If you’re not sure on what to wear in Italy in summer to explore one of the iconic Italian cities, I suggest you bring a pair of walking shoes. Add to this a pair of nice flats or sandals for the lazy afternoons spent eating gelato.

Because it will be quite warm, a good idea would be to wear natural fibre clothing (cotton, bamboo, silk, etc). Synthetic fibres are made from chemicals and will make you sweat a lot. It’s not only gross: it can be quite dangerous for your skin!
For your city trips, pack your favorite leggings and cotton t-shirts. Don’t forget to bring also something to cover your shoulders if you’re planning to visit a religious building. If you’re only planning to visit the warmer areas, you could pack a cotton scarf that you’ll drape on your shoulders if you need to. It won’t take too much space in your luggage! Of course, you can buy one when you visit. A wonderful souvenir from Italy that will always make you think of my Country!

Italian summer dresses are bright, light and usually very cute. You can use them to go to the restaurant or if you want to go out drinking. Pack at least one! According to the restaurants you want to go to, you can opt for a long dress (usually meant for a night at the theatre, or to eat at a fancy restaurant) or a shorter one.

Still undecided? How about a mid-calf dress? That will always come in handy!
Even if summer in Italy can be very hot, it doesn’t mean you can’t go hiking. I live in an area where trekking is surprisingly a big thing. In the South we have amazing trails that you can explore with a tour of the Amalfi Coast, our beautiful islands and of course, hiking on Mount Vesuvius is also one of our favorite activities.

As I already mentioned countless times, when you want to go hiking you absolutely need the right gear. You wouldn’t believe the number of people who try to hike Mt. Vesuvius in flip flops, only to get badly hurt. No need to say that this would definitely ruin your vacation!

In case you’re still in doubt on what to wear in Italy in summer, my suggestion is to write down your itinerary. If you’re planning a few hikes, pack accordingly!

A good pair of hiking boots is an absolute must if you want to go hiking in Italy. They will be very useful also if you’re planning a trip to Pompeii, because the uneven surfaces can be quite dangerous for your ankles. While I’m aware that they can be heavy and that it will be very hot, safety always comes first. Choose a good pair of hiking socks for summer treks, usually they offer the natural fibers benefits and will keep your feet dry.