What to Wear in Mykonos: Windproof Evening Layers, Cobblestone Sandals and Delos Gear

Mykonos is famous for its effortless, breezy "Cycladic resort chic" aesthetic, flowing white and pastel linen shirts, maxi dresses, tailored shorts and leather flat sandals look right at home from morning coffee in Chora to sunset cocktails in Little Venice. However, three physical realities of the island, painted granite flagstones, the unshaded ruins of Delos, and the constant Aegean breeze, should guide what you put in your suitcase.

Four Packing Non-Negotiables for Mykonos

1. Leave Stiletto Heels at Home, Pack Grippy Flat Leather Sandals, Espadrilles or Wedge Sandals: Mykonos Town (Chora) is 100% pedestrianised, and its streets are paved with uneven grey granite stones bordered by thick, glossy white paint that gets slippery at night. Even at upscale restaurants on Matogianni Street or beach clubs in Paraga, nobody wears thin stiletto heels (which sink between the stones); chic flat Greek leather sandals, platform espadrilles or clean white trainers are the universal uniform.
2. Closed-Toe Trainers + A Snug Sunhat for Delos Island: the archaeological trails of UNESCO-listed Delos, especially the climb up rocky Mount Kynthos, are uneven, dusty and completely exposed to the sun for three hours with zero tree shade. Wear cushioned trainers (not flip-flops), polarized sunglasses, high-SPF sunscreen and a hat that fits tightly or has a chin cord so the Aegean wind doesn't blow it into the sea.

3. A Light Denim Jacket, Pashmina Wrap or Linen Cardigan for Windy Evenings: because the northern Meltemi breeze blows across the island day and night from June to September, sitting right by the water in Little Venice, on the upper deck of the ferry, or up at Armenistis Lighthouse at sunset feels 5°C cooler than the thermometer reads.
4. A Light Scarf or Sarong for Monastery Visits: if you visit the 1542 Monastery of Panagia Tourliani in Ano Mera, shoulders and knees must be covered (keep a cotton sarong in your beach bag so you can stop at the monastery on your way back from Agios Sostis or Kalafatis). Check seasonal weather before flying.