Stylecamp recently took an island-hopping trip to the Greek Cyclades, taking in the islands of Santorini, Naxos and Mykonos and discovering a heady mixture of culture, adventure, relaxation and luxury.
For an early summer break to some of the most chic destinations in Greece, it can be difficult to know exactly what to pack. The weather is warm but not necessarily the wall-to-wall sunshine you come to expect from island destinations.
Each island has something different to offer, so if you're heading on an island-hopping break this summer and wondering what to wear, this stylish Greek island packing list will be essential for you.
PACKING LIST ESSENTIALS
For a stylish summer holiday wardrobe, I like to pick pieces that are both practical but also make me feel good, packing my favourite outfits for the occasion.
Shorts - I packed my new favourite linen shorts
Loose fitting, lightweight trousers
Beach outfit - I recommend the Stylecamp Ava set which is so versatile and you can mix 'n' match with other pieces in your holiday wardrobe
Holiday jumpsuit - the Stylecamp's beach pyjamas work equally well dressed up or down
Kimono wrap or cover up - the Myrna wrap was invaluable on this trip, particularly in the cooler evenings or in breezy conditions
Flat sandals for walking
Mules - not too high for hilltop locations, plus they go with everything!
3 or 4 summer top options - I opted for a few bodysuits in different colours, some strappy crop tops and this vintage style tie up cotton blouse
Swimwear
Wide brim sunhat and sunglasses - because everyone wants to look and feel fabulous with their sun protection!
Packing light is essential for most airlines these days, so carefully consider what items you can mix and match with each other to make the most out of limited space.
WHAT TO WEAR ON SANTORINI
Famous blue domed vistas in Oia, Santorini
Santorini is rightly hailed as one of the most glamorous destinations of the Greek Cyclades. Famous for spectacular views of its imposing caldera, it's best known for its elegant white-washed towns, blue domed churches and incredible sunset vistas.
Spectacular sunsets from the highest point in Pyrgos
There's a lot happening on Santorini with copious vineyards, idyllic boat trips, volcanic beaches and an excavated ancient city, not to mention hearty portions of gorgeous Greek food to savour.
Vineyards cover Santorini's rocky landscape
There are many beautiful hilltop villages to explore, including picturesque Pyrgos and the pastel Emporeio, each with their endless winding stone steps and painted facades, boasting incredible views over the island. Some of the best foodie spots on the island can also be found in Pyrgos.
Summer holiday outfit for exploring, with tie up blouse and gingham trousers
This outfit with the Lana tie up blouse was great for exploring the mountain towns; breathable and stylish, it kept the sun off the shoulders and I just adore this lilac colour combination with these high waisted gingham trousers.
A closer look at the tie up blouse with gingham trousers
On another day, there's a hike you can take from the capital Fira to the Instagram-famous Oia in the north, though it's not for the faint hearted - a sun-drenched three and half hour walk awaits!
Early morning views around Oia
A shorter trip between Fira and Imerovigli is just as rewarding (with sensible shoes not necessarily required), following a flower-lined path that contours the west of the island, offering stunning views over the caldera.
Views from Fira and Imerovigli
Pastel-hued holiday outfit with light cotton blouse and linen shorts
On one of the warmer days, these linen Betty shorts and the cool Lana shirt as an outfit were a match made in heaven, their lightweight fabrics being great for keeping cool in the midday sunshine.
Traditional products of Santorini
Later on, sample local wines from the island's many wineries - no mean feat, considering there are no natural water sources on Santorini and it very rarely rains.
Favourite spots included the Roussos family winery, the oldest on the island with an organic approach to wine making which really came through in the flavours. Just down the road, the famous Art Space was run by another organic winemaker with a clear passion for his small batch wines and contemporary art collection.
Roussos family winery since 1836
Then there was the experimental Gaia winery, whose unique approach to winemaking saw bottles being matured either under the sea or partially in moderninsed clay pots, inspired by the ancient Greeks. Having a tasting there accompanied by a generous local cheese plate in the gorgeous setting by the volcanic beach was a truly memorable experience.
Beautiful scenery for wine tasting at the Gaia winery
Santorini is a totally enchanting destination, leaving you with truly special memories of the mesmerising sunsets, awesome scenery, the good food and the genuine warmth of the people.
Watching the sun go down in Pyrgos
WHAT TO WEAR IN NAXOS
The Naxos Portara is what remains of the ancient Temple of Apollo
The Naxos Portara, the impressive ancient doorway to the Temple of Apollo and emblem of the island, welcomes you after a short ferry hop from Santorini, heralding a completely different landscape to discover.
In stark contrast to Santorini's volcanic scenery, the fertile land of Naxos is lush and green with sprawling fields of wildflowers and olive groves stretching for miles.
The green and mountainous landscape of Naxos
Naxos provides the perfect nature and watersports getaway, with opportunities to get up close and personal with the wildlife, including many varieties of sea turtles, all the while boasting some of the best sandy beaches the Cyclades have to offer.
View of Agiassos beach, Naxos
It's finally time to get your beach outfits out! The glamorous Ava two piece beach set is perfect for throwing on over your bikini for days out at the beach.
Stylecamp's Ava two piece is stylish and practical for the beach
Get some 1940s vintage beach style vibes with this striking two piece
What's even better about this versatile set is that you can split the items up up and make them work with other items in your holiday wardrobe to create multiple beach looks. For instance, the tie up top looks fabulous teamed with patterned prints, like these tropical high waist trousers.
Team the beach set with other items you've packed to make your suitcase space go further
For an alternative daytime look, wear the elegant high waisted culottes with a crop top or bodysuit, the royal blue made especially striking with the black and white stripes.
Catch the sun in style with this elegant bodysuit and high waist culotte combination
Early in the season in relatively undiscovered Naxos there's a rare sense of having the place to yourself that makes visiting the stunning beaches that frame the west coast all the more special.
Late afternoon on the deserted Glyfada beach
When not enjoying the beautiful beaches, hidden deep in the mountainous countryside you'll find the charming Eggares olive press museum, where you can learn of the ancient processes of olive-pressing before browsing their huge range of flavoured olive oils and olive oil beauty products. Stay for a helping of Mama's polenta cake surrounded by the olive groves in the serene countryside.
Sample the homemade cake and spreads at Eggares olive oil museum
Also visit the picturesque mountain villages of Halki, Filoti and Apiranthos, where you'll find throroughfares of Greek cuisine and the opportunity to indulge in the local produce, from handcrafted goods to herbs and spices, or even sample the lemony Kitron spirit only produced here on the island.
Scenes from the picturesque villages in Naxos
Here in these mountain towns where the temperatures weren't quite so favourable in early summer, a kimono wrap was one of the many places it came in handy. This ensemble of crop top, linen shorts and Myrna wrap was a stylish and comfortable outfit for exploring the villages.
Team the linen shorts and crop top with a kimono wrap for exploring the mountain villages
In all, Naxos is your ultimate destination if you're looking for outdoors escapism with a touch of the simple life. Secluded beaches, scenic towns and ancient history shape an idyllic holiday in this relatively untouched destination.
A fond farewell to the beautiful beaches on Naxos
WHAT TO WEAR ON MYKONOS
The famous Little Venice and windmills of Mykonos town
The island with the party reputaton sees the rich and famous descend on Mykonos every summer. Save your best outfits for Mykonos as what you will find here is great hospitality and almost certain luxury.
Sea view into Mykonos town
Blue seas and sandy shorelines sitting beside narrow lanes of quintessential white and grey cobbled streets make Mykonos town a real pleasure to walk around. Warrens of designer boutiques have their shop owners busily scrubbing their white shop frontages spotlessly clean.
Endless colourful doorways set off with blossoming bougainvillea vines and pretty church squares keeps the Instagram crowds snapping away in this impossibly beautiful location.
Scenes around Mykonos town
Mykonos is as much a destination for relaxation as much as it is for partying, with my trip being much more geared towards the former. Laze on beaches with crystal clear waters looking out onto some seriously blue seas.
Crystal clear seas of Mykonos
Any excuse to wear the sunhat and Myrna shirt for the ultimate glamorous beach look, a signature outfit recipe whether you're lounging by the pool or propping up the beach bar.
A glamorous kimono and sunhat combo makes the perfect outfit for the beach side or poolside
Poolside overlooking Elias beach, Mykonos
Sealing the end of a perfect island-hopping holiday with a fancy dinner date watching the sun setting over the Aegean sea, there's no other perfect outfit choice than a jumpsuit.
Dressing up for the last night in Mykonos
For such a glamorous occasion, I always turn to Stylecamp's 1930s style Marlene jumpsuit as it never fails to make me feel special. I love this outfit's luxurious vintage beach feel, especially when it's teamed with a matching kimono shirt.
About last night: The Marlene jumpsuit is fabulous with its matching Myrna kimono for a glamorous evening outfit
A fond farewell to an idyllic set of destinations, with its mixture of style, elegance, history, culture and beauty that provides the perfect backdrop for your most stylish holiday wardrobe.
Watching the sun go down in Mykonos
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