The Smart 4 Season Guide to What to Wear in Santorini
Figuring out what to wear in Santorini sounds easy until you actually start packing for your trip. Then you began looking at your suitcase with a blank stare, wondering if you need your flowy dresses or to just pack your entire closet because Instagram made the island look like one long photo shoot.
Santorini is gorgeous, but keep in mind it is not one big flat photo set. There are plenty of hills, stairs, windy viewpoints, uneven paths, and ferry days. Some outfits deserve a sunset photo, but not a full day of walking.
That’s why I made this post to help you figure out what to wear in Santorini without overpacking or ending up with clothes that look good in theory but feel annoying in real life. I’m breaking down the Santorini outfits that actually work, which shoes are worth bringing, and what to pack for Santorini, depending on the season and what you plan to do on the island.
Because let’s be honest, your Santorini packing list should work for more than that one photo in Oia. It should work for sunset views, long strolls, dinner with a caldera view, the Meltemi winds, and all the little moments in between, too. And if you’re visiting in the off-season, I also shared more seasonal deets in my Santorini in winter post.
Πάμε (Let’s go in Greek)!
What Is the Dress Code in Santorini?
The short answer: Santorini is stylish, but nothing formal. People definitely dress super cute here, especially around Oia, dinner spots with caldera views, and anywhere that involves the famous white buildings and blue domes.
Most of the time, the dress code in Santorini is relaxed, with a pinch of polished casual. Think flowy dresses, matching sets, linen pants, cute tops, sandals, stylish sneakers, and outfits that feel put together without trying too hard. During the day, comfort matters more than people think about. It’s Santorini, and you will be walking up hills, dealing with uneven cobblestone paths, and climbing more stairs than your calves will be prepared for.
At night, the dress is a little fancier, especially in Oia, Fira, or at nicer restaurants, but “dress up” usually means a prettier version of vacation wear, not super fancy though. Think flowy dress, nice sandals, or linen trousers with a nicer top all make sense. Please do not wear heels unless you enjoy suffering for sport.
If you’re building out your Santorini outfits, aim for pieces that feel elevated but practical. Please choose outfits that look good in photos and can also survive a full day of walking and wind.
Just landed in Greece?
Pre-book your Welcome Pickups driver and have someone waiting for you when you arrive, because dragging luggage around while jet-lagged is not the welcome-to-Greece moment we’re going for.
What Shoes to Wear in Santorini
Shoes will make or break your trip here. Santorini may look all dreamy and effortless in photos, but in real life, it comes with hills, many steps, uneven walkways, and slick little paths that will humble you very quickly. Please don’t think about testing out shoes that are “somewhat comfortable.” We’ve all lied to ourselves in the name of cute shoes; Santorini is where that lie comes back to haunt you.
If you’re wondering what to wear in Santorini for shoes, look for ones you can comfortably walk around in for hours. Think comfortable sandals that have good support, clean sneakers, cushioned flats, or boots in cooler months. If your shoes can handle cobblestones, stairs, and a long sunset walk without turning you into a limping goddess by dinner, they deserve a spot in your suitcase.
For daytime sightseeing, it is best to wear sneakers or flat sandals with a good grip; they are your best bet. They work well for strolling through Fira, Oia, and anywhere you’ll be on your feet for a long period of time.
For dinner, you can switch into a dressier sandal or a nicer flat, but keep in mind they should still be comfortable. Because even a “quick walk” in Santorini somehow turns into a lot of stairs, slopes, and a mini leg workout you did not sign up for.
Heels are the obvious shoe I would leave out of the suitcase. However, bring them if you are deeply committed to a photo moment, but just so you know, heels are not practical here.
When you’re deciding what to pack for Santorini, shoes should be one of the most thoughtful parts of your suitcase.
How to Dress in Santorini by Season
What to wear in Santorini changes a lot depending on when you visit. The dreamy white outfits all over the Gram are cute, but they leave out one tiny detail: the island will not feel the same in July as it does in January. Your Santorini packing list should match the season you’re actually walking into, not just the version of the trip living in your camera roll. If you need more deets on a list beyond outfits, my Greece packing list has you covered.
Spring
Spring is one of those in-between seasons where the sun can feel heavenly during the day, but mornings and evenings get a little nippy. Light layers work best during this time, think jeans, linen pants, midi dresses with a cardigan, light sweaters, and cute sneakers or grippy sandals. This is the time for outfits that can handle shifting temperatures.
Summer
Summer is when those cute, breezy Santorini outfits really show off. Flowy dresses, colorful or neutral matching sets, linen pieces, skirts, tanks, and sandals are in season. But be sure your fabrics are breathable. The sun is really intense during this time, the walking is real, and anything too tight or heavy will start to feel like a punishment by noon. This is also the time when your outfit needs to survive both sweat and stairs.
Fall
Fall still feels stylish and warm for much of the season, but it is a little less intense than peak summertime. You can still wear dresses, skirts, and sandals on many days, but it is essential that you pack a light jacket, a couple of extra layers, and shoes that feel a bit sturdier. Early fall can still feel very summery; late fall is where you’ll be happy you packed a knit or two and something other than sandals.
Winter
Winter in Santorini can catch people off guard. It is not full-blown arctic drama, but it is much cooler, windier, and with a less swimsuit-and-sundress dress code than people expect. If you’re wondering what to pack for Santorini in winter, think of comfortable layers that actually work for walking around, jeans or trousers, sweaters, boots or sneakers, and a good coat that can handle windy viewpoints and chilly nights. Cute still matters, obviously; frostbite chic isn’t so cool.
What to Wear in Santorini by Occasion
Packing for Santorini gets a lot easier when you stop thinking about random outfits and start thinking of your actual plans. An outfit that works for a sunset dinner is not the same one you want for climbing steps, mid-afternoon heat, or when arriving from your ferry ride with your bag smacking into your hip. Cute obviously matters, so does not wanting to toss your sandals into the Aegean by hour three.
Sightseeing in Oia and Fira
Exploring in the daytime, comfort needs to win. This is the time for pretty breezy dresses, linen shorts, lightweight tops, cute matching sets, or relaxed pants with a tank. Plus, be sure to wear sneakers or supportive sandals you can actually walk in. The views are stunning, but there is a good number of stairs, so this is not the moment for anything too tight or heavy.
Sunset and Dinner
Sunset is where people naturally want to spruce up a little, which is, honestly, fair. Santorini at golden hour practically begs you to wear a cute outfit and capture your dreamy sunset with these Santorini captions.
For this time, think of a flowy dress, a nice set, a skirt and top, or linen trousers with a dressier blouse. You’ll still want something comfortable enough to walk in, since your dinner plans include a little uphill walk and a couple of uneven paths.
Beach Days
For beach days, think simple and light. Swimsuits, cover-ups, loose dresses, shorts, tanks, and easy sandals. This is where practical pieces snag their spot in your suitcase, because beach days in Santorini are more relaxed than dressed-up. If you’re building your Santorini outfits around black sand beaches and laid-back afternoons, think simple pieces you can throw on without needing to overthink.
Ferry or Travel Days
Ditch wearing your most dramatic vacation outfit on ferry and travel days. Think comfortable, and something easy to move around in, like relaxed pants, leggings, a tank or tee, and sneakers or grippy flat sandals.
Bring a light layer because ferries can feel breezy, and travel days have a sneaky way of turning one cute outfit choice into a full-blown regret by the time you’re dragging your suitcase up a hill with many cobblestone steps. Get more info on mistakes to avoid with my Greece travel tips post.
Island hopping in Greece?
Don’t wing the ferry schedule. Ferryhopper makes it easy to compare routes and grab your tickets, so you can spend less time stressing and more time pretending you live here.
What Not to Wear in Santorini
Knowing what to wear in Santorini will help you avoid packing a suitcase full of bad decisions. This island is one of those places where the wrong outfit looks cute for a bit, then turns into a personal attack once the stairs, wind, and walking settle in. We’ve all packed something based on the vibes alone, and sometimes the vibes lie.
The first thing I would skip is high heels. Santorini is not the place for wobbling across uneven paths and pretending you are fine while your ankles negotiate their resignation. If you want something dressier than tennies, opt for flat sandals, or low wedges you can actually walk in.
I’d ditch tight, too-clingy, or heavy-fabric items for the summer months. Santorini can get hot, and when you mix heat, sun, and steps, hills, or anything restrictive, it will start feeling annoying fast. Pack lightweight pieces that move with you will always win over an outfit that only works if you stand still and look like a Greek statue.
Another thing to be careful of is bringing flimsy shoes with no grip. Cute little sandals might look perfect with your outfit, but if they are slippery, unsupportive, leave them at home. You will wear them once, then put them in the suitcase for the rest of the trip after that one slip. The same goes for overpacking fancy clothes you will never actually wear.
Packing for Santorini: just think of outfits that still feel pretty, but mix in a little common sense if it will be practical for the steps, heat, and wind. And if you’re still figuring out the rest of your Greece wardrobe, my what not to do in Greece post can help you avoid a few other travel mishaps, too.
FAQ About What to Wear in Santorini
What should I wear in Santorini?
If you’re wondering what to wear in Santorini, it really comes down to the season and your plans. Generally, lightweight clothes, comfortable shoes, and a few easy layers are the essentials. Pack outfits that can handle walking, wind, and stairs. Of course, make sure they are still cute enough for photos, sunset, and dinner without making you regret getting dressed.
Can you wear heels in Santorini?
You can, but whether you should is a different story entirely. There are many uneven paths, steps, and slippery spots in Santorini. You will find it very difficult and a little dangerous to walk in. Go for dressy sandals, low wedges, or nice flats, which are usually the smarter choice.
What is the dress code in Santorini?
The dress code in Santorini is stylish yet relaxed. You will see people dress nicely for sunset, dinner, and photos in Oia, but it is never overly formal. Most of the time, you will see breezy dresses, linen pieces, matching sets, sandals, and shoes that you can walk in comfortably.
What shoes are best for Santorini?
For Santorini, you need supportive sandals, sneakers, flats, or boots in cooler months. Make sure it is something comfortable enough for hills, stairs, long walks, and slippery spots, because this island has a sneaky way of making you walk way more than you expect.
Maybe you’re planning more than one stop on this trip. My best Greek islands to visit for the first time posts has the deets on the kind of island wardrobe you’ll actually need.
What should I pack for Santorini in winter?
For winter, pack plenty of layers, sweaters, jeans or trousers, boots, sneakers, and a jacket that can handle wind and cooler evenings. Santorini in winter is much less about cute beachwear and more about staying comfortable while exploring.
Do I need a jacket in Santorini?
Yes, you definitely want a jacket in Santorini. No matter what season, evenings can feel cool and windy, especially around sunset or on open viewpoints. Throwing one in your suitcase is not only handy for Santorini, but also for ferry rides.
What is the best color to wear in Santorini?
The best colors to wear in Santorini depend on the look you’re going for, but white, blue, pastel shades, and bright colors all photograph beautifully with the backdrop of the island’s white buildings and endless blue views.
That said, the best choice is still something you feel good in and will want to wear, because no color is worth suffering through a bad outfit on a windy staircase.
Hanging in Athens for a bit?
My Athens Travel Guide + Google Map spills the tea for the off-the -record spots locals keep to themselves.
Final Thoughts on What to Wear in Santorini
Figuring out what to wear in Santorini really comes down to finding that beautiful blend of cute and practical. You want outfits that look great in photos but can also handle when the island throws stairs, wind, and a suspicious amount of walking your way.
Once you’ve got your wardrobe down, planning the rest of your trip can be a breeze. And if you’re planning to visit more than just Santorini, my 14 day Greece travel itinerary is a great next read to help you put your trip together.
Πολλά φιλιά φίλε μου (Many kisses, my friend)!
Greece Travel Planning Guide
🚑 Should I buy Greece travel insurance?
Yes, absolutely. Travel delays, missed ferries, lost luggage, and surprise medical issues happen. If you’re visiting from abroad, travel insurance is one of those things you hope you never need, but you’ll be glad you have travel insurance if something goes wrong.
💧 Can you drink the water in Greece?
Sometimes yes, sometimes no. In Athens and many mainland areas, tap water is generally safe. On some islands, though, the water may be desalinated or not taste great, so many travelers stick to bottled water.
🚗 Is it safe to rent a car in Greece?
Yes, and it can make your trip much easier if you plan to explore outside Athens. Just expect narrow roads, tight parking, and a little driving chaos now and then. I book my rentals through Discover Cars.
📱 Will my phone work in Greece?
Maybe, depends on your plan. Some international plans work fine, while others come with roaming fees that are just rude. For maps, bookings, and everyday travel, Airalo’s eSIM is worth it.
🏨 What’s the best way to book accommodations in Greece?
For hotels, I usually check Expedia and Booking.com first. If you would like more space, VRBO is a good option too. In summer, book early because the best spots go quickly.
✈️ What’s the best site to book flights to Greece?
I like using Skyscanner to compare flight prices to Greece. It’s especially helpful if your dates are flexible or you’re deciding whether to fly into Athens or straight to an island.
⛴️ Should I book ferries in advance in Greece?
Yes, especially in summer, I use Ferryhopper. Popular ferry routes can fill up quickly, especially for islands like Santorini, Mykonos, Paros, and Naxos. Missing your ferry is not the kind of Greek adventure you want.
🎫 Do I need a visa for Greece?
Probably not for a short trip, but always check first. Many travelers, including US passport holders, can stay in Greece for up to 90 days without a visa. For longer stays or remote work plans, check the rules ahead of time. Check visa requirements here.
