Amalfi Coast Chats
I loved the response to last month’s Amalfi Coast chat on Substack. Thank you to everyone for the kind comments and connecting! So here I am back with another quick video to say “Ciao.” This month I thought I’d get the conversation going about packing, but that isn’t the only topic. Have a question or just want to chat about the Amalfi Coast? Come on over to Substack and leave a comment to join the conversation!
Amalfi Coast Packing Tips
Since my suitcases are out as I pack up for a summer trip to Scotland, I thought I’d share some thoughts in this month’s chat about packing for the Amalfi Coast. Of course, everyone travels different and has different needs, but here are some tips that may come in handy while packing for your trip
#1 - Pack Light
This is always my number one advice. If there’s one place you really don’t want to be hauling around anything but the essentials, it’s the Amalfi Coast. Positano is called the “Vertical City” for a reason – STEPS. But you’ll find steps everywhere on the Amalfi Coast and it’s a good idea to come prepared to navigate them with luggage. This is especially the case if you’re staying in a vacation rental with a lot of steps (always find out how many in advance!) or an accommodation without elevator.
- Handmade sandals by Mariarosaria Ferrara on Ischia.
#2 - Shoes
Comfort comfort comfort. That’s the key when it comes to visiting the Amalfi Coast. The steps and uneven stone streets are unforgiving. Bring shoes that are well worn in and just leave those heels at home. Really really just leave them at home. Sandals are fine, but those strappy new ones you have handmade likely won’t be your friends at the end of the day walking on the Amalfi Coast. My summer friends are a solid pair of Birkenstock sandals or leather loafers from Tre Danari in Positano.
If you plan on hiking on the Amalfi Coast, you will definitely want a pair of sturdy shoes. Unless you’re really going at the hiking seriously, you won’t need hiking boots. A pair of walking shoes/ sneakers will be fine. But please wear proper footwear while hiking, especially the Pathway of the Gods.
Definitely pack a pair of flip flops for the beach (even just a basic pair you don’t mind getting a bit beat up) for the rocky beaches on the Amalfi Coast. The pebbles are pretty uncomfortable for most feet—even locals—and the classic way to enter the sea is to walk with your flip flops close to the edge of the sea and leave them there for when you get out. The trick is remembering where you left them!
#3 - Beachwear
I shared already a bit here in the August newsletter about beachwear and cover ups for the Amalfi Coast. Plan on packing or picking up something to cover up when you’re heading to the beach or walking around town. Summer is casual here, but no matter how hot it is there are city codes about walking around just in swimwear. So do as the Italians do and make your cover up stylish.
#4 - Style
Speaking of style, I’m certainly not your go-to person for fashion advice. However, I can say that the style in general for the Amalfi Coast, especially in the summer, is quite casual yet nice. It’s the Amalfi Coast after all, so there’s always style. Think crisp linen shirts, summer dresses, and bright colors. Do bring a scarf or light sweater for the evenings, especially for eating by the sea. If you’re planning to dine at some of the Michelin starred restaurants in the area, like Rossellinis in Ravello, you’ll want to opt for what they suggest as “smart casual.” While it’s often not explicitly stated (or as enforced as in other Italian locations), very short shorts and skirts, low tops, etc. can be considered inappropriate for certain dining spots and certainly for visiting churches.
You can find out all my packing and traveling tips in Moon Amalfi Coast with Capri, Naples & Pompeii. (Can I be a bit cheeky and suggest you pack that too?) Let me know by commenting below (or hit reply via email) if you have any packing questions for the Amalfi Coast. The tips above are focused on summer travel, but I can share more about the different seasons if you’re interested.
Ciao from Amalfi,
Laura
August Amalfi Coast Chat