The Amalfi Coast Style Guide: A Packing List - SorrentoVibes (2024)

FAQs

What is the dress code in the Amalfi Coast? ›

The dress code for day to day is pretty much casual, there is no need to be overdone especially in the hot weather and if you are spending your days exploring and walking around. Linen fabric clothing is always a great idea as it's very light on your body and also breathable.

Sandals are the only footwear because it is too hot for anything else. Also, do not forget to bring your sunglasses and hat because summer in Positano is very sunny.

As Italy is a part of the European Union, official Italy currency is Euro. Of course, you don't need to pay by cash all the time as cards are very popular in Italy as well. However, we advise having at least 40-50 Euros per person just to stay worry-free and avoid rushing in order to track down the nearest ATM.

Jokes aside, there is etiquette when it comes to tipping taxis, tour guides, restaurants, bars, and hotel staff. In general, tipping in Italy is not expected or required unless you receive exceptional service – at which point a few euros or up to 10% is appropriate, depending on the situation.

The average high in Sorrento is 25ºC in September, which drops to a pleasant 16ºC at night. The sea temperature's 24ºC, while humidity's low. There's 57mm of rain over eight days, and you can expect 12 hours of daylight with eight hours of sunshine each day. Pack some sun cream as UV levels will be high.

There are beaches all along the Amalfi Coast; some of them very small, and some only accessible by boat because they are situated below cliffs. Most are pebble beaches, not sandy beaches, so visitors will need water shoes, flip flops or beach sandals.

The Weather in September

The weather on the Amalfi Coast is still quite mild in September, with the temperatures slowly cooling off but still warm enough to swim in the sea.

Cards are accepted just about everywhere - it's a tourist town. Also there are atms where you just withdraw any cash you need with your bank debit card.

How much should you tip in Positano? ›

It's often 15-20% of the bill. If there is a servizio charge on your bill, you do not need to leave an additional tip.

The towns on the Amalfi Coast are characterized by steep little lanes and infinite flights of steps, meaning you'll want to avoid wearing high heeled shoes or long, tight skirts.

Opt for boat shoes like Sperry or Timberland while sticking to flip-flops if you want to feel your foot free and comfortable.

Le Sirenuse is a luxury boutique hotel in Positano, founded & run by the Sersale family. Member of @leadinghotelsoftheworld.

The short answer is yes. Drinking water from the tap in Italy is considered safe. Tap water in the major cities and towns around Italy is safe for consumption, and there are thousands of old-style water fountains dotted around cities, like Rome, where you can fill up water bottles.

In Italy, cash is still preferred in most restaurants, cafes and other establishments, although credit and debit cards are becoming more widely used throughout Italy and are an increasingly convenient way to pay for things. Visa and Mastercard are widely accepted, although American Express is not.

By buying a lot of euros in advance, you will get ripped off exponentially. By carrying a lot of cash when in Italy, you will make yourself incredibly vulnerable to theft, either from your person, or from your accommodation. Almost every store and restaurant in Italy accepts credit or debit cards.

First, understand that Italy is a very cash-oriented society, so make sure you never end up with zero cash in your wallet. To buy small things, like coffee, you'll need cash. You'll also need cash at all outdoor markets, for most taxis, and at many restaurants.

What is the rule for tipping in Italy? There is no strict rule about tipping in Italy. Leaving a tip is a courteous gesture that shows the person who provided a service to you, that you appreciated their help. As such, leaving a tip is entirely up to you and, in many cases, it will not be expected, albeit appreciated.

Tip in the local currency

Whenever you tip during your trip to Italy it is important to use the local currency, that is - Euros. Otherwise you'll leave your service providers with cash they can't use without paying high fees on currency exchange.

Can I drink the water in Sorrento? ›

The water is perfectly safe to drink all over Italy, and you can ask for tap water if you want – it's just that no one usually does, and your waiter might not want to bring it to you.

Spring (late March to mid-June)

April and May are the months in which the weather is the most pleasant in southern Italy and Sorrento is at the peak of its beauty, with the scent of orange blossoms and lemon trees in the air and long, sunny days.

The “red season” for mosquitoes in Italy is definitely summer, from June to September. It's the hottest and most humid period, therefore mosquitoes are more ravenouse and aggressive than other times of the year.

Maiori is a long stretch of beach and one of the only sandy beaches on the Amalfi Coast. We should mention though that only a small portion of this beach is free, the rest being occupied by sun loungers which you need to pay for. The set up at Minori is fairly similar and smaller at just 250 metres long.

You can most certainly get around the Amalfi Coast without a car, instead opting for buses and ferries to take you along the coast and across to the glorious Capri. Once there, you won't be short of amazing attractions to inspire your sense of la dolce vita and enrich your soul.

Though southern Italy experiences milder winters compared to other parts of the country, the Amalfi Coast still gets cold. Highs linger in the mid-50s throughout winter and night temperatures generally fall into the low 30s.

This statistic displays the average monthly rainfall in Italy over the past 20 years. It shows that over the past twenty years the month with the highest average rainfall has been November, with an average rainfall of 101.3 mm. On average, July has been the driest month.

The wettest month is October with 29 mm of rain over 3 days.

The month of September has always been considered one of the most fascinating and pleasant times to visit Sorrento and the Amalfi Coast, with its mild temperatures, sunny days and less crowds making it the setting for the most unforgettable and relaxing holiday.

In mosques and traditional areas like Gold Souk, you have to wear proper dresses with full sleeves and avoid shorts.

What is kaftan attire? ›

A kaftan or caftan (/ˈkæftæn/; Persian: خفتان, khaftān) is a variant of the robe or tunic. Originating in Asia, it has been worn by a number of cultures around the world for thousands of years. In Russian usage, kaftan instead refers to a style of men's long suit with tight sleeves.

Cholita fashion is comprised of a colorful pleated skirt worn over layers of petticoats, an embroidered shawl held by a brooch, and a small bowler hat.

You will get a better exchange rate by using your credit card, as opposed to exchanging US dollars in Italy. Keep in mind that if you pay cash, you're more likely to get a discount in an independently owned store, if you ask for it.

I would say the average prices of appetizers & salads are 14€-20€, while main pasta dishes range from 15€ to 28€ with seafood. Main orders of fish and meats also range 25€-40€ +.

Something to drink

As far as drinks go, connoisseurs will enjoy delicious spring water flowing from village fountains during walks unless labelled 'non potabile' (tap water is always safe to drink).

“It is customary and appreciated to tip during breakfast when there is a server who takes your order or serves coffee and juice.”

You don't need to tip taxi drivers

Cab drivers in Italy never expect a tip, so if you give one to them, they may be surprised. If you're using a car service like Uber or Free Now (formerly myTaxi), tipping is also not required. But if any driver goes out of his or her way to assist you, it's OK to give a small tip.

“posso avere il conto per favore?”

We delve into the history of Italy's most famous sneaker brand, Superga. If you asked us to name the shoe that most represents Italy, Superga would be it.

Don't Bring Flip-Flops.

And yes, this is a real thing, Italian's just don't wear flip-flops. While in Italy it is important to steer away from these types of shoes, especially if you will be in a big city like, Florence or Milan visiting churches or museums all day.

What is the dress code in Italy? ›

Italy doesn't call for a certain dress code, as you're free to wear whatever you please. With that being said, I'm sure that some trendsetters fear looking too 'touristy. ' If you want to blend in, there are a few aesthetics that you should know of.

Capris and cropped pants are mostly meant for a casual look, and that is why sneakers are an ideal option to wear with them. They are comfortable, breathable, and look minimalistic.

A wedge or heel looks excellent with both capris and crops. Sandals of all types are a good option with crops and capri pants, either flat or with a small heel. Avoid ankle straps that visually chop the leg. A pale or nude shoe elongates the look of your legs and looks great with both.

According to YourOverseasHome.com, flip flops are banned on the island of Capri, in Italy, as it is illegal to wear "excessively noisy" footwear because locals value their "peace and quiet". However, tourists can carry noisy shoes and wear them in the rest of Italy.

Sorrento is the clear winner for budget-conscious travelers who want to move around and visit the area. You will save big choosing this town over Positano, where meals cost double. It's also a better home base for exploring Italy's western coast.

Sorrento tends to be the best choice for budget-conscious travelers, Positano for those that want the quintessential Amalfi experience and Amalfi for those who want a quieter stay. However, there are a lot more factors to consider when choosing where to stay on the Amalfi Coast.

With a little bit of luck you can catch Celebs like Michael Jordan, Vanessa Hudgens or Jennifer Lopez. Be sure, you'll make a lot of photos in Positano! Because it's a perfect Instagram Location.

The dress code is strictly casual at Trattoria Amalfi, so come as you are (and as you are comfortable). Carry-out is also available for those who prefer to enjoy this restaurant's cooking from the comfort of their own home.

You can apply some easy rules, though. Italians do not dress as casually as North Americans, but that doesn't mean you must wear a suit or dress daily. We suggest casual clothing with comfortable footwear. The key to packing is clothes that can serve multiple purposes.

Traveling to Italy? Italians can be very fashion-conscious, so there are a few things you should know about dressing in Italy. There is no formal dress code, but fashion is important in Italian culture, and Italians typically pay close attention to another person's clothes.

What time do people eat dinner in Amalfi? ›

Cena (dinner): traditionally lighter than lunch, though still a main meal. Standard restaurant hours are 7.30pm to 11pm (later in summer). Most locals don't dine before 8.30pm.

Also, apparently, some cathedrals will not let you enter wearing shorts. I am here to tell you, that this is incorrect. You can wear shorts in Italy and look perfectly normal.

Seat Yourself At Cafés And Bars

Italian seating customs will be familiar to Americans. “While visiting a ristorante (restaurant) or pizzeria/trattoria, guests should wait for the host to seat you. At a café or bar, guests can seat themselves,” according to Steve.

Are jeans appropriate to wear in Italy? While Europeans tend to dress up more than Americans, you still can wear jeans in Italy. However, avoid acid wash and extremely distressed denim and opt for medium-dark blues and blacks. Black skinny jeans always look chic in Europe!

What is this? In Italy, we do not wear sneakers in the office but we do wear them if we travel, if we are sightseeing and in any informal situation. Do not go for a less comfortable shoe out of this misconception, sneakers are perfect for Italy (see below for tips on stylish ones).

Can you wear sneakers to dinner in Italy? Sneakers are fine also in Italy, but again, maybe not in a fancy restaurant. So consider taking also some nice pair of shoes with you.

Layers are key: As with any flights, layers are particularly important on long flights. It's impossible to tell if the AC will be stalled while you sit on the runway, so start with a simple cotton shirt, and be sure to bring a more stylish cardigan or sweater to layer on top.

The towns on the Amalfi Coast are characterized by steep little lanes and infinite flights of steps, meaning you'll want to avoid wearing high heeled shoes or long, tight skirts.