Jetting off to the Mediterranean? Here’s your dream guide to what to pack for Greece in August—from seaside Santorini chic to ancient Athens essentials—so you stay stylish, cool, and totally prepared for both island hopping and historical sightseeing.
Weather Overview 🌡️
August is peak summer in Greece—hot, dry, and bright. Expect highs around 85°F–100°F (29°C–38°C), especially inland. Coastal breezes help, but it’s still sweltering midday. Sun is intense, rainfall is rare, and nights are warm and breezy. Hydration and sun protection are essential!
What to Pack for Greece in August 🎒
Dress code: Breezy, light, modest-but-chic
Packing smart will help you make the most of your trip. Here’s everything you need to bring for a comfortable and stylish adventure.
Carry-On Suitcase / Travel Bag Duffle / Portable Steamer / Packing cubes / Luggage scale / Wireless Noise-Cancelling Headphones / Speaker / Portable Charger / Universal Travel adapter / Compact Hair Dryer / Eye Mask / Waterproof Toiletry Bag Hanging / Zipper Pouch / Water BOTTLE / Liquid I.V. Hydration Vegan
Island fashion is laid-back and linen-heavy. In cities or religious sites (like monasteries and churches), modesty matters—pack at least one outfit with covered shoulders and knees. Everywhere else? Flowy dresses, sandals, and oversized sunglasses reign supreme.
🧳 Luggage & Packing Tools
If you want more options to have everything organized and well packed, take a look at these suggestions.
1. Rolling Backpack / 2. Luggage (large) / 3. Luggage (small) / 4. Toiletry Bag / 5. Beach Bag / 6. Backpack / 7. Packing Cubes
🧳 Carry-on suitcase – (1) Ideal for ferry-hopping and cobblestones
🧳 Checked luggage – (optional) Pack light, but helpful for longer trips
👜 Lightweight backpack or tote – (1) Beach to ruins ready
🧼 Waterproof hanging toiletry bag – (1) Hotel-friendly and organized
🧺 Laundry bag – (1) For sweaty or sandy items
🛍️ Collapsible tote – (1) For markets and beach days
🧻 Quick-dry towel – (1) Beach must
💤 Neck pillow + 🕶️ Sleep mask – Long flights or ferry naps
🔒 Small lock – For hostels or lockers on ferries
📁 Document organizer – Store passports, ferry tickets, SIM cards
📏 Luggage scale – For Ryanair or EasyJet flights
🧴 Zipper pouch – For sunscreen, receipts, etc.
👗 Clothes
👗 Sundresses / maxi dresses (3–4) – Island goddess energy
👚 Tank tops / camisoles (3–4) – Breathable & cute
👖 Linen pants or culottes (2) – Perfect for hot sightseeing days
🩳 Shorts (2–3) – Keep it breezy for beach towns
👕 T-shirts or casual tops (2–3) – Great for layering and sun cover
👙 Swimsuits (2–3) – Salt, sand, and soak rotation
🧥 Light cardigan or wrap – For churches or breezy ferry nights
🧕 Scarf / shawl – Cover shoulders at religious sites
🩱 Swimsuit cover-ups (2) – Beach bars to boardwalks
🛌 Sleepwear / loungewear (1–2) – Lightweight is key
🧘 Activewear (1–2 sets) – For hikes like Samaria Gorge
🩲 Underwear (daily) + Bras (3) – Moisture-wicking preferred
🧦 Socks (minimal) – Only for sneakers
👗 Optional: Romper or jumpsuit – Easy day-to-night styling
💆 Skincare
🧴 Cleanser – Gentle and travel-sized
🌞 Face sunscreen – High SPF + lightweight formula
🧴 Body sunscreen (reef-safe) – Must for Aegean waters
🧼 Makeup remover – Wipe off salt, sweat, and SPF
🍃 Moisturizer – Hydrating but not heavy
👁️ Eye cream – Combat sun squinting
💋 Lip balm with SPF – Protect your pout
🌊 Facial mist – Cooling on-the-go refresh
🌺 Aloe vera or after-sun – Instant sunburn relief
💄 Makeup
💧 Tinted SPF or BB cream – Natural glow + protection
💄 Lip gloss or balm – Mediterranean pinks & corals
👁️ Waterproof mascara – For sea dips + humidity
🖌️ Bronzer + highlighter – Enhance your natural tan
🎨 Mini eyeshadow palette – Golden and earthy tones
🧴 Setting spray – Keep your face from melting
🪞 Makeup brushes / blender – Travel size
💇 Hair
🪮 Wide-tooth comb – Saltwater detangler
🧴 Leave-in conditioner – Repair after beach days
🌬️ Dry shampoo – Extend your blowout
🎀 Hair ties, clips, or scarves – Style & function
🧴 Hair serum – Tame frizz from dry heat
🌀 Mini flat iron / curling wand – Compact glam
🧴 Sea salt spray – When you’re not at the beach
🧖♀️ Hair mask (optional) – For deep conditioning after the sun
👠 Shoes & Accessories
🩴 Sandals (1–2 pairs) – Stylish + sturdy enough for cobblestones
👟 Sneakers – For ruins, hikes, or long walking days
🥿 Dressy flats – For dinners or nightlife
👜 Day purse + night clutch – Small, cute, secure
🕶️ Sunglasses + case – Must-have with UV protection
👒 Sunhat or wide-brim hat – Insta-ready and sun-smart
🧢 Cap – Practical for sightseeing
🎒 Dry bag – Optional, great for boat trips
📿 Jewelry – Keep it minimal or Greek-inspired
☂️ Small foldable umbrella – Shade on-the-go or rare rain
🧾 Documents & Essentials
🛂 Passport – Valid for at least 6 months
📑 Visa (if needed) – Most tourists get 90 days visa-free
🗺️ Printed hotel + ferry confirmations – Don’t rely on Wi-Fi
💳 Credit + debit cards – Use cards with no foreign fees
💶 Emergency cash – Euros for taxis, tips, and local markets
📋 Emergency contact list – Printed and digital
📱 Travel insurance info – Highly recommended
🖊️ Pen + mini notebook – Handy for customs and journaling
🧳 House keys + travel wallet – Organize essentials
📶 Pocket Wi-Fi or SIM card – Stay connected
🩹 First Aid
🩹 Bandaids + blister pads – For cobbled streets
💊 Painkillers – For heat headaches or cramps
🧻 Antiseptic wipes – Clean travel cuts
🩹 Gauze pads + tape – Just in case
🧷 Tweezers – Splinters or brows
🌡️ Thermometer – Lightweight digital
🧴 Bug bite cream – Mosquitoes show up sometimes
🧼 Cotton rounds / Q-tips – Skin care helpers
💊 Health & Hygiene
💊 Prescription meds – Bring enough + Rx copy
😷 Hand sanitizer – Always
🧽 Disinfecting wipes – Surfaces, hotel remotes, etc.
🦟 Bug spray – Especially near water
🚺 Feminine hygiene products – European options may differ
💤 Melatonin or sleep aid – For jet lag
🪥 Toothbrush + toothpaste – Island fresh
🧼 Body wash + deodorant – Summer essential
🪒 Razor + shaving cream – Sandal season
🧴 Lotion – Dry heat needs hydration
🧴 Perfume or body spray – Fresh Mediterranean scent
💧 Eye drops – Saltwater or sun irritation
📱 Tech & Electronics
📱 Phone + charger – With EU adapter
🔌 Universal adapter – Greece uses Type C & F plugs (230V)
🔋 Power bank – Hot days drain phones
📷 Camera + SD card – So many blue-domed photo ops
💻 Tablet or e-reader – For ferry rides
🎧 Earbuds or headphones – Travel entertainment
📡 SIM card or eSIM – Local plans are affordable
📱 Offline maps + apps (Google Maps, Ferryhopper, etc.)
🎧 Entertainment
📚 Beach books or travel memoirs – Greece-appropriate reads
🎧 Playlists + podcasts – For ferries and hikes
🎬 Downloaded movies – Wi-Fi isn’t always reliable
🃏 Card games – Social fun on long rides
📓 Journal – For capturing the magic
🗞️ Magazines – Poolside or beachside reads
🎒 Extras
🥤 Reusable water bottle – Stay hydrated in the sun
🍫 Snacks or protein bars – Especially for ferries
🛍️ Foldable shopping bag – Island markets and souvenirs
🧴 Travel detergent – Wash a few items by hand
🧵 Mini sewing kit – For wardrobe malfunctions
🧼 Lint roller – For dressy nights
🚨 Safety whistle – For solo travelers
👃 Shoe deodorizer – Sandals + sweat = not cute
🌿 Natural bug repellant – If you’re sensitive to DEET
✈️ Travel Tips
✔️ Ferry rides can be bumpy—bring motion sickness meds
✔️ Don’t overpack—light layers + laundry = more space
✔️ Book restaurants + ferries in advance (August is high season)
✔️ Churches & monasteries = no shoulders or knees exposed
✔️ Always carry cash in small towns
✔️ Confirm your hotel’s air conditioning—it gets hot
🛂 Visa Tips
✔️ U.S., EU, Canada, UK = visa-free for 90 days
✔️ Passport must be valid for 6+ months
✔️ Bring extra passport photos (just in case)
✔️ Print confirmations of your return flight and hotels
✔️ Learn basic Greek phrases—they’ll love you for it 🇬🇷
✅ Must-Haves for a Smooth Trip
✔️ Passport + digital + printed copies
✔️ Credit cards + cash (euros)
✔️ Reef-safe sunscreen + sunglasses
✔️ Lightweight outfits + modest cover-up
✔️ Phone + adapter + power bank
✔️ Swimsuit + towel + hat
✔️ Day bag or beach tote
✔️ Ferry tickets + itinerary
👍 Good-to-Have Items
🌈 Liquid IV or electrolytes
🧴 Travel steamer
🌞 Portable fan
🎧 Noise-cancelling earbuds
🛏️ Travel blanket or wrap
📱 Local SIM or eSIM
📷 Underwater camera or GoPro
🛍️ Extra tote for shopping
