What to pack for Santorini in the spring and fall
9 Packing tips and recommendations for a spring or fall trip to Santorini - Packing list for Santorini!
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Here are some important (and sometimes surprising!) items to help you be prepared for a trip to Santorini:
Tops = layers for the wind! Do not underestimate the amount of wind on this island! It is so windy that they have a special way to wrap grape vines to protect the grapes from the wind and flights can get cancelled because of how strong the wind is. Be sure to bring a windbreaker of some kind and also layers so that you can peel them off or put them on depending on the temperature and sun. This Columbia Rain Coat is a reasonably priced option that is lightweight enough to stash away. This option is a little cuter and less outdoorsy, but will still protect from the wind. Especially at night, we were happy to have appropriate protection from the wind. Bring thin sweaters like these cute cardigans for a base layer and sweaters like these or these for more chilly nights.
For warmer days you absolutely must bring at least one oversized shirt like this one or this one. This adorable top will pair easily with lots of different bottoms, and be sure to bring some basics like these t-shirts or these for a more fitted option. This loose short sleeve blouse comes in many colors and are also a great option.
Sunglasses. Self explanatory! You will be wearing them in a lot of your pictures so make sure you like them and also that they come with UV protection. If you need a sunglasses refresher these and these playful ones are great options. Finally, for any moments out on the water when you might lose your glasses, put on some Croakies!
Footwear. Even if you aren’t planning to do a ton of walking, the beautiful towns here are thick with small staircases. To be able to explore these beautiful spaces, invest in cute white sneakers and sandals that will allow you to enjoy your walks. Whether you pick Vejas, New Balance, or Stan Smiths, be sure to break them in before your trip. Some supportive sandals like some cute colorful sandals similar to Birkenstocks will also do nicely during the day. For nicer outfits, opt for some leather sandals like these in a neutral or fun color!
Electronics. You will definitely need a European power plug adapter if traveling from outside Europe. I recommend this one because I can charge multiple things at the same time. I also recommend portable charger 2 pack like this one for any vacation. You want to be able to take photos without worrying about losing access to google on the road!
Finally, I can’t recommend a good pair of noise cancelling headphones enough. You never know what kind of noises you are in for. The bus between the small towns can get quite crowded. I am obsessed with these like these Sony WH1000XM4 which are the best on the market in my opinion (I find the M4 more comfortable than the M5).
Bottoms. Spring, and Fall call for more substantial bottoms. Go for something that is both easy to care for and comfortable but that you can also dress up. These lightweight linen pants come in multiple colors and these are another option with fun patterns — perfect for photos by the white buildings and blue doors! For colder days or evenings, lightweight linen should be replaced with heavier fabrics like denim — bring your favorite jeans! Something like this or these AG jeans (if you want to splurge a bit!) will pair nicely with your white walking shoes or sandals.
One versatile dress. In the spring and fall, it is likely that some nights will be too chilly and windy to wear just a dress and so you won’t need to pack many of these. This blue and white dress will fit right into the beautiful town scenery.
Sun protection! First thing is first — sunscreen! Elta MD Sunscreen is a great pick and they also make a tinted version which can double as foundation depending on your skin tone! Even when it is cooler and windy, the UV still presents a danger to the skin. I have entered the era where a wide brim hat is a must! I personally took the approach of using a hiking hat (like this one: SPF 50 Hiking Hat). I also brought a cute straw hat for less active moments. This foldable one is great and still has SPF: SPF 50 Foldable Straw Hat. Be careful with hats that can’t be secured to your head on windier days!
Day pack. For a cute cross body this is a wonderful option. For something bigger and more athletic, I have the Osprey Daylite Backpack from years ago and it is still in great shape and will be in great shape for years to come. This Hydro flask Water Bottle fits into the Osprey Daylite Backpack as well.
Water gear. Chances are, even in the cooler weather, you have some water based activity planned but probably not too many water activities planned because of the temperature. This means you will need probably one bathing suit. I recommend this one personally: Summersalt Black One-Piece. You will probably also want a pair of athletic shorts to wear over your swimsuit while you travel. These shorts are super cute, fast-drying, and very similar to lululemon but less expensive.
To plan the best Santorini during the off season see the 6 best things to do in Santorini in the off season!
To help organize yourself or your family as you pack consider using this packing list tracker which is customizable and the colorful drop downs allow you to easily visualize your progression and you can sort your gsheet by what remains to be packed (also available on etsy). This format is also great for helping younger travelers get going with their packing experiences!
