Packing list for the Amalfi Coast

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The Amalfi coast is filled with steep, cliff-side towns whose streets are made of cobblestones and which can only be navigated via many many stairs.

On our trip to the Amalfi Coast, we will spend time walking these villages, jumping on boats and the beautiful Mediterranean Sea, going on hikes with incredible views and foraging forests, lemon farms and wineries.

This means wearing outfits that can take you from lunch to aperitivo, from walking in steep cobblestone streets to visiting a winery or going to the beach.

See our Amazon Amalfi Coast summer packing list with all the product recommendations mentioned here.

What to expect in the summer months in the Amalfi Coast

To get right to our packing list and tips, click here, otherwise keep reading for everything you’ll need to know about the weather in the Amalfi Coast during the summer.

Summers in Amalfi are warm and the sun stays up until late. However, not all summer months are made equal. 

June sees long days where the sun is up until past 9pm and summer solstice celebrations abound. It is a wonderful month with warm temperatures, beautiful evenings, extra long days and plenty of celebrations. It is a month we love because it is the beginning of summer and spirits are high with anticipation. 

July and August are hot and sticky and temperatures can make sightseeing unpleasant in the heat of the day. To add to that, August is the month when Italians take holidays so the throngs of tourists are only made worse by the many locals who like to spend their summers here.

September is the similar to June in temperatures and the days are still long, rains are low and it is the wine harvest season. The sea remains warm from the summer and the crowds start to dwindle.

Weather in the Amalfi Coast in the summer

Summertime in Amalfi runs from June to September, officially, from the 23rd of June until the 23rd of September but each month is slightly different.

The weather in July and August is hot, with temperatures well above the 30 C (86 F) and humidity levels approaching 100%. In the peak hours of the day, you can’t do much, which is why everyone heads to the beach or takes a break. Siestas are also an Italian tradition.

Although both June and September share a similar weather outlook, there are also some differences; one is at the beginning of the summer while the other is the end of it, so the atmosphere varies and the climate is slightly different.

The weather in June in the Amalfi Coast

June is a beautiful month to visit the Amalfi Coast, perhaps our favorite. Summer solstice festivals abound, and everyone is happy to head back to the beach.

Temperatures in June are mild and range from 22 to 27 C (67 to 80 F). Rainfall is low in June and when it happens, it is short, and the sun is up an average of 15h a day making it a great sightseeing month.

Evenings can get a bit chilly so a light jacket is welcome if you plan to eat at the many terraces or enjoy a stroll back to your accommodation. The sea temperature is lower than in September.

The weather in September in the Amalfi Coast

In September, locals are more laid back and relaxed after the summer holidays and they anticipate fall with a clearer mind and a rested body.

Days continue to be long, though sunshine drops from 15 to 12.5 hours since the days are shorter than in June (though still very long) but the temperatures are the same. You should still expect temperatures between 20 to 26 C (65 to 78 F) for the month.

The probability of rain remains low and showers are quick and short and the sea temperature is higher than in June.

Tips when packing for the Amalfi Coast in summer

With the above weather conditions in mind, it is important to pack accordingly for a trip to Amalfi Coast in the summer, not so much for cultural reasons but to make sure you are comfortable. 

See all our item recommendations in one place on our Amazon Storefront here.

Footwear for steep, cobblestone streets

The Amalfi Coast is perched on the side of a cliffs with villages carved from the rock and perilously hanging over the abyss. It is also an old part of Italy, developed centuries ago and preserved until today.

These two unique aspects of the coast mean a few things:

  1. Lots of stairs, steep ramps and streets that may be hard to climb but even harder on your knees to descend.
  1. Cobblestone streets with uneven surfaces and rocky, sometimes slippery, surfaces.
  1. Hiking gravel paths with lots of stairs connecting villages that can otherwise only be accessed on the very windy coastal road.
  1. Rocky coast and pebble beaches.

High-heels or very flat shoes without grip or support will make your feet tired and walking the wonderful villages more challenging. 

A pair of cute sneakers like the ever present Italian brand Superga or any other sturdy pair of shoes that provides support (aka holds your foot in place) and cushion (for the long days of walking) are a great idea. These Dr. Scholl’s sneakers are our choice for class, versatility and comfort.

For the beach, which pebley of make of concrete slabs, the coast and the boat trips, waterproof sandals or flip flops with ankle straps will come in handy.

A proper pair of sneakers is essential if you plan to walk longer, go on hikes or be on your feet for longer. Technical hiking shoes are probably not required unless you plan on a hiking trip.

Italians are not big fans of AC

While the weather will be hot outside, many restaurants and bars are open air and rely on the sea breeze.

Public indoor spaces such as hotel receptions, restaurants and museums, will have AC, though it is not something readily available and when it is, it will not be as strong as in the US or parts of Asia.

On our other women-only tours in hot destinations like Greece, Italy’s Amalfi Coast and Tanzania, guests have raved about this portable air conditioner you wear around your neck, which can help if you are someone who overheats easily.

Beware of pickpockets

Europe is generally a very safe continent for solo female travelers but popular tourist destinations such as London, Paris, Milan or Florence are magnets for pickpockets who, believe me, are absolute pros. 

When walking the many touristy villages or wandering the streets of Naples, you should be extra alert to anyone trying to distract you, asking something from you, etc. who may have hidden intentions. Never leave belongings unattended or in plain sight and keep everything inside a zipped handbag.

A cross-body bag that is always zipped and in front will help but the best safeguard is a slash-proof, anti-theft bag, designed for extra safety. There are a few anti-theft bag models that we specifically recommend because Meg and I, our team or many of our guests have used on our European tours:

  • Many of our guests have this one from Travelon that comes with a compartment for the water bottle. This has to be the most commonly used by our guests.
  • A waist bag option from Travelon that you can wear on your waist or across your chest like I always use mine. This makes it much more convenient to reach out for things and much closer to your body, so harder to steal from.
  • For shorter trips to the beach, or a half day excursion, a simpler water bottle with a compartment for some essentials is usually enough. Meg likes to use this one, to the amusement of her nephews who think she is “not cool enough”.

There are so many easy targets available in crowded places that, as soon as you make yourself a more difficult one, you raise the barrier for the average thief. 

Of course, never leave your valuables on the table when you sit down or hang the bag at the back of your chair or put it on the floor. Always on your lap and zipped. 

Everything goes, but locals like it stylish

In Amalfi Coast you can dress however you like with the weather and geography in mind. There are no restrictions, cultural or otherwise, on what clothes you should or should not wear.

Modesty is only required in religious buildings where you should cover knees and shoulders and a shawl is usually enough. 

High-end fine dining restaurants may be more traditional and old school and will most likely require long trousers, closed toe shoes and a jacket for men, but women have more freedom although sports clothes will not be welcome for either gender. 

However, if you want to blend in and dress like the locals, old-world elegant chic is the way to go in Amalfi with outfits that are stylish and romantic but appear to be effortless and charming.

Large brim hats, chic flowing dresses or those with timeless patterns or vintage lemon prints, oversized earrings and lemon patterns dominate.

How to dress at the beach

While comfort trumps style at the beach, people still dress nicely, and good appearance will get you far.

Denim shorts, flip flops and oversized clothing that doesn’t fit your shape easily distinguishes tourists from locals. However, your definition of classy may not be the same one as Italian’s.

Italian men are known to favor Speedos and you will see many older men wearing them. Women prefer bikinis although fashionable one-piece swim suits are more common these days.

Going topless is not frowned upon and you’ll see plenty of bare chested women. Nudism is not usually allowed, but there are some beaches that will allow it. Look for the appropriate signage to make sure you are following local rules.

While you can pretty much put on whatever on the beach and adjacent areas, do not take the beach attired to a restaurant unless it is one on the beach where it is easy to dress up any swimsuit with a sarong, a classy dress shirt, skirt or shorts.

Otherwise, eating out away from the beach, you will be expected to cover up, even if just throwing on a boho dress is expected.

Try the local designers

The Amalfi Coast has inspired many designers, film makers, celebrities and artists through the centuries and it should come as no surprise that you can buy not only fashion items manufactured in the region but also many inspired by it.

Dolce & Gabbana, while not local, are heavily inspired by the Amalfi Coast and have several prints, collections and even perfumes with the signature lemons.

Salvatore Ferragamo, my mum’s most favorite shoe brand, is from Florence, although the designer was originally from the south of Italy. Did you know that he found his calling at age 9 when he made a pair of shoes for his sister’s communion? He also has the highest number of patents for shoe designs.

When in Positano, check out Emporio Sirenuse at Le Sirenuse Positano, the fashion store adjacent to the hotel. This luxury outpost in the coast has its own label and represents everything that is glamorously chic of the Amalfi Coast.

And last but not least, check out Temptation Positano, a brand made locally that stocks outfits which are perfectly suited for the location and the summer vibes.

What to pack for summer in the Amalfi Coast

Now that you understand the weather and the fashion sense of the Amalfi Coast, it’s time to have a look at what to wear in the summer.

See all our item recommendations in one place on our Amazon Storefront here.

Lemon themed items

You’re in the Amalfi Coast so you should get at least one item that has lemons in it. Here are some suggestions:

Skirts

Skirts, of all lengths are the perfect, versatile option to bring for your trip to Tuscany. Here are a few suggestions:

Dresses

The best thing to wear during an Italian summer is a light, comfortable, flowy dress.

It can be long or short, mini or maxi, in a solid color or patterned, but generally, it is loose rather than tight, like this V-neck one, this statement tunic dress or this great summery option.

Think wrap-around dresses, spaghetti strap dresses, florals, etc. If you plan to visit churches or religious sites, you’ll be expected to cover your shoulders and knees.

For the night, if you are looking to dress up a bit more, a cute short dress paired with a nice clutch or a long dress with a pair of statement earrings will help you blend in.

Shorts

I like to wear lightweight linen shorts in the summertime. They are comfortable, easy to pair with a t-shirt or top and will keep you fresh when the sun is shining. 

To add a touch of class, wear a cut pair of chinos or cotton shorts.

Cropped pants, jumpsuits and rompers

I am a big fan of cropped pants because they can be really cute, come in a variety of materials and are fun yet conservative and cover me from the sun, plus they fit my silhouette. 

A pair of light crop denims like these ones or linen pants will come in handy.

You could also opt for floral jumpsuits, comfy and loose wide-legged jumpsuits or ruffle rompers. Many of our guests wear all these kinds of outfits for the comfort, look and easiness of only having to pack one item to make a full outfit.

Linen shirts and slacks

Linen is a great material for the hot summer weather and I love to wear it, especially in loose fitting shirts over leggings or as a pair of long trousers. 

The main issue with linen clothing is that it requires ironing and I don’t like to iron when I am on holidays. To minimize creasing, check out our packing hacks and roll the clothes. Or bring a portable travel steamer.

Swimwear

Whether you prefer a bikini or a swim suit, you can’t visit the Amalfi Coast in the summer without bringing appropriate swimwear with you, not just for the beach but for the hotel pools as well.

To complement that, bring a pair of water / reef shoes that will make it easier for you to walk on the pebble beaches and the rocky bays, or a pair of classier, statement, waterproof sandals.

A kaftan

Kaftan dresses are the perfect item to throw on after a long day of wine tasting, beach relaxing and pizza eating on our stunning women-only Amalfi tours. Did we mention our Tuscan villa has a wonderful pool with the typical postcard perfect views of the rolling hills around? 

That’s right, channel your inner goddess and Italian chic style with an embellished kaftan for poolside chilling, we will have an entire day dedicated to just that.

Cute t-shirts and tops

Italian women like to wear comfy but cute tshirts, sleeveless, strapless or tank tops and blouses that may be floral, with a design or have details that make them a bit more than just a white t-shirt.

Materials such as cotton and silk can dress you up and are light and fresh, linen works great in the summer.

Pretty and comfortable footwear

As we said, the shoes will be your most important item in your packing list. During the day, when wandering the colorful villages, a cute pair of casual sneakers such as the omnipresent and Italian-made Superga, are a good idea.

I also love to wear ballet flats which are comfortable and stylish. These ballet ones are made for walking and for travel and these golden ones are sleek and pair with everything.

You can also wear espadrilles, like these flat ones, these flowery summery ones or these ankle wrap strap ones that can go from day to night.

Flip flops or other open sandals that do not keep your foot in place will not protect your feet from twisting your ankle and are a bad idea.

In the evening, a pair of pretty wedge espadrilles like these pretty ankle strap ones or these ivory flatter ones will take you to the beach.

If you don’t have to walk a lot up / down hill, you can glam it up with a pair of flat embellished sandals or block heel sandals, or platform sandals, ideally with a rubber sole that offers grip.

A proper pair of sneakers are a must if you plan to go hiking. You do not need to bring hiking shoes but a good pair of sports / tennis shoes that have grip and are comfortable are strongly recommended.

A cute evening outfit

Italians like to dress up, we’ve mentioned that, and for dinner, they dress up extra nicely with pretty accessories, nice flowy dresses and perfect hair and makeup. Amalfi certainly dresses up at night!

You don’t have to follow local attire but if you like to, this is when you should bring out your most elegant and fashionable outfits.

This two piece ensemble would be perfect. Any of the dresses and skirts from Chicwish will add a touch of elegance and class.

Statement accessories

Italians like to dress up relatively neutral outfits with statement accessories for maximum impact. Pack a couple of pieces that transform your outfit:

  • A statement hat

Other things to pack for the Amalfi Coast

Besides clothing, there are a few other things worth packing for your trip to the Amalfi Coast in the summer.

A sun hat: As mentioned, the sun will be shining all day long so a hat is a great way to protect eyes and face from the sun exposure. Locals like straw hats. Check out this wide brim one.
A strapless bra: For all those tops and dresses, or if your outfit demands it, a stick-on one so you look perfect, or these best selling nipple covers if you don’t need the support. Find a comfy wire free strapless bra here.
European / universal plug adaptor: Italy uses standard two round prong European plugs. We like the ones which come with USB ports so that we can charge phones, cameras and everything else with just one adaptor. I love this one because it has USB ports for all the electronics i carry.
Power bank: Because the days will be long and you will spend many hours in the car, making several stops along the way, a power bank will ensure you can continue taking photos. This Anker Portable Charger has a 20,680mAh capacity, and fast-charging USB-C ports, you can power up your devices in a flash, while the LED display keeps you in the know about your battery level. It’s the perfect companion for road trips, travel adventures, or just surviving a long day out and about.
Sunglasses: We expect sunshine, so a pair of sunglasses is an essential travel item in the Amalfi Coast. I like Oakley sunglasses as they are polarized and protect my eyes from any damaging sun rays. I alway wear them. Yes, they are not fashionable, but I have sensitive eyes that don’t like bright days, so they are a lifesaver for me. Lately, they have been launching more modern and stylish models. Check out their store on Amazon.
Waterproof mobile phone case: This comes in handy to take with you in the water in case you go to the beach alone as you can stash other belongings like credit cards or money in it and make sure they are safely with you even if you go for a dip. This one is a commonly purchased one by our guests to Iceland who take it to the Blue Lagoon for pictures.
Water bottle: Single use plastic bottles are terrible for the environment so we recommend you bring your own reusable bottle as part of our efforts towards zero-waste and responsible travel. Tap water in Italy is safe to drink and you don’t need to bring a water filter, just your regular bottle will do. Replenish it in your room or at breakfast, or use any of the public fountains.
Sunscreen: Perhaps the most important item in this packing list for Croatia is sunscreen. The sun is very strong in the summer and you will be under its powerful rays for many hours, protecting your skin is key.  This one has amazing reviews on Amazon.
Mosquito repellent: Yes, mosquitoes are brutal in the summer, especially in the evening, so bring repellent and dose yourself at night. I have been using the Repel brand for decades.
A travel umbrella: We discussed the weather in the summer months earlier and you know that there is a low chance of showers at this time of year. We will be spending a lot of time outdoors and if showers appear, a travel umbrella will come in handy. This one weighs less than 500 grams. And is wind-resistant. Ponchos scream tourist and are not very stylish, if practical.
Lip balm: The sun makes it particularly tough for the skin and lips so you should bring a lip balm to stay moisturized. We find these are essential to not end up with completely ruined lips or even blisters. This best selling Neutrogena has SPF 15, so your lips will never be dry again!
Sleep mask: Although hotels have proper blinds, you will be sharing the room with another traveler who may be a late owl. Bring a sleep mask like this one to block the light. Or upgrade to Manta Sleep, I have been using the sound mask for months now and it is INCREDIBLE both for the flight as well as to sleep at night and get over the jetlag. It is magic when paired with my Calm app.
Travel pillow: If you are flying to Italy overnight, you will need a proper neck pillow to sleep and arrive rested. Me and Meg both use the Turtle neck.
Pajamas: As mentioned, you will most likely be sharing a room so don’t forget to pack your pajamas! Here’s a comfy choice from Amazon.
Ear plugs: It is never a bad idea to have a pair of earplugs handy, for the flight, a noisy neighbor or an antsy roommate. Check out these from Amazon.
First aid kit and medication: Available medications, brands and products in Italy may not be the same back home so it’s always best to bring everything you are used to and of course, all prescription medication or vitamins you take. We also recommend packing a basic first aid kit with items such as plasters, an antiseptic ointment, eye drops, hydration powder, etc. Have a look at our suggested first aid kit here. Make sure that you read the tips for traveling with medication to Italy in our travel tips to Amalfi Coast.
A shawl: Some religious buildings such as churches will require that you cover your shoulders and knees so a shawl or sarong comes in pretty handy in those situations. This beautiful one is very similar to the “manton de Manila” shawls worn by flamenco dancers.

What not to pack for summer in the Amalfi Coast

There are also a few things we do not recommend you bring to the Amalfi Coast if you are coming in the summer, mainly, because you won’t need them.

  • Hair dryer: Most hotels have them and if yours is old, you’ll also need to carry a converter or make sure it works with double voltage so that it does not get fried by the Italian 220V.
  • Hand bags that don’t close: You know the ones, the basket-style ones that don’t have a zipper to close them are a big no-no in Italy’s most popular tourist sights, unless you want to make pickpockets happy.
  • Dress like you are going on safari: I find it hilarious when I see tourists dressed like they are in the Serengeti, with khaki clothes, trousers that unzip to shorts and trekking boots, everyone will know you are a tourist and didn’t get the memo on dressing up.
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