Things Most People Forget To Pack For Italy's Amalfi Coast - Ultimate Packing Guide

Published: June 23, 2025

Planning a trip to Italy’s Amalfi Coast? Whether you’re sipping limoncello in Positano, swimming in the sea in Capri, or wandering the charming streets of Ravello and Sorrento, packing smart will make your trip so much smoother (and more stylish!) I’ve put together the ultimate packing list for the Amalfi Coast–filled with essentials that go beyond just cute dresses and sandals. These are the things most people forget to pack for the Amalfi Coast, and trust me–you don’t want to forget them.

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1. 2 -in-1 Outlet Adaptor and Voltage Converter

Italy uses type C, F and L plugs, and the voltage is 220V. Most people think you just need to buy an outlet adapter to use their powered devices. You do need an outlet adapter, but it’s important to know that if you’re bringing electronics like a curling iron, hair dryer or straightener from North America, you’ll need more than just a plug adapter–you also need a voltage converter. The United States voltage is 120V so if you are coming from the U.S. all of your devices will short circuit and be fried if you try to plug them in to a 220V outlet.

You have two options for solving the voltage problem. You can buy dual voltage (120V/240V) electronics, Amazon sells dual voltage products including dual voltage hair dryers & dual voltage straighteners. There is usually a button to switch the voltages on the device. Or you can buy a voltage converter, which you can plug your U.S. devices into and it automatically converts the voltage to 220V. Most voltage converters are also outlet adaptors, which solve 2 problems in one! Click here for the top rated 2-in-1 outlet adaptor and voltage converter on Amazon.

Important: The product I linked above is for a 2-in-1 voltage converter and outlet adapter-which is what you need. Just know that if you search”voltage converter” on Amazon, many products come up that are just outlet adaptors–not voltage converters. It is so important that you check to make sure the product is also a voltage converter so your devices are protected. It is also important to read the reviews–not all voltage converters are created equal. Buying a voltage converter that doesn’t work well is a costly mistake.

2. Water Shoes

Don’t make the mistake of not packing water shoes. The beaches on the Amalfi Coast are very rocky and walking barefoot on hot, sharp rocks is not fun. Water shoes are a must if you want to enjoy Amalfi Coast’s beaches. Click here for the top-rated water shoes on Amazon.

3. Flat Shoes For All The Stairs

There’s no avoiding it–the Amalfi Coast is full of stairs. Positano alone feels like a never-ending stair master. Leave the heels at home and bring a pair of comfortable flats, cushioned sandals or even stylish walking sneakers. I have these sneakers that look great with sundresses.

4. Phone Lanyard

This is one of the things most people forget to pack for their Amalfi Coast trip. Being able to wear your phone cross-body is essential for touring the Amalfi Coast. If you use your phone as a camera, you will want to have it accessible for all of those photo opportunities, but carrying it in your hand is so inconvenient. (How are you supposed to eat that gelato with one hand!?). I have this phone lanyard and it is honestly one of my all time favorite travel essentials. I have used it hiking in the National Parks, taking pictures out of car windows and chair lifts without worrying about dropping my phone, and sight seeing in cities. It is perfect for the airport if your boarding pass is on your phone. I honestly use it just running errands at home, too. Trust me, having a phone lanyard is a game-changer for travel!

5. Bug Spray

If you’re traveling in warmer months, mosquitoes can definitely make an appearance–especially during the sunset near the coast or in garden settings. My husband and I got several mosquito bites on a tour of a limoncello farm. Pack travel-sized bug spray or wipes so you can stay bite-free and enjoy those gorgeous sunsets. These best-selling bracelets are non-toxic and infused with essential oils that repel mosquitoes.

6. Sunscreen

Italian sunshine is no joke. Between boat days, cliff hiking and beach days, you’ll want to pack a high SPF sunscreen to make sure your vacation isn’t ruined by a painful sunburn. Don’t rely on buying it locally–it is a lot more expensive and not as many options.

7. Snorkel Masks

We snorkeled several times throughout our stay on the Amalfi Coast. Both of the boat tours we did (one to Amalfi & Positano and one to Capri) both had multiple snorkel stops, and we also snorkeled right off the beaches. The boat tours do provide you with snorkel gear, but we liked having our own. Flippers aren’t necessary, but having the snorkel mask is incredibly convenient. These full face snorkel masks have been game changers for snorkeling. There is no learning curve, nothing goes in your mouth and you can breathe normally!

8. Lightweight Quick-Dry Towel

A quick-drying microfiber towel is one of my favorite travel hacks. It’s perfect for boat tours, beach days or even to use as a blanket to sit on. (or for those cold airplanes!) They’re compact, sand-resistant and dry quickly in the sun. Even if our hotel supplies beach towels, we don’t end up taking them as they are too bulky to carry around. My favorite are these Bay Laurel towels--they are affordable and come with a carrying bag!

9. GoPro or Waterproof Phone Pouch

Whether you are on a boat tour, snorkeling in the Mediterranean or swimming in the crystal clear waters of the Amalfi Coast, you will want to take pictures in the water without worrying about your phone being damaged. A GoPro is the best way to film in the water. It gives you clear and colorful images and video–we never travel without ours! (Be sure to get a floating handle for your GoPro!) If you don’t want to purchase a GoPro, the second best thing to bring is a waterproof phone lanyard. (Make sure it floats!)

10. A Lemon Dress

I had no idea this was a thing until I traveled to the Amalfi Coast. The Amalfi Coast is known for its limoncello and all things lemon. Walking around, I saw so many women wearing dresses with lemons on them. It was like a daily fashion show that I didn’t get the memo for! I have to admit, I had some FOMO–wish I had thought to get a lemon dress before our trip. Amazon has some really cute ones like this one. Be sure to check out my Amazon idea list for the cutest dresses to pack for the Amalfi Coast.

11. A Hat (preferably with a strap)

The Amalfi Coast sun can be intense, so you will want to be sure to pack a hat. Choose a hat with a chin strap like this one for those windy ferry rides and boat tours.

12. A Luggage Scale

Between shopping in local boutiques and stocking up on limoncello souvenirs, your suitcase might return home a bit heavier than it arrived. Avoid suprising fees at the airport by packing a lightweight luggage scale to weigh your bags before you fly. If you are traveling to Italy from the United States, you may be surprised to learn that there are weight limits for carry-on bags. We ended up having to pay extra because our carry-on suitcase exceeded the weight limit. Be sure to research the airlines policy before you go.

Bonus Tips

Pack layers- evenings can be breezy, especially on a scooter, boat tour or ferry.
Bring a tote bag or backpack to use on your beach and boat days
Pack cash for tips, especially if you are doing a boat tour
Don’t overpack! Many accommodations are uphill or require walking up stairs. A lighter suitcase equals a happier you!
- Use vacuum bags to condense your clothes into a carry-on or smaller checked bag. These vacuum bags come with a small rechargeable vacuum sealer that you pack in your bag so that you can vacuum the clothes back up for your return trip
- Compression packing cubes are another great way to avoid overpacking. I love these compression packing cubes by Well-Traveled.

Final Thoughts

It’s easy to get caught up in planning cute outfits and dreaming of that perfect beach club day, but it’s often the little things that make the biggest difference on a trip. Most travelers forget essentials like a voltage converter, bug spray, and water shoes and end up paying for it later (sometimes literally). By packing smart and bringing these often overlooked items, you’ll avoid the common travel headaches and be free to soak up every lemon-scented, sun-soaked moment of your Amalfi adventure!

Check out my Ultimate Amalfi Coast Itinerary!

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@postcardsfromcarrie 4 Day Amalfi Coast Itinerary ✨ Day 1: Amalfi Coast Boat Tour with stops in Amalfi and Positano . Also includes swimming and snorkeling ✨ Day 2: Explore Sorrento. Eat, drink and shop your way through the Piazza Tasso, sunbathe at the beach clubs or do a limoncello tour. ✨ Day 3: Boat Tour to Capri You can take a ferry to Capri, but the boat tours include exploring the grottos and caves. ✨ Day 4: Drive the Amalfi Coast from Sorrento to Ravello. The traffic can be bad, so a driving tour is a good option too! 🔗Link in bio for detailed itinerary 📣 Comment Tours for my tour recommendations #amalfi #amalficoast #amalficoastitaly #sorrento #positano #ravello #amalfi #capri #italy🇮🇹 #italytiktok #italytravel #italyitinerary #traveltiktok #traveltips #explore ♬ Island In The Sun - Weezer