From sandals to swimwear, here's what to wear in Greece this summer (2024)

Greece is a perennial holiday favourite with dramatic coastlines, pocket-sized harbour towns, powder-soft beaches, buzzing cities, and ancient landscapes. TheGreek islands, in particular – all 227 of them – are the stuff of holiday legends. Make a reservation at one of thebest hotels in the Greek Islandsin the warmer months, and you've practically won summer. Whether you're set to stay in one ofSantorini's beautiful hotelsor planning on partying at thebeach clubs in Mykonos, what to wear on holiday in Greece requires a simple formula; light layers and a sunshine-catching colour palette. Update your look for 2023 with smile-making hippie prints and colours, 60s-inspired swirls and basil green linens. Shirt dresses easily worn from beach to bar are always a good idea. Swap your usual handbag for a lounger-ready book tote or woven shopper, and opt for comfy sandals that will keep you going all day. Don't forget those essentials – wear-with-anything sunglasses, a comfortable sandal, and a little sparkle with some well-chosen jewellery. Here are our top packing list picks for a summer holiday in Greece.

The dresses

When spending summer in Greece, nothing beats the versatility of an effortless maxi dress. For very little room in yourluggage, it's a key piece that can take you from day to night – wear it with a floppy hat and sandals during the day before dressing it up in the evening with heels and jewellery. The other MVP of a successful summer holiday wardrobe? A classic shirtdress is an easy option to wear buttoned-up to breakfast or the beach as a breezy coverup.

The swimwear

With the bright turquoise Mediterranean as your background, the best swimwear to wear in Greece comes in a bright and playful print.

The shoes

Getting around on the Greek Islands often involves navigating steps, sand and cobblestones, so a pair of comfortable sandals are essential. Avoid any uncomfortable thin straps and hard fabrics that quickly become painful in hot weather. An alternative we love is crochet styles and chunky straps that work on the beach and over cobble lanes.

The beach bag

Ready for something controversial? It might be time to pack away that basket bag at least until next summer. Instead, Dior’s modern icon book tote is setting the tone right now; this season, it features an Indian-inspired print from itsrecent collaboration with the Chanakya School of Craft. Marni’s ‘market’ collection, made in partnership with Colombian artisans, has made this excellent shopper-style bag perfect for throwing in all your essentials for a day at the beach.

The sunglasses

For a wear-it-with-everything style, oval sunglasses are the look of 2023. On the catwalks, from Jacquemus to Balenciaga, the statement styles of last year were replaced by chic, timeless shapes.

The t-shirt

A retro printed t-shirt is an excellent addition to a summer holiday wardrobe – especially with so many brands reviving 90s-inspired designs and logos. Buy oversized to throw over swimwear and half-tuck into trousers for city hopping.

The shorts

A staple of any summer wardrobe, don’t leave home without a trusty pair of shorts. Modest styles win this summer out with the return of the Bermuda and pleated styles. The look is relaxed and smart, with longer lengths and a slightly looser fit.

The linen trousers

Never underestimate a summer classic. Linen trousers are a staple of holiday packing lists for a reason – but steer clear of light, pale colours that emphasise creases and flash underwear lines. Tropical designs such as this print from Australian hero brand Alemais are perfect for beach clubs, while this cropped style from M&S in basil green is perfect for staying cool for sightseeing.

The jewellery

Holiday jewellery should be nothing but happy-making. Leave understated pieces at home and pack beaded strings for the beach. Details such as shell charms are always a good look or colourful gems such as these drop-stone huggies from Missoma.

The sun protection

And finally, don’t even think about boarding the place without packing the right SPF. There are plenty of sunscreens that are specially formulated to suit different skin types – see our edit of the best of thebest face sunscreens. We love Barbara Sturm’s Sun Drops – an ultra-lightweight protection for your face that can be worn under makeup, while Leonor Greyl’s hair protection serum is great for keeping your hair from getting sun damaged.