lightweight mesh water shoes that are breathable and dry very quickly. Their soles have great traction too, even in wet conditions.
I also advise packing sandals and walking shoes with sturdy soles, as the streets in Greece are rough, as in most other European countries. Since we started traveling in 1989, I have always worn Born, Ecco and Clarks and have always been happy with those brands.
Handbags and crossbody bags
I have a weakness for bags, which makes it always difficult to decide which ones to take with me when I travel. Fortunately, when packing for Greece, this isn't a big deal.
Basically, you only need a bag for the day and a small bag for the evening. I don't particularly like cross-body bags, but given that petty theft rates are so high in Greece I highly recommend them.
Hats and sunglasses
Hats and sunglasses are essential on your packing list for traveling to Greece, as you will be wearing them day in and day out. Not only does a hat protect your face from the sun, it also does a good job of covering up your crazy-looking hair when you don't want to do so.
And if you don't have enough space in your luggage to bring a sun hat, you can always buy one in Greece. They are very cheap and you can find them almost everywhere.
Light jacket and jacket
The weather is warm in most parts of Greece, but rain is always possible, especially in mountainous areas. Therefore, it is always a good idea to pack a light jacket or jacket, which will come in handy on the plane as well.
I like to add a sports jacket, windbreaker, or long-sleeve sports shirt to my packing list for Greece. A light jacket will keep me warm and keep me out of the rain. Watch it on Amazon.com
What to wear in Greece in the evening
Most people dress more elegantly in the evening to go out to dinner or walk around town. My favorite clothes for a warm night in Greece are sundresses. Almost any dress will do. Just wear a pair of sandals and some jewelry, and you will look stylish and elegant.
Men can wear linen or cotton trousers, a light button-down shirt, and sandals. You can also wear shorts if it's very hot, but not in upscale restaurants.
read the following: Monasteries of Meteora – a trip to the holy site in Greece
What not to pack for Greece
There are some things you should not add to your packing list when traveling to Greece. Here are a few of them:
High heels and very elegant clothes
As a woman, you might be tempted to wear a pair of high heels when coming to Greece, but don't! It is almost impossible to wear high heels on the cobblestone streets and hills you will find in almost every city. If you want to bring something a little more elegant, choose a pair of comfortable heels.
Also don't bother bringing very fancy dresses or suits. Greeks dress modestly, so there is very little chance that you will feel undressed in Greece.
Expensive jewelry or large sums of money
I highly recommend not taking any expensive jewelry or valuables with you to Greece. Petty crime is very high in this country, especially in big cities like Athens. There have been cases where money and expensive jewelry have “disappeared” from hotel safes in Greece, so be careful. Moreover, when you spend a lot of time outdoors, you probably won't need to wear gold and diamonds!
Beach towels
It may seem counter-intuitive, but you don't have to worry about adding any beach towels to your packing list for Greece. While you'll obviously need it for the beach and pool, your hotel or rental property will almost certainly provide it. There is no need to overload your luggage with them.