Italy: Frank & Eileen Mary dress | Hermes sandals – affordable version here | Loewe tote | Rag & Bone hat | Prada sunglasses
Two Weeks In Italy: What I Packed and Where I Went
A couple of weeks ago, I landed in beautiful Italy for a fun vacation with my family. We met up with my Italian cousins, did a little boating, walked up a zillion stairs, ate loads of pasta, sipped yummy limoncello spritzes and, of course, squeezed in a little “blog research” (aka shopping). This was my third visit to the Amalfi coast in the past five years because I absolutely love it there. But, it’s time to visit a few other places, like Lake Como and Sardinia. My Italy list is never-ending! ☀️
Today’s post is about what I packed for this special trip, and has a recap of where we went in case you’re traveling to the Amalfi Coast any time soon (or adding it to your bucket list for future travel). Keep reading to see some outfit inspo, a list of favorite my places, and … a few mistakes we made along the way! And, since many of you asked questions, I’m including some of them at the bottom of this post. Soon I’ll be writing hotel reviews of the three places we stayed (along with ones from my France trip) — you’ll find them in the travel section of my website. Happy travels!
Italy travel posts
15 Days In A Carry on? The Trick That Made It Happen
Italy Travel Tips, and the Best Hotel Ever!
Italy Inspo 🇮🇹
The Amalfi Coast … and Capri
🤍 Positano: We spent four nights in Positano (one too many, more on that later) at Hotel Marincanto, which had stunning views and a gorgeous infinity pool. We ate breakfast every morning out on the terrace while we planned our activities. A couple of highlights included this cooking class, an amazing boat ride around the coast, and an afternoon at Da Ferdinando Beach Club.
🤍 Ravello: Talk about a beautiful hotel! The Palazzo Avino might be an all time favorite hotel for me; it’s a former villa for a noble family nestled into the hilltop 1,000 feet above the Mediterranean! We enjoyed the views, lounged around the pool, and slowed wayyy down. We also had most delicious pizza I’ve ever had. Who knew each person gets their own giant pizza that isn’t cut? A highlight of this stay was wandering through Villa Cimbrone and Villa Rufolo.
🤍 Capri: The water around Capri is renowned for its color — but you have to see it to believe it. For my birthday, we splurged on a private boat ride around the island, and it was a highlight of the entire trip! We swam through caves, checked out all the private yachts (!) and sipped limoncello spritzes. We spent three nights at Hotel La Palma which was in the center of everything. But, if I were to go back, I’d look for a hotel that faces the water on the Marina Piccola side. Next time!
Dresses I packed for Italy
Left: Anthropologie dress | Gold sandals | Middle: TWP dress | Right: Alice & Olivia dress
Wore this black gauze one on repeat, same with this Frank & Eileen shirt dress
This special dress with sparkly buttons was for my birthday dinner
This polka dot dress was for our last night in London
These perfect flowy vacation dresses are from Quince and Amazon
Italy Beach Club and Boating Outfits
Left: Hunza G swimsuit | Middle: Melissa Obadash coverup | Havaianas | Right: Black coverup
This white coverup was perfect for really warm weather
Not pictured is this blue striped shirt coverup, which is another super comfy option. Available here in different colors
I picked up these Havaianas and ended up wearing them most of the trip, along with this straw hat
For a black option, this belted coverup is another good one that I paired with this cute Amazon swimsuit
Other outfit honorable mentions …
Left: TWP shirt, similar for less | L’Agence skirt | Middle: Gucci sweater | J.Crew tank (sold out) | Right: Varley dress | Havaianas
Favorite denim skirt got lots of wear — it’s so soft!
Varley clothing is perfect for traveling, and this dress is really comfortable
Flowy linen pants in both black and white are essentials, and ideal for warm weather
Travel day outfit
Spanx crew pullover and matching pant | Slide sandals | Luggage | Goyard tote | Loewe tank
We had a quick night in London and stayed in my favorite Number Sixteen Hotel which is in the Kensington neighborhood. We had a yummy dinner at Chiltern Firehouse before heading home to Portland!
Q & A
What was your favorite beach club in or near Positano?
I love La Scogliera! It’s elegant and you’ll feel glamorous lounging under blue striped umbrellas sipping Aperol Spritzes! This time, since the Hotel Marincanto beach area was literally right next door, we decided there was no need, which I regret, since it wasn’t the same experience. This visit we tried Da Ferdinando which was really nice, but completely different. It feels like a more authentic beach club with lunch above on the deck, but the chairs are squished together, and the rocks are hot walking to the water.
Capri recommendations?
Renting a boat for a half day was our favorite part of the trip. If you have the choice between boating along the Amalfi Coast or around Capri, I’d choose Capri. It was absolutely beautiful!
Restaurants, bars and special shops to visit?
In Positano, I would recommend Franco’s for happy hour since the views are stunning. We weren’t able to go because the line was too long, but we walked by it every day, and I took a few photos. As for special shops, I LOVE Casa Bottega, and actually treated myself to some new plates and glasses for my birthday. It’s being shipped back home. I also love the two shops associated with La Sirenuse which are right across the street from the hotel and Franco’s.
Impressions of Positano and how many days is enough?
This was my third visit in five years, and I can finally say I’ve had enough!! I still love it, but this time Positano was even busier and hotter, and I think I am ready to try something new … like Lake Como! Previously, I stayed for three nights in Positano, and this time around we stayed four, which was one day too many
Positano or Ravello?
I’m going to go with Ravello! We stayed in Palazzo Avino which is probably the nicest hotel I’ve ever stayed in. Plus, I loved the pink everything – menus, umbrellas, tables, chairs, it was all so beautiful. And they have their own private beach club which was also so lovely
How bad was the drive to Amalfi Coast?
We took the ferry from Salerno, but I have made the short drive from Amalfi to Ravello by bus (!!) yikes, and also a car ride from Positano to Ravello. Lets just say, I’d never rent a car myself. The drive is beautiful but a little crazy!
Did you wear everything you packed?
Shockingly yes! There were only two things I didn’t wear – a white denim shirt jacket (it was way too hot) and a yellow swimsuit!
Did you make it to the chairlift on Capri?
I didn’t but it’s a regret, and it’s something I’d highly recommend in case you’re going. We just ran out of time.
Thank you for reading! xx
This post contains affiliate links. If you purchase through the links, we may make a commission.
