Visit Ravello and get ready to fall for one of the Amalfi Coast’s most enchanting hilltop escapes. If you’re into Campania wineries, dreamy gardens, and breathtaking sea views, this is your kind of place. Perched high above the coastline, Ravello feels worlds away from the buzz of Positano or Amalfi, yet it’s just a scenic drive or shuttle away. From sipping local wine in quiet piazzas to wandering through Villa Rufolo’s historic gardens or catching a classical concert at Villa Cimbrone, Ravello serves up elegance with a laid-back vibe. This guide covers all the best things to do in Ravello, because if you’re coming all this way, you deserve more than just a quick photo stop.
Visit Ravello and its best things to do
Discover Villa Cimbrone
Step into the dream at Villa Cimbrone, Ravello’s crown jewel and hands down one of the most romantic spots on the Amalfi Coast. The gardens feel like a movie set, but it’s the Terrace of Infinity that really steals the show. With marble busts standing guard and the entire coastline sprawling out below you, it’s pure magic. Come at sunset, bring someone you like (a lot), and let the view do the talking. It’s not just photogenic, it’s the kind of place you’ll daydream about long after the trip.
Explore the beautiful gardens of Villa Rufolo
Right in the center of Ravello, Villa Rufolo is where music, history, and breathtaking views come together. This dreamy estate once inspired composer Richard Wagner, and it’s easy to see why. With Moorish arches, lush gardens, and balconies that look out over the sea and Ravello’s main piazza, the vibe here is nothing short of magical. Pair it with a stroll through nearby Villa Cimbrone and you’ve got the full Ravello effect: timeless, elegant, and unforgettable.
Wander through the Duomo di Ravello
Facing Ravello’s main square, the 11th-century Duomo di Ravello is a beautiful blend of history and local life. Its bronze doors, crafted in 1179 in Constantinople, open to reveal a simple yet elegant interior with medieval frescoes, a mosaic-covered pulpit, and relics of Saint Pantaleon. Take a few steps up the white staircase, then pause for a coffee under the porticoes nearby.
Attend the Iconic Ravello Festival
Each summer, the Ravello Festival brings a touch of magic to this cliffside town. Set against the breathtaking backdrop of Villa Rufolo’s gardens, the open-air concerts, range from classical music to contemporary performances for an unforgettable night under the stars. If you’re planning to visit Ravello, catching a show during the festival is one of the most memorable things you can do. It’s culture, coast, and charm all in one evening.
What are the best things to do around Ravello?
Visit charming Minori for seaside vibes
Just 20 minutes from Ravello by car or bus, Minori is your low-key slice of the Amalfi Coast, charming, scenic, and blissfully uncrowded. Famous for its ancient Roman villa and heavenly limoncello desserts, it’s the perfect place to slow down. Grab lunch at a beachfront trattoria, take a dip in the calm, clear sea, and soak up that easy coastal rhythm. Pair Minori with a morning in Ravello, garden strolls at Villa Rufolo, coffee in the piazza, then let the seaside magic do the rest.
Plan your next adventure, visit Minori Italy and make the most of it with our tips!
Walk to Amalfi town and its majestic Duomo
Just 25 minutes downhill from Ravello, Amalfi is where coastal energy meets historic charm. While Ravello gives you those sweeping, tranquil views, Amalfi pulls you right into the action. Stroll straight into the striking Duomo di Amalfi, its grand staircase and golden mosaics are a showstopper, then grab a chilled Spritz in the piazza and soak up the buzz.
Discover all the things to do on the Amalfi Coast with our team’s top tips!
Explore the vineyards of Tramonti
If you love wine, carve out time for a scenic trip from Ravello to the rolling hills of Tramonti, 25 minutes away. This hidden corner of Campania is known for its ancient vineyards and hearty native grapes like Tintore and Sciascinoso. Swap sea views for vineyard rows and sip your way through rustic family-run estates that feel a world away from Ravello’s polished villas.
Visit Tramonti Italy and discover a hidden gem!
Good to Know before visiting Ravello, Italy
Is Ravello worth visiting?
Absolutely. Ravello is one of the most enchanting towns on the Amalfi Coast, offering breathtaking views, a peaceful atmosphere, and rich cultural history. Unlike its more touristic neighbors like Positano or Amalfi, Ravello sits high above the coast, offering panoramic vistas and a tranquil escape. It’s renowned for its historic villas, elegant gardens, and world-famous music festival. For travelers seeking romance, history, and beauty without the dense crowds, Ravello is beyond worth it.
Where is Ravello in Italy?
Ravello is located in the Campania region of southern Italy, perched on a cliff approximately 365 meters above sea level along the Amalfi Coast. It is situated between the popular coastal towns of Amalfi and Minori. Though it has no coastline of its own, its elevated position offers unmatched views of the Mediterranean Sea.
How do I get to Ravello?
There is no direct train route to Ravello. The most common approach is to take a train to Salerno or Naples, and then continue by bus, rent a car, or ferry (to nearby Amalfi), followed by a bus or taxi up to Ravello. If you’re staying on the Amalfi Coast, SITA buses and taxis are readily available to reach Ravello. Be prepared for winding mountain roads – the journey is as scenic as the destination.
What is the best time to visit Ravello?
The ideal time to visit Ravello is from May to October, when the weather is warm and all attractions, including gardens and restaurants, are open. July and August are the busiest months, coinciding with the Ravello Festival, so visiting in late spring or early autumn is recommended if you prefer fewer crowds and pleasant temperatures. Late April and early October offer mild weather and better hotel rates.
How much time do you need to visit Ravello?
Ravello can be explored comfortably in a day, but spending at least one night allows you to enjoy the sunset views and quiet evenings after day-trippers have left. A day is enough to see Villa Rufolo, Villa Cimbrone, the Duomo, and stroll the charming streets. However, if you want to relax and soak in the atmosphere, a 2-3 night stay is perfect.
How do I spend a day in Ravello?
Start your morning with a coffee in Piazza Duomo before visiting the Duomo di Ravello. Continue to Villa Rufolo for its incredible gardens and coastal views, then enjoy lunch at a local trattoria. In the afternoon, walk through the peaceful lanes to Villa Cimbrone and its famous “Terrace of Infinity.” Stay for sunset and treat yourself to a gourmet dinner at one of Ravello’s upscale restaurants. If you’re visiting in summer, check if there’s a concert during the Ravello Festival.
Is Ravello better than Positano?
Whether Ravello or Positano is better depends on your travel style. Positano is vibrant, fashionable, and situated directly on the coast, which appeals to beach lovers and shoppers. Ravello, on the other hand, is more serene, with less tourism hustle and more cultural elegance, ideal for couples and visitors who value tranquility, views, and architecture. Many find visiting both offers the perfect contrast.
What are the best hotels in Ravello?
Ravello offers a range of accommodations, from luxurious hotels to charming guesthouses:
- Belmond Hotel Caruso – A 5-star luxury resort with an infinity pool overlooking the sea.
- Villa Cimbrone – Stay in a historical palace surrounded by spectacular gardens.
- Palazzo Avino – A renowned 5-star hotel with stellar views and Michelin-star dining.
- Hotel Rufolo – Situated next to Villa Rufolo with comfortable rooms and terraces.
- La Moresca – A boutique hotel with stylish decor and personalized service.
What are the best restaurants in Ravello?
Ravello’s dining scene features traditional flavors and incredible views. Top recommendations include:
- Rossellinis – A Michelin-starmed restaurant at Palazzo Avino serving elevated Mediterranean cuisine.
- Trattoria da Cumpa’ Cosimo – A local favorite offering hearty, home-style Italian meals.
- Ristorante Il Flauto di Pan – Located in Villa Cimbrone, this exquisite restaurant blends taste and beauty.
- Ristorante Vittoria – Centrally located near the Duomo, perfect for fresh seafood and pasta.
- Enotavola Wine Bar – Great for wine lovers and small local plates in a cozy atmosphere.
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