Packing for Greece is one of those tasks that sounds simple until you start thinking about it. You need outfits for exploring ancient ruins under the midday sun, layers for breezy ferry crossings between islands, comfortable shoes for cobblestone villages, swimwear for turquoise coves and something smart enough for a seaside dinner in Mykonos. Getting it right means you travel lighter and enjoy every moment more.
Explore the Iconic Greece and Cyclades tour and see exactly what 15 days across the mainland and islands looks like.
This guide is written for Canadian travellers heading to Greece on a guided group tour. Whether you are visiting Athens, Santorini, Mykonos, Delphi or the ferry-linked islands in between, you will find everything you need on this list. We have organized it by category so you can check items off as you go.
Clothing Essentials for the Greek Mainland and Islands
Greece is warm from May through October, with daytime temperatures between 25 and 35 degrees Celsius across the mainland and islands. Lightweight, breathable fabrics are non-negotiable. Cotton and linen keep you cool during walking tours of the Acropolis, and they dry quickly after an unexpected splash near the harbour.
Here is a practical clothing list for a 15-day Greece and Cyclades tour:
- Tops: 5 to 6 lightweight tops in breathable cotton or linen. Mix short sleeves and a couple of sleeveless options. Neutral colours coordinate easily and photograph well against whitewashed architecture.
- Bottoms: 2 pairs of light trousers or chinos, 1 pair of capris or cropped pants and 1 pair of shorts. Trousers are required for visiting monasteries at Meteora and churches in Mykonos.
- Dresses or skirts: 2 to 3 lightweight dresses or skirts that work for daytime sightseeing and dinner with a quick change of accessories.
- Light jacket or cardigan: Evenings on the islands cool down, especially near the water. A packable jacket or linen cardigan handles the shift without taking up much suitcase space.
- Rain layer: A thin packable rain shell weighs almost nothing and saves the day during a rare spring or autumn shower.
A good rule of thumb is to pack pieces that mix and match. Five tops and three bottoms give you fifteen outfit combinations, which is more than enough for the entire trip.
What Shoes to Bring for Ancient Sites and Cobblestones
Footwear is where many travellers get it wrong. Greek terrain is a mix of polished marble, uneven cobblestones, steep hillside paths and sandy beaches. You need three pairs of shoes to cover all of it comfortably.
- Walking shoes with good grip: This is your most important pair. Closed-toe walking shoes or supportive sneakers with rubber soles handle the slippery marble of the Acropolis, the stepped paths of Santorini’s Oia and the ancient stone pathways at Delphi. Break them in before you leave Canada.
- Comfortable sandals: Sturdy sandals with an ankle strap work for casual island days, waterfront dining and evenings strolling through Mykonos Town. Avoid flimsy flip-flops for anything beyond the hotel pool.
- Water shoes or reef shoes: Many Greek beaches have pebbles or rocky entries rather than soft sand. A pair of lightweight water shoes protects your feet and packs flat in your bag.
If you plan on taking one of the optional walking excursions through Kefalonia’s caves or the hillside villages of the Peloponnese, those supportive walking shoes will earn their place in your suitcase ten times over.
Sun Protection You Cannot Skip
Greek sunshine is stronger than what most Canadians are used to at home, especially between June and September. The Aegean Sea reflects UV rays, making sun exposure even more intense on ferry decks and island beaches. Pack these items and use them daily:
- SPF 50 broad-spectrum sunscreen: Apply generously every two hours, more often after swimming. Bring at least two tubes, as sunscreen in Greek tourist shops can be expensive.
- Wide-brim hat: A hat with a full brim shades your face and neck during outdoor tours. It also keeps you cooler than a baseball cap.
- UV-blocking sunglasses: Polarized lenses reduce glare from the water and whitewashed buildings. A retainer strap keeps them secure on windy ferry rides.
- Light scarf or cover-up: A thin scarf protects your shoulders from the sun during long outdoor walks and doubles as a cover-up when entering churches or monasteries where bare shoulders are not permitted.
Considering a Greece tour? See what is included in the Iconic Greece and Cyclades itinerary, from flights and 4-star hotels to all 42 meals.
Swimwear and Beach Gear
A Greece and islands tour includes free time on some of the Mediterranean’s most beautiful coastlines. Santorini’s volcanic red and black sand beaches, the crystal-clear waters near Kefalonia and the cosmopolitan beach clubs of Mykonos are all on the itinerary or a short walk away.
- Two swimsuits: Having a second suit means one is always dry and ready. Quick-dry fabrics are ideal.
- Beach towel or Turkish towel: A lightweight Turkish towel dries fast, takes up very little space and works as a beach blanket, picnic mat or impromptu sarong. Many 4-star hotels provide pool towels, so this is mainly for beach excursions.
- Dry bag or waterproof pouch: Protects your phone, wallet and room key when you are near the water. A small roll-top dry bag also keeps wet swimwear separate from clean clothes in your luggage.
What to Wear for Evening Dining in Greece
Greek dining culture is relaxed but polished. Waterfront restaurants in Santorini and Mykonos attract a well-dressed crowd, and your tour includes evening meals at some wonderful spots. You do not need formal wear, but a step up from daytime clothes makes the experience feel special.
- Smart casual outfits: A clean linen shirt or blouse paired with chinos, a wrap dress or a maxi skirt is the right level. Think “nice dinner out” rather than “black-tie gala.”
- One versatile pair of evening shoes: Comfortable loafers, wedge sandals or dressy flats that you can walk in on cobblestones.
- A light pashmina or wrap: Seaside restaurants can be breezy after dark. A pashmina adds warmth and dresses up any outfit instantly.
Since an all-inclusive tour covers every meal, you will dine out each evening without worrying about the bill. That means more occasions to wear that favourite outfit you packed.
Ferry and Travel Day Essentials
Island hopping is one of the highlights of a Greece and Cyclades tour. Ferries connect Santorini, Mykonos and the mainland, and you will spend a few hours on deck watching the Aegean slide by. These items make travel days comfortable:
- Small daypack or crossbody bag: Keep essentials accessible while your main luggage is stored below deck. A bag that zips closed is safest in busy ports.
- Layers for the ferry: Air conditioning on board can run cold, and the open deck is windy. A long-sleeve layer or your light jacket keeps you comfortable without having to dig through your suitcase.
- Motion sickness remedy: If you are sensitive to motion on the water, pack ginger tablets, pressure-point wristbands or your preferred remedy. The Aegean is generally calm in summer, but it is better to have something on hand.
- Refillable water bottle: Stay hydrated during port transfers and ferry waits. Many Greek ports have water refill stations, and you can always fill up at the hotel before heading out.
- Travel-size snacks: A few granola bars or trail mix packs bridge the gap between meals on longer travel days.
A soft-sided bag is ideal for Greece. Rigid hard-shell suitcases can be difficult to manoeuvre on ferry gangways, narrow island streets and hotel staircases that predate elevators. A medium duffel or soft rolling bag makes every transfer smoother.
Toiletries, Medications and Health Items
Pack your personal care items in travel-size containers and keep medications in your carry-on. Here are the essentials for Greece:
- Prescription medications: Bring more than enough for the entire trip, plus a few extra days in case of travel delays. Keep them in their original labelled containers.
- Basic first aid: Adhesive bandages, blister pads (cobblestones can be unforgiving), antiseptic wipes and any pain relievers you regularly use.
- Insect repellent: Mosquitoes are active on the islands during summer evenings. A DEET-based or picaridin spray keeps them at bay.
- After-sun lotion or aloe gel: Even with careful sunscreen application, Greek sun can surprise you. Aloe gel soothes any redness.
- Hand sanitizer and wet wipes: Handy for on-the-go freshening up between stops.
Your tour includes $5 million emergency medical coverage through Manulife, so you are covered for the unexpected. But having your daily essentials packed and organized means you spend zero time searching for what you need.
Tech and Travel Documents
A few tech items and copies of your documents keep your trip running smoothly from departure to return.
- European plug adapter (Type C/F): Canadian plugs do not fit Greek outlets. Pack at least two adapters so you can charge your phone and camera at the same time.
- Portable power bank: A fully charged power bank keeps your phone alive through a long day of photos at the Acropolis and sunset selfies in Oia.
- Camera or smartphone with extra storage: Greece is impossibly photogenic. Make sure you have enough storage for hundreds of photos. A waterproof phone case is a smart addition for beach days.
- Photocopies of your passport and insurance documents: Keep paper copies separate from the originals. A scan stored in your email is a good backup too.
- Printed itinerary: While your Group Guru handles all logistics, having a printed copy of your day-by-day itinerary helps you plan what to wear and what to pack in your daypack each morning.
What NOT to Pack for Greece
Packing light is the real secret to enjoying Greece. Leave these items at home:
- Heavy jeans: Too warm for Greek summers and too slow to dry if they get splashed.
- Formal clothing: You will not need a suit, cocktail dress or heels. Smart casual covers every dining occasion.
- Too many shoes: Three pairs is the sweet spot. Every extra pair takes up valuable suitcase space.
- Full-size toiletries: Decant into travel containers or buy locally. Your 4-star hotels provide shampoo, conditioner and body wash.
- Bulky travel towels: Hotels supply towels for your room and pool. A lightweight Turkish towel is all you need for the beach.
- Valuables you would worry about: Leave expensive jewellery and irreplaceable items at home. Simple accessories are all you need.
A Printable Greece Packing Checklist
Use this checklist to make sure nothing gets left behind:
| Category | Items | Packed |
|---|---|---|
| Clothing | 5-6 lightweight tops, 2 trousers, 1 capris/shorts, 2-3 dresses/skirts, light jacket, rain shell | |
| Shoes | Walking shoes, sandals, water shoes | |
| Sun Protection | SPF 50 sunscreen (x2), wide-brim hat, UV sunglasses, scarf/cover-up | |
| Swimwear | 2 swimsuits, Turkish towel, dry bag | |
| Evening Wear | 2 smart-casual outfits, evening shoes, pashmina/wrap | |
| Ferry Essentials | Daypack, layers, motion remedy, water bottle, snacks | |
| Toiletries | Medications, first aid, insect repellent, after-sun, hand sanitizer | |
| Tech and Documents | EU adapter (x2), power bank, camera, passport copies, printed itinerary |
Frequently Asked Questions
What should I pack for 7 days in Greece?
For a week in Greece, pack 4 lightweight tops, 2 bottoms, 1 dress or skirt, walking shoes, sandals, swimwear, SPF 50 sunscreen, a wide-brim hat, a light jacket and a European plug adapter. A soft-sided bag makes ferry travel and island transfers much easier than a rigid suitcase.
Do I need to cover up at churches and monasteries in Greece?
Yes. Most Greek churches and monasteries, including the famous Meteora monasteries, require visitors to cover their shoulders and knees. A light scarf or sarong packed in your daypack is the simplest solution. Some sites provide wraps at the entrance, but it is better to have your own.
Can I do laundry during my tour?
Many 4-star hotels offer laundry services, and hand-washing small items in the sink works well with quick-dry fabrics. Planning a mid-trip wash means you can pack lighter and still have fresh outfits for the second half of your journey.
What type of luggage works best for Greek island hopping?
A medium soft-sided rolling bag or duffel is ideal. Ferry gangways are narrow, island streets are cobblestoned and some hotels have stairs rather than elevators. Soft bags are easier to carry and store in tight spaces. Aim for a bag under 23 kilograms to stay within airline checked luggage limits.
Is travel insurance included on an all-inclusive Greece tour?
On an Approach Tours all-inclusive trip, $5 million emergency medical coverage through Manulife is included in your tour price. You do not need to purchase separate emergency medical travel insurance, though you may still want trip cancellation coverage for added peace of mind.
Pack Smart, Travel Light, Enjoy Greece
The best Greece packing list is the one that lets you focus on the experience rather than your luggage. Pack breathable clothing, supportive walking shoes and reliable sun protection, and you will be ready for everything from the Acropolis to a sunset in Santorini.
When you travel with an all-inclusive tour, the logistics are handled for you. Flights, hotels, meals, excursions, tips and transfers are all covered. That means the only thing you need to plan is what goes in your suitcase.
See the full Iconic Greece and Cyclades itinerary and start planning your trip today.
