What to Wear: Greek Holidays

Planning your Greek holiday outfits shouldn’t be difficult right? Toss in a couple of bikinis, beach cover-ups, shorts, and dresses and you’re done! But there are things that you might forget or overlook, like a mosquito repellent or a pashmina. Been there done that! So I decided to round-up all my local knowledge from vacationing around Greece in this post. This way I can help you fill your luggage with functional clothes and accessorie

What to wear on the Beach

Swimwear is the key here! Bikini, one-piece, whatever suits you. I prefer bikinis, but this year I indulged in a black one-piece as well. For cover-up, I gravitate towards light summer dresses. The reason is plain: sometimes I don’t have time to go back to the hotel to have a shower and change into a proper outfit. Thus to transition from beach to lunch or beach to dinner wearing a dress over my bikini is the way to go!

Related: 48hrs in Sifnos, Elafonisos to Kalamata

The best footwear

The shoes that will bring along your Greek holiday outfits but must also be comfortable. Keep 3 things in mind when visiting the Cycladic islands: a) streets are not flat b) most streets are stone-paved c) you might need to hike to access a secluded beach.

Bring along (at least) 3 pairs of shoes. Sneakers for hiking and exploring off road. Flip flops for the beach. A pair of nice sandals with a non-slippery sole for going out. You can always substitute the sandals with a pair of espadrilles. I wouldn’t suggest you to take high-heeled sandals with you, but you do you!

Tip: Fantasy Sandals were very durable while exploring Knossos, Monemvasia, and Mystras. I could even hike with them in the latter two places.

Accessories and Outerwear

Ah, my favorite part! I’ve fallen in love with floppy hats lately, after realizing that they do compliment me! I also found that a floppy hat protects me from the sun’s rays more effectively than smaller hats.

I always carry a light cardigan or a pashmina with me,  because it can get windy in the islands (I’m looking at you Mykonos). It also comes handy if you are traveling by ferry since the air conditioning is usually on full blast! If you visit Greece in spring or early fall, a denim jacket is ideal for those cooler nights.

At night I always carry with me a small crossbody bag big enough to carry my essentials: wallet, keys, mobile phone, tissues and maybe lipstick (that I never re-apply…)!

Related: Floppy Hat

Greek holidays Outfit Inspiration

When I plan my Greek holiday outfits I tend to pack shorts, skirts, and tops so I can mix and match.  I like “little white dresses” because they blend in with the Cycladic architecture so much! A floral or a tropical print dress is also cute. I generally gravitate towards separates so I don’t pack more than 2 dresses with me!

Another go-to outfit for me is sleeveless tops and shorts. It is an outfit that, with the right accessories, you can take it from day to night.

Related: My ideal tropical dress

Beauty Essentials

After the Greek holiday outfits, let’s cover the holiday beauty essentials.

Sunscreen should be your first priority. I wear sunscreen all the time either I’m on the beach or sightseeing around a city. I have a couple of suggestions for you both for face and body.

My favorite face sunscreen is the Vichy Ideal Soleil SPF30 anti-blemish dry touch. This year I tried Caudalie’s SPF50 and Clarins dry-touch SPF50. I liked both of them but they didn’t knock the Vichy one off the top spot.

As for body sunscreen, I have a firm favorite for the last 5 or so years: Nivea Protect & Bronze 30SPF. Not sure if it boosts bronzing, but I like the feel of it and the level of protection. When I’m on the beach I reapply frequently.

One thing you need after sunbathing is moisture and hydration. Opt for lightweight creams, serums, and toner. For the past year, I’m using spray toners. My favorite one is Caudalie’s Grape Water Toner. As for moisturizers, I love Vichy’s Aqualia Thermal, Caudalie’s Moisturizing sorbet and La Roche Posay’s Toleriane Sensitive Fluide.

Body wise I use an after sun lotion instead of heavy body cream. My favorite is Hawaiian Tropic’s Silk Hydration After sun. It feels so nice and cooling. If you are looking for an after-sun that heals sunburn as well, then I suggest Korres Cooling  Yoghurt After Sun. Yogurt is known to have a soothing effect on sunburns (so you know, if anything else fails…)

I never leave for vacations without a mosquito repellent. Apivita makes a nice one with geranium and basil! I buy it almost every year!

Tell me which are your go-to summer holiday outfits?