A dream vacation, Amalfi Coast is one of the most wonderful places to visit. Located on the southwestern coast of Italy, this collection of colorful coastal towns overlook the crisp blue Tyrrhenian Sea and the Gulf of Salerno. From Amalfi, to Sorrento, to Positano and even the island of Capri, there are many wonderful places to visit here.
In May of 2023, I visited the Amalfi Coast and stayed in Sorrento, and took ferries to visit Amalfi, Positano and Capri. Each prettier than the next. From relaxing on a beach chair along the rocky coast, to exploring the area by boat, or walking up the hundreds (yes hundreds) of cobblestone steps, you’ll want to pack for an Amalfi Coast getaway correctly. Here’s what to pack for the Amalfi Coast if you’re visiting.
What To Pack For Amalfi Coast
When it comes to packing for a vacation to the Amalfi Coast and visiting Positano, Capri and Sorrento, and every charming town in-between, you’ll want to think about two things mostly. One, how warm it’s going to be when you’re there. And two, how there are LOTS of steps.
So when packing for this vacation and thinking about what to wear in Amalfi Coast, you want breathable lightweight fabrics like linen and cotton, and comfortable shoes you can easily walk in.
Amalfi Coast Clothing To Pack
Dresses And Jumpsuits
From exploring the towns during the day to delicious dinners at night, dresses and jumpsuits will likely be your best friend here. They are comfortable and breathable, and they make for a beautiful photo too!
The evenings were a bit chilly since you are along the water. For those events, I packed pretty slip dresses for evening dinners and they were the perfect option. Depending on what time of year you go, if the evenings are cooler, throw on a sweater or light jacket.
Cotton And Linen Pieces
Anything you love in your closet that’s cotton and linen is a solid choice. Think linen trousers or shorts, cotton tanks and tees. And simple cotton or linen dresses. Fabric is key when it comes to packing for a warm weather vacation like Positano and Amalfi.
Lightweight Jacket
When the sun goes down, it can get a little cool by the water. Especially in the shoulder months like April and May, and September and October. But no matter what, I would always pack at least one light layer if you’re heading to the Amalfi coast. It’s always a good choice when heading to the water.
Plus, riding on a ferry in the evenings can be a bit chilly if you’re not inside the boat. I was freezing every single night and wished I had my jacket with me.
I’d pack a couple of lightweight jackets or layers if you’re going in the shoulder months. I used my denim jacket and also a lightweight cotton sweater to throw over my shoulders and to wear over dresses if I needed it. Keep these pieces light!
If you’re visiting in July or August when the lows are in the mid 70s, you likely won’t need one. But my rule is, always pack just one! Weather can change and the wind can make it feel cooler.
Shorts or Skirts
I’m more of a shorts person, but skirts work too. These are going to be easy to style with a cotton tank and sandal or sneaker for day or night. I also loved having my matching cotton short sets for the Amalfi Coast. Easy to style, 100% cotton and made me feel put together. I packed this one and this one.
Amalfi Coast Shoes To Pack
Sandals
Obviously, a warm-weather vacation needs a good sandal. But just keep in mind, you’ll be doing a lot of walking in the Amalfi Coast. Lots of stairs and they are all cobblestone. Make sure your sandal is one that you can walk a bunch in and that is pretty comfortable. And maybe even a bit more secure on your foot!
Sneakers
I really prefer being in a sneaker or my platform Converse whenever I can. These are great for when you’re doing more sightseeing and not spending the day near the water.
Plus, if you want to do Path Of The Gods, you’ll for sure want a real sneaker (heck, even a hiking shoe if you have it!). This was an incredible 4 hour hike through the cliffs and ended in Positano.
Block Heels Or Wedges
If you’re opting for a heel of any kind, definitely stick to block heels or wedges. The stairs are no joke in the Amalfi Coast! Feel more secure in a block heel (I wore these and loved them) or an espadrille wedge like my beloved Castañer espadrilles.
Amalfi Coast Beach Essentials To Pack
No visit to the Amalfi Coast is complete without a trip to the water. Each town has an area to soak up the sun. And maybe your hotel even has a pool. Coastal towns like Postiano, Amalfi, Sorrento and Capri all have very rocky beaches. This is not soft white sand. Keep this in mind as you may want to bring water shoes or a plastic Birkenstock.
Swimsuits And Coverups
Bring a few swimsuits and coverups to have on hand for trips to the beach, or if you want to spend a day on a boat. You’ll want to have at least one handy for your trip. I always pack my go-to one-piece swimsuit as it coubles as a bodysuit but you can easily transition from land to sea in it!
SPF
Do not forget your SPF! The sun on the Amalfi Coast is strong. Sure you can purchase SPF in the pharmacies, but if you can pack it, why not. Don’t forget to reapply especially if you’re out exploring the towns. I use this resetting powder to reapply throughout the day over makeup to avoid any sunburns.
Beach Bag
Definitely pack a good beach bag that you’ll be able to bring to the beach, or maybe use during the day to explore if you need more room. I like this jute bag and this one is also a great option. Try to pack something that doesn’t take up a ton of space.
Sunglasses And Hat
To protect your eyes and head, make sure to pack a pair of sunglasses and even a hat.
Water Shoes Or Rubber Sandals
Since the sand at the Amalfi Coast is more like a rocky pebble beach than soft sand, it may be more enjoyable to pack a water shoe or rubber sandal. I was fine with a plastic Birkenstock but small children may want to wear water shoes.
Other Items To Pack For Amalfi Coast
Whenever I pack for any destination, I always bring my go-to essentials. All my toiletries, emergency medications, pajamas, lots of underwear, an external battery charger and so on.
But I like to also check the weather right before to better prepare. If there’s any sort of rain in the forecast, pack an umbrella and a packable raincoat.
Best Time To Visit The Amalfi Coast
The Amalfi Coast is clearly a popular travel destination for good reason. It’s simply beautiful, relaxing, and the views and food are incredible. If you’re looking to avoid the crowds, well, sadly I think that may be fairly impossible now.
Amalfi Coast has become very popular but you can still catch a little break in the shoulder months like April and May or September and October. These months are a bit less busy but still have incredible weather. June through August are going to be very busy and much hotter.
And a hot tip from a local, Ischia is a more local island that Italians tend to vacation on. They avoid popular towns like Positano and the island of Capri entirely. Instead, they vacation in Ischia which is now on my bucket list!
