Packing for Naples: the essential list for 2026
What should I pack for Naples?
The two non-negotiables are comfortable walking shoes (the cobblestones are uneven and tiring) and sun protection for summer visits (Pompeii has almost no shade). Beyond that, lightweight layers, a scarf for churches, a crossbody anti-theft bag for the Circumvesuviana, and a European Type F power adapter complete the essentials.
Quick answer: Comfortable walking shoes, sun protection (summer), a crossbody bag for the Circumvesuviana, a church-appropriate scarf, and a European Type F power adapter. Everything else is optional.
Packing philosophy for Naples
Naples rewards light packing. The city is hot in summer, the streets are narrow, and the Circumvesuviana (where you spend time getting to Pompeii and Herculaneum) is frequently crowded. Rolling bags on cobblestones are miserable for you and others; a carry-on and a day bag is the practical combination.
This list is organised by category, with specific notes for different seasons and activities.
Shoes: the single most important item
The centro storico of Naples is paved with ancient basalt cobblestones — uneven, hard, and distinctly unfriendly to thin-soled shoes. After 3–4 hours of walking Spaccanapoli and Via dei Tribunali, inadequate shoes become the dominant topic of conversation.
What works:
- Cushioned walking shoes or lightweight trainers with grip soles
- Comfortable leather lace-ups or city boots (cooler months)
- A pair of comfortable sandals for evenings in Chiaia, the Lungomare, and beach days
What does not work:
- Heels of any height (impractical on every surface in the historic centre)
- Flip-flops for extended walking (tiring and offer no ankle support)
- New shoes that have not been broken in (blisters on cobblestones are unpleasant)
For Pompeii specifically, closed shoes with cushioning are important. The excavated streets have uneven stone surfaces and some sandy patches. Sandals work for short visits; they are uncomfortable for a 4–5 hour site exploration.
Clothing by season
Summer (June–August)
Heat is the primary consideration. Naples temperatures peak at 28–33 °C in July–August; Pompeii (which has almost no shade) can feel considerably hotter in direct sun.
- Lightweight breathable fabrics: linen, merino, technical travel fabric
- Light-coloured clothing (absorbs less heat than dark)
- At least one long-sleeved light layer for churches and for evenings (evenings stay warm but the transition can be cool)
- A sun hat with a brim — essential for Pompeii; very useful for the city
- Swimwear for the islands and coast
Spring / Autumn (April–May, September–October)
The most comfortable visiting seasons. Days are warm (18–26 °C), evenings can be cool.
- The layering principle applies: a lightweight jacket for evenings
- Waterproof layer (compact packable raincoat) — spring and autumn can have brief rain
- Comfortable mid-weight shoes
Winter (November–March)
Naples winter is mild (7–15 °C) but wet, with some cold days.
- A medium-weight waterproof jacket
- Layers — not a heavy overcoat but enough for variable temperatures
- Comfortable waterproof shoes or ankle boots
The church cover requirement
This applies year-round but particularly in summer when visitors wear minimal clothing. Naples has dozens of historic churches, most with no entry fee, many with genuine artistic importance. All require:
- Covered shoulders (straps ≥ 5 cm; or a covering layer)
- Knees covered
Best solution: A lightweight scarf or sarong (40–60 cm × 180 cm) that doubles as a beach cover-up, plane blanket, and church-appropriate layer. Takes up almost no space. Keep it in your day bag.
The bag situation: anti-theft and practical
For the city
A crossbody bag that closes securely and sits in front of your body is the safest option for the Circumvesuviana train, Napoli Centrale station, and the busier streets of the centro storico. Key features:
- Secure zip or clasp closure (not a drawstring or flap)
- Worn across the chest, not hanging off one shoulder
- Large enough for your phone, wallet, water bottle, and sunscreen
Anti-theft bags with wire-reinforced straps and RFID-blocking pockets are available from Pacsafe, Travelon, and similar brands. They are not essential for Naples, but they reduce cognitive load on the train.
For day trips (Pompeii, coast)
A lightweight daypack (20–25 litres) works well for carrying:
- 1.5 litres of water (essential at Pompeii in summer)
- Sun hat
- Sunscreen
- A light layer
- Snacks (avoid the overpriced food near Pompeii entrance)
Electronics and adapters
Power adapters:
- Italy uses Type F (Schuko) plugs, 230V/50Hz
- US: needs both an adapter (different plug) and a voltage converter if your device is not dual-voltage. Most modern phones, laptops, and camera chargers are dual-voltage (100–240V — check the label). An adapter alone is sufficient for dual-voltage devices.
- UK: needs a Type F adapter but no voltage converter (230V is compatible)
- Australia: needs an adapter; most modern devices are dual-voltage
Useful electronics:
- Portable power bank — long days of navigation and photography drain phone batteries
- Earbuds — for self-guided audio tours at MANN and Pompeii
- A universal travel adapter with multiple USB ports if you carry several devices
What you probably do not need:
- A dedicated camera (modern smartphone cameras are excellent for Naples’ photography opportunities)
- A heavy travel keyboard or accessories — pack light
Sun protection for summer
Sun hat: More important than most travellers anticipate. Pompeii has almost no shade. The Forum, the main streets, and the Villa of the Mysteries are fully exposed. A hat with a 7–10 cm brim is optimal.
Sunscreen: Buy at an Italian supermarket (supermercato) or farmacia, but expect to pay more than at home. Bring your own SPF 50 cream and a SPF 30 daily moisturiser. Sunscreen on the Amalfi Coast and islands is significantly more expensive than in Naples.
Sunglasses: UV-protection sunglasses are important for extended outdoor time. The sea and white marble surfaces reflect intense light.
Health and medication kit
Bring from home:
- Ibuprofen or paracetamol
- Any prescription medication in original labelled packaging (customs may require this)
- Antihistamines (spring pollen can be heavy)
- Rehydration sachets (oral rehydration salts — invaluable if you become dehydrated at Pompeii in heat)
- Blister plasters (for the cobblestone inevitability)
- Insect repellent (mosquitoes in late summer near the coast)
Available in Naples: Italian pharmacies are excellent and very common. Pharmacists are trained medical advisors and can handle minor ailments (stomach issues, minor infections) without a GP visit. Generic ibuprofen, antacids, and most OTC medications are available at low cost.
Documentation checklist
- Passport (Schengen entry — Italy requires your passport, not just an ID card for non-EU visitors)
- European Health Insurance Card (EHIC/GHIC for EU/UK citizens — free NHS emergency treatment)
- Travel insurance documents and emergency contact number
- Downloaded offline maps of Naples, Pompeii, and the Amalfi Coast (Google Maps offline is reliable)
- Pre-booked tickets for Cappella Sansevero (if applicable — book at least 3 days ahead in season)
- Pompeii skip-the-line tickets if pre-booked
- Hotel confirmation with address in Italian (useful for taxis)
Note on ETIAS (EU travel authorisation): Expected to launch Q4 2026 but not yet required as of mid-2026. Check the official EU website before you travel — the situation may have changed by your visit date.
What to leave at home
Heavy DSLR camera: Unless you are a serious photographer, smartphone cameras are sufficient for all travel photography in Naples and surroundings. A heavy camera bag adds weight on cobblestone streets and makes you a more obvious target.
Business formal clothes: Naples is a casual city. Smart casual is appropriate for any restaurant or evening event. A jacket and dress shirt for men covers any occasion.
Excessive cash: Card payment is widely accepted. Carry 50–100 € in cash for street food and small vendors; larger amounts are unnecessary and increase theft risk.
Frequently asked questions about packing for Naples
How formal should I dress for restaurants in Naples?
Smart casual is sufficient for any restaurant in Naples, including upmarket places in Chiaia. Men do not need a jacket. Women in a sundress and sandals are perfectly appropriate for an evening dinner. The Amalfi Coast hotels and some Capri restaurants skew slightly more formal in peak season.
What is the best bag to carry on the Circumvesuviana?
A crossbody anti-theft bag worn on your front for your essentials (wallet, phone, passport). Keep a separate small daypack for larger items (water, hat, guidebook). During the train journey, the daypack should be between your feet or in your lap, not on the overhead shelf.
Do I need walking poles for Pompeii or Vesuvius?
Not for Pompeii. For the Vesuvius crater hike, the path is rocky and steep — a single walking pole or a good hiking stick helps significantly on the descent. Not essential but useful, particularly for less experienced hikers or older travellers.
Can I find good sunscreen in Naples?
Yes. Supermarkets (Esselunga, MD, Lidl) and farmacie stock international brands (Nivea, Garnier, Banana Boat). However, prices are higher than northern European or US equivalents. Bring your own from home if you use a specific SPF 50 product.
What language apps are most useful for Naples?
Google Translate with Italian downloaded offline is the most versatile. DeepL for more nuanced translation. Most menus in tourist-facing restaurants have English, but local trattorias may be Italian-only — a translation app at the table is completely normal and accepted.
