The Ultimate Packing Guide for the Amalfi Coast

A trip to the Amalfi Coast or any of the nearby islands is bound to be relaxing. However with the naturally hilly landscape and towns dominated by stairs and winding pathways, you’ll want to bring along a wardrobe that allows you to stay cool and comfortable as you explore.

Tops

T-Shirts: Tee shirts will be your best friend when crafting a coastal wardrobe. They can be as simple as a high-quality basic or something a little fancier—think twist details, short-sleeve button ups, or stylish sleeveless shirts. Easy to style and layer, these lightweight tops are also easy to wash in a hotel sink for a quick wardrobe refresh.

Light Layers: Even though the Mediterranean climate typically promises gorgeous weather, you’ll probably need to add or remove layers when moving from air conditioning to the outdoors or transitioning from day to evening. Duster cardigans maintain an easy, unstructured silhouette while still adding warmth. Make sure to keep one on hand while traveling by ferry to combat the sea breeze.

Bottoms

Linen Pants & Shorts: Contrary to popular belief, it’s completely fine to wear jeans on your European vacation. However, with the climate of the region and the beachy atmosphere, denim may not be your most comfortable choice. Swap the jeans in favor of linen or cotton pants and shorts. A loose-fitting pair will keep you feeling cool and looking put together even in casual outfits.

Skirts: Skirts are another staple in the Amalfi wardrobe. Midi or maxi length cuts in flowing fabrics will keep you cool and are easily dressed up or down for any activity.

Dresses & Rompers

The core of the Amalfi style lies in sundresses. No matter where you’re shopping—Positano, the town of Amalfi, Ischia’s Via Roma—you will run into dozens of shops lined with brightly patterned dresses, skirts, and rompers in a relaxed bohemian style. Fit right in by focusing on bright airy colors, large patterns, flowy hemlines, and flutter sleeve silhouettes.

Midi-Length Sundresses & Maxi Dresses: Any dress in a lightweight, breezy fabric will fit perfectly on your packing list. This flutter-sleeve mini dress from Madewell is perfect for everyday adventuring around the islands, while this tiered-maxi ensemble would be right at home enjoying an evening aperitif on a coastal patio.

Multipurpose Rompers: Rompers are the perfect throw-on-and-go vacation outfit. They can be paired with simple sandals for a daytime look or dressed up with some travel heels for fancier dinners. Both this mini option form Lulus and this longer jumpsuit from Anthropologie are versatile for several activities.

Swimwear

With over 100 beaches on the Amalfi Coast and the shores of Capri, Ischia, and Procida waiting to be discovered, swimsuits should be number one on your packing list. You’ll need swimwear not only for ocean-based activities, but also for hotel pools and the many thermal hot springs that dot the coast and the islands, including the oldest spa in the world. Other swimwear necessities include:

Cover-Up: An essential item for walking from your hotel room to the pool, relaxing beachside, or walking around the spa.

Flip-Flops: No one wants to wear sneakers on the beach. While some hotels may provide flip-flops in-room, they’re an easy essential to throw in your suitcase without taking up too much space.

Water Shoes: If you prefer to protect your feet from rocks and shells during a dip in the ocean, water shoes or beach shoes are a good idea. This traditional pair from Lands’ End are a classic standby, but there are more fashionable options on the market as well.

Whether staying on the coast or on one of the islands, the charming narrow roads and dizzying hills of the region will require a lot of walking. Make sure your footwear is up to the task.

Walking Shoes: White sneakers are fashionable and versatile, but will get dirty quickly, especially if you plan to explore any of the nearby archaeological sites. Save the pristine kicks for the city and go for shoes in darker, warmer tones.

Hiking Shoes: While this region isn’t known for hiking, there are still plenty of opportunities for sporty travelers to get out and explore nature. If you see yourself hitting the trails on your vacation, skip the bulky hiking boots and opt for a pair of sturdy hiking sneakers instead.

Sturdy Sandals: Sandals are the ideal Amalfi footwear—elevated, versatile, and cool. Look for sandals that combine fashion and stability, with adjustable heels straps to keep them secure on your feet, like the Kayla sandals from Naot.

When prepping for any vacation, there are a few toiletry essentials you should never leave behind, including:

• Toothpaste
• Toothbrush
• Floss
• Mouthwash
• Skincare
• Deodorant
• Nail clippers
• Tweezers
• Lip balm
• Prescription and OTC medications (packing tip: pack these in their original bottles and carry a doctors note)
• Makeup & Makeup Remover
• Glasses
• Contact Lenses & Contact Solution
• Shampoo & Conditioner (pro-tip: solid shampoo and conditioner bars aren't subject to TSA 3-1-1 size limitations)
• Shaving cream & razor
• Menstrual products
  
  When traveling to the Gulf of Naples region, however, these necessities are particularly important:
  
  Moisturizer: A good moisturizer is key to any skincare routine, but particularly important when spending time in the sun and salt air, both of which can be drying to the skin.
  
  Reef-Safe Sunscreen: If planning to spend a significant portion of your vacation outdoors enjoying the beautiful Mediterranean weather, then a high quality facial SPF and body sunscreen are necessary to protect your skin’s health. Opt for a reef-safe option to protect yourself and the environment.
  
  Aloe Lotion: Despite our best efforts, sometimes sunburns happen. When they do, you’ll be glad to have a relieving lotion on hand.

A few key specialty items will have you fully prepared for your Amalfi escape. From special medications to sun safety gear, these items should definitely earn a spot in your luggage.

Motion Sickness Medication: If you’re prone to motion sickness and plan to visit Capri, Ischia, or Procida, motion sickness medication is a must. Although the ferry to get to the islands from Naples is relatively smooth, the smaller hydrofoils that carry people around the Amalfi Coast and between the islands run decidedly rougher. Furthermore, the roads on Amalfi and the islands tend to be winding to accommodate the hilly landscape, so pack plenty to last you. If you need to pick up some medication on-the-go, pharmacies in Italy are plentiful, called farmacia and frequently marked by a bright green “plus” sign.

Sun Hat: The Amalfi Coast is an intensely sunny region, especially during the dry summer months. Pack a sun hat to shield you from the harsh rays. For peak sun protection opt for a wide brim sun hat that provides shade to your entire face, rather than a baseball hat that leaves the back of your neck and lower face exposed.

Travel Iron or Steamer: A surprising fact about Italy—very few hotels will provide irons to guests, either in-room or at reception. Avoid a wrinkly wardrobe or the hassle of hotel laundry by bringing a mini travel iron or steamer. In a pinch, a hair straightener on a low setting can be used to flatten out minor wrinkles.

Voltage Converter: Make sure you’re able to keep your electronics charged. In addition to your basic plug adapter, a voltage converter is useful to have on hand to charge larger appliances like laptops and tablets.

Sunglasses: Another defense against the sunny weather, polarized sunglasses with UV protection should be a top priority on your Amalfi packing list.

Jewelry: Jewelry is an often forgotten item on a packing list, small enough to easily slip one’s mind in favor of other major items. Avoid this by packing your jewelry in a ziplock bag or small case and keeping it in your carry on, or wear the jewelry you plan to pack on your travel day (just make sure to remove it before heading through security).

The temperatures on the Amalfi Coast stay relatively warm throughout the year, with even late autumn remaining pleasantly mild. However, even a small shift in weather can call for a shift in wardrobe. Here is a look at the Amalfi Coast and islands throughout the year and what tweaks you need to make to your packing list to best prepare for travel in any season.

Spring temperatures in the Gulf of Naples region hover in the mid-50s Fahrenheit (mid-10s Celsius) at the beginning of the season in March and rise to the low 60s Fahrenheit (roughly 15° Celsius) by May. A light jacket, like a bomber or denim jacket, will come in handy. Those who are particularly sensitive to chilly weather may want to include a few long-sleeved shirts in their rotation. And, as always, a cardigan is a must. During this time of year, travelers can comfortably get away with jeans and slightly thicker fabrics.

Summer temperatures in the Gulf of Naples region jump up in June, with average temperatures in the low 70s Fahrenheit (low 20s Celsius) and rising to the mid-70s Fahrenheit (mid-20s Celsius) by August. Travelers can safely lean into their summer wardrobe as the days are predominantly sunny and hot. Weigh your wardrobe towards shorts and skirts and focus on lightweight fabrics like linen or cotton.

Autumn is an off season for the Amalfi region, but is still a beautiful time to visit for those who want to avoid the crowds but still experience some sunshine. The climate begins to cool back down in the fall, with temperatures starting off at a balmy average of roughly 70° Fahrenheit (21° Celsius) in September and reaching the mid-50s Fahrenheit (mid-10s Celsius) by November.

As autumn progresses, travelers can once again bring back the denim without fear of overheating. Long-sleeved shirts and light jackets are appropriate but may not always be necessary. Certain areas of Amalfi see the leaves change in autumn, so make sure you pack your walking shoes to trek out to the best spots.

Winter is firmly the off season for Capri, Procida, Ischia, and the Amalfi Coast. Many local businesses and hotels will be closed for the season, only reopening intermittently for special events. However, if you’re looking for fewer crowds and solitude in a beautiful destination, then a winter Amalfi trip is not out of the question.

You’ll need warmer clothes, but not significantly so—winter temperatures in the region remain in the high 40s Fahrenheit (nearly 10° Celsius) or above and snow is a rarity. Layering will be key as you move from the chilly outdoors to heated indoors spaces. Although it's winter time, remember to still bring along sunblock.

Ferries run year-round from Naples to Ischia, Procida, and Capri. However other ferry and hydrofoil routes are subject to seasonality—for example the boats running between the Amalfi Coast and Capri. are only operational between mid-April and October. Make sure to check in on ferry availability during your target travel dates, and book tickets well ahead of time as seasonal routes book up quickly.

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