What to Pack for Two Weeks in Southern Italy During Winter

When you think of southern Italy, you probably think of pastel-colored villages perched on the sides of mountains rising straight from the sea. The sun gleams off the bright blue water, and it’s hot – very hot. Southern Italy (from Naples south) is popular for its beautiful beaches, but the region is visited far less frequently than the tourist hot spots of Rome, Venice, and Florence. It’s also popular in the summer, with a significant off-season from October to March. If you’re like me, hate crowds and love hitting off-the-beaten-path destinations, winter is the perfect time to visit Southern Italy!

If you think the beach is all the south has to offer, think again! Explore the historic ruins of Pompeii. Try the world’s best pizza in Naples. Get your exercise hiking the Path of the Gods on the Amalfi Coast. Experience the ancient city of Matera. Visit an olive farm in Sicily. You’ll never be bored.

Exploring ancient ruins in Southern Italy. Pictured in KÜHL STIR BASEBALL TEE

Daytime temperatures are typically in the 50s in Naples and get warmer as you head farther south. My husband and I spent two weeks road tripping from Rome to Sicily, packing only a carry on bag each. Here’s what we brought:

Packing List

• One mid-weight jacket for cold nights – we love the KÜHL FLEECE LINED LUNA JACKET for women and the FLEECE LINED KOLLUSION JACKET for men
• One fleece like the KÜHL AVALON
• Four long sleeved shirts for layering. Resist the urge to pack too many shirts, and remember that you’ll be wearing a fleece or jacket in most photos anyway!
• Two short sleeved shirts
• A wrap/sweater. I loved the KÜHL NOVA WRAP and wore it out to dinner to celebrate our anniversary
• A lightweight pullover for layering or travel, like the uber-flattering KÜHL ATHENA PULLOVER

Pictured in KÜHL ATHENA PULLOVER

• One or two pairs of midweight jeans or pants. For men, try the KÜHL RADIKL PANT!
• A comfy pair of pants for the long flight. I recommend the KÜHL SKÜLPT JOGR
• Long underwear like the KÜHL KASKADE BOTTOM for slow-moving outdoor tours or particularly cold days
• Pajamas
• A pair of comfortable walking shoes or hiking boots (with support and cushion) for those cobblestone streets and cliff side staircases
• Some nicer shoes/boots. Stick with a lower heel for comfort and ease on uneven surfaces.
• Hat and sunglasses for days when the sun is strong
• Socks and underwear (amount based on personal preference)
• Universal outlet adapter
• Offline translator app (useful in smaller towns where English is less common)
• Offline maps/GPS app like Navmii Italy
• Toiletries

One of the great things about traveling in Italy is that you’ll have access to whatever you need if you forget something. Pharmacies are plentiful and found in nearly every town, and of course, clothing and groceries are easy to find. Don’t over pack thinking you have to bring every single thing you could possibly need. Stay tuned for more tips on road tripping through Southern Italy, including a complete itinerary!

Danielle Cemprola is a freelance writer, marathoner x 52, and the brains behind the popular running and travel blog The T-Rex Runner. Danielle and her husband, AJ, love to hike, travel, and eat their way across the planet. She's a self-described carry-on enthusiast who loves challenging herself to pack for any trip, no matter the length or destination, in a carry-on bag. When Danielle's not flying the friendly skies, you're likely to find her working at her day job as an environmental scientist - hey, someone needs to pay for all those plane tickets! 

AJ and Danielle in Southern Italy. Pictured in KÜHL FLEECE LINED KOLLUSION JACKET and FLEECE LINED LUNA JACKET