What to wear in Greece depends on several factors, including the time of year of your visit, where in Greece you are traveling to, and what you plan on doing when you get there.
If, for example, you opt for an off-season jaunt to visit the skyline-defining Acropolis in Athens in February, you will want to wear layers and pack a waterproof jacket in case of rain.
If your trip involves a summer vacation hopping around the sultry Cyclades, where whitewashed villages cling to the rugged coastline and glamorous restaurants line the waterfronts, your wardrobe will be light, airy, and stylish.
From what to wear on springtime hikes to how to dress in Greece for sizzling summer nights, here’s everything you need to know about dressing in this spectacular corner of the Mediterranean.
Dress for the Season
Acropolis, Athens
Greece may be better known for its long, hot summers, but it is a country of four seasons—winter, spring, summer, and fall—with each period experiencing different weather.
Let yourself be guided by average temperatures for each time of year and dress accordingly. For example, the average daily temperature in Athens in February ranges from 54°F to 59°F, which means bringing slacks or jeans, T-shirts, button up shirts, sweaters for cooler days, and a waterproof jacket.
The weather starts to warm from spring, when sweaters can often be replaced by wearing a T-shirt under a light jacket. In summer, what to wear in Greece is simple: T-shirts, shorts, and sundresses.
Mykonos Town
During July and August, Greece experiences hot and dry weather and your priority will be staying cool. Think lightweight, breathable fabrics, such as linen, chiffon, and light cotton. Summertime apparel includes blouses, vest tops, T-shirts, and polo shirts, paired with skirts, shorts, and loose-fitting linen pants.
In September, temperatures remain lovely and are often warm, which means you can stick with your summer wardrobe, perhaps with an added layer in case of cooler evenings.
In October, temperatures should be similar to spring, which means adding layers as necessary, though don’t be surprised to find the weather—and water—warm enough for swimming in the sea early in the month.
Prepare for Summer Winds
Oia, Santorini
Though Greece’s mainland and islands experience fairly similar weather year round, the islands—including Corfu, Rhodes, and Santorini—can experience a slightly milder and windier climate.
The “meltemi”, a dry, northerly summer wind, impacts Aegean Islands between May and September. Mykonos is even known as the windy island and activities such as sailing and windsurfing are popular, so you will want to dress accordingly for any special interest excursions such as these.
If you’re visiting the Cyclades, a good pair of sunglasses to protect your eyes in the wind and a hat that won’t blow away are worth packing.
Go For Layers During Greece’s Shoulder Seasons
Athens
If you’re traveling to Greece outside of summer—say April, May, September, or October—when the country is characterized by mild weather, it’s worth layering up.
Wear T-shirts, button-up shirts, sweaters, and denim jackets—clothing that will allow you to easily peel away or add a layer as the temperature warms or cools.
A chic, layered look for women might include pumps, more tailored slacks or jeans with a shirt and blazer, cardigan, or stylish jacket. Although realistically speaking, the dress code for vacationers in Greece is much more casual than this.
For a smart layered look for men, for example, for visiting a stylish restaurant, consider chinos paired with a polo shirt or shirt, with a blazer, or casual jacket.
Read: Expert Tips for Planning a Trip to Greece
Dress For the Excursions You’re Planning
Rhodes
If you plan to immerse yourself in the world of ancient Greece, from visiting the birthplace of Apollo in Delos to roaming Lindos Acropolis in Rhodes, wear items that protect you from the sun. Most Greek archaeological sites are distinctly lacking in shade.
Particularly in summertime, when temperatures can top 90°F, it is essential to wear a sun hat and sunglasses. You might want to wear shorts or linen pants and a T-shirt or a tank top, or a sundress to stay cool while exploring.
Delos
For men, how to dress in Greece on excursions is similar. Linen shorts and a light cotton T-shirt or linen shirt are perfect.
If lots of walking is on your agenda—from climbing hills in Santorini to discovering Ancient Olympia, comfortable walking shoes, including sneakers and slip-on pumps, are a necessity. Brands including Veja, Lululemon, Merrell, and Tevas are worthy investments.
Consider How Active You Will Be On Vacation
Lindos
Hiking, swimming, and kayaking are among the types of active excursions you might do on vacation in Greece.
From trekking in the rugged White Mountains of Crete to tackling the peaks of Mount Olympus National Park near Thessaloniki, wear comfortable, breathable activewear.
Hiking boots or comfortable sneakers paired with athleisure pieces—loose fitting shorts, Lycra shorts, or Lycra leggings, with a supportive sports bra, a vest top, or T-shirt—work well for women.
Rhodes
Similarly, Lycra or loose-fitting shorts and a T-shirt, depending on your own personal preference, works well for men.
Don’t forget a sun cap and sunglasses. Wearing a protective SPF 50 sunscreen is also essential when embarking on summer hikes in Greece, among other active excursions.
Wear a Bathing Suit & Cover Up for Beach Days
Elia Beach, Mykonos
Greece has endless knockout beaches for swimming, snorkeling, and sunbathing, from the swish, fashionable Paradise Beach on Mykonos to tiny, stony coves that encircle Hydra.
With this in mind, swimwear and stylish beach cover ups are summertime essentials. Swimwear options include chic two pieces, all-in-one swimsuits, practical rash vests, and swimming trunks.
Faliraki Beach, Rhodes
Wear flip flops, a sun hat, sunglasses, and consider loose-fitting cover ups, such as colorful kaftans and sarongs, while men may want to wear a T-shirt and shorts.
Some of the most famous beaches in Greece involve a scramble. If, for example, you have your heart set on Red Beach in Santorini, which is an extraordinary sight, you will need rugged footwear for the rocky trail that leads from the car park down to the beach.
You might also want to invest in aqua shoes for navigating swims from rocky shores, and snorkel gear if you’re keen to explore underwater. Greece has some wonderful snorkeling spots, with colorful marine life.
Don’t Be Afraid to Go Casual in Greece
Mykonos
If your plans involve wandering quaint old towns, enjoying breezy seafront walks, and shopping among whitewashed neighborhoods in places such as Hydra, Volos, and Santorini, wear comfortable daytime clothes and footwear.
There is no requirement to dress up or wear more formal clothing—casual dress is absolutely fine in Greece, particularly in summertime. Denim cut off jeans, a T-shirt, and casual shirts are perfectly acceptable.
Consider Your Own Style & Color Palette
Old Town Rhodes
Greece is a destination where you can let your sense of style shine. Go bold with your wardrobe’s color palette. You could also theme your attire on your sultry surroundings with a seductive Grecian goddess look, wearing a simple white dress and gold jewelry.
Think warm, earthy tones, cool aquatic hues, and linen whites that reflect the heavenly Cyclades. Don’t skip on pretty florals and bold prints that will help you stand out when visiting gastro-tavernas and hip neighborhoods in places such as Athens and Mykonos.
If your wardrobe is filled with designer labels, it’s perfectly fine to bring them out in destinations such as Athens’ upmarket Kolonaki or glamorous Oia in Santorini.
Look to Greek Designers for a Standout Vacation Outfit
Shop in Olympia
For fashion-conscious travelers, dressing in Greece includes embracing the plethora of exquisite local designers.
One of the hottest Greek labels is Mary Katrantzou, a designer celebrated for her ready-to-wear collections that include beachwear, silk scarves, dresses, skirts, shirts, and tops that retail around the world.
Zeus + Dione is an Athens-based Greek label that creates gorgeous pieces, including a high-summer line that celebrates coral shades, slip dresses, and soft, billowy skirts, complemented by cord-rope belts, baroque pearl, and silver jewelry.
For a truly show-stopping look, search for pieces by Greek Archaic Kori, a day-to-night resort wear brand that pays homage to Helios, the ancient Greek god of the sun. Collections are sold worldwide and include gorgeous beach kaftans, embroidered tunic dresses, and patterned shirt dresses.
Ancient Kallos is a Thessaloniki-based designer brand that draws on traditional Greek embroidery and Greek mythology to produce decadent gold jewelry, beautiful print dresses, kaftans, and swimwear.
There’s also Sophie Deloudi for sophisticated swimwear; Ioanna Kourbela for stylish staples; and Evi Grintela for timeless shirt dresses.
Shop in Olympia
Greece is a great place to shop for jewelry, too, especially pieces celebrating ancient Greek designs. Gold Street on Santorini is crammed with jewelry shops, while boutiques on Hydra are great for a more boho look.
Frequently Asked Questions
Is there anything I should not wear in Greece?
Old Town Rhodes
If you’re traveling in February, say, you’re not going to need beach kaftans and flimsy summer dresses for a Greece vacation. Likewise, don’t wear thick pullovers and heavy-material coats in the middle of summer.
You should also avoid wearing clothes with offensive slogans or messaging, and sports jerseys are not always suitable, or welcome, in certain venues such as upmarket restaurants and bars. Dress respectfully to visit religious sites, too; women should have shoulders covered to enter churches and both men and women should avoid skimpy shorts. Remove your hat to enter a church.
While plenty of stylish Greeks wear black, if you’re a woman and dress in head-to-toe black, you may be taken for a widow in mourning.
What is the dress code for visiting Greek churches and monasteries?
Santorini
From the Metropolitan Cathedral of Athens to Agios Minas Cathedral in Heraklion, there are thousands of churches and monasteries here, and visiting them is one of the best things to do in Greece.
To visit churches and monasteries, dressing modestly is appropriate. Specifically, avoid wearing high heels and revealing clothing. Pack a pashmina scarf to cover shoulders and arms, if necessary, that will also double as a stylish evening accessory.
Even if you plan on heading for the beach after a trip to the blue-domed churches of Santorini or before visiting the Church of Agios Dimitrios in Thessaloniki, always save beachwear for the sand.
Is there a specific dress code for dining out or nightlife in Greece?
Santorini
What to wear in Greece to enjoy the vibrant nightlife and indulge in long lunches depends on your own style. In summer, you will want to keep what you wear light, but this doesn’t mean sacrificing your style.
Dressing ideas for dining out or nightlife include summer tank tops matched with a skirt, smart shorts, or pants. Maxi and midi dresses, sundresses, and off-the-shoulder numbers will also create a chic look for dining and nightlife. You’ll find some places are more hipster than others.
Anything-goes Mykonos, where the streets of the capital, Chora, are lined with designer shops, require high style, while Athenians tend to dress well. Islands more focused on family vacations, like Corfu or Rhodes, are more casual.
Bear in mind that some restaurants and evening venues may have dress codes. Check this information when making reservations. Sports jerseys and sneakers, for example, may not be acceptable.
What footwear is suitable in Greece?
Santorini
This all depends on your activity, but comfortable walking shoes will be useful year-round and in most situations. Many of Greece’s cities, towns, and villages are home to quaint cobblestone streets, which means high heels aren’t going to work if you plan on plenty of walking.
Similarly, archeological sites such as Delos, Olympia, and those scattered around Athens, have uneven surfaces so flat shoes are a must for exploring.
As well as sneakers, versatile leather and raffia-fabric sandals, and ballet-style flat pumps are popular for wine tastings, seafront strolls, and exploring bouganvillia-draped neighborhoods in destinations from Hydra to Corfu. Boat shoes add a sophisticated look for lunches, boat trips, and beach days.
What accessories should I wear in Greece?
Old Town Rhodes
When it comes to accessories, sunglasses are essential year-round. Though the temperature dips between fall and spring, Greece welcomes sunny days throughout the year. In summer, a sun hat or cap are also essential accessories to help protect you from the scorching sun.
For added glamor, consider jewelry, such as colorful and bejewelled necklaces, earrings, bracelets, and rings. A silky pashmina is also useful to cover shoulders and arms in cooler weather or to keep warm as you enjoy an evening cocktail on a starlit terrace in Santorini.
Whatever time of year you visit Greece, a crossbody bag—such as a saddle, a crochet, or a leather bag—is useful to contain all of your travel essentials as you explore this extraordinary destination.
Mykonos
From the islands of Crete, Mykonos, and Santorini, to Kavala, Athens, and Volos on the mainland, Greece makes for a magnificent vacation for its gastronomy, antiquities, and sparkling beaches. Explore Celebrity’s cruises to Greece and book your next unforgettable getaway today.
