Planning a trip to Italy this summer? We’ve got you covered with an extensive list on what to pack for summer in Italy.
Whether you’re exploring the historic streets of Rome, sipping wine in Tuscany, or lounging on the picturesque Amalfi Coast, our guide will help you pack all the essentials while keeping your suitcase light and your fashion game on point.
What to Pack for Summer in Italy
Spending even part of the summer in Italy will give you a whole new appreciation for air conditioning. It is HOT. This is why packing is so important. You are going to want items that will help you deal with the heat!
Womens Clothing to Pack for Italy
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A sun dress is great for women. Choose one that is lightweight and flowy so that you can enjoy a bit of a breeze!
Women should avoid shorts altogether if they plan on visiting any cathedrals as most will require women’s knees to be covered.
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If you do plan on visiting churches, look for midi or maxi dresses.
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Another item to consider is a scarf that can cover your shoulders.
Not only will this come in handy when visiting cathedrals that require shoulders to be covered, it will also help keep your shoulders covered when you get too much sun.
When it comes to the heat, you will want to make sure that you keep your face as shaded as possible.
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Choose a hat that is functional and can be packed easily.
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You’re gonna need a good pair of walking shoes that will grip the surface you are on and give you enough stability to get through the day.
You will most likely be doing a lot of walking and this means you will be on uneven cobblestone, up and down stairs and even on dirt.
My personal favorites are Jambu shoes. They are comfy and have great support.
It’s an added benefit that they are cute!
Mens Clothing to Pack for Italy
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Men should be sure to pack lightweight tops. Linen is a great choice since it holds it shape and breathes.
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Men should also bring a pair of chinos or capri pants (which are very fashionable in Europe).
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When it comes to shoes, men should opt for a shoe that allows their feet to breathe, but also are easy to walk in.
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Hats are an essential item to pack for a summer vacation in Italy!
Choose one that can be packed easily.
Other Essentials to Pack for Italy in the Summer
When deciding what to pack for Italy in the summer, you will also want to make sure you have the right gear!
Outside of the normal things you would put on a packing list for Italy like socks and underwear, bathing suits, and pajamas, there are some things you may not think of.
These are things you find yourself saying, “I wish I would have thought about packing…”
Sunscreen
It is sunny most of the time no matter where you are in Italy. You will want to make sure that you have plenty of sunscreen with you.
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Not only do we pack a bottle of sunscreen, we also pack sunscreen sticks because they are easy to apply to the face and tops of shoulders where you tend to get the most sun.
Sunglasses
I already warned you that it is sunny in Italy.
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Do yourself a favor and make sure that you have a good pair of sunglasses with you that have UV protection!
Many (not all) will require it. The Vatican does for sure.
When packing for Italy, make sure that you bring a lightweight scarf that can fit in your day bag.
You can also use it when sitting outdoors on hot cement steps or benches.
Body Glide
If your thighs touch at all, the last thing you want is for them to be rubbed raw due to the fact that you will be sweating from the heat and the walking.
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Use a Body Glide stick.
It’s a tad smaller than a deodorant stick and prevents chafing by creating a barrier on your skin. It also works on feet where shoes can rub giving you blisters.
Wet Wipes
You are going to find that bathrooms are scarce in Italy. This means that you won’t always have access to wash your hands.
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If you want a Gelato, be on the safe side and use a wet wipe to wash your hands!
We always bring these little single-use Wet Wipe packs.
Neck Fan
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Sounds crazy, I know, but when you find out how hot it can get while looking at outdoor architecture, statues and fountains, you will thank me for adding this to your packing list for Italy.
Rick Steves Book
If there is one book you should have with you on your trip to Italy, it is Rick Steves Guide to Italy.
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If you don’t want to take this heavy book with you, consider taking his pocket guide to whatever city it is you will be in.
- Rick Steves Pocket Guide to Rome
- Rick Steves Pocket Guide to Florence
- Rick Steves Pocket Guide to Venice
- Rick Steves Pocket Guide to Cinque Terre
There is so much to think about when packing for Italy in the summer and it certainly can be overwhelming. We hope that this helps you decide what to pack for summer in Italy.
If you are traveling to Europe for the first time, make sure you read our list of 13 things to do to prepare for International Travel.
Do you have items we should include on our Italy packing list?