ciao bella!! our slice of italy trip is the dreamiest euro summer. the colosseum and trevi fountain in rome, pasta making in naples, pompeii, wine tasting at the foot of mount vesuvius, the path of the gods hike to positano and aperols in capri. it's pasta, sunshine and la dolce vita all the way!!
our gals who travel italy guide to packing for a euro summer exploring the almafi coast <3
ciao bella!! our slice of italy trip is the dreamiest euro summer. the colosseum and trevi fountain in rome, pasta making in naples, pompeii, wine tasting at the foot of mount vesuvius, the path of the gods hike to positano and aperols in capri. it's pasta, sunshine and la dolce vita all the way!!
we know the italian summer aesthetic is calling (white linen, lemon prints, gold jewellery... we're obsessed too!!). but italy is also LOTS of walking, cobbles and steep coastal steps. we've watched gals limp around pompeii in brand-new sandals and seen others turned away from churches in rome for bare shoulders, so here's how to look cute AND be comfy!
whether you're joining our slice of italy trip or heading out solo, here's our honest guide on exactly what to bring from gals who have been!!
3 things you MUST know before packing for italy
- churches need covered shoulders and knees: this includes st peter's and the vatican if you visit on day 1. a light scarf or shirt in your bag fixes it instantly!
- you'll walk A LOT: rome, pompeii and herculaneum are all on foot, and the path of the gods hike takes around four hours. comfy shoes are everything!!
- we travel by train, bus and ferry: pack light enough that you can lift your own bag onto a train rack and carry it up sorrento's hills!
clothing: la dolce vita essentials
- 3 - 4 x summer dresses: for aperols in trastevere, pasta night in naples and our final dinner in capri!!
- 2 -3 x shorts or skirts: for hot days at pompeii and around sorrento. (linen is great, keep it light and airy!!)
- 4 x vest tops & tees: easy basics to mix and match.
- 1 x activewear set: for the path of the gods hike. you'll want breathable, sweat-friendly fabrics!
- 3 x bikinis / swimsuits: for swims in sorrento, positano and capri.
- 2 x light scarves or a cover-up shirt: for churches and the vatican.
- 1 x light cardigan or denim jacket: for breezy ferry rides and cooler evenings in september.
footwear: what do you ACTUALLY wear?
- 1x comfy trainers with good grip: essential for the path of the gods, pompeii and herculaneum.
- 1x broken-in flat sandals: for exploring rome, naples and sorrento.
- 1x flip-flops: for the beach and shared bathrooms in hostels!!
DO NOT BRING: brand-new shoes or heels. the cobbles in rome and naples are no joke, and positano is basically one big staircase!!
toiletries & health essentials
- SPF 50+ sunscreen: there's very little shade at pompeii and on the path of the gods.
- blister plasters: trust us, you'll be glad you packed them!
- electrolyte sachets: italian summers are HOT, so keep hydrated on big walking days.
- after-sun: for after beach days on the amalfi coast.
- travel towel & flip-flops: some of our stays have shared bathrooms, so these make life easy!
electronics & travel essentials
- type C/F travel adapter: italy uses european two-round-pin plugs (and some type L), so UK plugs won't fit.
- power bank: for long days of photos and maps.
- crossbody bag with a zip: busy areas in rome and naples can have pickpockets, so keep your phone and cash zipped up in front of you.
- padlock: for lockers in our female-only dorms.
- reusable water bottle: rome has free drinking fountains all over the city, so you can refill as you go!
italy packing FAQs
what should i wear to churches in italy?
cover your shoulders and knees. a midi dress, linen trousers or a scarf over your shoulders works perfectly. the vatican is especially strict, so plan your outfit if you're visiting!
what shoes do i need for the path of the gods hike?
comfy trainers with good grip. the trail is rocky and uneven in places, and you'll be walking for around four hours with lots of stops for photos and lemon slushies!!
what bag should i bring to italy?
a carry-on-sized suitcase or 40β50L backpack is perfect. you'll be lifting it on and off trains and walking it up sorrento's hills, so smaller is better!
what's the weather like in italy in summer?
hot and sunny! june to august can reach 30Β°C+, especially in rome and naples. september is a little milder but still perfect for swimming.
ready for your italian summer?! check out our upcoming italy group trips or read our solo female travel safety hub <3
