What to Pack For a Greek Island Vacation, According to an Editor

In "Pack With Me," influencers and editors give us a rundown of their travel must-haves and a few travel hacks to go along with them. For this installment, PS Features Editor Yerin Kim shares what essentials are in her suitcase for a trip to the Greek islands.

While I'm a happy New York City resident, a part of me is always craving my next beach vacation. And in my experience, there's no better water than the Aegean Sea, where the Greek islands are located. I recently traveled to Tinos, a relatively undeveloped island, and the ever-popular Santorini for the first time. I had been to Mykonos a year prior, but I was excited to get a taste of a different part of the Cyclades and revisit the clear, vibrant blue waters I remembered so fondly.

A few weeks ago, I flew to Athens from NYC, and hopped on a three-hour ferry ride to Tinos, where I was hosted by Odera, Tinos, Autograph Collection. There, I spent five days embarking on the ultimate wellness trip. Between swimming in the clear sea; enjoying wine at a local vineyard; experiencing Tinos's marble crafts, miracle church, and fresh food; and turning in at the luxurious yet authentic property every night, I left the island feeling rejuvenated. Afterwards, I met my mom over in Santorini for a few more days of leisure. For three days, we admired the most vibrant sunsets we'd ever seen and walked endless steps up, down, and around Oia and Fira. Between the two vastly different islands, I felt like I got the best of both worlds as a tourist seeking rest and relaxation.

Because this was quite a long getaway, there was some meticulous planning involved. Despite that, there definitely were items I didn't need to bring or were absolute musts. Based on my learnings, here are all of my travel and packing tips for a vacation on the Greek islands.

Best Travel Tips For the Greek Islands

Assuming you're vacationing on the islands for less than two weeks, I'd recommend sticking to no more than two islands. I was very pleased with the two I visited on this trip — I was excited to check out Tinos, which I was largely unfamiliar with, while Santorini is obviously a popular tourist destination I was eager to experience myself. If you've never been to any of the islands, I recommend choosing one that's busier and more popular, like Santorini, Mykonos, or Paros, and another that's quieter and less touristy, like Tinos, Milos, or Syros.

If you can swing it, I recommend traveling during shoulder seasons, either in April through June or September to October. I was worried about the crowds in Santorini in particular, which I've heard can become inundated with tourists in the summer, but the latter, as many locals also told me, was the perfect time to visit. The islands have an extended summer season that lasts through the end of October or even November, so you don't have to worry about missing beach weather.

Ferries are the best way to island hop in Greece, and you'll find routes for most popular destinations. However, ferries (and flights) are less available outside of busy season, so be sure to plan as far in advance as you can.

Best Packing Tips For the Greek Islands

Though I'm typically team carry-on, given the length and location of the trip, I opted for a larger checked suitcase to avoid stressing myself out. That said, if you can swing it, I'd try to pack everything into a carry-on. At every ferry transfer, I was anxious about losing my luggage. (Most ferries require you to leave any bags larger than a carry-on in a designated and unattended luggage area. Luckily, having an AirTag in my trunk did ease my nerves a bit.)

When it comes to packing clothes, I recommend going casual. Even at nicer restaurants, though there were certainly folks who dressed up, breezy linen outfits seemed totally acceptable. I loaded up on mostly breathable linen and some cotton fabrics and, because I'm extra, chose whites and blues to match the aesthetic of the islands (many homes on the Cyclades are whitewashed and accented with blue doors and shutters). Leaning into a specific color scheme made for easy outfit formulas and very cute Instagram photos. Because it can be quite hot, even in October, I'd avoid any denim or tight activewear and opt for breathable, flowy attire instead.

For footwear, don't make the same mistake I did and take up room in your suitcase with any kind of heel. I packed two pairs of kitten heels for dressier outfits, but I quickly learned the terrain — cobblestones, slippery steps, and inclines — deemed them unnecessary. Comfortable walking sneakers are a must, and for shoes to pair with nighttime looks, I recommend flat sandals with traction.

While the weather is cooler in September and October than during peak summer season, particularly in the evenings, it's certainly still warm enough to lay out in the sun.

Check out all of my packing must-have items for a trip to the Greek islands.