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17 Top Santorini Packing List Items for 2023 + What to Wear & NOT to Bring

what to pack for Santorini
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If you’re in search of blue, idyllic waters with 360-degree cliff-side vistas, Santorini could be your perfect island. Greece is home to over 200 islands with each offering its own unique personality. While other islands may be more inclined to showcase rich, historical sites, Santorini is suited more for those who just want to lounge poolside (or beachside) while eating a fresh gyro.

Because of Santorini’s famous sunsets and amazing coastline, it’s no surprise that the island can get quite busy during peak times. Do yourself a favor and book a hotel with a pool, or even a private hot tub if you’re seeking some R&R. We’ve also provided an essential packing list of our top picks to bring with you when visiting Santorini.

See our product selection criteria and guidelines here.

What to Pack for Santorini – 17 Essentials

  • 1. Packing Cubes

    These packing cubes are a game changer when it comes to living out of your suitcase – whether it’s for a few days or a few months! The amount of organization they provide is second to none, and I can proudly say that I no longer have to rummage through a messy pile of clothes in my luggage to find that one item. Don’t travel without these!

    Packing Cubes

    View on Amazon.com ➜

  • 2. Day Pack

    Santorini has a few good hiking trails that you’ll want to explore, as well as many streets to stroll throughout the small towns. Having a day pack allows you to pack some water, snacks, a light jacket, and a portable charger for the day. You’ll even have some extra space just in case you find a souvenir or two.

    Day Pack

    View on Amazon.com ➜

  • 3. Virtual Private Network (VPN)

    A Virtual Private Network like this one will not only protect you and your computer from cyber insecurities on public networks, but it also allows you to essentially hide your location. This is great if you want to continue a series on Netflix that isn’t available in Estonia, for example. You may also find that you can book better deals on flights and hotels if you are using a VPN that is not location-dependent.

    Virtual Private Network (VPN)

    View options at NordVPN.com ➜

  • 4. Cooling Towel

    In the summer, Santorini can get really hot. This special cooling towel is woven with premium microfiber to provide you with an instant cooling effect for up to 60 minutes after it is dunked in water. Whether you’re out hiking, kayaking, or even camping, this is a great item to have in your backpack.

    cooling towel

    View on Amazon.com ➜

  • 5. Athletic Shoes

    The cobblestone is abundant throughout Santorini’s towns, so you’ll want some good, sturdy walking shoes. There’s also a famous trail that connect Thira to Oia, and if you’re keen to conquer that, bring a good pair of athletic shoes like these ones.

    Athletic Shoes

    View on Amazon.com ➜

  • 6. Travel Power Adapter

    Greece runs on a 230V supply voltage, as does most of Europe. If you’re coming from the U. S., you’ll want a travel adaptor like this one. It’s super compact, yet it’s able to accommodate a variety of different outlet types, no matter where in the world you are traveling to.

    Adapter Plug Ports

    View on Amazon.com ➜

  • 7. Quick-Dry Travel Towel

    This towel is compact and quick-drying for your every travel need. This is super helpful to have for any tropical or island getaway. Take this down to one of Santorini’s beaches, use it all day, then pack it up as soon as you need because it’ll already be dry. Plus, it won’t take up much space in your suitcase!

    travel towel

    View on Amazon.com ➜

  • 8. Life Straw Water Bottle

    I always travel with a water bottle, but this one has an additional cool feature. If you use a Life Straw water bottle, you can rest assured knowing that it will get rid of 99.9 percent of all bad bacteria. If you’re out hiking and away from a trusted water source, you’ll be safe using this water bottle to drink from a stream, for example.

    LifeStraw Water Bottle

    View on Amazon.com ➜

  • 9. Portable Charger

    This portable charger is literally the size of a tube of lipstick. It is so easy to sneak into a day back, a small purse, or even your pocket. Whenever I’m in a new country, I’m using my phone for lots of things – directions, food reviews, online tickets, etc. If I need a quick charge to keep my phone going, this one does the job.

    Portable Charger

    View on Amazon.com ➜

  • 10. Waterproof Phone Case

    The name speaks for itself! Santorini is an island, and you’ll likely be doing some sort of water activity during your stay. Don’t let the pool or ocean destroy your phone – keep it protected with a waterproof case like this one.

    Waterproof Phone Case

    View on Amazon.com ➜

  • 11. Neck Wallet

    Santorini’s small streets can get pretty packed when all of the tourists from the cruise ships are on land during the day. I would trust this neck wallet to hide my passport, cash, or credit cards when walking around a busy area. This product simply slips around your neck and under your shirt so that your valuables are safe and out of reach of others.

    Neck Wallet

    View on Amazon.com ➜

  • 12. Hanging Toiletry Bag

    I really like having one of these to easily display my skincare, brushes, hair ties, and whatever else I have packed. It eliminates the need to dig through a bag in search of one particular item. Hang it up anywhere, and you’ll have instant access to all of your toiletries.

    Hanging Toiletry Bag

    View on Amazon.com ➜

  • 13. Windbreaker Jacket

    You’ll likely experience everything from a cooling breeze to some pretty intense gusts of wind while in Santorini. You may not need this jacket for the summer months, but starting even in the shoulder months, the wind can get a bit chilly! Especially once the sun goes down and the temperatures drop, you may wish you had a packable windbreaker.

    Windbreaker Jacket

    View on Amazon.com ➜

  • 14. Sunscreen

    If you’re going to a warm and sunny destination, it goes without saying that you should pack some sunscreen. I like this Neutrogena product because it is dermatologist recommended and is non-greasy to be used on your face as well.

    Sunscreen

    View on Amazon.com ➜

  • 15. Supportive Sandals

    If temps rise and wearing athletic shoes is out of the question, pull out a pair of supportive sandals like these ones. Their rigid base creates a ton of support while you’re walking, and your feet won’t overheat.

    Sandal

    View on Amazon.com ➜

  • 16. First Aid Kit

    It’s never a bad idea to pack a small first aid kit when traveling. You might need something as simple as a band-aid for a blister, or some gauze for a more unfortunate cut. Especially if you know you’ll be doing active things, I would recommend a small kit like this one.

    First Aid Kit

    View on Amazon.com ➜

  • 17. Travel Insurance

    I’ve been sick only once while traveling, but after that experience, I now never travel without proper health insurance. Travelinsurance.com is an excellent resource to find available and dependable coverage when abroad. This is especially useful if you are planning on doing any adventurous activities that may increase your risk of injury or illness.

    Travel Insurance

    Compare policies at TravelInsurance.com ➜

What to Wear in Santorini

Santorini is very much an idyllic, island getaway. Your primary activities will be strolling through the small streets, lounging by the pool or beach, and sipping wine in front of an amazing sunset. There are a few hiking trails around the island, so you do have that option as well.

My main suggestions on what to wear for Santorini include more casual outfits that are meant for warmer weather. It’s always a good idea to bring a few athletic pieces and some solid walking shoes as well.

What Should WOMEN Wear in Santorini? – (Click to expand)
Below is a sample women’s clothing list. (All items link to Amazon.com for your convenience).

In this sunny destination, women will want free-flowing dresses, blouses, and cardigans. I would also pack some practical things like a pair of jeans, some leggings, and sandals for the beach. Don’t forget a good pair of walking or hiking shoes for when you’re meandering around town or out on a cliff-side hike.

What Should MEN Wear in Santorini? – (Click to expand)
Below is a sample men’s clothing list. (All items link to Amazon.com for your convenience).

Similarly to women’s clothing, guys will want lighter options like a tank, a linen shirt, and some shorts. Still bring along a pair of jeans, a denim jacket, some good walking shoes, and a hoodie for those cooler, breezier nights.

Dressing for the Seasons

SPRING – March, April, May

Spring on the island is very pleasant. March will have cooler temperatures, but nothing crazy! You’ll definitely want a warm cardigan and a pair of jeans, but don’t count out bringing a pair of shorts as you get into late Spring. The island will be starting to fill up, but it won’t be at max capacity. Spring is a great time to visit!

You’ll see temperatures around the high 50 degrees Fahrenheit in March, but those will rapidly increase to the 70s by the time May rolls around.

SUMMER – June, July, August

Summertime is peak season in Santorini because of the beautiful weather, but that means you’ll also encounter more crowds. You’ll want to be spending most of your time lounging by the pool or down at the beach. Bring your swimsuit, a nice cover-up, and a sun hat.

Santorini’s highest temperatures are during these months. Expect mid 80’s Fahrenheit with an occasional heatwave to pass through and bring temps to the 90s.

FALL – September, October, November

September still has very warm weather, and October can be pleasant enough to keep swimming in the sea or pool. For most businesses, October is the last fully operational month. By November, temperatures start to drop, so if you’re visiting during this time, you can still pack your swimsuit and some shorts, but I would also pack a few warmer items like a windbreaker or denim jacket.

September and October can still have days with temps in the 70s, but November will see the 60s and maybe even the 50s.

WINTER – December, January, February

Winter is low season in Santorini with most hotels, restaurants, and other businesses closed. This just really isn’t an ideal season to visit Santorini, and I wouldn’t recommend it. If you are here, you won’t be swimming in the pool or sea. Stick to warmer items like jeans, hoodies, or your windbreaker.

Temperatures throughout winter will be in the 50s and sometimes into the 40s at night.

Dressing Appropriately for the Activity – (Click to expand)
Beach day: Don’t expect all of Santorini’s beaches to be sandy. You may encounter more rugged, stone beaches as well. For that reason, I would bring some sturdy sandals to get you there. Pack your day pack full of sunscreen, lip balm, water, a quick-dry towel, and a portable charger. Wearing some denim shorts and a t-shirt down to the beach will suffice, but you may just want your cover-up for the trek home.

Dinner out: Santorini allows for the options of getting dressed up for a fancy dinner out, or dining in a more casual, comfortable way. If you’d like to make reservations at one of the island’s fancier restaurants, I’d recommend a nice dress with a cardigan just in case the wind picks up. If you’re looking for something more casual, a pair of linen pants with a nice blouse will work perfectly.

Walking the Fira to Oia trail: Walking this trail along the rim of Santorini’s famous caldera is one of the most scenic things to do while staying on the island. The trail is around 6 miles long and has a mix of dirt roads, paved pedestrian walkways, and some rocky/gravel trails. You’ll want your sturdy hiking shoes, some athletic pants or shorts, and your day pack to bring water, snacks, and whatever else you might want for the day.

What NOT to Bring to Santorini

  • 1.DON’T Bring Non-Supportive Shoes

    The amount of cobblestone, uneven steps, and rocks by the beach that you’ll encounter will leave you wanting only the best supportive shoes or sandals. I would forgo any flats or flimsy flip-flops for this trip.

  • 2.DON’T Bring Large, Rolling Suitcases

    Most taxis won’t be able to drop you off close to your hotel. You’ll be dragging suitcases up and down steep steps, over uneven stones. A small carry-on suitcase or a backpack would be ideal.

  • 3.DON’T Bring a Hairdryer

    Almost all accommodations nowadays have hairdryers in the room for you. I once brought a hairdryer and blew the fuse in our room!

  • 4.DON’T Bring High Heels

    You may be able to get by with some wedges that have a wider base, but high heels on the island of Santorini would be a bit of a challenge. Again, you’ll be navigating lots of cracks, steps, and uneven cobblestone.

  • 5.DON’T Bring Winter Jackets

    Even in the dead of winter, you likely wouldn’t need a serious winter jacket. I also wouldn’t recommend traveling to Santorini during winter as most hotels and restaurants will be closed.

  • 6.DON’T Bring Rain Boots

    The island doesn’t get a ton of rain, and certainly not enough to warrant needing rain boots! When most tourists travel to Santorini, the weather is warm and sunny.

What NOT to Wear in Santorini – (Click to expand)
You absolutely do not need to bring gloves, boots, a warm hat, or any sort of wool base layers. Even if you decided to come during winter, you may only experience temperatures as low as 50 degrees Fahrenheit.

FAQs about Visiting Santorini

  • 1. Does Santorini have its own airport?

    Yes, Santorini Airport (JTR). It is located just 15-20 minutes outside of Thira, which is one of the more popular towns on the island.

  • 2. Is Santorini expensive?

    Is Santorini expensive?

    Because it is an island destination, Santorini is more expensive than other places in Europe. It is also a bit more expensive than if you were having the same meal or buying a similar item in Athens. Greece is usually more inexpensive than other countries in Europe, but since Santorini is so popular with tourists, the prices reflect that.

  • 3. Do people speak English there?

    Though the official language is Greek, most people you find on the island will speak English well.

  • 4. Where should I stay in Santorini for the first time?

    Where should I stay in Santorini for the first time?

    I personally prefer staying in Thira for its restaurants and bars, but it can get busy. Another great place to stay would be in Oia which is known for the best sunset shots. It all just depends on what’s important to you. Some people like to be within walking distance to all of the action while others prefer being in an all-inclusive resort where they don’t have to leave.

  • 5. What is the best time to visit?

    Between May and October is the best time to visit when the weather is warm and all restaurants and hotels are operating. I would avoid going during the winter.

  • 6. What’s the best way to get around Santorini?

    What’s the best way to get around Santorini?

    I would say the easiest and cheapest way to get around the island is on their public bus system. There are busses departing regularly to all towns on the island. Walking is also a great way to get around and see the city. Taxi is another option if you’d rather take a more direct approach to get from point A to B.

  • 7. Is Santorini safe?

    Yes, Santorini is very safe. Just watch out for pick pocketing in really busy areas, which can be, unfortunately, quite common in most packed European cities.