You’ve finally booked that dream holiday to Italy. The flights are booked, the accommodation is sorted, and you’re counting down the days until your Italian adventure begins. But what on earth are you going to pack for Italy? Don’t panic. We’ve put together the ultimate packing list to make sure you’re prepared.
From the must-have fashion items for looking effortlessly chic strolling the cobbled streets of Rome, to the essentials for hiking the rocky trails of the Amalfi Coast, we’ve got you covered. With this complete guide, you can tick packing for Italy off your pre-holiday to-do list and focus on imagining yourself living la dolce vita.
Packing for Italy: Essential Items You Can’t Leave Behind
When packing for Italy, there are a few must-haves you simply can’t forget. Here are the essentials to throw in your suitcase:
- Comfortable walking shoes: You’ll be doing a lot of exploring, especially when there’s just so much to do in Italy, so pack breathable shoes with good arch support. Don’t forget to break them in before your trip!
- A versatile scarf: A large cotton scarf has many uses, from keeping you warm to protecting your shoulders from the sun. It can also dress up any outfit and doubles as a beach blanket or picnic towel for when you make a trip down to the Amalfi Coast.
- Sunglasses and sun protection: The Italian sun is strong, especially if you plan to go during summer, so pack sunglasses, sunscreen, and a hat.
- A lightweight jacket: Evenings can get chilly, especially if you’re dining al fresco (which you’ll definitely want to do), so bring a jacket. A foldable rain jacket is also useful in case of rain.
- A reusable water bottle: Fill up your bottle at fountains around cities and towns to stay hydrated in the heat. This also helps reduce plastic waste.
- A small day bag: Use a bag to carry essentials when out exploring. Look for one with zippered pockets to deter pickpockets.
- A camera: You’ll be surrounded by beauty everywhere you look, so make sure to pack your camera. Don’t forget extra batteries and memory cards – you’ll be taking loads and loads of pictures for sure.
- Adaptors and chargers: Italy uses Type C and F plugs, so bring adaptors and chargers for your electronics.
- A money belt or neck wallet: Carry cash, cards and documents in a concealed money belt under your clothes for security. Italy is known to have the most pickpockets in Europe, so keeping your valuables safe is an absolute must!
- Your passport: The most important thing before embarking on any trip – your passport (and any other required documents you may need). The last thing you want is to be held back by airport security.
Clothing & Footwear: Dressing for an Italian Holiday
Packing the right clothes for Italy means preparing for any type of weather while also looking stylish. After all, Italians are known for their impeccable sense of fashion. For your trip, here are some clothing essentials to include:
For Her
- Light Tops: Pack at least 6 light tops that you can easily pair with any bottoms. Neutral colours like black, white, and earth tones can be easily mixed and matched with anything, giving you more outfit options throughout the trip.
- Dressy Tops: Be sure to bring 3-4 dressier tops that you can wear during the evening for dinners or night outs in the town.
- Long-Sleeve Shirts: Remember to pack about 2 long-sleeve shirts because, at times, it could get a little chilly at night, so you should always be prepared.
- Dress/Skirt: It is important to bring at least 2 to 3 of your favourite dresses or skirts as you can easily dress them down or dress them up. It’ll definitely look cute in all your snapshots for the Gram.
- Shorts: Some days will be hot, so bring around 2-4 pairs of shorts because they are essential for walking around and exploring during the daytime heat.
- Jeans/Leggings: Always have at least 1 pair of jeans and 1 pair of comfortable leggings.
- Belt: Make sure you remember to pack a belt (if you need one) as it’s something easily forgotten on a trip.
- Jacket: Pack one comfortable lightweight jacket for the plane and another one that you can dress up with when going out (like denim or leather).
Tip: A Merino Wool sweater is also a good item to bring. It is light and won’t take up much space in your suitcase. It can keep you warm when the temperatures drop in the evening or if you’re caught off guard by some unexpected windy winter days. - Underwear: Bring at least 8 pairs of underwear (1 for each day of the week, plus an extra one) so you don’t have to keep washing your delicates on the sink.
- Bras: You could pack 2-4 bras, ideally 2 comfortable ones, one sports bra, and one strapless bra, or you can bring some pasties to save on space.
- Pyjamas: Keep in mind to bring 2 pyjama sets (one set that is long-sleeved just in case it is chilly).
- Comfy Shirts: Pack a couple of comfortable t-shirts that you can use to lounge in or for travel days.
- Socks: Take with you 8 pairs of socks (1 for each day of the week, plus an extra pair).
- Swimwear: Pack at least 2 swimsuits or more if you plan on going to some coastal areas like Amalfi or Puglia.
- Cover-Up: One stylish cover-up to wear over your swimsuit is key.
- Running shorts/leggings: Always have 1 pair of running shorts or any type of sport shorts or leggings in case you want to get a quick sweat in during your vacation.
- Dry-fit shirt: It’s always handy to have 1-2 quick dry shirts if you plan on exercising during the trip.
- Hat and sunglasses: Pack a hat or cap because it can come in useful during sunny days.
- Running Shoes: Wear them at the airport so you don’t have to pack them.
- Cute but comfortable sneakers
- Cute but comfortable walking sandals
- Dress shoes
- Jewellery: If you like to accessorize, make sure to bring your necklaces, earrings, rings, bracelets, and watches.
For Him
- Cotton Shirts: Pack at least 5 of your favorite cotton shirts which you can easily pair with jeans or shorts.
- Dress / Collared Shirts: Bring at least 2 dress or collared shirts for when you want to experience Italy’s night life and fine dining.
- Jeans / Trousers: Pack at least 2 pairs of pants for when you need to dress up.
- Shorts: For the hotter days, you should have 2 to 3 different types of shorts that are comfortable.
- Long-Sleeve Shirts: Make sure you have two long-sleeve shirts for potentially chillier days.
- Jacket: Bring at least one jacket because nights can get chilly. We recommend wearing one on the plane to save some luggage space.
- Belt: Make sure you pack a belt or wear it on your jeans on the plane so you don’t forget it.
- Briefs/boxers: You could pack at least 8 pairs (1 for each day of the week, plus an extra one).
- Pyjamas: Don’t forget 2 comfy pyjama sets (one set that is long-sleeved just in case it is chilly).
- Socks: Pack 8 pairs of socks (1 for each day of the week, plus an extra pair).
- Swimwear: We recommend bringing at least 2 swimming trunks or more if you plan on going to some coastal areas.
- Running shorts/leggings: Always have 1 pair of running shorts or any type of sport shorts or leggings in case you want to get a quick sweat in during your vacation.
- Dry-fit shirt: It’s always handy to have 1-2 quick dry shirts if you plan on exercising during the trip.
- Hat and sunglasses: Pack a hat or cap because it can come in useful during sunny days.
- Running Shoes
- Comfortable walking shoe
- Slides
- Dress shoes
Packing Based On Italy’s Weather Conditions
Of course, the above is just a general guideline, and you still should pack based on the time of year you’re visiting Italy. Italy has a Mediterranean climate with hot, dry summers and short, mild winters. Summers are sweltering, winters are chilly, especially in the North, and spring and autumn can be rainy. Make sure to check the weather forecast for your dates so you can pack accordingly.
- Summer (June-August): Light, breathable clothing, shorts, T-shirts, sandals, swimwear, sundresses for women.
- Spring/Autumn (April-May, Sept-Oct): Light jacket, trousers, long skirts/dresses, scarf, comfortable walking shoes, umbrella.
- Winter (December-February): Thicker jacket, jumpers, trousers, scarf, gloves, hat, waterproof boots.
Toiletries & Medicines: Must-Have Self-Care Essentials
When packing for Italy, don’t forget to bring essential toiletries and any important medicines or healthcare products you may need. Some key things to pack include:
- Pain relievers (like paracetamol or ibuprofen): These can come in handy for headaches or minor aches and pains from lots of walking or travel.
- Any prescription medications (clearly labelled): Bring extras in case of delays or issues. You’ll also want to bring a list of any medical conditions or allergies and the details of your prescriptions in case of emergencies.
- Basic toiletries: toothbrush, toothpaste, dental floss, mouthwash, soap, shampoo, conditioner, deodorant, moisturiser, hand sanitizer, wet wipes, tissues, etc. Unless you have a favourite brand, you can find most toiletries in Italy, but pack travel-sized versions to get you started.
- Feminine hygiene products: Pack extras as brands and types can differ in Italy.
- Contraceptives: If needed, bring an adequate supply as types and brands may be different in Italy.
- First aid kit: Pack bandages, gauze, antiseptic, alcohol swabs, plasters, etc. for any minor cuts, blisters or injuries.
- Any important healthcare devices: bring extras of contact lenses, glasses, blood sugar testing kits, etc. in case of damage or loss.
- Motion sickness remedies: If prone to motion sickness or dizziness, bring medication or acupressure wrist bands, which can be helpful for winding roads, boats or buses.
Tech & Travel Accessories: Stay Connected on the Go
While you’ll want to disconnect from technology at times to fully immerse yourself in the Italian experience, bringing the right tech gear will ensure you stay connected when needed. Make sure you pack the following:
- Your mobile phone: As if you’d ever forget this, right? But make sure you pack your charger or a power bank too. This will be extremely useful when you need to recharge on the go during all your fun Italian adventures.
- A camera: If you have another camera (aside from your smartphone), make sure to have it ready in your bag all the time to capture stunning shots of rolling Tuscan hills or Venetian canals. Bring extra storage like an SD card too.
- Your laptop: If you’re working while on the road, make sure to bring your laptop so you can stay on top of all your deadlines while seeing the beautiful sights of the Italian countryside.
- Local SIM card or pocket Wi-Fi: While 5G data and Wi-Fi are common in cities, coverage may be limited in rural areas. Consider a local SIM card or pocket Wi-Fi hotspot for easy connectivity everywhere.
- E-readers: Don’t forget your Kindle if you plan to do some reading during your downtime.
Tip: Use travel organisation gear like padded cases, charger holders and cable ties to keep cords and accessories in order in your bag.
With all of these essentials ticked off, you’re ready to explore Italy in style. Don’t stress about overpacking – the key items here will see you through any Italian adventure, from sipping espresso in charming piazzas to hiking the dramatic Cinque Terre coastline. Just remember to leave room in your suitcase to bring home plenty of delicious edible souvenirs. Happy travels!
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The Best Time to Visit Italy (& the Worst)
The Best Time to Visit The Amalfi Coast
