Stepping off the ferry onto Santorini’s sun-drenched shores, I was instantly captivated by the island’s iconic white-washed buildings, vibrant bougainvillea, and sparkling Aegean waters. Whether you're strolling through Oia’s iconic alleyways, savoring a sunset dinner in Imerovigli, or setting sail on a caldera cruise, knowing what to wear in Santorini is part of the island’s charm. In this wardrobe guide, I’ll share the best Santorini outfits to keep you stylish and comfortable while embracing the magic of this romantic Greek Island.
Daytime Chic | Exploring Oia & Fira
Santorini’s picturesque villages call for outfits that are both stylish and practical. The island’s bright sunlight and stunning architecture create the perfect backdrop for effortlessly elegant attire.
I opted for a flowy white maxi dress, perfect for catching the sea breeze and standing out against the blue-domed churches. Pair this with comfortable yet stylish sandals – you'll thank me when navigating those charming cobblestone streets.
For a more casual look, I loved wearing high-waisted linen shorts with a cropped off-shoulder top. This ensemble kept me cool during the warm Mediterranean days while allowing for easy movement as I explored the narrow alleyways of Oia.
What to Wear in Santorini During the Day:
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Flowy Maxi Dresses – Lightweight, breathable, and perfect for twirling in your Instagram shots.
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Linen Shorts + Off-Shoulder Tops – A chic yet comfy combination for navigating the cobblestone streets.
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Breezy Jumpsuits – An easy one-piece outfit that transitions from sightseeing to a seaside café effortlessly.
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Flat Sandals or Comfy Espadrilles – Skip the heels; Santorini’s streets are charming but uneven.
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A wide-brimmed straw hat for sun protection
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Sun Hat & Sunglasses – Essential for sun protection and to shield your eyes from the bright Greek sun
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A crossbody bag in a neutral tone for hands-free sightseeing
Evening Glamour | Sunset Dinners & Nightlife
As the sun begins to set, Santorini transforms into a romantic wonderland. For dinner with a view in Imerovigli, I chose a midi-length silk slip dress in a soft blush tone. The fabric caught the golden hour light beautifully, creating an ethereal effect perfect for those Instagram-worthy sunset shots.
What to Wear for Evenings in Santorini:
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Silk Slip Dresses – Feminine, flowy, and perfect for golden hour photos.
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Tailored Linen Shirt + Shorts (For Men) – A crisp yet casual look for evening strolls and dinner dates.
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Wedge Sandals or Block Heels – Stylish without sacrificing comfort on Santorini’s uneven pathways.
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Gold Accessories & Statement Jewelry – Capture the island’s ethereal charm with delicate gold details.
Beach & Boat Trip Attire
No trip to Santorini is complete without a visit to its famous beaches or a caldera cruise. I packed a versatile swimsuit that doubled as a bodysuit, which I wore under a sheer kaftan for easy transitions from beach to bar.
Beach and Boat Outfit Essentials:
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Chic One-Piece Swimsuit – Doubles as a bodysuit for beach-to-bar transitions.
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Sheer Kaftan or Kimono – Lightweight and elegant for effortless layering.
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Non-Slip Sandals or Boat Shoes – Practical footwear for deck-side adventures.
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Oversized Sunglasses & Sunhat – Protect yourself from the Mediterranean sun while looking fabulous.
Santorini Color Palette
While white dominates Santorini’s aesthetic, incorporating color can enhance your travel photos. I found outfits in shades of blue, from pale sky to deep navy, photographed beautifully against the island's backdrop. For evening wear, soft pastels and metallics captured the romantic atmosphere perfectly.
Best Colors to Wear in Santorini:
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Classic White – The quintessential Santorini look.
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Shades of Blue – Mimic the sea and sky for harmonious aesthetics.
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Soft Pastels & Metallics – Romantic hues for evening elegance.
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Earthy Tones & Linen Textures – Blend effortlessly with the island’s natural beauty.
Packing Smart | Mix & Match
Creating a travel capsule wardrobe for Santorini is key. I focused on pieces that could be mixed and matched:
Wardrobe Essentials:
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Neutral Basics – Linen pants, tank tops, and breezy skirts.
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Versatile dresses that can be dressed up or down
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Statement Pieces – One or two bold-colored outfits for standout looks.
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Lightweight, Wrinkle-Free Fabrics – Perfect for effortless style on the go.
Footwear Essentials
Santorini's terrain calls for practical yet stylish footwear. In my suitcase:
Best Shoes for Santorini:
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Flat Sandals – Comfortable for long walks and daytime exploration.
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Wedge Espadrilles – Elegant yet practical for evenings.
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Sneakers or Slip-On Shoes – Ideal for longer excursions and uneven paths.
Shopping in Santorini | Local Fashion Finds
While exploring the boutiques in Fira, I discovered some unique Greek-inspired pieces to elevate my Santorini wardrobe. A hand-embroidered tunic became my go-to for breezy afternoons, while locally made jewelry added a touch of Grecian goddess to my evening looks.
What to Buy in Santorini:
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Hand-Embroidered Tunics – Perfect as a stylish beach cover-up.
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Greek-Inspired Jewelry – A timeless souvenir that adds elegance to any outfit.
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Locally Made Leather Sandals – Comfortable and chic keepsakes.
FAQs | What to Wear in Santorini, Greece
What should I wear in Santorini in summer?
Light, breathable fabrics like linen and cotton are ideal. Flowy dresses, linen shorts, and comfortable sandals are perfect for daytime, while elegant yet lightweight outfits work best for evenings.
Is Santorini dressy or casual?
Santorini embraces an effortless, stylish aesthetic. Think smart casual – chic, airy outfits that are practical for walking yet stylish enough for photos.
What shoes should I wear in Santorini?
Flat sandals or espadrilles are best for daytime, while wedge sandals work well for evenings. Avoid stilettos due to the cobblestone streets.
Can I wear jeans in Santorini?
Jeans can be too heavy for the warm weather. Opt for lightweight linen pants or breezy skirts instead.
Do I need a jacket in Santorini?
Evenings can get breezy, especially near the caldera. A light cardigan or denim jacket is a good idea for cooler nights.
What are the best fabrics for Santorini's climate?
Santorini’s climate is warm and sunny, making lightweight, breathable, and natural fabrics ideal. Cotton, linen, and chambray are perfect choices as they help keep you cool and comfortable, especially during hot summer days.
How do I incorporate local Greek fashion elements into my Santorini outfits?
Incorporate Greek fashion into your outfits by choosing flowy dresses and tops in classic Greek colors such as white, blue, and earth tones. Accessories like gold jewelry, leather sandals, straw hats, and woven bags reflect traditional Greek style and add authenticity to your look.
Conclusion
As I watched my final Santorini sunset, wrapped in a flowing maxi dress with golden accessories catching the last rays of light, I felt in perfect harmony with the island’s effortless elegance.
By curating your Santorini wardrobe by packing smartly with versatile, stylish pieces will ensure you not only look stunning in your travel photos but also feel comfortable and confident exploring Santorini. Whether you’re wandering through Oia’s postcard-perfect streets, dining cliffside in Imerovigli, or basking on volcanic beaches, dressing the part will elevate your entire experience on this magical Greek Island by following this Santorini outfit guide.