Winding cliffside roads, terraced lemon groves, pastel villages spilling down toward the sea. The Amalfi Coast has been on my list for years, and I’ve spent a lot of time researching and grilling friends who’ve been there recently to put together this guide (as much for myself as for you!).
Summer here means real heat, more stairs than you’d expect, lazy boat days, and dinners that skew dressier. Packing light while covering all those bases takes some thought, which is why I put together this Amalfi Coast packing list for summer.
Looking for a packing guide that covers all of Italy? Read my Italy packing list for summer guide.
Amalfi Coast Summer Weather Overview
| Month | Low/High (°F) |
|---|---|
| June | 65°–81° |
| July | 69°–86° |
| August | 69°–86° |
The Amalfi Coast in summer is warm, sunny, and made for long days by the water. Expect highs in the low- to upper-80s from June through August, with consistent heat and humidity.
The sea breezes help take the edge off, especially if you’re spending time on boats or at beach clubs. But the famous cliffside towns mean lots of stairs, and climbing them in the midday sun can be brutal. Plan your exploring for mornings or late afternoons when possible.
Evenings are warm and pleasant, perfect for those dressier dinners overlooking the water. August is peak season, so expect crowds and book restaurants in advance.
Summer on the Amalfi Coast Packing Tips & What to wear
The Amalfi Coast is more glamorous than much of Italy. Think long lunches at cliffside restaurants, sunset spritzes overlooking the water, and beach clubs where people actually dress up to lounge. You’ll want to look a bit more polished here than you might elsewhere, but comfort still matters because you’ll be climbing a lot of stairs.
These are the most important things to remember:
- Wear shoes you can walk (and climb) in. The coast is vertical. Positano alone has hundreds of steps between the main road and the beach. Cute sandals are fine if they have good straps and support, but avoid flimsy flip-flops or sandals with no cushioning.
- Pack for boat days. You’ll likely take ferries between towns or book a boat trip to Capri. Bring a swimsuit you can wear under a coverup, plus a dry bag or waterproof pouch for your phone. And don’t forget sun protection, like a nice hat, sunscreen, and sunglasses.
- Bring dressier options for dinner. Restaurants here skew more upscale than casual trattorias elsewhere in Italy. A nice sundress or tailored linen pants with a breezy top fits the scene better than shorts and a t-shirt.
- A versatile cover-up is essential. Something that works over your swimsuit at a beach club and doubles as a light layer for the evening is worth packing.
- Leave the heels at home. Even for nice dinners. Cobblestones and stairs are everywhere, and even Italian women wear wedges or nice flat sandals here.
3-Day Summer Amalfi Coast Packing List For Women
Tops & Layers (5)
- Semi-casual tops or camis (alternative) (2) – Skip the basic cotton tees. Silk, satin, or nicer linen tanks that look polished enough for dinner but breathable enough for the heat. Something you could wear to a beach club lunch or an evening out.
- Dressier blouse or top (1)– Something fancy for your nicest dinner reservation.
- Linen button-down (alternative) (1) – Wear it as a swimsuit cover-up on boat days, open over a tank while exploring, or buttoned up with nice pants for dinner.
- Light cardigan or sweater (1) – For the plane ride over, boat rides, and cooler evenings on the water.
Bottoms & Dresses (3)
- Lightweight pants (alternative)(1) – Breathable enough for the heat, polished enough for dinner. Wide-leg or relaxed fits work well and look chic.
- Polished shorts (1) – For hot daytime exploring, when you still want to look put-together.
- Midi dress (1) – Should be able to transition from day to night easily, nice enough for a seaside dinner and not just “casual.” Linen, cotton, or flowy fabrics in prints or colors that pop all work.
Shoes (2)
- Comfy walking sandals (1) – Your daily shoe. Cushioned footbed, good straps, polished enough for a casual dinner but supportive for stairs.
- Dressy flat sandals (1) – For nicer dinners. You can absolutely look chic without any heels.
Accessories & Other Must-Haves
- Swimsuits (2) – You’ll live in these. Having two means one can dry.
- Chic cover-up – Something that looks intentional, not like a beach towel with arm holes.
- Straw or woven tote – Fits the aesthetic perfectly. Big enough for beach essentials.
- Nice crossbody – For evenings. Something a step up from your everyday straw bag.
- Daypack – For carrying water and sunscreen on the Path of the Gods hike, and it’s also nice to have for boat trips and all-day exploring.
- Oversized sunglasses – This is the destination for a statement pair.
- Sun hat – Wide-brim for beach and boats.
- Sunscreen (SPF 30+) – The sun is intense off the water.
- Jewelry – Gold pieces, layered necklaces, lemon yellow statement earrings. Jewelry elevates simple outfits here and fits the glamorous vibe. Pack more than you might for other Italy destinations.
- Scarf (optional) – Versatile as a cover-up, evening wrap, or adding a colorful pop to a simple outfit.
- Dry bag and waterproof phone pouch – For beach and boat days.
- Anti-chafe stick or slip shorts – Between the heat, humidity, and constant stair climbing in dresses, you’ll want something. Megababe Thigh Rescue is a popular option that’s easy to throw in your bag. Or lightweight slip shorts in moisture-wicking fabric (think nylon/spandex blends, bamboo/modal blends, or microfiber) that disappear under a dress.
- Refillable water bottle and electrolytes – Add to your water bottle on hot days, especially for boat trips or heavy stair-climbing days. The heat and sun reflecting off the water dehydrates you fast.
- Motion sickness medication – If you’re prone to it. Those winding coastal roads are no joke, plus it comes in handy for boat trips.
- Lightweight pajamas (1) – Nights are warm. Tencel, bamboo, or light cotton will keep you comfortable.
- Underwear (5) – Moisture-wicking is worth it in this heat. Pack a little extra for the heat.
- Bras (2) – Mix of supportive everyday bras.
Additional Amalfi Coast Summer Travel Essentials
I bring the same core items on every trip regardless of destination. For the full rundown on toiletries, electronics, and all the little extras, check out my complete travel essentials packing list.
What Not to Pack For the Amalfi Coast in Summer
- Heels – Even the nicest restaurants here are accessed via stairs and cobblestones. Dressy flat sandals are the best option.
- Flip flops – They’re not even that nice for the beaches, which are rocky, and useless for actually getting around. You need real support for all those stairs.
- Athletic wear – The coast has a more polished vibe. Leave the yoga pants and running shoes at home unless you’re actually using them for a workout.
- Heavy layers – You won’t need a jacket or heavy sweater beyond a light cardigan for evening breezes.
- Too many neutral basics – This is a colorful destination. A fun print or bright color fits the scene better than head-to-toe beige.
- A massive suitcase – Hotels often involve stairs, narrow hallways, and no elevators. Keep it carry-on-sized if you can.
Going For More Than 3 Days? Here’s my Amalfi Coast Packing guide By Trip Length
If you plan to do more than 3 days on the Amalfi Coast, these are the amounts I’d recommend packing.
| Item | 4 Days | 5 Days | 6 Days | 7 Days |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Semi-casual tops | 2 | 3 | 3 | 4 |
| Nicer tops | 1 | 1 | 1-2 | 2 |
| Button-down | 1 | 1 | 1 | 1 |
| Layer | 1 | 1 | 1 | 1 |
| Lightweight pants | 1 | 1 | 1 | 2 |
| Shorts | 1 | 1 | 1-2 | 1-2 |
| Dresses | 1 | 1-2 | 2 | 2 |
| Shoes | 2 | 2 | 2 | 2 |
| Swimsuits | 2 | 2 | 2 | 2 |
| Underwear | 6 | 7 | 8 | 9 |
| Bras | 2 | 2 | 2 | 2 |
| Pajamas | 1 | 1 | 1 | 1 |
Looking for more Italy & Europe packing guides for summer? Read our related articles below!
Dolomites Packing List For Summer
Sicily Packing List For Summer
Venice Packing List For Summer
Tuscany Packing List For Summer
Europe Packing Summer Packing List For Women
Europe Backpacking Packing List For Summer
European Cruise Packing List For Summer
7 Best Travel Purses For Europe
Best Carry-On Luggage For Europe Travel
10 Best Women’s Walking Shoes For Europe
7 Best Women’s Walking Sandals For Europe
Pin one of these images for future reference
