Greece, packed for two
Cobblestones, ferries, sea wind and sunset dinners: the 20 pieces we'd pack again for Greece.
Greece taught us to pack for wind as much as for sun. Between Athens, Santorini and Paros we climbed marble steps, rode ferries, swam off a boat and dressed up for long dinners by the water. This is the list we'd hand to any couple heading there.
Our first morning in Athens started among the temples of the Acropolis, and by the end of the trip we'd learned what actually earns a place in the suitcase: shoes that grip polished stone, a hat that stays on when the meltemi wind picks up, and one light wrap for the monasteries and churches, where shoulders and knees should be covered.
On Paros we spent a whole day on a private boat around Antiparos. The things we reached for most were the simplest: proper sunglasses, reef-friendly sunscreen, a cover-up for lunch at a beach club and water shoes for the rocky ladders. Everything here earned its spot.
A little note: some links here are affiliate links, and as an Amazon Associate we earn from qualifying purchases, at no extra cost to you. Our disclosure.
Travel day
- 01BÉIS The Carry-On RollerFor twoSee at Béis
One carry-on each is the secret to easy ferries and island hopping. Ours roll smoothly over the ports' cobbles.
- 02Acupressure motion-sickness bandsFor twoShop on Amazon
Ferries to the Cyclades can be choppy. These acupressure bands are drug-free, and we pack them for every crossing.
Day & beach
- 03FURTALK Wide-brim straw sun hat with wind lanyardHersShop on Amazon
The wind on the islands is no joke. This one has a chin cord, so it stayed on through a whole boat day and still looked pretty at lunch.
- 04Ray-Ban RB4171 Erika sunglassesHersShop on Amazon
The Aegean glare is bright. These are light enough to wear from the Acropolis in the morning to the caldera at sunset.
- 05Ray-Ban RB2140 Original Wayfarer, polarizedHisShop on Amazon
Polarized lenses cut the glare off the water, so you actually see that turquoise from the boat.
- 06ANRABESS Crochet swim cover-up dressHersShop on Amazon
Island beach clubs are dressier than you'd think. Throw this over a swimsuit and you're ready for lunch.
- 07maamgic 5-inch quick-dry swim trunksHisShop on Amazon
Quick-dry with a liner, so he can go straight from a swim to a seaside taverna.
- 08SEEKWAY Quick-dry water shoesFor twoShop on Amazon
Many Greek coves are pebbly, and boat ladders are slippery. We were glad to have these on Antiparos.
Evenings out
- 09White chiffon pleated maxi skirtHersShop on Amazon
A flowing white maxi skirt is our Greece uniform for dinner: cool, covered for churches and lovely against whitewashed walls.
- 10Alimens & Gentle Linen short-sleeve button-downHisShop on Amazon
Breathable linen for warm nights by the harbour. Roll the sleeves and he's dressed for anywhere.
- 11Achillea Lightweight pashmina wrapHersShop on Amazon
Covers shoulders for monastery and church visits, then becomes a wrap when the evening wind comes off the sea.
- 12Birkenstock Arizona Soft Footbed sandalsFor twoShop on Amazon
Greek marble steps are polished smooth by centuries of feet. A cushioned footbed with a grippy sole handles Oia's steps and Plaka's cobblestones, for both of you.
- 13Missoma Classic Chubby Small HoopsHersSee at Missoma
Gold hoops are all the jewellery you need on the islands. They go with every linen look.
Toiletries & beauty
- 14Supergoop! Unseen Sunscreen SPF 50For twoShop on Amazon
An invisible SPF that sits well under makeup, for city days in Athens and long lunches in the sun.
- 15Moroccanoil Moroccanoil Treatment hair oilHersShop on Amazon
Sea salt and wind leave hair dry. A few drops each night kept us looking like ourselves.
- 16LANEIGE Lip Sleeping MaskHersShop on Amazon
Sun and sea air dry out lips fast. This goes on every night before bed.
- 17Jack Black Intense Therapy Lip Balm SPF 25HisShop on Amazon
His daytime lip balm with SPF, for the boat and the beach.
Tech & photos
- 18Anker 10,000mAh 30W USB-C power bankFor twoShop on Amazon
Long photo days drain phones. This slim battery fits in a crossbody bag.
- 19EPICKA Universal travel adapter with USB-CFor twoShop on Amazon
Greece uses European plugs. One adapter with USB-C ports charges both of our phones at once.
- 20JOTO Universal waterproof phone pouchFor twoShop on Amazon
A waterproof pouch for the boat day and the beach, so the phone can come along for photos without a worry.
Plan the rest of the trip
- Our Athens guide · the Acropolis, rooftops and ruins
- Santorini for two · our Oia and Fira itinerary
- Paros for two · Naoussa and the private boat day
- Greece in summer · how we beat the heat
Ready when you are
Plan your own escape for two
Our step-by-step guide, from choosing the place to the last dinner, with a printable checklist.
Plan your escape