Preparing for any big trip starts with a smart packing list! If you’re planning to explore Rome’s ancient streets, float along the canals of Venice, or swim at the Amalfi Coast you’ll need a well thought-out Italy packing list to make sure your adventure goes off without a hitch.
Our ultimate packing guide for Italy will make sure you’re ready for every region and season, meaning you can simply relax knowing you won’t have to make an unprepared scramble to the shops last-minute or while on your vacation!
General Italy packing list tips
Before you start building your Italy packing list, sit down and think about where you’re going, the season, and the activities. There’s a big difference in the weather between Northern and Southern Italy, so if you visit both you’ll need versatile layers.
Then you might like to consider the culture. If you’re visiting churches you may need more modest clothing, or if you enjoy nice restaurants make sure you have long trousers or a chic dress for the evenings.
It’s easy to fill a bag with everything you think you might need, but smart packing is about traveling light. And packing less is both a literal weight off your shoulders, but also gives you less to worry about. It’s easier to plan your mix-and-match outfits at home, and traveling light gives you space for souvenirs.
When it comes to packing, there are two favorite ways to save space and keep organized. People either love to use packing cubes to organise their bags, or you should roll your clothes to save space.
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Clothing for your Italy trip
When planning what to pack for Italy there are a handful of things to consider. Naturally the weather and the region are front of mind, but then there’s also the local style. Of course, it’s a free world and we’re all welcome to wear what we like – but if you’re a traveler who likes to blend in with the local crowd then you should leave the bumbag behind.
Italians are known for their sense of style, so when you’re in the middle of cities you might like a chic outfit that blends comfort and fashion. That might mean packing linen slacks instead of shorts and a leather sneaker instead of activewear.
Spring in Italy (March-May)
Spring is still quite cool in Italy and the weather can be a little unpredictable. The best things to pack for your trip to Italy in spring is layers. Depending on where you go you may need a coat or not, but we definitely suggest you pack:
- Comfortable jeans or trousers for city exploring.
- Sweaters and a light jacket for cooler evenings.
- Long sleeve shirts and tees.
- A scarf or warm hat for the cooler days, especially in the north.
- A sun hat and sunscreen for hot sunny days.
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Summer (June-August)
Italy’s summers can be very, very hot – especially in the southern regions. Breathable fabrics like linen and cotton are your best friends – leave anything polyester behind. During these warmer months you’ll want to pack:
- Sundresses, lightweight shirts or tank tops, and shorts.
- A hat to protect yourself from the sun.
- In the peak of summer you may sweat through more than one outfit a day, so bring extra T-shirts so you only have to wash once a week.
- Pack one light sweater or a denim jacket in case the weather turns or evenings cool off.
- Men might need long pants for restaurants in the evenings.
- Bring comfortable walking shoes – including sandals.
- Don’t forget swimwear and flip flops if you’re by the coast or visiting any lakes.
- Pack a light or quick-dry towel.
- Bring a hand-held fan, if you like.
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Fall (September-November)
September is still lovely in southern Italy, while it starts to cool off again in the north. Your ultimate Italy packing list for this season comes back to layers again. You should pack:
- Light sweaters and cardigans.
- Trousers and jeans.
- A waterproof jacket or umbrella for occasional rain.
- It might still be warm enough to wear a sundress
- Bring stylish yet practical closed-toe shoes to conquer cities and their cobblestone streets.
- Winter accessories, like gloves and beanies, for late autumn.
READ NEXT: Italy in September: weather, reasons to visit and things to do
Winter (December-February)
Visit during the quieter winter months and enjoy Italy like a local. You’ll have to wrap up with warm layers. It can snow in the north, and you can even visit many ski fields in the mountains. Down in Southern Italy will be warmer, with low temperatures still hovering in the double digits, but you’ll still need a coat and some layers.
As a tourist you’ll spend more time outdoors in the cooler weather, so make sure you pack:
- Waterproof boots and insulated shoes or thick socks
- Winter accessories like a scarf, gloves, and a cozy hat.
- If you’re visiting Northern Italy you’ll need sweaters, thermals, and a heavy coat.
- In Southern Italy you’ll still need a big coat.
- Portable hand warmers can keep you warm.
Footwear
Shoes take up a lot of space in your suitcase, so consider wisely which pairs you’ll need before packing. One thing to consider is the cobblestone streets. Older European cities often have quite uneven footpaths and roads, so having sturdy shoes is important. Then you might like nice shoes for dinners out, and casual sandal or flip flops for summer or boots for winter.
Consider packing…
- Walking shoes: A good pair of shoes with grip for cobblestones and ankle support. Think sneakers or a walking sandal for everyday use.
- Dress shoes: For nice dinners or evenings out.
- Summer – sandals, flats or flip flops: For summer days or beach visits.
- Winter – waterproof shoes: For rainy seasons, or visits to Venice.
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Accessories for your Italy trip
After packing your T-shirts, shoes, and sweaters into your bag, it feels like there is lots of space left… but you haven’t packed toiletries and accessories! Here are a few items you should consider for any Italy packing list.
- Crossbody bag: Both women and men can benefit from a crossbody bag. This style of bag helps keep your essentials close and safe in busy areas.
- Reusable water bottle: Staying hydrated is essential, and it’s easy to access safe drinking water for free – Rome is filled with drinking fountains!
- Travel umbrella: If you’re traveling outside of summer, take a small and compact umbrellas for rainy days.
- Scarf or pashmina: These come in handy for cooler evenings, for covering up yoru shoulders in churches, or as a little blanket while in transit.
- Hat and sunglasses: Protect yourself from the sun!
- Reusable bags: Think eco and bring a tote bag or two. They will come in handy to stash your jackets on a plane, for shopping in local markets, or as as dirty laundry bags.
VISIT ITALY: Great Italian Cities
Toiletries & medications
What to bring and what to leave behind? There’s a good travel rule – if you are unsure if you need the item, and you could access it for less than $20 in under 20 minutes then you can leave it behind. We’d interpret that as bring any essential medications and throw in a few adhesive bandages (for potential blisters!), but otherwise don’t overpack.
Here’s what to take:
- Travel-size toiletries: Depending on the size of your bag and trip, take mini size if you can! Pack shampoo, conditioner, and body wash. If you run out, Italian pharmacies sell most essentials.
- Sunscreen: This is unmissable in summer, but should be used year-round when you’re outdoors.
- Any prescription medications: Make sure you pack any prescription meds, along with a copy of your prescription.
- Mini first-aid kit: Band-aids or plasters, pain relievers and blister patches are good for a mini SOS kit. Anything more specific like cough meds or nasal sprays you can buy at pharmacies, should you need them.
- Insect repellent: Leave this at home unless you know you’ll need it.
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Tech & electronics
Don’t forget to pack your phone and portable charger for your Italian vacation! Here are just the essentials:
- Adapters and converters: Italy uses type C, F, and L outlets, and operates on a 220V power supply. Make sure you have a converter to charge your devices.
- Portable charger: With long sightseeing days where you’ll take lots of photos, having a portable charger is extra handy.
- Camera or phone: For capturing all those vacation memories.
- Headphones: For the plane ride, train ride, or bus.
- E-book reader or a tablet: What are you packing for entertainment during long flights or bus journeys? Do you like to read before bed?
Documents & other essential items
Alright, we’re getting to the pointy end of this ultimate Italy packing list. Before you run out the door for your flight, make sure these items are in your bag:
- Passport: Ensure it’s valid for at least six months beyond your travel dates. If not, you may need to apply for an emergency passport so it arrives on time
- Visa: If applicable, depending on your country of origin.
- Copies of important documents: Scan your passport and ID documents, and print copies of your itinerary, reservations, and travel insurance (or have them digital and handy). You should share your travel plans with someone back home.
- Travel insurance: Essential for medical emergencies or travel disruptions. Dont’ travel without it!
- Credit or debit cards: Notify your bank before travel – sometimes you can update it online without stress. Take a look to see which of your banks give you the best rates for euros before you travel and use that card.
- Cash: Usually you get the best rates converting USD for euros by simply withdrawing from the ATMs once in Italy. Yes, skip the cash conversion desks. That said, it’s worth carrying at least $50 in cash for emergencies. And if you have leftover euros from your last trip, bring those!
- Italian translation app: You can use Google Translate to help you navigate Italy, translate menus, or even speak to locals!
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What not to pack
Here’s a few things you can skip when packing for your Italy trip.
- Travel hairdryer: Almost all hotels have a hairdryer available in the room.
- Travel iron: If there is no iron in your room, call reception and they will have one.
So that’s what you should pack for a trip to Italy. When planning your Italy packing list, consider the time of year and weather, look at the region, mix-and-match your outfits, and try not to overpack. Add your tips in the comments!