How to dress in Greece (2024)

FAQs

What do people dress like in Greece? ›

Athens' local style is smart-casual. Men dress well and women of all ages are fashion forward and body confident.

Greece does not have any unspoken rules about attire such as "cover your shoulders”, or "wear long skirts, dresses, trousers” like India for example, but as with everything an element of common sense in deciding what you are going to pack is imperative.

No need to pack anything too smart- Greece really is very relaxed and casual. For most visitors, the draw is the glorious beaches so resort wear, a lightweight coverup, sunhat, flip flops, and sunglasses are the essentials for the day.

You have no problem wearing shorts in Greece, more or less wherever you go, other than churches or monasteries, where it is expected that your knees and shoulders are covered. You are OK with short sleeves, in these places, and sometimes you will see wrap around skirts at the entrance for those wearing shorts.

Avoid anything too smart – Greece really is very casual. Wear plenty of sunscreen (we love the Riemann P20 range for 10 hour protection), a sunhat and sunglasses. If you take a boat trip you may find there's a cool breeze out on the water. The sun will be extra strong too and you may not have much cover.

Unless it's winter or you're in Athens, we'd leave the jeans behind as they're heavy, restrictive, and hot in the sun. I love to wear a cute summer dress in Greece during the summer months. Choose a classic dress like an exposed shoulder top or a slip dress and go with light colors for the classic Greek Isles look.

Of course, if you are keen to exercise on vacation you may also pack your favourite trainers but really there's no need for much more. Even a Greek wedding in Summer will see many men wearing fashionable sneakers.

Do wear black – all year. For some reason, black is the Greek woman's favourite colour. No, I'm not talking about older women in mourning. Young Greek women love to wear black, even in the summer.

Greek women are extremely proud of their body and very much at ease with it. They pay great attention to their clothes, accessories, shoes, make up, hair-do, nails, etc. Because they are so comfortable with their body, they wear décollettés and short dresses/skirts/shorts with great ease.

What clothes to take to Santorini? ›

Assuming your trip falls during high season—which is between late June and early September—the weather will fluctuate between "hot" and "oppressively hot." Light, breathable fabric is key: think linen, sheer tops, and shorts to tour around during the day; flowy maxi dresses or caftans for dinner at night.

Two pieces of body language that can cause unintentional offence are hand gestures; don't hold your hand up, palm out, to anybody, and don't make an OK sign by forming a circle with your thumb and forefinger – both are extremely rude.

If you wish to use your mobile/cell phone while in Greece and you are not from an EU country, you'll need to either pick up a local SIM card or activate global roaming before you leave home.

Don't bare your shoulders. That means no tank tops, sleeveless tops, or shirts with shoulder cut-outs unless you're covering your shoulders with a shawl or cardigan. Cover your knees. Shorts and short skirts can be frowned upon — the same goes with ripped jeans.

Never leave the beach without covering up. Also, it is considered quite rude to go barefoot on the beach. And while there are some nude beaches in Greece they are few and far between. When going out Greeks like to dress up in nice clothes.

Tights don't get a weather/fashion pass for summer. Most Greek women either expose their bare legs or wear long skirts/ pants to cover them. Tights (in any color) are considered a fall/winter accessory.

There are a few things you don't need for Greek summers (pants and sneakers, for example) because it's way too gorgeous outside to wear anything but sandals and sundresses. Don't forget to bring these six essentials when you plan what to pack for Greece in summer!

How should I pack for Greece? ›

Go for light shorts, t-shirts, skirts and dresses, along with a coat and a few cardigans in case of chilly nights. You'll also need a couple of swimsuits and a light scarf that doubles as a beach wrap and a shawl to wrap around your shoulders at religious sites.

Toiletries | In addition to all your regular items, make sure you bring a SPF chapstick and SPF moisturizer to protect your skin. Don't forget: Shampoo, conditioner, soap, face wash, moisturizer, toothbrush, toothpaste, lotion, deodorant, razor and makeup.

Greece trip cost

Based on my estimates, your Greece costs will be about $4,455 per person for two weeks. Remember, this estimate is based on visiting the most popular islands (Santorini and Mykonos), which are also the most expensive.

FAQs. How many clothes are required for a 10-day trip? Follow the 5-4-3-2-1 packing trick, where you pack five tops, four bottoms, three dresses, three pairs of shoes, two swimsuits, two bags, and one of each of a few miscellaneous accessories.

Most of Santorini's beaches are composed of dark volcanic sand that gets searingly hot in the mid-day sun. Beach sandals or water shoes are recommended for getting around on the sand.

There is not a strong tradition of tipping in Greece, particularly among the locals, but it's become expected that tourists leave a small tip while travelling through the country. In restaurants it's common to leave a cash tip for whoever is looking after you – 10–15 per cent is standard.

Show too much skin when visiting a church

Be aware of the dress code: long shorts or trousers for men, long skirts for women, and no swimming suits. In some instances, women will be given a wrap. Religious or not, try to stick to this rule as much as possible.

A typical Greek breakfast usually consists of a wide variety of bread, pastry, fruits, and Greek yogurt. These foods are high in nutritional value and a great source of energy — an excellent way to begin your Greek food adventures!

From local olive oil, wine, traditional spirits, and sweets, to olive oil soap, Greece-exclusive brands of clothes and jewelry, and a pair of leather sandals from Monastiraki Flea Market, ask the locals for their favorite Greek products and go out to buy them!

In some areas of Greece, the police are known to actively look and fine tourists for driving in Flip Flops or other unpractical shoes. So to avoid getting into trouble with the local police or facing fines, make sure you wear suitable footwear.

Is Greece conservative dress? ›

Greece is one of the conservative European countries regarding what they wear. While going to our BnB by public bus in Athens, I saw no locals in shorts or short skirts on the bus! Most women wore capris covering 3/4th of their legs and short sleeve tops. Most men were wearing either casual shirts or collared T-Shirts.

The water you drink in parts of Greece like Athens and Thessaloniki is generally safe drinking water and is from a good water supply. However, it may occasionally taste like chlorine as it's added to the water system. And if you head to some of the Greek Islands, you may find the water tastes like salt.

Ancient Greek females also had body ideals to follow, softly shapen with rounded buttocks, long, wavy hair and a gentle face. In a time where many lived in poverty, to be larger and to carry extra fat on your body showed that you had wealth and could afford to eat to your satisfaction.

The island has predominant pastel colors, and it's the reason that you should think about these colors when packing to Santorini. You should select clothes in white, all shades of blue, beige, green, and light grey colors. Avoid at all costs dark colors, particularly black.

Jewel tones in purple and blue look fantastic, as well as neons in pink, yellow and green.

Santorini has a lot of stairs, so be prepared! Choose a pair of comfortable but stylish flats or a pair of wedge shoes to stay balanced yet trendy. Pro Tip: Stop by one of the famous cobblers in Athens on your way to Santorini and have a pair of strappy leather sandals custom made just for you!

Can you use dollars in Greece? No you can't spend dollars in Greece. You will need to either exchange your US Dollars for Euros, use your cards, or withdraw Euros from an ATM when on vacation in Greece.

Greek Etiquette Tips. Expect to eat a lot in Greece! Not only will you be expected to eat everything off your plate, but you should also compliment the chef by asking for seconds – even if you're stuffed!

Yes, Greece is friendly to Americans. There is no reason to worry about offending the Greeks. Greeks are logical people that are proud of their culture. Make sure to do your part to treat Greece with respect, and the locals will do the same to you.

Do the clothing countdown: If you need a mantra to help streamline your wardrobe, use the 5, 4, 3, 2, 1 rule for a weeklong trip: Limit yourself to no more than five sets of socks and underwear, four tops, three bottoms, two pairs of shoes and one hat. The list should be adjusted to suit your needs.

Should I pack a beach towel for Greece? ›

A quick-dry beach towel that takes up small space in your luggage and is large enough to cover you up is a must-have item when you travel to Greece.

How much money will you need for your trip to Greece? You should plan to spend around €123 ($132) per day on your vacation in Greece, which is the average daily price based on the expenses of other visitors. Past travelers have spent, on average, €32 ($34) on meals for one day and €24 ($26) on local transportation.

In Greece, Visa and MasterCard are the most widely accepted cards. Diners Club is less widely accepted. And American Express is still less frequently accepted because it charges a higher commission and is more protective of the cardholder in disagreements.

Greece is a Go Roam in Europe destination which means you can use your data here at no extra cost.

Apple iPhones are dual voltage and do not require a converter. Your iPhone will work anywhere in the world with the correct country adapter.

For a club and nightlife in Mykonos, it is recommended that you put on something comfortable – a mini dress or a jumpsuit (something trendy that will still feel light and easy to wear.) Heels can be troublesome if you have to go through some cobblestone streets, so flat shoes or platforms are a more suitable choice.

Dress Shoes: You don't need something super fancy, but if you are planning to have a nice night on the town with your partner then you should bring a pair of shoes that will go with a slightly nicer outfit.

The Greeks never fail to start their day off with a hearty mix! A typical Greek breakfast usually consists of a wide variety of bread, pastry, fruits, and Greek yogurt. These foods are high in nutritional value and a great source of energy — an excellent way to begin your Greek food adventures!

Crossbody Bag or Purse- If you are bringing a purse to Greece, I recommend bringing a crossbody one. This way you can keep your belongings and important documents close to you while having your hands free. Be sure you get a lightweight one. You'll thank me once you realize how much walking you'll be doing.

For shoes, flat sandals with an ankle strap and a sturdy sole are perfect. Heels are almost impossible to wear on the extremely hilly cobblestone streets. If you must bring heels, choose a pair of comfy wedges so you get a little more stability.

What is the dress code for Santorini? ›

The holiday dress code for Santorini requires items matched with the mood of the island: white and bright colours recalling all the sea shades: from the turquoise up to the deep blue, to be matched with warm colors such as brown and gold.

A typical Greek lunch tends to be light and traditionally includes a homemade casserole or vegetable stew. It is served with a side dish of cheese, bread, and salad, but more importantly, wine. Fresh seafood has always been a highlight of Greek cuisine.

What time is dinner in Greece? In a country that never sleeps, no time is "too late" for dinner. You will find most eateries open until past 12 at midnight. Regardless, traditionally, dinner in Greek homes is served at around 8-9 pm.

Greeks make lunch their big meal of the day, and eat it between 2 and 3pm. Especially in summer, Greeks often head to a cafe for some ice cream around 8pm. Dinner is often a light meal, seldom eaten earlier than 9pm, but when Greeks do go out to dinner, they usually don't think of eating before 10pm.