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Help Support Matt's Greece Guides Do you enjoy using my site? Have you found it entertaining as well as useful? If so please show your appreciation by booking hotels through the travel agencies and the links found on my Hotels of Greece site. The small commission I make on the bookings enable me to keep working and in most cases you won't find them any cheaper by searching elsewhere. You can find hotels in Greece by location, price, whether or not it has a swimming pool, and see photos and reviews by using this link to booking.com which also contributes to my website when you book.

Join Matt Barrett's Greece Travel Guides Group on Facebook for comments, photos and other fun stuff. If you enjoy this website please share it with your friends on Facebook. If you are appreciative of all the free information you get on my websites you can send a donation through Paypal or Venmo

E-mail me with questions and comments. Join Matt Barrett's Greece Travel Guides Group on Facebook for comments, photos and other fun stuff. If you enjoy this website please share it with your friends on Facebook, Tripadvisor, and other social media. If you are appreciative of all the free information you get on my websites you can send a donation through Paypal

Ios Travel Guide

Last Updated: March 12, 2024

During the summer, backpacking through Ios is a rite of passage for young travelers exploring Europe. While there’s a lot to do on the island, it always seems like 95% of people come here to party (and the average age of visitors seems to be 22).

That said, don’t let Ios’ party reputation deter you from visiting – it’s a beautiful island and only busy between June-August. Outside those months, it’s a quiet island perfect for relaxing. Go swimming, explore ruins, eat seafood, hike, and lay on the beach. There is a lot to enjoy.

I’ve been to Ios three times and, even with my party days behind me, it’s still a fun and relaxing place to visit

This travel guide to Ios will give you the low down on everything you need to know to plan a budget-friendly trip!

Table of Contents

• Things to See and Do
• Typical Costs
• Suggested Budget
• Money-Saving Tips
• Where to Stay
• How to Get Around
• How to Stay Safe
• Best Places to Book Your Trip
• Related Blogs on Ios

Top 5 Things to See and Do in Ios

1. Hang out on Mylopotas Beach

As one of Ios’ most popular beaches, Mylopotas’ white sand stretches for about 1 kilometer (.6 miles) and is lined with cabanas, beach chairs, bars, and restaurants. It doesn’t get busy until about 1pm so if you arrive early, you can stake your claim to some of the best spots. If you prefer doing something a little more active, you can also rent equipment to go snorkeling, windsurfing, or sea-kayaking. Mylopotas is located around 3 kilometers (1.8 miles) from the main village on the island, Chora.

Ios is famous for its nightlife. It’s the main reason people come to the island during the summer and it has a much more casual bar scene compared to places like Mykonos . The bars get busy around midnight and stay busy until 7-8am. For epic parties on the beach, head to Far Out Beach Club, which has swimming pools, DJs, beach bars, and more (you can also stay at the next door Far Out Village).

3. Admire the Odysseas Elytis Theatre

Named after the famous modern Greek poet, Odysseas Elytis, this open-air amphitheater was built in 1997 to represent the style of an ancient Greek theater. All of the island’s cultural events take place here, from musical performances to the Homeria festival honoring the Greek poet Homer. Even if nothing is taking place during your time on the island, it’s worth a visit to see the sweeping views looking out over the sea. It’s just a short walk from Chora.

4. See Homer’s Tomb

Homer, the ancient Greek epic poet and writer of the Iliad and the Odyssey, died on Ios, and his “tomb” is said to be just 30 minutes outside Chora. It’s really just a headstone on a rocky outcrop overlooking the Mediterranean but you get panoramic views of the surrounding area. It’s free to visit. ATV rentals to get there start at 25 EUR per day.

5. Explore Paleokastro

The ruins of this Byzantine castle are accessible by walking 15-20 minutes up a paved hill path on the eastern side of Ios. The castle was originally constructed in 1397 and contains a small church. There’s not a lot to look at but you get sweeping views of the island from the top. It’s about 17 kilometers (10.5 miles) from Chora.

Other Things to See and Do in Ios

1. visit the archeological museum.

This itty-bitty museum is so small that you might have to actually ask around to see whether or not it’s open. Inside are ancient artifacts unearthed from the archaeological site of Skarkos and the village of Chora, including pottery, artwork, coins, marble statues, burial columns, and jewelry. It’s just 2 EUR to visit.

2. Take a boat tour

A boat tour is one of the best ways to see Ios, especially as some of the beaches around the island are only accessible by water. Most tours also have stops at the Koumbara caves and include drinks and a BBQ lunch. Some tours also include a winery visit on the nearby Sikinos Island. A 4-hour tour with Meltemi Water Sports (including snorkeling and lunch) starts at 49 EUR.

3. Eat in the harbor

The main port in Ios has lots of little cafes and restaurants where you can relax and take in all the activity as the ferries come and go. You can grab a quick cocktail or a plate of delicious fresh seafood and watch the day go by. Hanging out by the port also affords you stunning sunset views every evening!

4. Lounge at Maganari Beach

If you want a break from the young party crowd, head to Maganari Beach (which is actually composed of 5 smaller beaches) for seclusion. Located on the south side of Ios, the beach is pristine and sheltered from high winds, making it ideal for swimming and snorkeling. There are also several tavernas along the waterfront so you can have lunch or dinner here as well. You can take one of the regular buses here from Chora, which is 23 kilometers (14 miles) away.

5. Explore Skarkos

This early Bronze Age settlement is pretty much the only archaeological site on the island. The walled terraces guide you through the ruins of several historic buildings. There is also a collection of old utensils made from stone, metal, and bone to see, as well as some old pottery and tools. To get there, you can walk the stone footpath from the back of the main town (it takes less than 20 minutes to get there). Admission is 2 EUR.

6. Go diving

Diving has become increasingly popular in Ios due to its crystal-clear waters and relatively calm waves. It’s an ideal place for beginners. Mylopotas Watersports has shore dives from Mylopotas Beach, as well as boat tours to dive locations where you can see shipwrecks and colorful coral. A shore dive is just 40 EUR, while a two-tank dive on a boat is 90 EUR. You can also take a beginner discovery course for 55 EUR or a variety of PADI courses starting at 280 EUR.

7. See the Church of Agia Irini

From the port, a short walk leads you to the 17th-century Church of Agia Irini (Church of Saint Irene). If you keep walking the path past the church, you’ll get to one of the island’s most secluded beaches, only accessible by foot (or boat). It is said that there are 365 churches on Ios, one for each day of the year. I didn’t count them all but there were a lot of them!

8. Go hiking

Ios has a handful of scenic hiking trails that loop around the coast and occasionally into the mountains (the latter tend to have more difficult routes). Five trails start in Chora, with the longest stretching over 7 kilometers (4 miles). There is signage around town or you can simply ask around for directions to the nearest trailhead. Just keep in mind that most of Ios is exposed to the elements so bring lots of water, a hat, and sunscreen!

9. See the windmills

Windmills are an iconic feature in the Cyclades and Ios has 12 of them overlooking Chora. The windmills used to produce the energy used to grind grains, and thus were a large part of the agricultural economy of the island. Three of the windmills have been nicely restored and are worth a visit if you are in Chora. Just walk east out of the village and you can admire the views of the Aegean Sea while you’re there.

10. Hit the beach

Ios’ beaches aren’t the best in Greece but they’re still pretty good. While many are only accessible by boat, there are a few popular ones that you can get to by road. Mylopoatas Beach (mentioned above) is close to Chora and most of the restaurants have sun loungers and umbrellas for rent. Lorentzena Beach is more basic — you need to take your own food and drinks — but being on the west coast of Ios, it offers some spectacular sunsets. Manganari Beach (also mentioned above) is the most popular beach because it is clean and well-maintained.

  For more information on other destinations in Greece, check out these guides:

• Athens Travel Guide
• Corfu Travel Guide
• Crete Travel Guide
• Mykonos Travel Guide
• Naxos Travel Guide
• Santorini Travel Guide
• Sparta Travel Guide

Ios Travel Costs

If you’re camping, a basic tent plot at FarOut Camping is about 16 EUR per night in peak season and drops to 10 EUR in the shoulder season. FarOut also offers rooms, huts, and glamping tents.

Budget hotel prices – Budget two-star hotels start at 55 EUR per night in peak season and 30 EUR in the low season. You get a lot of value for this price, including properties with pools and free breakfast.

Most of the Airbnb accommodations on Ios are actually hotels. For a private room, expect to pay from 25 EUR per night in the low and shoulder seasons and 45 EUR during peak season. A full apartment averages about 75 EUR per night.

Average cost of food – Traditional Greek cuisine is very healthy with a lot of fresh vegetables, olive oil, lamb, fish, pork, cheeses (especially feta), and yogurts. Filo pastries stuffed with meat or spinach and cheese are a local favorite as are souvlaki and gyros.

You can find gyros at tiny fast-food spots in the main town for about 5 EUR or fries for around 3.80 EUR. A burger with fries costs around 8 EUR, while a pizza is 8-10 EUR.

At a typical Greek taverna, dishes like moussaka and souvlaki cost 9-14 EUR, salads cost 6-9 EUR, and lamp chops cost around 12 EUR. Fresh seafood dishes start around 17 EUR. For the freshest seafood, head to the restaurants in the port.

At finer dining establishments, a 5-course tasting menu costs 65-120 EUR.

A beer or glass of wine will set you back around 3 EUR, while a cocktail is 7-9 EUR. A cappuccino costs between 3-4 EUR.

My two favorite places to eat are The Nest and Moonlight Cafe.

If you cook for yourself, you can spend as little as 40 EUR per week on groceries, which include basic staples like pasta, bread, cheese, veggies, and some meat.

Backpacking Ios Suggested Budgets

If you’re backpacking Ios, expect to spend about 50 EUR per day. This budget covers a hostel dorm, a few bus rides each day, cooking most of your meals, limiting your drinking, and doing free activities like hiking and lounging on the beach. If you’re here to party, add another 20 EUR or more per day for drinks.

A mid-range budget of 110 EUR covers staying in a private room at a hostel or Airbnb, eating out for all your meals at cheap food stalls, having a few drinks, taking the occasional taxi to get around, and doing paid activities like boat tours and visiting some museums.

On a “luxury” budget of about 220 EUR or more per day, you can stay in a hotel, eat any meal you want, drink and party as much as you want, rent a scooter or car to get around, and do more activities like scuba diving. A luxury budget in Ios gets you a lot, even in peak season!

You can use the chart below to get some idea of how much you need to budget daily, depending on your travel style. Keep in mind these are daily averages – some days you spend more, some days you spend less (you might spend less every day). We just want to give you a general idea of how to make your budget. Prices are in EUR.

Ios Travel Guide: Money-Saving Tips

Although Ios is one of the most popular Greek islands, it’s way more budget-friendly than places like Santorini and Mykonos since it caters to younger travelers and backpackers. As long as you can find a budget place to stay and don’t drink too much, you’re set. But it never hurts to save more! Here are some suggested ways to save money in Ios:

• Take advantage of all the free stuff – Beaches, ruins, and Homer’s Tomb — they’re all free. You can have an incredible time in Ios just by taking advantage of all the free activities and attractions.
• Eat super cheap – Gyros (and other street snacks) usually only cost a few euros. They are quick and easy and can keep you full for less than 10 EUR per day!
• Travel in the shoulder season – Accommodations and even scooter/ATV rentals are cheaper in the shoulder season. If you’re not here to party, visiting during the shoulder season can save you lots of money.
• Stay with a local – If you plan ahead, you can usually find a Couchsurfing host that can let you stay with them for free. This way, you not only have a free place to stay but you get a local host that can share their insider tips and advice.
• Buy your own alcohol – Ios is a place where people drink. You can end up spending a lot of money if you aren’t careful. Drink your own alcohol before heading out and then stick to the 1 EUR shot bars. Otherwise, you could find yourself spending close to 45 EUR per night!
• Book overnight ferries – Greece’s inter-island ferries can get quite expensive if you are visiting a lot of them. Taking overnight ferries can save you up to half off the normal price plus save you a night of accommodation.
• Get a ferry pass – Eurail/Interrail has a ferry pass that has 4- and 6-trip options. The only caveat is that you can only take Blue Star and Hellenic Seaways ferries. Those tend to be the larger, slower ferries and, depending on the islands, might require you to connect somewhere. You’ll need to research routes in advance to see if the pass is worth it. I would search routes on FerryHopper to see if it works for you. You can purchase your pass on Eurail (non-EU residents) or Interrail (EU residents).
• Use the Greek salad/bread rule – To see if a restaurant is cheap or expensive, use this rule: if the bread cover is .50 EUR or a Greek salad is less than 7 EUR, the restaurant is cheap. If the cover is around 1 EUR and a salad is 7-8.50 EUR, the prices are average. Anything more than that, the place is expensive.
• Rent a car – Car rentals can be incredibly cheap in Ios (especially if you can split the cost). Prices start at just 25 EUR per day for a multi-day rental when booked in advance. Drivers need to be at least 21 and have had their license for one year. An International Driving Permit is also required.
• Use points if you can – If you have points that can be used for cash, use them to book accommodation. For only a few thousand points per night, you can save a ton of money. This post has more information on how to get started .
• Bring a water bottle – The tap water here is safe to drink so bring a reusable water bottle to save money and reduce your plastic use. LifeStraw is my go-to brand as their bottles have built-in filters to ensure your water is always clean and safe.

Where to Stay in Ios

You basically have two main areas to stay on Ios: in Chora (the main town), or on Mylopotas Beach. Here are some of my suggested places to stay in Ios:

• Francesco’s
• Far Out Beach Club
• Far Out Camping
• Ios Palm Pansion

How to Get Around Ios

Scooter/ATV Rentals – Renting a scooter or ATV is one of the best ways to enjoy the island at your own pace. You can get a scooter for 20 EUR per day in the high season and 15 EUR per day in the low season. An ATV rental in the high season costs 55 EUR per day for two people and 40 EUR in the low season. Vangelis Rentals is the best company to go with for consistent prices and excellent service.

Taxi – Taxis have set fares of 5 EUR from the port to Chora and 5 EUR from Chora to Mylopotas. Prices can add up if you use them to get around though so skip them if you can.

When to Go to Ios

Ios is at its best in the summer between June and September. July is the hottest month, with temperatures averaging about 27°C (81°F) each day.

Summer is definitely the best time to be here if you want to soak up the sun and hang out with all the other backpackers. Prices are highest then too and accommodation becomes hard to find so book in advance.

However, the shoulder seasons (fall and spring) offer cheaper prices, fewer crowds, and just as much fun. Temperatures are still warm, with the average high being 24°C (75°F) in September and 18°C (64°F) in April.

I think May, early June, and September right before the season ends are the best time to visit.

Ios is very much a seasonal place and the island pretty much shuts down in the winter months. Most restaurants and accommodations close during this time so I’d avoid coming in the winter.

How to Stay Safe in Ios

Ios is an incredibly safe island. The island is very small and everyone knows each other. Even the risk of petty crime like pick-pocketing is low. No one is going to scam you here either.

Solo female travelers should generally feel safe here, however, the standard precautions apply (never leave your drink unattended at the bar, never walk home alone intoxicated, etc.)

If you’re driving a scooter or ATV, always wear a helmet and drive with caution. The roads are winding and drivers can be unpredictable. Most accidents here involve scooters or people doing something stupid when they get drunk, so try not to do that.

If you go hiking, wear a hat, bring water, and wear sunscreen.

If you experience an emergency, dial 112 for assistance.

Always trust your gut instinct. Avoid isolated areas at night, be aware of your surroundings at all times, and make copies of your personal documents, including your passport and ID. Forward your itinerary along to loved ones so they’ll know where you are.

The most important piece of advice I can offer is to purchase good travel insurance. Travel insurance protects you against illness, injury, theft, and cancellations. It’s comprehensive protection in case anything goes wrong. I never go on a trip without it as I’ve had to use it many times in the past. You can use the widget below to find the policy right for you:

Ios Travel Guide: The Best Booking Resources

These are my favorite companies to use when I travel. They consistently have the best deals, offer world-class customer service and great value, and overall, are better than their competitors. They are the companies I use the most and are always the starting point in my search for travel deals.

• Skyscanner – Skyscanner is my favorite flight search engine. They search small websites and budget airlines that larger search sites tend to miss. They are hands down the number one place to start.
• Hostelworld – This is the best hostel accommodation site out there with the largest inventory, best search interface, and widest availability.
• Booking.com – The best all around booking site that constantly provides the cheapest and lowest rates. They have the widest selection of budget accommodation. In all my tests, they’ve always had the cheapest rates out of all the booking websites.
• HostelPass – This new card gives you up to 20% off hostels throughout Europe. It’s a great way to save money. They’re constantly adding new hostels too. I’ve always wanted something like this and glad it finallt exists.
• Get Your Guide – Get Your Guide is a huge online marketplace for tours and excursions. They have tons of tour options available in cities all around the world, including everything from cooking classes, walking tours, street art lessons, and more!
• The Man in Seat 61 – This website is the ultimate guide to train travel anywhere in the world. They have the most comprehensive information on routes, times, prices, and train conditions. If you are planning a long train journey or some epic train trip, consult this site.
• Rome2Rio – This website allows you to see how to get from point A to point B the best and cheapest way possible. It will give you all the bus, train, plane, or boat routes that can get you there as well as how much they cost.
• FlixBus – Flixbus has routes between 20 European countries with prices starting as low 5 EUR! Their buses include WiFi, electrical outlets, a free checked bag.
• SafetyWing – Safety Wing offers convenient and affordable plans tailored to digital nomads and long-term travelers. They have cheap monthly plans, great customer service, and an easy-to-use claims process that makes it perfect for those on the road.
• LifeStraw – My go-to company for reusable water bottles with built-in filters so you can ensure your drinking water is always clean and safe.
• Unbound Merino – They make lightweight, durable, easy-to-clean travel clothing.
• Top Travel Credit Cards – Points are the best way to cut down travel expenses. Here’s my favorite point earning credit cards so you can get free travel!
• Ferry Hopper – If you’re looking to book your ferries, this website is an easy way to search the various companies, piece together routes, and book your tickets.

Ios Travel Guide: Related Articles

Want more info? Check out all the articles I’ve written on Greece travel and continue planning your trip:

The 6 Best Hotels in Athens

The 6 Best Hostels in Athens

Where to Stay in Athens: The Best Neighborhoods for Your Visit

The Best Walking Tours in Athens

Traveling Greece: How Much Does It Cost?

Fulfilling Childhood Dreams in Crete

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The Ultimate Greece Packing List

After a 10-day trip to Greece, here is what I would pack again and leave behind next time.

Packing Checklist for Greece

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• Why Trust T+L

Travel + Leisure / Anna Popp

Greece is one of the most-visited countries in the world, and after spending 10 days traveling there, I can see why. From the pink sand beaches of Crete to the ancient ruins of Athens, it was easy to be charmed by the Mediterranean country. 

To be honest, I had a difficult time packing for this trip because I wanted to pack as light as possible due to our rigorous itinerary. As a member of the checked luggage club , it was a challenge to only bring a carry-on. I did some things right (and a few things wrong) when it came to my packing list, so I’m here to give you a glimpse of what worked well and what I’m already planning to do differently for my next trip to Greece. 

Clothing for Women

• Best Pants: Old Navy High-waisted Linen-blend Wide-leg Pants
• Best T-shirt: Buck Mason Coastal Linen Rib Tee
• Best Long-sleeve Shirt: Chico’s No-iron Stretch Shirt
• Best Skirt: Pistola Alice Midi Skirt
• Best Casual Dress: Quince 100% European Linen Smocked Midi Dress
• Best Fancy Dress: Aje Exurbia Seamed Midi Dress
• Best Athletic Dress: Royal Robbins Women’s Spotless Evolution Tank Dress
• Best Swimsuit: Unsubscribed Recycled Nylon Buckle Front One Piece

Clothing for Men

• Best Linen Pants: Bonobos Linen Blend Boardwalk Pant
• Best T-shirt: Vuori Strato Tech Tee
• Best Collared Shirt: Untuckit Wrinkle-free Performance Short-sleeve Gironde Shirt
• Best Shorts: Cuts Clothing Coz Shorts 7-inch
• Best Swimsuit: Silkworld Men's Swim Trunks

Shoes for Women

• Best Walking Shoes: Kizik Women’s Milan Sneakers
• Best Sandals: Everlane The Day Fisherman Sandals
• Best Dressy Sandals: Aldo Faiza Sandals

Shoes for Men

• Best Walking Shoes: OluKai Mio Lī Athletic Shoes
• Best Sandals: Keen Men’s Uneek Canvas Sandals
• Best Dressy Shoes: Toms Alonso Cream Heritage Canvas Rope Loafer

Bags and Accessories

• Best Duffel: Dagne Dover Lagos Convertible Duffle  
• Best Carry-on: Coolife ABS+PC Spinner Trolley
• Best Backpack: Fjallraven Kanken Backpack
• Best Travel Purse: July Everyday Crescent Bag
• Best Sunscreen: Dune Suncare The Mineral Melt
• Best Sunglasses: Morgenthal Frederics The Ninety-seven
• Best Portable Charger: Charmast Small Portable Charger

While the weather in Greece varies depending on the time you visit, the Mediterranean temperatures are usually agreeable year-round. Peak travel season for the country is May to September, which also happens to be the hottest time to visit. This means you’ll want to avoid bringing heavy clothing like jeans, jackets, or any other item that will weigh you down when temperatures reach the upper 90s (Fahrenheit). With sweltering weather conditions, it’s important to pack lightweight clothing made with breathable fabrics like linen, cotton, or bamboo. My packing list consisted of flowy, lightweight, and neutral-colored tops, dresses, and bottoms that I could toss on for an effortless and relaxed look.

Old Navy High-Waisted Linen-Blend Wide-Leg Pants

I wore these pants on the 10-hour flight to Greece and throughout the trip. They were perfect for when I wanted something slightly warmer than a dress that still offered plenty of airiness and comfort. The trouser style is effortless and chic, but it still felt like I was wearing sweatpants or loungewear. I ended up getting two more colors when I got back from my trip since it’s the perfect, stylish summer pant. 

Best T-shirt

Buck mason coastal linen rib tee.

Buck Mason 

Since most of my bottoms were long, flowy skirts or pants, I opted for this fitted tee from Buck Mason to mix and match with my outfits. While I’m typically not a fan of traveling with white T-shirts (one small stain can put it out of commission for the rest of the trip), the cream color was a solid compromise since it went with all my other neutral-colored clothing. I also love the ribbed texture for some dimension and the fact that the linen/cotton blend fabric is featherlight.

Best Long-sleeve Shirt

Chico’s no-iron stretch shirt.

When I went to Greece at the beginning of May, the temperatures were still mild, which meant the evenings could get a little chilly when dining outside (especially near the water). This cotton collared shirt from Chico’s will now be a mainstay in my suitcase for all future trips because it truly does not require an iron — a feature I was initially skeptical about. I shoved this versatile top into the depths of my suitcase, and although it came out wrinkled, the creases worked themselves out within 10 minutes of being worn or hung up in the closet. I opted for the regular fit to get that effortless oversized look, but I love that it comes in a fitted shape, too.

Pistola The Alice Midi Skirt

I know, I know. I said to stay away from wearing jeans while in Greece. However, this midi skirt from Pistola is made with the lightest jean material I’ve ever worn. The slit in the middle makes the skirt even more breathable and movable while sightseeing, and it took up less room in my suitcase than one of the dresses I brought. I ended up wearing this clothing item the most throughout the trip since it was stylish, versatile, and breathable enough for up to 80 degrees Fahrenheit.

Travel + Leisure / Anna Popp

Best Casual Dress

Quince 100 percent european linen smocked midi dress.

In my opinion, the easiest outfit to pack for warm-weathered travel is a versatile dress. I wore this linen midi dress from Quince during the day with sneakers and in the evening with a pair of dressy sandals. I love how roomy and stretchy the fabric is, and the smocked top with ruffled straps adds extra flare to the simple silhouette of the dress. This is yet another piece of clothing I brought on the trip and loved so much that I’m planning to get it in pink, too. 

Best Fancy Dress

Aje exurbia seamed midi dress.

Aje is my new favorite spot for picking up high-quality dresses when the occasion calls for a fancier outfit. This stunning midi dress is the perfect shade of blue for fine dining in Santorini . It’s also an elegant look for a summer wedding. Ideal for warm temperatures, the viscose material is ultralight and has a drapey feel to it. 

Best Athletic Dress

Royal robbins women’s spotless evolution tank dress.

Royal Robbins

Aside from strolling through small villages or lounging next to the Aegean Sea, there are lots of opportunities for outdoor activities in Greece that could require a sportier look. I didn’t want to bring a lot of athletic clothing on the trip, so I opted for this tennis dress for boating and hiking. I wore the dress on a seven-mile hike and I found it to be perfectly supportive thanks to the built-in sports bra, and the UPF-50+ sun protection was particularly helpful during our afternoon hike. 

Best Swimsuit

Unsubscribed recycled nylon buckle front one piece.

Unsubscribed

I brought a handful of swimsuits to Greece, but I reached for this one most since it’s made with the softest material I’ve ever worn. We spent a few days lounging around the beaches of Crete and I could wear this one-piece underneath a dress or shorts without even noticing it was there. The retro buckle adds subtle style to the top part of the suit, and the green color earned so many compliments from fellow beachgoers. 

Best Linen Pants

Bonobos linen blend boardwalk pant.

Men’s linen pants can lean on the dressier side, so I love that these ones from Bonobos have a relaxed style with a drawstring waist and slightly tapered pant leg to fit the laid-back style of Greece. The pants also have an elastic waistband, which makes the pants far more comfortable and breathable than a pair of trousers. They still look dressy enough to wear to a nicer restaurant with a collared shirt but also work with a T-shirt for traveling between islands. 

Vuori Strato Tech Tee

This trip included a range of activities, from relaxing by the beach to hiking all day, so these moisture-wicking, performance tees from Vuori were key for being outside in the Mediterranean heat. Made with anti-odor and four-way stretch fabric, these shirts proved to be invaluable with a limited wardrobe. The off-white (cashew heather) color was reached for most during the trip, but you can’t go wrong with any of the other 14 shades.

Best Collared Shirt

Untuckit wrinkle-free performance short-sleeve gironde shirt.

While the dress code in Greece felt very relaxed, it doesn’t hurt to bring at least one nicer top like this Untuckit collared shirt. We went out to several nicer restaurants for dinner and this collared shirt was easy to toss on with a pair of shorts and boat shoes for a dressier look that was comfortable and required minimal effort. Plus, this shirt is extremely easy to stuff in a suitcase last minute thanks to the wrinkle-resistant fabric. 

Best Shorts

Cuts clothing coz shorts 7-inch.

Cuts Clothing

The hottest day we experienced in Greece was, of course, the day we decided to visit the Acropolis . The hot sun and stagnant air was intense, so my boyfriend was glad he chose to wear these breathable, moisture-wicking shorts from Cuts Clothing. Besides the breathability, he was also grateful for the stretchy fabric for climbing up many flights of stairs. Plus, the shorts have a chino-like design so they look nice enough to wear to dinner. They also have a hidden zippered pocket, which is a helpful feature for storing a wallet.

Silkworld Men's Quick-Dry Swim Trunks

A pair of swim trunks that match the aqua blue shade of the Aegean Sea, this last-minute Amazon purchase proved to be essential in Greece for our early summer trip. The swim trunks are lightweight, quick-drying, and come in bright colors, which is always fun for a vacation swimsuit. If you plan on visiting Greece during the winter, you may still want to pack a swimsuit in case your hotel has a heated pool or jacuzzi.

For most of the trip, we opted to wear closed-toe shoes. It took just one loose cobblestone to the big toe on the first day for me to quickly realize the importance of solid foot protection. During the day, supportive sneakers with ample traction and sturdy ankle support were a must for navigating the uneven terrain of the roads, sidewalks, and hiking trails. Fancier dinners or excursions to vineyards for wine tasting called for dressier shoes like sandals with a small block heel and boat shoes, but leave behind your stilettos. 

While we opted not to bring pairs of flip-flops , our casual sandals worked well for boating and swimming. If you’re planning to spend most of your time by the water, then you’ll want to bring more water shoes. It’s best to bring shoes that serve multiple purposes (day to night, land and water use, etc.) if you pack light for island hopping like we did.

Best Walking Shoes

Kizik women's milan sneakers.

Kizik  

I got these Kizik sneakers right before the trip and I was shocked at how lightweight and comfortable they were right out of the box. The shoes offer plenty of support, cushioning, and traction, which helped me avoid slipping through the slick streets of Fira in Santorini. My favorite part of the sneakers is the ability to slip them on and off hands-free thanks to the heel technology. While there are lots of colors to choose from, I opted for the neutral shade bone to go with all of my outfits and it worked out perfectly.

Best Sandals

Everlane the leather fisherman sandal.

These stylish fisherman sandals were the perfect choice of footwear to bring for a range of activities on the trip. I wore them to the beach, on a boat, out to dinner, visiting a monastery, and while traveling between islands. The leather material is buttery soft and the cushioned footbed kept my feet comfortable when I wore them for long periods of time. I also appreciated the style of the shoe, with crossing straps around the foot and in front of the toes for extra protection. 

Best Dressy Sandals

Aldo women's faiza sandals.

Whether heading to the clubs in Mykonos or going out to dinner in Athens, bringing a nicer pair of shoes certainly doesn’t hurt. The lower heel on these sandals makes it easier to walk around on uneven surfaces while elevating an outfit to make it dressier. The raffia-style material on the upper part of the sandals maintains the laid-back, beachy vibe of Greece. Plus, the brand’s Pillow Walk technology offers tons of comfort thanks to the cushioning in the footbed, so you can dance all night long without pain.

OluKai Men's Mio Lī Sneakers

My boyfriend basically wore these sneakers the entire 10 days we were in Greece, and now that we’re home, he still wears them all the time. They are extremely lightweight without compromising support and cushioning in the footbed, and the upper material is superbreathable. The drop-down heel made it easy to slip the shoes on and off, which was especially helpful at the airport. After wearing the sneakers nonstop on cobblestone, dirt, and sand, they still looked as good as new after the trip — a true testament to the high-quality materials and construction of the shoes. 

Keen Men’s Uneek Canvas Sandals

It’s likely that you’ll spend at least some time in the water while visiting Greece, so bringing a pair of sandals that can be worn in and out of the water is smart. These ones from Keen are the perfect versatile sandals for going from the beach to dinner without having to change shoes. The woven rope upper looks nicer than your average pair of water shoes but these sandals boast the same quick-drying ability and generous traction you want for going in the water, riding on a slipper boat, or climbing on some rocks. The anti-odor technology is also a helpful feature for traveling. 

Best Dressy Shoes

Toms alonso heritage canvas rope loafer.

While it depends on your itinerary for your trip to Greece, bringing one pair of shoes that aren’t sneakers or sandals could be smart. These canvas shoes from Toms are on the more casual side of the traditional loafer style, but they still look nice with a pair of chinos for dressier occasions. Made with canvas and textural rope, these loafers are lightweight and pack down relatively flat, so they are easy to toss in a suitcase last minute before a trip.

If the style isn’t dressy enough for your taste, you can opt for an equally lightweight and easy-to-pack pair of shoes like Rothy’s The Driving Loafer for a fancier option. 

Greece is an expansive country, so the type of luggage you’ll want to bring will depend on your itinerary. If you’re planning to island hop, it’s important to pack light since you’ll be on boats or planes often. Even if you’re planning to stay on the mainland, you might want to skip bringing a checked bag or a heavy carry-on with wheels. I watched a lot of people schlep heavy rolling bags over cobblestone roads with steep hills and it did not look fun. 

We stuck to bringing hand luggage only since we planned to travel throughout the Cyclades , and it turned out to be the right call for us. Due to a canceled ferry, we ended up flying between the islands on a budget airline, and we were grateful for light, minimal luggage to avoid extra fees. Other bags and accessories we found helpful throughout the trip included a backpack and purse for day trips, sunscreen for all-day use, and a portable charger to keep our phone batteries topped up for directions and photos.

Best Duffel

Dagne dover lagos convertible duffel bag.

Dagne Dover

We brought this convertible duffel bag from Dagne Dover and it was perfect for all of our city and island hopping. The bag is spacious enough to fit a week’s worth of clothing (with room to spare!) and it comes with stashable backpack straps for hands-free travel. When the duffel was packed full at the end of our trip, the padding on the backpack straps made it comfortable to carry the bag and distributed the weight of the pack evenly. 

Best Carry-on

Coolife abs+pc spinner trolley.

If you want to bring a more traditional carry-on, I highly recommend a lightweight yet durable suitcase like this one we tested . At 6.7 pounds, the bag is perfect for airlines with stricter weight and size restrictions. Despite the lightweight materials, the polycarbonate and ABS plastic has plenty of give, which can help absorb any impact if the bag gets tossed around. We also found that the wheels felt extremely sturdy — an essential trait for rolling the bag over cobblestones. 

Best Backpack

Fjallraven kanken backpack.

On our first day, we quickly realized how easy it was to be out all day after leaving our hotel in Athens in the morning. Bringing a day pack is essential for storing items like towels, sunscreen, water bottles, sweaters, and snacks, along with other essentials like a wallet, passports, and car keys. This bag from Fjallraven packs down completely flat and can be folded up, so it hardly took up any space in a larger bag on the way there, and on the way back it was perfect for storing all our recently purchased souvenirs. 

Best Travel Purse

July everyday crescent bag.

I got this travel purse specifically for Greece since I wanted something more spacious than my other crossbody bags. I was blown away by the capacity of the bag for being able to store a water bottle, wallet, sunglasses, hat, sunscreen, and other smaller items all at once. I loved the adjustable strap to wear the purse as a crossbody bag or shoulder bag (to make it look a little dressier in the evenings). The canvas material has a coating on the inside, so when my sunscreen spilled, it was a breeze to wipe it up. 

Best Sunscreen

Dune the mineral melt.

The one thing I wish I brought more of on this trip was this sunscreen from Dune. We ended up using the entire bottle within the first few days since most of our activities were outdoors. The formula is velvety smooth and hydrating, which was soothing on our travel-induced dry skin. I loved that I could wear it on my face without that greasy feeling and left-behind residue. Plus, the bottle is under two ounces, so I never had to worry about the TSA regulations during our multiple trips to the airport. 

Best Sunglasses

Morgenthal frederics the ninety-seven.

Morgenthal Frederics

Sunglasses are always essential for traveling, especially when visiting somewhere typically sunny like Greece. I was particularly glad I brought a pair of these polarized sunglasses from Morgenthal Frederics since we spent a lot of time on or near the water. These sunglasses are also superdurable and withstood being tossed around while traveling like a champion. They’re also very chic and comfortable to wear for long periods of time. 

Best Portable Charger

Charmast small portable charger.

This little portable charger never gets left behind, whether I’m leaving for 10 hours or 10 days. It has been a lifesaver on too many occasions to count when my phone was about to die at the most inopportune times. I love that it’s pocket-size so it can fit in virtually any bag, purse, or even my pants pocket. I’ve also used this to give my iPad a power boost since the cable is compatible with various Apple products. 

Versatility is key for packing light for any trip. It’s also easier to pack for a warm-weather trip (in my opinion) since you can wear lots of dresses and skirts that don’t take up much space. We packed extremely light for this trip, but I was still able to bring more than 10 outfit options by choosing staples that could be mixed and matched. Bringing tops and bottoms that can be worn interchangeably is the best hack for packing less while still having some variety in your wardrobe.

It depends on what kind of experience you want in Greece. We went at the beginning of May, just before peak travel season kicked off. The weather was gorgeous with minimal crowds. The hottest it got on mainland Greece while we were there was 80 degrees Fahrenheit and it dropped into the low 60s at night while in Crete. Thanks to the Mediterranean climate, the temperatures are typically moderate even in the winter (though some northern areas can experience snow). Rain is common from November to March, so be sure to pack accordingly for the season.

Unless you’re visiting in the winter, skip the bulky clothes and shoes like thick jeans, puffer jackets, and chunky boots. Heavy clothing will weigh you and your suitcase down, and it’s typically not necessary in the summer, fall, or spring. I would also skip bringing a lot of luggage, especially if it’s wheeled. Multiple bags will be hard to travel with, especially if you’re bouncing around the country.

Why Trust Travel + Leisure

Anna Popp is an associate editor at Travel + Leisure where she covers all of the best travel products, from carry-ons to comfy shoes. In May 2024, Anna spent 10 days traveling throughout Greece, visiting as many spots as she could. From the famous pink-sand beaches of Crete to watching the sunsets in Santorini, Anna took detailed notes during her trip to share her best packing tips for visiting Greece. 

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