katya3d

Wondering what to wear/take on a day trip to Pompeii in July.

Thanks!

fmpden

An umbrella and water. There is no shade in Pompeii. Very exposed so it will be hot and humid.

Blueeyedcod

There is not 'no shade' in Pompeii. There are plenty of tall trees down by the amphitheatre and the amphitheatre entrance. Some of the structures have a roof - the Stabian Baths is one - the Lupanare is another.
It would be common sense to use some sort of sun protection. An umbrella is not a good idea as you will be folding it up and down as you enter houses - you can't keep it up as it will scratch walls.
Wear shoes with soles that have a lot of traction as the basalt road paving stones are very slippery.
Take a map (download one from Pompeiisites.org) as the office always sells out.
Maps are not in English so it will help if you know that 'casa' means house for example.
Casa del Fauno is the House of the Faun.

nytraveler

Definitely take your own water (preferably kept cold) since it will be very hot - the sun reflects up off the stones. And obviously much of the footing will be uneven.

artsnletters

Just noticed that the guide says you can't take a purse or backpack. Is that enforced? How do you carry your water and camera without some sort of container?

Rubicund

The official guide says that you shouldn't take any "bulky luggage" into the site. I'd guess that this means suitcases for those who are visiting either on the way to or from accommodation. Purses (Handbags) and backpacks seem to be OK.

http://www.pompeiisites.org/Sezione.jsp?idSezione=1409

bvlenci

There is a luggage storage facility for large bags and suitcases. I would definitely wear a sunhat.

kwren

People used umbrellas when we were there. We were glad to have ours.

There are fountains running so you can easily fill your water bottles up with cool water while there.

Pompeii is very big. Do a bit of reading before you go and have a plan of your don't-miss places in mind.

There is a cafeteria on site.

Have fun!

greg

Shoes with strong ankle support and soles that tolerate walking on sharp edges. You will be walking on streets like this nomadiccosmopolitan.files.wordpress.com/2011/11/dscf1690.jpg

isabel

This link is to the official pompeii site - you can download maps and the actual guide that they will give you when you buy your ticket. But having it ahead of time allows you to read it in the comfort of your home rather than standing there in the hot sun.

But I was there in July and there was shade (not much, but certainly some), there are fountains to refill your water bottles, and the real crowds were only in a few places (close to the entrance). Get there when it opens and you can stay ahead of the crowds for hours.

http://www.pompeiisites.org/Sezione....idSezione=6796

janisj

>>An umbrella is not a good idea as you will be folding it up and down as you enter houses - you can't keep it up as it will scratch walls.<<

I have no idea what sort of umbrella you have in mind -- but it is certainly no <i>hardship</i> opening and closing the sort of umbrella I use when traveling. A tiny/folding umbrella weighs a few ounces and fits in a pocket.

The sun at Pompeii can be very VERY hot.

Blueeyedcod

lol - Janice why the italics?

An umbrella needs a hand to hold it up. Here are some other reasons why it's a nuisance.

Map reading involves using hands. Juggling an umbrella at the same time = pain in the butt.
Fishing around in your bag for a camera or a drink requires hands - see previous comment about umbrella being pain the butt.
Trying to get through narrow streets whilst poking people in the eye with your personal shade device - not fun for them.

A wide brim hat has the same effect without the juggle required. The only people I've seen using umbrellas for shade in Pompeii are Asian tourists. Everyone else manages to get by with hats but hey, if the OP finds it useful then good for them.

Blueeyedcod

@ Isabel - the map ahead of time is a good idea but I would strongly advise the OP not to plot out a route. There are many closed roads there right now including Via dell Abbondanza. There was temporary fencing all along this street until a short while ago and everyone was forced to walk on the basalt stone roadway. The House of the Vetti has been closed for almost nine years and yet this is not mentioned on the map.

Crowds are not just at the Porta Marina entrance. The Lupanare (aka brothel) is in a tiny street and it is PACKED with people. The Stabian Baths have boardwalks in them now which funnel tourists in and out the same way (one would have thought in one door and out another but no...) so everyone is pushing past each other. The gazillions of cruise ship groups following their numbered paddles all mill around the same spots so you have to 'permesso' to get past everyone.

OP - take plenty of your own water. When I was last in Pompeii (in January) the drinking fountain taps were disconnected. This may just be seasonal and they will be back on in July. One would hope so.

janisj

>>Map reading involves using hands. Juggling an umbrella at the same time = pain in the butt.<<

Guess I'm just better at multi tasking than you are

EYWandBTV

Just to repeat again and again: the sun will be fierce in July. Bring an umbrella and water.

jan47ete

You also need very protective and covered footwear. Cobblestones on feet are horrible. Deep crevasses, uneven streets,hoards of groups, the heat, LOTS of people, maps in hand, cameras focused on picture taking, so lots going on so no flimsy sandals but sneakers might be too hot. Might recommend footwear that is all enclosed but has airholes.

I thought I had bought the right recommended sandals that had an ankle strap and thick undersole but toes were exposed and I seemly kept stubbing them and pebbles were always under my feet.

If you are in the Naples area for more than a day, might recommend taking in Pompei if it's going to be more cloudy than sunny.

kwren

I think I'll add my experience with footwear in Pompeii. We were there in the summer and it was very hot. I had sneakers and ankle socks and was comfortable walking around. When I looked at my skin the next day, I had a rash starting from where the top of the socks was and going up a few more inches. It was my ash rash! At least from my experience, I would definitely wear enclosed shoes.

rosanna75

July is the hottest month of the year, it can be 38 degrees Celcius, so you absolutely need water! Wear good shoes (hiking shoes, no sandals)because of the walking on the stones (and eventually snakes!)

Blueeyedcod

These responses are over the top - snakes? I presume that's a typo.
There *is* shade at Pompeii, you can buy water if you forget to bring some and you're not hiking Macchu Picchu - you don't need closed in shoes and in July they will just make your feet hot and uncomfortable.
Two thirds of Pompeii is closed to the public so you won't be on your feet for hours and hours.

rosanna75

Really snakes! There are many types of them, especially when it's hot! They hide under stones and there is only one dangerous type, the vipera! That's why I raccomend the hiking shoes and not sandels!