Ravello
Latest page update: 1 February 2025
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By: Dion Protani
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Ravello is simply one of the most charming locations on the Amalfi Coast.
Not only does it offer breathtaking panoramas from its two famous gardens, Villa Rufolo and Villa Cimbrone, it also has a lovely village centre with Piazza Duomo and the Duomo (cathedral) itself as its centrepiece. Ravello's narrow pedestrianised streets are lined with shops and there is no shortage of elegant cafes and restaurants. |
The stunning hilltop location is especially welcome during the hot summer months for visitors to the coastal towns below such as Amalfi which is a half an hour bus ride away.
Take a stroll away from Piazza Duomo up an oleander-lined path and you'll reach the upper part of town where there are a selection of luxury hotels affording iconic views down on to the Amalfi Coast. Ravello has a distinct air of glamour and as such is a popular location for wedding ceremonies.
Ravello is also famous for its annual festivals which are held at the incredible Auditorium Oscar Niemeyer.
Take a stroll away from Piazza Duomo up an oleander-lined path and you'll reach the upper part of town where there are a selection of luxury hotels affording iconic views down on to the Amalfi Coast. Ravello has a distinct air of glamour and as such is a popular location for wedding ceremonies.
Ravello is also famous for its annual festivals which are held at the incredible Auditorium Oscar Niemeyer.
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Ravello: the Amalfi Coast hill town of stunning gardens
Ravello is a town on the Amalfi Coast, located on a hill above Amalfi. It overlooks the Mediterranean Sea and has views of the coastline. In the Middle Ages, it was part of the Duchy of Amalfi and became a center for trade and culture. Wealthy families built villas and churches, many of which remain.
The Duomo of Ravello, from the 11th century, has a simple white facade and bronze doors. Inside, it contains mosaics and relics. Villa Rufolo, a medieval estate, has gardens and a terrace overlooking the sea. Villa Cimbrone, with a mix of architectural styles, has a walkway known as the Terrace of Infinity.
Ravello is known for its music festival, held in the gardens of Villa Rufolo. The town has small squares, narrow streets, and local shops selling ceramics.
Nearby, Amalfi has a cathedral and a maritime museum. Atrani, a small fishing village, is close. Ferries from Amalfi go to Positano, Salerno, and Capri. Hiking trails connect Ravello to other villages in the hills. The valley below the town has lemon groves, producing fruit for local desserts and liqueurs. Paths lead down to the coast, offering different routes to the sea.
The Duomo of Ravello, from the 11th century, has a simple white facade and bronze doors. Inside, it contains mosaics and relics. Villa Rufolo, a medieval estate, has gardens and a terrace overlooking the sea. Villa Cimbrone, with a mix of architectural styles, has a walkway known as the Terrace of Infinity.
Ravello is known for its music festival, held in the gardens of Villa Rufolo. The town has small squares, narrow streets, and local shops selling ceramics.
Nearby, Amalfi has a cathedral and a maritime museum. Atrani, a small fishing village, is close. Ferries from Amalfi go to Positano, Salerno, and Capri. Hiking trails connect Ravello to other villages in the hills. The valley below the town has lemon groves, producing fruit for local desserts and liqueurs. Paths lead down to the coast, offering different routes to the sea.
Comune di Ravello
Province: Salerno
Region: Campania Population: 2,472 (2024 - source) Size: 8 km² Elevation: 365 metres Close by: Scala, Atrani, Castiglione Beach, Conca dei Marini, Minori By car: Amalfi - 18 mins, Positano - 1 hour, Sorrento - 1 hr 28 mins Recommended hotel: Villa Piedimonte |
What are the best hotels in Ravello?
- Caruso, A Belmond Hotel, Amalfi Coast: Set in an 11th-century palazzo perched on a cliff, this luxury hotel features an infinity pool with panoramic sea views, lush terraced gardens, and elegantly furnished rooms adorned with original frescoes.
- Palazzo Avino: Housed in a meticulously restored 12th-century villa, this five-star hotel offers a heated outdoor pool, a rooftop jacuzzi, a holistic spa, and a Michelin-starred restaurant, all with breathtaking views of the Amalfi coastline.
- Hotel Villa Cimbrone: This historic hotel, set within a 12th-century estate, boasts expansive gardens, a panoramic terrace known as the "Terrace of Infinity," and individually decorated rooms featuring antique furnishings and modern amenities.
- Villa Piedimonte: Offering a serene atmosphere, this hotel provides spacious rooms with private balconies or terraces overlooking the sea, an outdoor pool surrounded by lush greenery, and a complimentary shuttle service to Ravello's town center.
- Hotel Villa Maria: Nestled in a tranquil setting, this charming hotel features elegantly furnished rooms with balconies offering sea or garden views, a renowned restaurant serving organic produce from its own garden, and close proximity to Ravello's main attractions.
What's the best way to reach Ravello?
Ravello is accessible by various transport options. The nearest airport is Naples International Airport, about 60 kilometres away. From the airport, travelers can take a taxi, rent a car, or use a shuttle bus to Salerno or Sorrento for further connections.
By road, Ravello is reached via the SS163 Amalfi Drive, followed by a winding uphill road from Amalfi. Driving can be challenging due to hairpin bends and limited parking, especially during peak season.
There are no direct train services to Ravello. The nearest stations are in Salerno and Sorrento, from where travelers can take a bus or ferry to Amalfi and continue by road.
Ferry services from Naples, Salerno, and Sorrento operate to Amalfi, which is the closest port to Ravello.
Local SITA buses connect Ravello with Amalfi, where travelers can access onward transport to other coastal destinations.
By road, Ravello is reached via the SS163 Amalfi Drive, followed by a winding uphill road from Amalfi. Driving can be challenging due to hairpin bends and limited parking, especially during peak season.
There are no direct train services to Ravello. The nearest stations are in Salerno and Sorrento, from where travelers can take a bus or ferry to Amalfi and continue by road.
Ferry services from Naples, Salerno, and Sorrento operate to Amalfi, which is the closest port to Ravello.
Local SITA buses connect Ravello with Amalfi, where travelers can access onward transport to other coastal destinations.
Ravello Gallery
Where are the best places to eat in Ravello?
- Rossellinis: Located within the Palazzo Avino hotel, this Michelin-starred restaurant offers refined Mediterranean cuisine in an elegant setting.
- Il Flauto di Pan: Situated in the Villa Cimbrone hotel, this Michelin-starred restaurant provides creative Mediterranean dishes with panoramic views.
- Cumpa' Cosimo: A family-run trattoria known for its authentic Italian dishes and warm hospitality.
- Mimì Ristorante Pizzeria: Offers a variety of Italian dishes and pizzas, popular among both locals and tourists.
- Vittoria: An airy, unfussy place with coved stone ceilings, known for its pizza al forno di legna with fresh toppings.