The Packing List: Amalfi Coast

Hey there, lovelies!

From what I’ve been hearing recently, it seems like the Amalfi Coast is either everyones’ dream destination or IS everyones’ summer vacation destination! If you fall into the latter group, today I am going to use the experience I’ve gained the past couple of years visiting this area to help y’all pack smart!

By the looks of the style board I’ve put together, I’ve kind of made it seem like the Amalfi Coast is only a destination for those seeking a warm weather beach going vacation. However, that’s just one of the types of vacations you can find yourself experiencing in this area. If you’re unfamiliar with the Amalfi Coast, first let me show you the area of Italy we are talking about here!

ZOOMED OUT VIEW

The Amalfi Coast is located in the southwestern portion of Italy. More information on how to get to this area in a future post!

ZOOMED IN VIEW

As you can see, most of the places you see tagged on social media from this area are pretty far from each other and take a lot of effort and planning to get to. The actual Amalfi Coast is a 50km stretch of land that begins in Sorrento and ends in Salerno.

amalfi coast, amalfi coast map, amalfi coast italy

When you arrive in this magical area, you will see that the towns that are situated along the Amalfi Coast sit at the bottom of or within steep, rock cliffsides so, while you may be going to relax on the beach, there is surely more to do if you happen to have an interest in hiking, wine, cooking and spectacular views! I absolutely love the variety you get when you come here!

So, sure, you may want to pack a good majority of the items I have featured in the style board, but there are a few other essentials you may need depending on the activities you have intentions of partaking in! In a later post, I’ll be sharing some of the things I’ve done in the area that I’ve enjoyed and would recommend as well as a potential 10-day itinerary to give you an idea of how to situate your time in the area.

With all of this in mind, here are some key items to remember to pack for your trip!

Clothing That Suits Your Vacation Preferences

sorrento, italy, bougainvillea, stripe swing dress, jean jacket, alyson haley, aviator sunglasses
Shop this outfit here!

So, as I’ve mentioned, there are so many potential activities for you to do but, to put it simply, I’d put the items you may need to bring into three categories: casual / everyday items, activewear items and beachwear items.

CASUAL / EVERYDAY ITEMS: The casual / everyday items will be for those days where you are venturing to a nearby town along the Amalfi Coast to shop or enjoy a cooking class or simply meander through and enjoy the sites! You can also use these clothes to go to dinner in. Many of the restaurants are casual but I would bring a couple of pairs of jeans in the early Spring as it does get a bit chilly in the evenings.

ACTIVEWEAR ITEMS: If you’re all about getting out in nature, hiking and seeing some stunning vistas, then I highly suggest you bring some activewear items with you! It gets hot in June, July and August so choose your items carefully!

BEACHWEAR ITEMS: You can’t go somewhere by the sea without allowing yourself some time by the water on a lounge chair so definitely be sure to bring some beachwear items with you, as well!

In regard to how many bathing suits you bring, it all depends on how long you’re there but I’d say to remember, you can always rinse them off in the shower at the end of the day and sit them out to dry overnight.

Shoes That Suit Your Vacation Preferences

path of the gods, path of the gods hike, amalfi coast hikes, italy
Highly recommend the Path of the Gods hike! Outfit details here!

One of the great things about the Amalfi Coast is that you can spend the day on the beach or hiking a trail that takes you almost as high as the clouds – well, that’s how it feels, at least! With that said, you will need to be sure you pack appropriately based on what you think you and your party will be doing while on your vacation!

FLATS / LOAFERS: Since I went in the beginning of the season, in late April / early May, I felt it would be best to bring along some flat espadrille and loafer flats in case I didn’t find it to be warm enough to walk around in sandals en route to dinner. If you are looking at the weather and you think you may need to bring a pair or two of those with you, here are some that I personally love or think are cute:

PRO-TIP: Do not pack a pair of shoes you have NEVER worn before! Blisters caused by uncomfortable or stiff shoes after lots of walking are lethal to the enjoyment of your vacation.

Outfit details for the above outfit can be found HERE!

SANDALS / FLIP FLOPS: For those leisurely strolls, walks to the beach and day trips to neighboring towns, I’d recommend flat sandals and flip flops.

SNEAKERS: For those days spent hiking or longer days spent exploring, I’d recommend being good to your feet and wearing sneakers.

In Positano, there are a lot of inclines and declines, as well as steep staircases, so wedges and heels are discouraged. In the other cities along the coast, you’ll find this, as well as cobblestone streets.

NOTE: You’ll see in some of my outfit posts from the area that I did bring heels and wedges but, I can assure you, I put them on at the door of the restaurant ha! Wearing them around Positano, or anywhere along the Amalfi Coast, is a WORK. OUT. A lot of restaurants are very casual and there’s no need for heels or wedges, but there are some where it would be more appropriate, and I’ll go into that in the restaurant guide for Positano. I would just recommend wearing a handbag that is large enough to put your flip flops or flats in after you have put your heels on.

Accessories That Suit Your Vacation Preferences

positano, positano beach, amalfi coast, what to wear in positano
Shared this outfit and my new summer accessory favorites in this post!

ACTIVE: For the active gals, be sure to bring a water bottle and hat with you on your hikes:

RELAXED: For all of you beachgoers, I would suggest bringing a hat, water bottle and sunglasses:

Being that it’s summer, I’d also recommend bringing a couple of fun jewelry accessories that you know you’ll wear quite a few times. I brought these new Kendra Scott earrings and wore them so many times!

Sun Protection – No Matter Your Vacation Preferences

Dress | Sandals | Bracelet | Sunglasses | Hair Tie | Handbag

If there is one thing that is for sure, you will need sun protection in Italy, most especially if you’re visiting in June, July and August. These months, particularly August, is extremely hot and the UV index is always at 10! The chance of rain is also much smaller during these months. Last year, they had five months straight of no rain so, be sure to pack some of the following and put it on each morning and reapply throughout the day!

I hope that helps make packing a little easier for anyone traveling to the Amalfi Coast this year! It is an amazing vacation destination and I hope you have the absolute best time! More posts on this area coming soon! xo.

SHOP THE PACKING LIST

Editor's Notes

Do your best to pack light for this area! Pack items you can rewear or wear with multiple outfits. The reason being is that, due to the unique physical makeup of the area, it can be difficult to transfer from one location to another, which a lot of people do if you’re staying for a week or more. If you’re staying in Positano then transferring to Capri, it will involve you finding a way to get your luggage down to the beach area to board a ferry. You can usually hire a porter to do this for you but, if you’re on a budget, you’ll have to get your bags down there yourself, which involves stairs. You’ll also then be managing getting your suitcases on & off ferries so the fewer you’re managing, the better!

thoughts?

32 Comments

  1. Sabiha wrote:

    So many great ideas! And how lucky you are going to the Amalfi Coast – that will be amazing x

    http://www.franklyflawless.com

    Published 5.15.18 · Reply
    • AlysonHaley wrote:

      I actually just got back! 🙂 xo.

      Published 5.15.18 ·
  2. Jennifer wrote:

    I really want to go!! All of your pictures are amazing!! It looks gorgeous!

    Jennifer
    Effortlessly Sophisticated

    Published 5.15.18 · Reply
  3. La Bijoux Bella | by mia wrote:

    Beautiful destinations to visit … really love ♥️ it!

    ??LA BIJOUX BELLA ??| By Mia | A Creative Lifestyle Blog

    Published 5.15.18 · Reply
  4. Constance wrote:

    Love your outfit ideas!! Your positano photos ate gorgeous. That orange is delightful!

    Published 5.15.18 · Reply
    • AlysonHaley wrote:

      Thanks, Constance!

      Published 5.17.18 ·
  5. Allie wrote:

    Your photos are lovely! Thank you for all the expert advice too, I’m always grateful to add to my travel knowledge for when we eventually travel somewhere.
    Also, thanks for all the outfit options! Can’t go wrong with options when packing! xAllie http://www.theallthatglittersblog.com

    Published 5.15.18 · Reply
    • AlysonHaley wrote:

      Glad I could help, Allie! xo.

      Published 5.17.18 ·
  6. Regina wrote:

    Loved this post! I’m going to Amalfi in September, and I had a question about the Path of the Gods hike. I know it’s one of the “must do’s” in Amalfi, and I really would like to go on it, but I’m worried about the height/vertigo/falling. I don’t mind a hike (fitness wise), but I freak out if I’m walking on rough terrain near the edge of the cliff (like if it seems like you’ll slip and fall off the edge haha). So how “scary” is the hike? Is it paved/established paths with a barrier between you and the edge of the cliff, or more of a raw climb?

    Published 5.15.18 · Reply
    • AlysonHaley wrote:

      Hey Regina! I totally understand your reservations. You are VERY high up but you have a lot of control over how close you get to the edge. I’m trying to remember about guardrails. For the most part, I don’t there think there was but, I THINK, on one part there was. The path, for the most part, is wide enough to give everyone room to walk it without the threat of falling. There is a rocky area you have to walk over, but it’s wide and you’re not ‘at the edge’ of anything really, and lots of stairs but, they wouldn’t allow people to navigate a trail that put people in clear, imminent danger. So, personally, I wouldn’t say it’s scary and I am someone who does, in some situations, get nervous about heights. In Ravello, Victoria and I were at Villa Cimbrone and there is a terrace that is situated at the edge of a cliff. It made me SO nervous to walk to the guardrail and look down. So, the Path of the Gods didn’t make me nervous the way that did and that HAD guardrails. I’d say, walk on the inside of the path at all times just in case you do experience vertigo and, obviously, go with someone! xo.

      Published 5.17.18 ·
  7. Michael @ Mile in My Glasses wrote:

    The Amalfi Coast is somewhere that will always be on my bucket list, it’s so beautiful and all the surrounding towns look incredible!!! Thanks for the packing tips Haley!

    I hope you’ve had a fantastic Tuesday,
    Michael
    https://www.mileinmyglasses.com

    Published 5.15.18 · Reply
    • AlysonHaley wrote:

      You’re welcome! You definitely need to plan a trip there one day! xo.

      Published 5.17.18 ·
  8. Erica Holland wrote:

    This post is giving me so much nostalgia! I want to be back! Hope you enjoyed the rest of your time in Positano after I saw you. Also, your packing tips are super on point. xoxo

    Published 5.15.18 · Reply
    • AlysonHaley wrote:

      Thanks, Erica!! Hope you and the hubs had an amazing honeymoon!!! xo.

      Published 5.17.18 ·
  9. Laura Botkin wrote:

    I hope I get to make the trip there once in my life! I’ll totally be using this list?

    Published 5.15.18 · Reply
    • AlysonHaley wrote:

      You will! Just set your mind to making it happen! 🙂 xo.

      Published 5.17.18 ·
  10. NicSal515 wrote:

    So happy to see this pop up today! We are heading there Wednesday for 10 days for my bday and this is super helpful. Too close to order anything but can try to do similar things! Love it! Thanks a million!

    Published 5.15.18 · Reply
    • AlysonHaley wrote:

      Aw, amazing!! Have so much fun!! It’s such a beautiful part of the world! Lots to do! 🙂 xo.

      Published 5.17.18 ·
  11. Carlina Harris wrote:

    I’m heading next week, so def in need of these tips. thanks!
    xo carlina
    http://www.allergictovanilla.com/2018/05/matching-floral-twin-set.html

    Published 5.16.18 · Reply
    • AlysonHaley wrote:

      Glad I could help in time for your trip! xo.

      Published 5.17.18 ·
  12. Jamie Sperry wrote:

    I’m going in October! Do you have suggestions for a place to stay?

    Published 5.16.18 · Reply
    • AlysonHaley wrote:

      I’ll be sharing a post on areas of London I’d recommend staying! Stay tuned for that post! xo.

      Published 5.17.18 ·
  13. Stephanie wrote:

    When you travel how do you pack your hats and have them manage to keep their shape?

    Published 6.6.18 · Reply
    • AlysonHaley wrote:

      I just carry them 🙂

      Published 6.7.18 ·
  14. Ashleu blackington wrote:

    I’m so glad I saved this post as I’m going to the Amalfi Coast next week and the weather is transitioning to fall! Now I’m just stressing about not bringing a large bag due to the hikes to get to hotels/Airbnb’s!

    Published 10.1.18 · Reply
  15. Julie wrote:

    My daughter and I are traveling to Positano for a 7 day stay. This is our first time to visit any part of Italy…
    Are most of the restaurants that you’ve recommended friendly and accommodating even if you only speak English?

    Published 12.28.18 · Reply
    • AlysonHaley wrote:

      Yes, most places have no problem speaking English. It’s a very touristy place so it’s a pretty ‘easy’ place for English speaking people to go to.

      Published 12.30.18 ·
  16. Marissa Fitzgerald wrote:

    I loved the style/packing guide! My husband and I are going to Positano the last week of April and I am little overwhelmed by what to pack and what the weather will be like. It seems like most of what you wore and packed were more geared towards warmer weather. Were you cold at all? We have a few boat tours planned and I feel like I wont even need a bathing suit for it. We would love to lay on the beach a day or two but it seems the weather will be in the 60s. Thanks!

    Published 3.7.19 · Reply
  17. Shirley Dachille wrote:

    Good information. Very helpful to categorize clothing needed. What do you suggest for casual clothes for men, especially in restaurants? Do men wear shorts there as casual wear?

    Published 4.27.19 · Reply
  18. CARMEN WHITEHEAD wrote:

    BEAUTIFUL

    Published 7.31.20 · Reply
  19. Janis wrote:

    May I ask how old you are? For a fit 69 year old running around on a road scholar tour I don’t think your outfits would work. I love the looks but I have no need to look 30 anymore. I noticed your really didn’t have any type of hiking wear in your pictures so feel you may prefer the gym.

    Published 7.16.23 · Reply
    • AlysonHaley wrote:

      Hi Janis, I wrote this blog post when I was about 33. If my outfits don’t work for you, that’s completely fine. Wear what makes sense for you 🙂 I didn’t bring hiking gear with me, no … as I was only wanting to go on one hike and I felt that my tennis shoes would suffice. It’s not a trail that would require hiking boots as it was quite easy and flat.

      Published 7.24.23 ·