Packing for Santorini is mostly common-sense summer kit — but a handful of things genuinely matter here that don't on an ordinary beach holiday. The black volcanic sand, the fierce Aegean sun, the steep caldera paths and the occasional strong wind all shape what's worth bringing. Here's a Perissa-focused list that skips the obvious and flags what people actually forget.
The Santorini-specific essentials
These are the things that make a real difference on the black-sand coast:
- Water shoes or sturdy sandals. Perissa's black sand gets scorching hot by midday and there are pebbly, rocky patches — protect your feet for the walk to the water and for rockier coves.
- Serious sun protection. The Aegean sun is intense. Pack a high-SPF sunscreen (buy extra; it's dearer on the island), a wide-brim hat, and good sunglasses. Consider a reef-friendly sunscreen for swimming.
- Comfortable walking shoes. Trainers or proper sandals for the caldera paths, the Ancient Thera climb above Perissa and the stepped old ports — not flip-flops.
- A light layer. Evenings and boat trips can be breezy, and the island's summer Meltemi wind can pick up — a light jacket or cardigan earns its place.
- A scarf or sarong. Doubles as church cover (shoulders and knees) and shade on the beach.
Beach and swim kit
- Two swimsuits (one's always drying), a quick-dry beach towel (many hotels ask you not to take room towels to the beach).
- A dry bag or waterproof phone pouch for boat trips to the volcano and hot springs — the iron-rich water can stain, so wear older swimwear there.
- Snorkel gear if you like it — the clearer coves reward it.
Clothes
Santorini is casual. Light, breathable cotton and linen by day; something a little smarter for a caldera-view dinner if you're splashing out. Include the light evening layer above, and remember the church-cover scarf.
Practical bits people forget
- Cash. Carry some euros — small tavernas, beach kiosks, buses and the cable car sometimes prefer cash, and some ATMs charge fees.
- Refillable water bottle. Tap water on Santorini is largely desalinated and best not drunk, so buy large bottles and refill — a bottle saves money and plastic; check whether your stay offers filtered water.
- Basic medical kit. Blister plasters (all that walking), rehydration sachets, motion-sickness tablets for boat trips, and any prescriptions — island pharmacies are good but stock can be limited.
- Adaptor. Greece uses the European Type C/F plug, 230 V.
- A power bank for long days out shooting sunsets and caldera views.
When you're packing, think about timing
What you bring shifts a little with the season — high summer is all sun kit, while spring and autumn want an extra layer and maybe light rain cover. See the best time to visit Perissa to match your bag to the month, and is Perissa worth visiting if you're still deciding on the black-sand side of the island.
Frequently Asked Questions
What should I definitely pack for Santorini?
Beyond the obvious swimwear and summer clothes, three things really matter on Santorini: water shoes or sturdy sandals (the black volcanic sand at Perissa gets scorching hot and beaches are pebbly in places), serious sun protection (a high-SPF sunscreen, hat and sunglasses — the sun here is fierce), and comfortable walking shoes for the caldera paths and archaeological sites. A light layer for breezy evenings and boat trips rounds it out.
Do I need water shoes for Perissa beach?
They're genuinely worth it. Perissa and Perivolos are black volcanic-sand beaches that heat up enough by midday to burn bare feet, and there are pebbly and rocky patches at the water's edge and on nearby coves. Water shoes or sturdy flip-flops make the walk to the sea painless and protect your feet when swimming off rockier spots.
Is there a dress code for Santorini's churches and monasteries?
Yes, at religious sites. To enter churches and monasteries you'll usually need shoulders and knees covered — pack a light scarf or sarong you can throw on over beachwear, which doubles as sun cover. Everyday dress on Santorini is otherwise relaxed and casual.
What should I wear for the caldera and Ancient Thera?
Proper walking shoes or trainers, not flip-flops. The caldera-edge paths, the steps down to old ports, and the climb to Ancient Thera above Perissa are steep, uneven and often on loose ground, with little shade. Add a hat, water and sunscreen — these are the spots where the sun and the terrain catch people out.
