It feels like forever ago when I booked my tickets for Italy, and I am so incredibly excited for the opportunity to stroll through the streets of Rome again. And this time, I’ll be taking a trip down the Amalfi Coast and seeing Sorrento, Capri, Positano and Ravello.
Over the years, I’ve gotten really good at packing, and by packing, I mean chucking a bunch of stuff in my suitcase. This time around, I’m using a backpack for the first time ever, and I was at a total loss as to what size of backpack to get, what to bring and what to leave behind. This is how the conversation went with my friend who travels with only a backpack most summers:
Me: How big is your bag?
Her: Less than 70L. 70L is big. Mine is 50-60L for a few weeks.
Me: Can I get by with 30L for 10 days?
Her: You? No. My precious friend no!!!
True story. I like options, but for this trip I really had to pare down on the non-essentials. Here are some things that made the cut. I can already hear my friends saying, “Flo, leave-in hair conditioner is not essential.” Whatever. To each their own! Read on for my Amalfi Coast packing list!
1. Rompers (AKA Playsuits)
So versatile. Dress it up, dress it down. Wear it to the beach, wear it to dinner. I love that it is finally appropriate for people over the age of three to wear a one piece outside of the house! I have long sleeved rompers for those nights when it gets a little bit cooler.
2. The Penguin Book of Classical Myths
My all-time favorite book. It’s not a vacation without this book and I actually bought a back-up copy because it’s starting to fall apart.
3. iPhone/Battery Pack
Nerd alert! Incredibly practical and will come in handy when we’re trying to navigate the Amalfi Coast on a little scooter using Google Maps. My battery pack was a gift and is good for about 2-3 full charges. Technology, am I right?
4. Leave-in Conditioner
I love this one. I have incredibly fine hair that has seen way too much sun and salt water, and this is the only thing that tames it so I don’t go bald by the time I’m 40. This makes my hair so silky and isn’t stick like a lot of the other leave-in conditioners I’ve tried, and supposedly offers UV protection as well. Supposedly.
5. Longchamp Tote or Backpack
Or any tote, really. But the Le Pliage ones can be folded and stored when you don’t need it. It’s also incredibly sturdy and is water-resistant so it’s not a big deal if you get it wet. Pictured: me & my trusty tote in Dubrovnik, Croatia.
6. (One Too Many) Bikinis
I tend to wear bikini tops instead of bras when I’m on vacation. Living on the edge and pushing the boundaries, y’know?
7. A Thin Scarf
For those slightly chillier evenings and when we’re driving down the coast. Great for the plane ride as a light blanket or as a wrap for the beach. Drape this over your shoulders when you’re visiting churches in Italy, especially if you’re planning on visiting the Vatican.
8. Hand Sanitizer & Wet Wipes
100% essential. This is not up for debate. There hasn’t been one single trip that these items haven’t been a total lifesaver.
Did you know that most public toilets in Italy don’t have toilet seats? Click here for 14 things you should know before you go to Italy!
9. Havaianas
At least two pairs. The other day, I walked into a Starbucks with my havaianas and a man in a suit stopped me and said, “those look so much more comfortable than my work shoes”. I said, “yes, yes they are”. And that was that. We bonded over how great havaianas were. When I was in Rome five years ago, we walked everywhere and did at least 10-15 KM a day, so this will be a heels-free trip.
Your flip flops will be extremely handy for when you decide to stop off at one of the rocky beaches along the Amalfi Coast. Click here for a few of my favorite swimming spots in the Amalfi Coast!
10. Drugs
As in, Clarityne, Ibuprofen/Advil, Pepto Bismol and Neosporin antibiotic cream. I also always keep a few band-aids in my wallet for small scrapes and cuts. Mum would be so proud.
11. Leather sandals
For those days when you want to dress up your outfit a little but still be comfortable. If you don’t have some nice strappy sandals, there are shops in Sorrento and Positano selling beautiful, handmade Italian sandals. Just check out all the different styles and colour options! I picked up a pair for 60 Euros from this beautiful family-run shop in Sorrento: Sandali Siniscalchi. You won’t want to wear high heels walking along the cobblestone paths in the Amalfi Coast, and there are steep(ish) slopes – stick to low wedges if you’re looking for some height.
12. A camera
The Amalfi Coast is extremely photogenic, and you’ll be busy snapping away. I primarily use my iPhone 7 Plus for photos when the natural lighting is good, and when zoom isn’t needed. For photos like these ones I used my Canon 6D DSLR and a zoom lens – you’ll want to consider a lens above 100 mm (mine is 75-300 mm) for a decent shot from a distance. That being said, you can still take amazing shots using your smartphone – click here for some tips and tricks to up your mobile photography game!
13. Sunglasses
Especially if you are planning on traveling along the Amalfi Coast on a scooter/Vespa! Keep the sun, wind and bugs out of your eyes with a good pair of polarized sunglasses.
What’s on your packing list? Tell me all about it below!
Heading to other destinations in Italy and need some travel tips and recommendations? Head on over here!
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Video music credit: Geographer – Ferris Wheel / Youtube Free Music
This is just what I needed! I’m such an overpacker but trying to do carry on only there. I’m okay bringing back treats. FYI I had to google Havainas lol.
Havaianas are the best! You’ll have to get some 🙂 I practically live in them and always have a flip flop tan haha
flip flops for miles of walking?
Unless you’re doing the Path of the Gods you should be fine with flip flops. The towns themselves aren’t massive, and I’m assuming you have some form of transportation between them – scooter/SITA bus/car etc. I always bring more than 1 pair of shoes, so if you know you’ll be hiking then obviously bring your hiking shoes!
Thanks for all the tips. I was just going to take a cross body purse, but now I am thinking differently. Is your Longchamps tote the large one with long handles? Is it more cherry or orange? Thanks in advance! I love it!
Hi Lindsay, yes the one with the long handles! I have it in navy, red, orange and brown. If you can’t find one honestly a cross-body purse will be just fine, I just like that the Le Pliage bags are water-resistant.
Thanks for the tips! I hope to try the conditioner you mention as I have very fine hair and have had much luck with leave-ins. What backpack did you end up using? I’m headed to Naples and the Amalfi Coast (Praiano) in September for about 12 days. My husband bought be a 90L backpack duffle but it’s so incredibly big; I’m not sure I could carry it very far.
I used a 35L one for a week! I reckon you’d be fine with 50L for 12 days. Have a fantastic time, Jules!