What To Keep In Mind When Packing For A Vacation To The Hotspots In Greece

A lot of effort goes into planning a vacation: finding the perfect hotel, organizing your itinerary, picking a time of year with good weather but not too many tourists... the list goes on. When it's finally time to pack your bags and jet off to your next destination, there's another hurdle to face — and as many people have learned the hard way, there are certain clothing items that you don't want to include in your packing list for a trip to Greece.

"Greece is windier than anywhere I've ever been and the wind affects a lot of things," explains TikTok user @raimeetravel. "Not just photos like this," she continues, showing a foiled photo attempt in which her adorable short and flowy pink dress distracts from the beautiful scenery by blowing all over the place, before adding the recommendation to pack long dresses.

The TikToker notes in her caption that she's referring to the Cyclades, which is a group of over 220 Greek islands including Mykonos, Santorini, Naxos, and Milos. And she's not the only one who's had a battle with the winds and lost — there's an entire thread on TripAdvisor about how windy it is in Santorini.

Long dresses are a start, but what else should you bring to the Greek Islands? For starters, you can cross stilettos off your packing list STAT. Not only are many of the islands hilly, but some of the best attractions include ancient sites, which don't exactly lend themselves to heels. Instead, stick with flats or low-wedge sandals, along with flip-flops for the beach and a pair of comfortable sneakers for busy walking days. Be prepared for strong heat during the high season and be sure to pack breathable clothes that protect you from the sun, like items made from cotton, merino wool, and linen.

Shorts, t-shirts, hats, maxi dresses, and linen button-ups are all suitable for a Greek summer. If you travel to the islands during the shoulder season, you can also benefit from bringing a light jacket and jeans. Temperatures are typically in the mid-70s during winter days but can drop below 50 degrees Fahrenheit at night. Carrying a scarf in your day bag is wise in case you visit a church or an ancient site that has a dress code requiring more modest attire. This includes covered shoulders and chests, and women often need to wear skirts (not pants) that cover the knees. Some religious sites have items you can borrow before entering, but it's best to arrive prepared. 

If you can, bring your sunscreen with you. It tends to be much more expensive on the islands, but you can sometimes find it at a reasonable price in pharmacies and supermarkets. And, on that note, don't forget to pack at least two swimsuits!