What to Wear in Santorini, Greece: Greek Island Getaway Packing List

You’ve just booked your dream trip to Santorini, and you’re scrolling through Instagram, mesmerized by those iconic white-washed buildings and crystal-clear waters.

But what do you actually wear on those famous cobblestone streets? Will your favorite sundress survive the volcanic beaches? And how do you stay stylish while protecting yourself from the intense Mediterranean sun that reflects off every surface? Trust me, you don’t want to leave you looking like a lobster instead of a bronzed goddess.

The truth is, most travelers drastically underestimate Santorini’s ankle-twisting cobblestones, deceptively powerful UV rays, and other challenges while they are packing for this Greek island.

But worry not, all this can be easily prevented with the proper preparation—enter in my what to wear in Santorini guide!

After exploring Santorini’s stunning landscapes and navigating everything from volcanic beaches to cliffside restaurants with my family, I know how to pack smart for this incredible Greek island.

Whether you’re planning a romantic getaway, a family vacation, or a solo adventure, I’m here to share how to be comfortable and protected throughout your entire Santorini experience.

Understanding Santorini’s Climate and Terrain

Weather Patterns Throughout the Year

Summer Temperatures

Santorini’s summers (June to August) can be intensely hot, with temperatures often hitting 80-85°F (27-29°C). However, the strong Aegean winds can cool things down a bit.

Please note that the sun’s rays are particularly powerful because of the island’s location and the reflection off white buildings and the sea, making UV protection a must!

Expect over 12 hours of daylight with little rain.

• Wear lightweight, breathable fabrics and protect from sun-exposure

Spring and Fall

Spring (April-May) and fall (September-October) are the best times to visit Santorini as they feature pleasant weather with temperatures between 65-75°F (18-24°C) and gentle breezes.

My family and I visited in September and found it just warm enough to lay out on the beach but not too hot to feel like we were melting.

These shoulder seasons may experience occasional rain and cooler evenings.

• Pack versatile pieces that work in both sunny and overcast conditions, aka be prepared to layer

Winter Weather

Winter in Santorini, from November to March, has temperatures falling to 50-60°F (10-15°C) and frequently raining, turning the island into a quieter place.

Strong winds are typical during this time, and many businesses close, offering travelers a chance to see a more local side of the island, however, not an ideal time to visit if you’re hoping to do touristy stuff.

• Bring warm layers, waterproof outerwear, and sturdy closed-toe shoes, as the weather can change quickly from sunny to stormy

If you are looking for more tips on when to visit Santorini, how long to stay, and even more helpful things to know, check out my Santorini travel guide!

Terrain Challenges

While the cobblestone streets of Santorini may look lovely online, it’s important to know that they also make for uneven surfaces and tripping hazards so it’s best to have proper footwear.

There are also steep cliffs and walking paths at some attractions, such as Red Beach, so having shoes with a good grip is important, especially if you plan on hiking or doing a lot of exploring.

Essential Clothing Items for Santorini

Tops and Dresses

As Santorini is often warm, it’s best to pack lightweight, breathable fabrics so that you don’t overheat.

It’ll also make you more comfortable if you do work up a sweat as your clothing more likely won’t be shrink wrapping to your body.

I’m not a big fan of dresses because I sometimes have issues with my thighs rubbing together. If I wear pants, it’s fine, but shorts, skirts, or dresses can sometimes cause diaper rash.

It’s really uncomfortable, so if you’ve dealt with this too, try a Megababe Thigh Rescue anti-chafe stick. It helps prevent skin chafing and irritation so that you can grab some snaps of yourself in your cute flowy sundress without annoyance.

Bottoms

My favorite comfortable walking pants are by Halara.

The photo above is me wearing them while climbing the Maya temple, Caracol, in Belize.

If I can do that in them, you can certainly explore the Greek islands in them as well!

They feel like pajama pants, but look lovely on. They also have a bit of stretch, so if you eat your body weight in goodies, you won’t be struggling to get them on by the end of your trip.

They also have shorts with pockets! Huzzah!

If you want to pack light, be sure to pack versatile pieces for day-to-night transitions. That’s something really nice about the Halara work pants, I can climb a temple in them, but also wear them to dinner.

Dinner Attire

Speaking of nighttime wear—there are plenty of lovely places to see the sunset while eating dinner in Santorini, some of my favorite suggestions can be found in my 3-day Santorini guide.

But as for attire, some places may encourage you to dress up a bit, but I didn’t find any place that MADE you dress up. However, do check with the particular restaurant you booked ahead of time.

No one is extraordinarily fancy, so a nice sundress or cute blouse is completely fine.

Comfortable Walking Shoes

The best shoe types for cobblestones are going to be ones with arch support and grip.

Arch support because none of those pathways are even, so you’ll want to give your feet some cushion. Grip because those stones can be slippery as heck, especially if it’s rained a bit and you don’t want to be falling down a hill!

I’ve found Dr. Scholl’s to be great shoes on the go, as they have arch support built in rather than having to invest in some insoles separately.

Sandals and Water Shoes

The same rules apply for sandals and beach shoes—grip and support!

But the other what to wear in Santorini tip I’ll throw in is water shoes.

While most Santorini beaches have soft sand, you may run into a few rocks as well. My family and I certainly did while in Rhodes, which made wading into the water a bit treacherous.

Dress Shoes

Given Santorini’s numerous cobblestone streets, wearing heeled boots or high heels is likely to cause trouble, possibly even a broken ankle!

I found flat-bottomed platform sandals (these are a similar pair to what I purchased) for nights when I wanted to dress up worked really well on their roads.

Beach Wear, Accessories, and Sun Protection

Bathing Suit Warning

For those visiting the volcanic beaches, DO NOT WEAR WHITE!

Especially at the Red Beach, the red sand can stain your clothing. So, I highly recommend not wearing white or even light colored clothing there.

Snorkel Gear

There are places you can rent snorkel gear, but if you have a set that you really like, it’s a good opportunity to use it!

Hat Recommendations

Having endured sunburn on my scalp before, I know how uncomfortable it is. That’s why I highly recommend wearing a hat to prevent a lobster-like scalp.

Any hat with a brim that keeps the sun off your face will work. However, I’ll recommend one that sits tightly on your head, as a swift wind can take it off you quickly if you’re caught unaware!

Sunglasses

Lots of the stylish sunglasses have very little tint, so while yes, they may be cute, they will not keep the sun out of your eyes or protect them!

Generally, look for the words polarized or UV Protection, such as this two-pack pair from FIMILU.

Reef-Safe Sunscreen

The sun was especially intense on Red Beach in Santorini!

Based on my experience, Greek islands in general typically lack shade, making sunscreen an essential on your list of what to wear in Santorini!

If you plan to snorkel or scuba dive, I highly recommend reef-safe sunscreen that is created with protecting the marine life in mind.

I used this particular brand while in Belize and found it non-greasy, easy to apply, and offered enough protection that I didn’t turn into a lobster while there.

Practical Items to Bring

Anti-Theft Crossbody Bag

I really like the Travelon Messenger Bag as it has pockets on either end where I can store a water bottle or umbrella. However, no matter which anti-theft purse you choose, I highly recommend a crossbody style. These are the safest travel bags because it’s harder for someone to steal a bag worn across your chest. Those looking for a more stylish option should check out the Thafael bag, which is eco-friendly!

Beach Bag/Foldable Tote

I tend to pack light, so I won’t bring a dedicated fancy beach bag, but instead opt for a foldable bag that I can also use for shopping and groceries.

Waterproof Phone Case

If you plan to take pics from the water or while on a boat trip, get a waterproof case so you don’t have to worry if your phone gets wet.

Waterproof Bag/Dry Bag

This dry bag protects your belongings from getting wet. It also includes a waterproof phone case, making it a two-for-one deal. I took it into the water, and although I didn’t get many clear pictures, I appreciated knowing my phone was safe.

International Adapter

You’ll need an international power adapter to keep your tech charged, unless your items are Type C or Type F. Something to do before you venture to Santorini is verify that your items fit correctly into the adapter. I once packed a hair dryer with a large plug that didn’t properly fit the adapter, which meant I couldn’t use it during my trip. Additionally, check that the adapter has enough charging ports for your needs.

Portable Phone Charger

Using maps and taking photos can easily suck up all your phone’s battery, so bring along an external battery pack. Mine is pretty old and no longer available, so I’m linking a highly-rated option here! And don’t forget the cable, as power battery packs do not include one!

Reusable Water Bottle

Although I don’t recall many places to refill water bottles around Santorini, I still recommend bringing a reusable one. However, do not fill it up from the tap, as while the tap water in Santorini is technically potable, it’s generally not recommended for drinking due to its taste and potential for mineral content that can upset some stomachs.

Dramamine

If you take the ferry to get to Santorini, you may want to bring Dramamine in case you get seasick or if you plan on taking any of the boat tours around the island.

For a more comprehensive packing list, check out my packing light for Europe guide or my female travel essentials post for all the things you need!

Packing Tips and Travel Essentials

Space-Saving Packing Strategies

If you’re looking to save space, my two suggestions are getting a piece of luggage with vacuum tech built-in, such as the BlackVoyage compression backpack, or using compression packing cubes in a piece of luggage you already own.

Both options will allow you to get every inch of air out and pack more in!

How to Stay Wrinkle-Free

I know lots of lightweight fabrics also wrinkle quickly so make sure when buying your new outfit for Santorini that it doesn’t turn into a wrinkly mess the second it goes on you.

The best way to test this out is to get a handful of the fabric and scrunch it in your hand; if it’s instantly wrinkly, forget about it.

If you’re dead set on bringing something that tends to wrinkle, then bring along some Downey Spray. It has come to my rescue numerous times when my clothes were badly wrinkled.

Lastly, if you plan to spend a lot of time at the beach, opt for clothes that dry quickly. While Santorini is warm, clothing will dry fairly well if hung up, but you also don’t want to wait around for something sopping wet to dry, so keep that in mind.

Final Thoughts on What to Wear in Santorini

Overall, the key thing to remember on this what to wear in Santorini guide is that sun protection is key! No one wants to be sunburnt and miserable on vacation.

Of course, there’s also the chance of skin cancer if you don’t take care!

So ensure you bring along sunscreen, hats, sunglasses, and anything else that’ll help you feel safe while touring this amazing Greek island.

Related Santorini Travel Guides

• A Useful Santorini Travel Guide: Tips for First-Timers
• What to Wear in Santorini: Greek Island Getaway Packing Guide
• Santorini in 4 Days: Affordable Itinerary for Multi-Generational Families
• 23 Awesome Things to Do in Santorini + Mobility-Friendly Options
• Where to Stay in Santorini: 8 Key Areas for First-Timer Visitors
• How Many Days In Santorini? A Simple Guide For First-Timers
• Is Santorini Worth Visiting? 14 Pros and Cons for Travelers
• Ultimate 3 Day Santorini Itinerary on a Budget
• Is the Akrotiri Archaeological Site Worth Visiting? Visitor’s Guide to Greece’s “Pompeii”

Want to remember this? Pin this What to Wear in Santorini: Greek Island Getaway Packing Guide article to your favorite Pinterest board!