Santorini is the most iconic destination across the Greek Islands. Surrounded by the stunning azure Aegean Sea, this ‘supermodel’ island has distinctive volcanic sand beaches and dramatic landscapes. It’s no wonder why the multicolored cliffs and whitewashed buildings are on most people’s travel bucket lists. Make sure you pack for Santorini the right way.
Extremely popular with honeymooners and couples, Santorini offers romantic panoramic views. You can take in the stunning sunsets from tavernas on the Caldera Edge, sample local wine from vineyards, and soak up the rich Greek history and mythology embedded in the island. Even though this island hosts around 2 million tourists each year, it remains peaceful, traditional, and authentic.
So, first-timers visiting may be thinking about what to pack for Santorini. Besides swimwear and glamorous clothing to keep up with the stylish Santorini scene, there are some practical essentials that you must take to this Greek island. Use our Greece Packing List to help you plan your dream vacation to Santorini.
What To Pack For Santorini: Greece Packing List
In need of some packing help? Use this quick packing list to make sure you don’t miss out on any of the essentials.
- Lightweight clothing
- Sun hat
- Comfortable footwear
- Swimwear
- Money wallet
- Beach towel
- 30+ SPF Sunscreen
- Aftersun
- Mosquito repellent
- Refillable water bottle
- Euros
- Jet lag relief pills
- Camera
- EU power adapter
- Portable power bank
- Sunglasses
- Tote bag
- Travel documents
Sunscreen – SPF Protection
The Greek Islands are blessed by countless sunny days which is why you have to use protection. Sun Bum Sunscreen Lotion is a trusted and reliable sunscreen that is perfect for any summer lover. It is a hypoallergenic lotion with moisturizing properties, so you not only stay protected, but you feel amazing at the same time.
Oil-free, reef-safe, and vegan-approved, Sun Bum’s sunscreen is packed full of Vitamin E delivering excellent UVA/UVB sun protection. This sun lotion is suitable for all types of skin. It even smells like summer in a bottle!
Experts recommend you apply sunscreen at least 15 minutes before going into the sun and reapply every 2 hours for the best results. Sun Bum has a whole range of SPF sun lotions, Sunscreen Spray, and even a gentler Face Lotion for optimal sun protection.
Turkish Towel – Luxury Beach Travel
Have you noticed how stylish Santorini is? Make sure you fit in with an equally chic beach towel to lay on the sand, hang over a lounger poolside, or drape over your shoulders while exploring Santorini’s streets. WETCAT’s Turkish Towel is a top pick among travelers. It is 100% cotton and lightweight — perfect for packing in any suitcase.
There is an assortment of colors to choose from, adding a pop of personality and complete your look. Turkish towels also dry super fast which means you use yours every day on your Santorini vacation.
Another great thing about soft Turkish towels is that they are versatile. The Greek Islands are highly religious and you may find yourself in a position where you need to cover your shoulders to keep respect for the locals — use your towel if you get caught short and need to cover up!
Waterproof Camera
When we say you will want a camera in Santorini, we really mean you need a camera in Santorini. This little Greek paradise is insanely photogenic and provides Instagram-worthy backdrops around every corner. Nowadays, the average smartphone can take some pretty incredible shots, but what about in the water?
The Aegean Sea is crystal clear, so why miss out on the opportunity to get some incredible photos in the water? We recommend GoPro’s Hero9 — the best waterproof action camera that can keep up with any adventure. GoPro is the top brand in the business, so you know you will get the best quality shots to help make your memories last a lifetime.
Trust us when we say you have to pack a decent camera for your trip to Santorini. Your perfect shots will make sure you never forget a moment of this dreamy destination.
EU Power Adapter
Don’t get caught out without the correct power adapter! The Universal Power Adapter from Epicka is an essential piece of tech every traveler should have. This adapter will serve you well across the world, as you journey the globe.
Pick and choose the country plug needed for your needs. There are five USB charging ports and one AC socket, meaning you can charge all your gadgets at the same time. It is fully safety certified with lock systems, dual fuses, and FC certification.
You’ll need the two-pronged outlet for use in Europe. Greece is rated to a 250 V standard. Having a reliable and trusted power adapter on your packing list is a must.
Portable Power Bank Charger
Following the gadget theme, you have to include a portable power bank charger on your packing list. This will allow you to stay fully charged across the island and on the beach, wherever your Santorini trip takes you. The Anker Powercore comes highly recommended; it is compact and can charge your iPhone up to four times!
Never run out of battery as you are hiking across dramatic landscapes and through the blue and white buildings. Most power banks also have a built-in flashlight, perfect for walking back to the hotel after sunset dinners at the Caldera Edge restaurants. A portable power bank is an essential item for any tourist.
Mosquito Repellant Bracelet
Although Santorini is a dream destination, that doesn’t mean it’s free of mosquitos. Unfortunately, these pesky insects thrive in warmer climates and this Greek island is no exception. Make sure when you pack for Santorini, you include some form of mosquito repellent, whether it’s a spray or even a bracelet.
For a perfect Santorini accessory, check out the Paro Kito Mosquito Repellent Wristbands. These are so stylish that they will add to your outfit look. Each band has refillable pellets with effective essential oils (no DEET); one capsule can last for fifteen days.
Para Kito has used an innovative design to release these natural oils over a period of time, ideal for the Greek climate, and is fully waterproof. The band is fully adjustable so you can wear it comfortably on your wrist or ankle.
Jet Lag Relief Pills
Journeying the globe can take its toll on your body. If you struggle with adjusting your body clock and settling into a new time zone, why not try a natural homeopathic remedy to help relieve your jet lag. Miers Labs No Jet Lag Homeopathic Jet Lag Remedy is one of many effective and natural options widely available to help you get the most out of your holiday.
These tablets from Miers Labs are to be taken whilst you are flying and then shortly after landing. However, there are other varieties that have melatonin components that are to be taken before you sleep for the first few nights.
Do you want another expert tip to combat jet lag? Change your meal times to match your destination while you are on the flight. This will give your mind a head start and help your body clock reset faster and efficiently.
Filtered Water Bottle
Any traveler is sure to have a trusted reusable water bottle stowed away in their bag. Take it up a level with a filtered insulated water bottle. Brita’s Stainless Steel Water Filter Bottle is an excellent choice that will be perfect for those hot summer days exploring Santorini.
This stainless steel bottle is a top essential item for a Greece packing list. The insulating qualities will keep your water cold throughout the day, keeping you refreshed while out hiking or on the beach. The built-in filter reduces chlorine in every sip.
The high season in Greece and across the islands gets extremely hot, reaching high temperatures of 100+ degrees Fahrenheit. Stay fresh and hydrated as you explore Santorini.
Comfortable Footwear
Santorini is famous for its winding streets and dramatic cliffside villages. To get out and explore this beautiful destination, you need to make sure you are fully prepared with comfortable and suitable footwear in your suitcase. Choosing the best shoes can be tricky, however, we think Birkenstock Sandals are an excellent versatile choice.
These European shoes are the ultimate travel footwear. They can take you from beach to restaurant, day to night, looking stylish and working well with all outfits. Pair these sandals with dresses and lightweight clothing for a super cute look that will work perfectly in Santorini.
You also can’t go wrong with a trusted pair of Havaianas to wear around the pool, completing a relaxed vacation look. Even though heels will perfect the glamorous look for dinner, the cobbled Santorini streets could be tricky to navigate.
Wide Brim Sun Hat
Summer in Greece gets insanely hot. For an extra layer of sun protection, remember to pack a sun hat in your luggage. This is an essential item not just for practicality, but also to keep up the cute look that is needed for Santorini days.
We love the San Diego Hat Company. Their wide brim oversized straw hat is floppy and stylish — excellent for hitting beaches or staying poolside with a book. A fashionable hat with an equally trendy swimsuit is the ultimate glamourous look that Santorini is known and loved for.
Even if you visit Santorini in the Spring season, a cute hat is well needed to provide shade and complete your outfits. Don’t forget to pack yours for the Santorini holidays!
Pack Lightweight Clothing for Santorini
And last but not least, lightweight clothing is absolutely essential for everyone to pack in their luggage. Having loose-fitting and flowing clothes in your suitcase will keep you comfortable as you explore Santorini by day and night.
Beach cover-up dresses are ideal for women to throw on over a swimsuit and look glamourous on warm days. Relaxed linen pants are a favorite and still look good for romantic dinner dates overlooking the Aegean.
Remember, Santorini is one of the most photogenic and picturesque locations on the planet. Keep your outfits in line with this. Lightweight and stylish clothing is an unquestionable essential to pack for trips to Santorini.
FAQs
How much money should I bring to Santorini?
The average tourist spends €109 ($132 USD) per day in Santorini on meals, excursions, and transportation. You can reduce your costs by eating at cheaper tavernas, having takeaway meals, and avoiding taxis. Travel experts recommend allowing €700-800 ($850-960 USD) spending money per person for a 1-week vacation in Santorini Greece.
Hotels range in price with a normal rate of €100 per night. However, you can find more budget-orientated accommodations outside of the major popular areas. Most tourists think of Santorini as expensive, but you can cut costs if you want a cheaper trip.
How do you dress in Santorini?
Santorini is a glamorous and beautiful location, so you should dress the same way. Typical Santorini style includes long flowing dresses, wide-legged pants, crisp white shirts, sandals, and oversized straw hats. Add these essential items to your luggage and when you pack for Santorini to nail the glamourous, yet effortless, look.
If you plan on heading out on a catamaran sailing trip, make sure you pack a statement swimsuit so you can get those awesome photos with the Aegean Sea background.
What do locals wear in Santorini?
Locals in Santorini opt for lightweight and comfortable clothing. Cotton and linen items are a popular choice for breathability and coolness in the hot Greek sun. Comfortable sandals are an essential item for life in Santorini.
Greece is a highly religious country. If you visit churches and local markets, it is respectful of the Greek culture for women to cover their shoulders. When you pack for Santorini, put in a shawl or sarong as a great versatile item to cover up when needed.
