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The simple answer to the question of how to pack for the Greek islands is this: lightly. You don’t need a million outfits or fancy shoes, and you definitely do not need a massive suitcase to be hauling up and down narrow roads that are usually hilly and always uneven. This is not to say I follow my own advice—in the summers, I’m usually in Greece for longer stints visiting friends and family, so I bring my largest checked bag and commit to looking like a fool on the cobblestones, but you can be better than me.
What to Pack for the Greek Islands:
No matter which of the islands you choose, the base for your on-the-go wardrobe can be relatively simple. The days are hot and dry; the evenings can get chilly; the wind, especially the Meltemi that whip through the Cyclades, will not be ignored. Prep accordingly with lightweight pieces—swimsuits, breezy linen tops and dresses—and a couple cozy knits or long-sleeve shirts to layer over top when the temperatures dip.
The Packing List
I am a woman of many pareos. These gauzy treasures are the heroes of my island closet: You can wear them as a swimsuit cover-up, yes, but also as a shawl for dressier dinners and tied up as a scarf top for a night out dancing.
The rest of my travel capsule wardrobe is generally minimal: a handful of dresses, a heap of swimwear, a floaty nightgown for that post-beach, pre-dinner time and miscellaneous Airbnb hauntings, and a few pairs of flat sandals. (Heeled sandals have their place, and it is not the Greek islands!) I’ve had my Birkenstock Gizehs for years; I wear them to hike to the beach and to ferry-hop between islands, and they’re so comfortable.
The Small Stuff
Don’t forget the entertainment essentials and sun prep. Any Greek pharmacy will have plenty of after-sun care (called, subtly, “calm cream”) but if you’d rather plan ahead, pick up this tube from Korres. Personally, I’m most excited to bring my new camera; a birthday gift from my brother, allegedly easy to use and perfect for someone who collects photo albums.
