Essential Packing Guide for Italy | Discovering Italy Beyond the Surface

One of the most frequent questions we receive from clients preparing for their trip to Italy revolves around packing dilemmas. From selecting comfortable shoes to finding reliable adaptors, packing concerns tend to consume a lot of attention in the days leading up to departure. This is entirely understandable, especially since our custom Italy travel planning services cover all the details, allowing clients to focus solely on their upcoming adventure!

That said, while we can’t physically pack clients’ bags, we can provide a comprehensive A-to-Z packing guide for Italy. This guide will ensure a smooth trip, regardless of your itinerary and duration of stay.

Continue reading for essential packing tips and a handy packing list for your next Italian getaway!

Italy Packing Tips

Prioritize Comfort and Versatility

When deciding what to pack for Italy, the two most important factors for your luggage are comfort and versatility.

Comfort is crucial because regardless of whether you are exploring Italy’s historic cities, picturesque countryside, or stunning coastline, you’ll be doing a lot of walking. Supportive shoes, loose-fitting clothing that allows movement, and breathable fabrics that shield you from various weather conditions are essential for long days of sightseeing.

Versatility is also key—packing lightly is vital, especially if you’ll be traveling by train or rental car and need to manage your bags independently. Opt for items that can easily transition from daytime sightseeing to evening dining, in layers that adjust to the weather, and can be worn multiple times before needing a wash.

This doesn’t mean you should sacrifice style while packing for Italy. Contrary to popular belief, Italians wear sneakers (with New Balance and Salomon being particularly popular) as well as streetwear. Just ensure that all garments are clean and in good condition. Neutral colors that can be mixed and matched provide versatility and achieve that trendy “quiet luxury” look Italians excel at. With a few carefully chosen accessories, you can elevate your travel outfit without adding extra weight to your luggage.

Pack Light

Even experienced travelers often pack items they never wear, so avoid bringing a suitcase half-full of impractical or seasonal clothing. Remember, unless you are traveling exclusively with private drivers (which can be costly but convenient for heavy packers), you’ll need to carry your bags on and off trains and rental vehicles, navigating stairs in many train stations, B&Bs, and tourist spots like the Amalfi Coast, Cinque Terre, and Venice. We recommend bringing one medium rolling suitcase and one carry-on (such as a travel backpack or tote) if you’ll be using public transport. Two rolling suitcases can be cumbersome, so having a suitcase to roll and a smaller bag to carry is the most manageable way to travel. Additionally, include a cross-body bag for easy access to your phone, wallet, and travel documents.

A great way to avoid overpacking is to lay out your desired outfits a few days before you leave, giving you time to reconsider items like that cute yet uncomfortable dress or a warm but bulky sweater.

In summer, leave behind heavy jeans and opt for lightweight cotton and linen separates that pack well. In winter, wear your bulkiest clothing on travel days (during flights and train transfers) to keep your luggage light.

Keep in mind that Italy has fantastic shopping opportunities, from markets to designer boutiques. Packing conservatively means the only downside is that you may find yourself “forced” to shop for a few new items along the way.

Choose Stylish Yet Comfortable Shoes

Blisters can ruin a day of exploration, so prioritize comfortable footwear! There are numerous attractive options available now that won’t scream “tourist,” ranging from trendy sneakers (think leather in winter) to classic loafers and chic Chelsea boots. All these styles are not only common in Italy but also fulfill comfort and versatility criteria.

Women can opt for sturdy sandals (note that men typically do not wear sandals in Italy); however, avoid flip-flops as they’re unsuitable for walking and generally considered inappropriate footwear outside of the beach or pool environments in Italy.

If you prefer to bring heels, opt for wedge heels that are more stable on cobblestones. In tourist hotspots like the Amalfi Coast and Capri, even Italian women tend to choose flat embellished sandals for evening outings.

Go for Layerable Clothing

The keys to versatility are neutral colors and easy-to-layer pieces.

When selecting what to pack for Italy, choose a cohesive color palette that simplifies mixing and matching your travel wardrobe. This approach not only helps you avoid outfit monotony but also simplifies doing laundry. If you spill something on one shirt, you can toss it in the laundry bag and switch out tops while reusing the same bottoms.

Pack items that can be layered, allowing for adjustments in temperature or sudden rainfall. This is particularly important in spring and fall, but you may also encounter cooler evenings in summer and pleasantly warm afternoons in winter when layering is advantageous. Additionally, remember that entering churches in Italy requires covering shoulders, midriff, and knees, so a light shawl can serve as both a stylish accessory and a modest coverup during the summer months.

Checking the weather forecast shortly before your departure and familiarizing yourself with average temperatures and precipitation for each destination will help you pack appropriately and avoid under- or over-packing.

Don’t Underestimate Accessories

Accessorize your neutral outfits to add interest and personality. Italians love their accessories—colorful scarves and stylish sunglasses are popular choices—and these finishing touches are small and lightweight, making them easy to pack.

Italy Packing List

General Items:

• A wallet containing at least two credit or debit cards cleared for use in Italy (contact your bank before departure to prevent your card from being blocked due to suspected fraud) along with some cash in euros for initial expenses.
• Your passport should be valid for at least a year after your return to your home country (while the legal requirement is six months, it’s better to err on the side of caution). Also, take a photo of your passport on your phone and keep a paper photocopy in your wallet.
• A valid driver’s license, along with an International Driver’s Permit if you plan on renting a car.
• Your phone with an international data plan and essential apps like WhatsApp, Google Maps, and Google Translate installed.
• Chargers for your phone and any other electronic devices.
• An adaptor for your devices (note that items like curling irons and hair straighteners also require a converter that changes 220 volts to 110 volts. Consider buying dual-voltage appliances for ease). Most hotels have hairdryers.
• Headphones with a cord for airplane use and for tours that include headsets.
• A small notebook and pen.
• A tracking device (such as AirTags) for your suitcase and cross-body bag.
• A microfiber towel, especially useful when visiting the coast or lakes.
• A small pair of binoculars or opera glasses for appreciating details in art and architecture.
• A small spray bottle for water to keep cool on warmer days (especially important when traveling with children); don’t forget to periodically reapply sunscreen.
• A small bottle of liquid laundry detergent for emergency hand washing.
• A sun hat (or a warm hat for winter).
• Sunglasses.
• Your prescription medications and vitamins (Italy has a robust pharmacy network, so consider leaving over-the-counter medications at home).
• Spare glasses or contact lenses in case of mishaps.
• Earplugs and a sleep mask.
• Mosquito repellent.
• Hand sanitizer and disinfecting wipes.

Seasonal Packing Suggestions:

For tailored packing lists by season, please refer to our specific packing guides.

What to Pack for Italy: Women’s Packing List (One Week)

• 6 Casual tops
• 3-4 Dressy tops
• 2-3 Skirts or dresses
• 2-3 Pairs of shorts (suitable for summer trips)
• 2 Pairs of jeans or pants
• 1 Pair of leggings
• 1 Belt
• 1 Jacket
• 8 Pairs of underwear
• 8 Pairs of socks
• 2-4 Bras
• 2 Pairs of pajamas
• 1 Loungewear set for relaxing at the hotel
• 2 Swimsuits + cover-up (if applicable)
• 1 Set of running clothes + shoes (if applicable)
• 1 Set of hiking clothes + shoes (if applicable)
• 1 Coat (if applicable)
• 3 Pairs of shoes (sneakers, sandals or ankle boots, dress shoes)
• Accessories such as jewelry, scarves, and a small bag for dining out.

What to Pack for Italy: Men’s Packing List (One Week)

• 6 Casual shirts (avoid shirts with logos; polo shirts or plain t-shirts are acceptable)
• 2-4 Dress shirts (collared, button-down)
• 2-3 Pairs of casual pants (cotton, linen, or jeans for winter)
• 2-3 Pairs of shorts (suitable for summer trips)
• 1 Pair of dress pants
• 1 Belt
• 1 Jacket
• 8 Pairs of underwear
• 8 Pairs of socks
• 2 Pairs of pajamas
• 1 Loungewear set for relaxing at the hotel
• 2 Swimsuits (if applicable)
• 1 Set of running clothes + shoes (if applicable)
• 1 Set of hiking clothes + shoes (if applicable)
• 1 Coat (if applicable)
• 3 Pairs of shoes (sneakers, loafers, dress shoes)
• Accessories such as a watch and sunglasses.

Toiletries:

• Body wash
• Shampoo and conditioner
• Toothbrush and toothpaste
• Dental floss
• Chapstick
• Nail clippers and file
• Skincare products
• Deodorant
• Razor and shaving cream
• Q-tips
• Bandaids
• Sanitary products (tampons and pads)
• Hair products
• Makeup and brushes
• Contacts and solution
• A small mirror
• Tweezers