Packing is the worst… Unless it means you get to go to Greece! There are about a million Greece packing lists out there, but this one is the best. Why? Because I’m giving you suggestions that are not just picture perfect… They’re also practical!

Athens is historical, walkable, and beautiful in a ruined kind of way, but probably not what you’d call “elegant.” Santorini is gorgeous, picturesque, and completely Instagrammable, but let’s be honest, it’s not exactly heels and flowy dress-friendly. But you want to look picture-perfect in all your photos, right? The solution? Keep reading!

Athens

Athens is active. You’ll definitely be doing a lot of walking, and just so we’re clear, the crumbling ruins are not ADA compliant! Ancient Athenians walked around here in flowing garments and sandals, but let’s keep in mind that the temples and other famous sites were not in ruins at the time! Pack smart.

Active with Flair

You don’t need to look like you’re going for a morning run, but you’ll be glad you packed comfortable outfits while roaming the ruins. Black leggings and a flowy top can take you anywhere!

Read next: What Every Woman Should Pack for Every Trip

Comfy Casual

Or maybe you’re in the “leggings are not pants” camp. That’s okay, too! Check out this outfit.

Also essential: The Most Scandalous Things Women Need for Travel

Santorini

Santorini is more about the scenery and less about the ruins (although there are plenty of those if you know where to look!). I’ll tell you the truth, though. I saw so many women slip-sliding around on the streets and stairs, and none of them looked like they were having a good time! If you want to bring a cute pair of sandals to wear for pictures, do it! But you will be so glad that you have real shoes with tread for the rest of the walking on your trip!

Insta-famous

Did you know that photography businesses on Santorini will provide those long, flowy dresses for your photo session with them?! You don’t have to pack one! But if you’re not planning on hiring a photographer while you’re there, you can still get epic shots while looking effortlessly beautiful.

Read next: Mistakes People Make Planning a Trip to Greece (and how to avoid them)

Shopping and Exploring

The one thing no other blogger is going to tell you about Santorini, and Oia in particular, is this: There are a ton of stairs, and no two are alike. And I’m not just talking about the stairs to and from Amoudi Bay. I mean basically everywhere. You can look picture perfect and walk around without breaking an ankle–it’s true!

Read also: What to Know Before You Visit Santorini

Hiking the Island

Did you know Santorini has one of the most beautiful hikes in the world? It’s not all blue domes and white windmills, y’all! It’s a whole other side of the island that gets very little Insta-attention, but you’ll be glad you came prepared for it.

Keep reading: The Best Fitness Apps for Travelers

Three Things You Forgot to Pack

There are just somethings you don’t know you need… Until you need them! And while you can pretty much always find what you need wherever you are in the world, it’s not guaranteed, and it might actually be a lot more expensive than just bringing it yourself. Here are the most important things you probably didn’t think to bring with you to Athens or Santorini.

A European Adaptor

Whoops! If you haven’t traveled outside the U.S. for a while, you might forget to bring one of these with you. Confession: Steve and I forgot to bring one with us on our trip to Belgium in December. We’ll blame it on nearly two years off of international travel. Don’t forget!

More here: What to Know Before You Visit Athens

Sunscreen

The sun is a lot stronger in Greece than you think it will be–or at least stronger than we expected it to be! We were so glad we brought some with us, even though the water was too chilly to get into at the time. Bring sunscreen, and if it’s solid and reef safe, even better! Also take it with you in your day bag so you can reapply as needed.

Also important: 8 Things You Forgot to Pack for Europe

Guide Books

Wherever you go in Greece, you’ll be glad you brought a guide book! Our Athens Guide Book was incredibly helpful at all the ancient sites, and we were glad we brought a Greek Islands book with us to Santorini! Here are three options for you:

Keep going: How to Spend 36 Hours in Athens

Want more packing tips? Check out everything you never knew you needed to know on my Packing Page!

And for resources to plan your Greek getaway, take a look at my dedicated Greece Page!

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