Exciting things to do in Ravello, Amalfi Coast Hilltop Gem
Perched on the cliffs of one of the most beautiful places in all of Italy is the town of Ravello, Amalfi Coast’s bucket list gem that many visitors never see, but should. In fact, there are so many unique things to do in Ravello that bely its diminutive size.
The small but serene destination is one of the best places on the Amalfi Coast, known for its striking views overlooking the cliffs to the azure sea below and centuries-old enchanting gardens just waiting to be explored.
If the heady scent of olive oil and lemons in the air doesn’t draw you up from the bustling towns of Amalfi, Atrani, or Positano below, hop a tourist bus or grab a taxi and make the 10-minute trip up the mountainside.
Set apart from the popular seaside towns, Ravello is honestly one of the most enchanting small Italian towns I’ve ever seen. It’s quiet, and well known for having been a wellspring of inspiration for composers and artists in the past.
In a nutshell, it’s worth spending at least a day or more if you’re looking for a more exclusive, less-crowded Amalfi Coast travel experience.
Ravello is something altogether different. Keep reading to learn more about this city where thousands of years of history meets the natural landscape of the Amalfi Coast.
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Where is Ravello?
The town of Ravello is located in the province of Salerno in the region of Campania. It attracts many tourists each year, but not nearly as many as the coastal towns of Positano, Amalfi, Atrani, and others.
The town itself is situated about 1,000 feet above the Amalfi Coast and is best known for its enchanting views and quieter experience.
Getting To Ravello on the Amalfi Coast
If you're in the region, getting to the Amalfi Coast is the first task at hand, which we get into below. But once you're on the Costiera Amalfitana (the Amalfi coast), Ravello is easy to get to from all the major towns along the coast and just a 4-mile drive from Amalfi.
Driving yourself means having to give up at least some of the views, which is why using one of the many cab services that are available is a good great idea!
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In addition, driving restrictions along the Amalfi Coast have gotten much more strict in recent years since tourists can really hinder buses and trolleys from getting around.
Fines are strict if you’re caught driving certain parts of the road at certain time of day.
The Amalfi Coast Drive
There are quite a few options for getting to Ravello in the first place, from Amalfi or Positano. Some routes are more preferable than others for better views and scenery.
But first you have to get to the Amalfi coast.
The Amalfi coast drive, which spans from just south of Sorrento to Salerno, is one of the best scenic drives in Italy.
The iconic stretch takes you through a number of towns, giving you spectacular views of the cliffs overlooking the Tyrrhenian Sea along the way.
Positano, one of Italy’s most beautiful cities, is the first town you'll encounter on the Amalfi Drive south from Sorrento. Set on the coast like colorful books leaning against the wall, you can’t imagine there are any streets running through the town until you set foot in it and start walking.
16 km down the road (a 35 minute drive) is the town of Amalfi, which the entire Amalfi Coast is named after.
Getting from Amalfi to Ravello / Positano to Ravello
Ravello sits above the town of Amalfi and Atrani, so it’s a short and easy drive to get from the town of Amalfi to Ravello.
From Positano to Ravello is basically the same route but you’ll be on the coastal road SS163 for 30 minutes longer. Visiting Ravello is a popular day trip from Positano, so the route will be clogged with traffic during busy times of the year in Positano.
From Amalfi or Positano, drive south on Via Duca Mansone toward Corso delle Repubbliche Marinare/SS163. Make a sharp left turn at the giant mosaic sign for Ravello onto SS373 (signs for Scala/Ravello/Tramonti), then turn right onto Via Giovanni Boccaccio.
If you want to stick to the coastal roads but aren't in the mood to burn a hole in your pocket, the Line 5070 bus is another option you can consider.
Getting Around Ravello
The city of Ravello is almost completely pedestrian, with cobblestone paths and walkways that wind through the town.
Ancient footpaths and mule paths made by the first inhabitants of Ravello centuries ago follow the mountain ridges and are also still used today by mountain bikers, hikers, and yes even mules.
Whether you’re in Ravello for one day or several, the town of Ravello is small enough that you can easily walk wherever you plan to visit.
Most hotels in Ravello have parking areas for cars if you’re road-tripping, and even offer an it take service to guests for dinner outside of town or down to Positano.
Best Time to Visit Ravello
Much like the rest of Italy, the best time to visit Ravello is in the early months of spring. During the months of March and April, the city and its gardens are at their most beautiful, with terraced gardens of lush green foliage, scented blossoms, and baby leaves making their first appearance.
August on the Amalfi coast is typically the busiest month for Italians on summer holiday.
The month of September to mid-October is a good option too for good weather. It’s also a good time to see olive orchards harvesting their bounty.
Winter has far fewer crowds and moderate but often wet and cloudy weather, and many tourist businesses close in mid-October for the season.
Things to do in Ravello
Visit Villa Cimbrone
You may have heard about the renowned Ravello gardens, and perched 1,200 feet above the gorgeous coastline is Villa Cimbrone, one of the most popular ones to visit. It is also a luxury hotel if you’re looking to splurge for a special occasion!
With a rich history that dates back nearly 1,000 years, the Villa prides itself on its well-maintained terraced gardens that are outlined by marble busts.
The walkways around the gardens are best seen in the summertime when they’re in bloom with white and blue flowers. The architectural details, whether it’s the statues, columns, or walls, will take you back in time during your visit.
A quick walk through the gardens will lead you through the Terrazza Delle Rose, the Tea Room, and past a sculpture copy of Michelangelo’s famous Statue of David.
With its famous Infinity Terrace offering the best views of the surrounding sea, it’s not difficult to see how the villa has played muse to a number of artists that have passed through its walls — the likes of MC Escher, D.H. Lawrence, Greta Garbo, and Richard Wagner, to name just a few.
The Amalfi Coast isn’t cheap, so ironically this is one place you can save a bit if you’re so inclined. Grab a picnic lunch from a trattoria or sandwich place in town before heading in to the Villa. You can stake out the perfect spot away from any tours and enjoy a blissful few hours.
Shop for Local Specialties
Shopaholics are never left wondering what to do in Ravello, as there are local specialty shops throughout the town with one-of-a-kind gifts and Italian souvenirs to take home.
Majolica Ceramics
Ravello is famous for preserving the tradition of making ceramic art in all its forms, from handmade pottery and tableware sets to intricate mosaic wall tiles.
Watching local artisans masterfully turn handfuls of clay into beautiful pieces of artwork is truly a sight for sore eyes.
Handmade Leather Sandals
Along the narrow streets, you’ll also find several stores making hand-crafted leather sandal. There's little else that compares to the experience of getting creative and crafting your own perfect pair, even if custom-made ones may be a bit expensive.
The craftsperson will help you pick a style you love and that’s comfortable.
They’ll also provide you with plenty of choices when it comes to soles, colors, styles, and straps, and even the option to add some extra embellishments like Swarovski crystals!
Villa Rufolo
Dating back to the 13th century and fabled to hold a treasure within its walls, the Villa Rufolo is another one of the Amalfi Coast's esteemed hotels.
Famous for its meticulously designed gardens that overlook the Mediterranean Sea, the flowers bloom in striking shades and the symmetric patterns are enough to stop even the most avid travelers in their tracks.
In the 19th century, the Hotel Rufalo was established on the grounds, drawing aristocracy and notable travelers from around the world.
In fact, the famous writer D.H. Lawrence stayed here in the late 1920’s and began work on his masterpiece Lady Chatterly’s Lover. One can only imagine the inspiration he must have drawn from these surroundings!
Today, the villa is a hub for musical performances throughout the year, hosting famous orchestras, pianists, and choirs on one of the most beautiful stages in the world.
Flanked by two great towers, connoisseurs of music get to enjoy performances on this stage set high above the Mediterranean Sea.
Make sure you check out this website before your visit to find out more about the performances that are happening during your time there.
Oscar Niemeyer Auditorium
Ravello is popularly known as “la citta della musica”, or the city of music. The name is derived from both the locals' affinity for music as well as the crown laurel of the land, the Oscar Niemeyer Auditorium.
This curved hall of sparkling white hosts cultural events for various art forms throughout the year.
Despite the acoustics definitely being the highlight of the place, the Oscar Niemeyer Auditorium is also the town’s art center, attracting acclaimed dancers, sculptors, and painters from all across the world.
If you’re visiting during the summer, be sure to stop by for the annual summer music festival to catch some international artists performing in the lineup.
The seats are laid out in a way that ensures no one's view is obstructed, doing away with the hassle of securing a good seat during concerts.
Plan a visit to see if it’s the auditorium, the music, the coastal views, or all three that leave you at a loss for words!
Church of the Annunciation
Towering over the Gulf of Salerno, the Church of the Annunciation has stood the test of time since the second half of the 13th century.
There are three naves for the congregation of the church, divided by two pairs of stone columns (one pair in pink marble and one pair in granite). The oratory of the church consists of one nave and even a Renaissance-style wooden altarpiece on the Western side.
As impressive as the interiors are, the twin towers and the restored frescoes of the church emit the aura of a rich past.
The external domes are one of the most prominent sights in all of Ravello. From the terrace at Villa Rufolo, you can capture these domes with the overlooking tree, all in one frame, as seen in the postcards of Ravello.
Duomo di Ravello
Known as the spiritual center of Ravello, the Duomo is said to have been built in the 11th century and undergone many restorations throughout history.
Architectural aficionados will notice that the church has a touch of both Baroque and Romanesque styles, being highly decorative and employing brickwork to result in this heavenly symbol of faith.
Prepare for a jaw-dropping sight at the entrance to the church: a gilded bronze church door, one of the few that remain in the country.
Next, check out the ornately decorated pulpit of the church that rests on spiral pillars atop 6 marble lions. The interior too has mosaic art and stonework that adorns the church and the chapel.
Home to a sealed vial of St. Pantaleone’s blood that is believed to liquefy on the day of his martyrdom every year, the Duomo also has a museum with a handful of artworks and sculptures that are worth viewing.
These include a mysterious marble bust of a crowned female, the identity of whom is yet to be confirmed.
Stroll Old Town Ravello
The best way to soak in the allure of Ravello is to take a walk through its streets and alleyways. With complimenting architecture that takes you straight back to a time long gone, the old town presents you with some of the most authentic crafts and delectables the Amalfi Coast has to offer.
If you prefer a guided tour with a local Guide, we can recommend this 2-hour tour (a great value for up to 15 people, so it’s perfect for a family or small group of friends).
One souvenir you must take home from Ravello is a piece of handcrafted ceramic artwork from one of the specialty shops located on the backstreets.
Some of the creators, such as Ceramiche D’Arte Pascal, have a clientele list that includes even Hollywood celebrities. If you don't have the time to wait around, you can place your orders and have them shipped straight thome!
The art does not stop there. Indulge in a luxurious shopping spree and visit all the most popular tailors in the city, such as the Bottega D’Ago, a family-run workshop that delivers contemporary outfits made from locally-sourced fabrics.
They also offer custom-made outfits in no more than a couple of hours' time!
Find eateries dotting the walkways throughout, serving classic Italian fare you can grab for your walks.
From Michelin star restaurants to street-side cafes that are known for the best coffee in town, you’ll never run out of options when on these cobbled stone paths.
Get Cooking!
If you’re thinking a cooking holiday in Italy is just what you need, there are several cooking classes in Ravello that deserve a closer look.
Book a stay at Ravello Holiday House's Villa San Lorenzo and book an immersive journey into the regional cuisine of Campania.
You’ll start by getting your hands messy in the kitchen with Chefs Marco and Tano cooking pizzas and fresh pasta and then feast on your preparations with a glass of fine wine as you breathe in the ocean air.
Another famous cooking class is Mamma Agata Cooking Classes. Perched on the cliffside overlooking the sea, we discovered this little gem on our walk down the (many) steps from Ravello to Atrani, the town located just below on the coast.
Mamma Agata’s has hosted many tourists and celebrities over many years in business including Fred Astaire, Humphrey Bogart, and Jackie O!
restaurants in ravello italy
Salvatore Ravello
Via della Repubblica, 2, Ravello
For a special occasion or a fabulous lunch overlooking the coast, the view from Salvatore is upstaged only by their incredible food! You’ll find a selection of local dishes of Campania, like fresh local seafood and rabbit, and some Italian dishes from outside the region as well.
Salvatore’s was one of our favorites and I’d say it’s one of the best restaurants in Ravello Italy — a welcoming waitstaff and warm comfortable setting. Highly recommend!
Ristorante Sigilgaida at Villa Rufalo
Via San Francesco 1, 84010, Ravello
The restaurant Sigilgaida has a bright veranda with breathtaking views of the coast. It is placed on the upper floor with a terrace used in the hot seasons. It serves refined Mediterranean cuisine in the Amalfi Coast tradition.
In the preparation of the food strong emphasis is placed on the use of local products and organically grown vegetables from the hotel’s own garden.
The restaurant Sigilgaida has a long tradition and experience of organising weddings, conferences and other events
Ravello Hikes
There are more walkways in Ravello with clear directions and instructions than paved roads for vehicular transport. Most of the popular spots around Ravello are easy enough to walk to on foot.
But there are also several trails less than 3 miles or so that you can take from Ravello, that will take roughly 2-3 hours to complete.
Some follow gently ascending and descending paths along the mountain ridge. Others involve lots of stairs down the cliffside to the coastal towns below. And some have both.
Hiking one of these trails is a unique way to see the Amalfi Coast. Be sure and pick up a free hiking map from the tourist office in Ravello before you go or check out the hiking options on All Trails.
Ravello to Amalfi via Atrani
Near Villa Cimbrone, you can pick up the trail of steps that take you all the way down to the sea!
A few years ago, we walked over 1,000 stairs from Ravello down to Atrani, and from there to the town of Amalfi. The trail is mostly concrete steps and walkways so go slow and make frequent stops if your knees aren’t what they used to be.
The hike is steep, but interesting. You’ll pass little houses, olive orchards, and lemon groves you never imagined were there.
On your journey, you’ll encounter a handful of fountains that will help you combat the heat of the sun, before you are rewarded with the view of the shoreline.
The breathtaking views are the ultimate reward, even if your legs may feel a bit wobbly.
The steps down will eventually lead right into the main piazza of the small town of Atrani. There is a fountain there where you can scoop up handfuls of cool, clean water. So refreshing!
Follow the street at the far left side of the square through the arch and stretch your legs on the (finally) flat pavement.
From here, it’s an easy 15 minute walk through town to Amalfi, though it may take you longer with all the incredible sea views along the way.
Ravello to Maiori
Maiori is another coastal town on the Amalfi that claims the longest unbroken stretch of beach on the coast.
So, if lounging under an umbrella on a large-grain sand beach is what motivates you, the walk from Ravello should be a piece of cake.
The most popular hike there is the Path of the Lemons. The abundant growth of lemons along this trail from Ravello to Maiori allows you to breathe in the history and tradition of the place with a little zest.
Visit during the spring and late summer to see the area come to life with farmers and their mules carrying away baskets of ripe produce!
You can easily hike the route yourself but if you want to dive a little more into the history a guided tour is a lovely way to enjoy the trail with a group and a knowledgable local guide.
The Path of the Gods
Located in the vicinity of Ravello, The Path of the Gods is a hiking path that takes you from one rocky cliff to another with stunning views and unique local sites along the way.
The Path is considered one of Italy’s ultimate hiking excursions, and it can be done independently or with the help of a licensed and knowledgable Guide.
First time hiking the Path of the Gods? We highly recommend going with a Guide who can help guide you along without getting too far off the trodden trail, and also offer better insight into the sites you’ll see along the way.
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The trail is roughly 5 miles long, running up, down, and sometimes even to the edge of the crumbling cliff.
As you make your way through caves and stone altars, you will find artifacts and signs from centuries ago. This is where a guided hike can help you make the most of your walk.
The landscape shifts very quickly along this trail. From being surrounded by clouds one second to making your way through thickets and crops the next, the Path of the Gods is true to its name in terms of the dynamic terrain.
But the heavenly views of the Mediterranean stretching out as far as the eye can see are only the icing on the cake.
Be sure to keep yourself hydrated as the trail is considerably longer than most. Don't worry if you forget to carry a meal with you as there are few spots along the trail where you can grab a bite.
The hike ends in the town of Positano, where you will get to reward yourself with a cold drink on the beach.
Best Ravello Hotels
Hotel Villa Cimbrone
Distinguised by its Old World elegance and class, the Villa Cimbrone is one of the most highly recommended Ravello Italy hotels. Yet it's the hotel's world-class facilities that include a hydromassage corner and a private helipad that provide guests with the modern-day comforts they crave amid the charm of the vintage town.
Enjoy the views of the Amalfi Coast from the comfort of the deck chairs on the terrace before returning to your plush room that is complete with all the best amenities.
The hotel is also home to a gourmet restaurant that is famous for its Mediterranean cuisine, so those who are looking for fine dining and great service should drop in and sample some mouth-watering dishes.
Caruso, A Belmond Hotel
Caruso, A Belmond Hotel sits within a renovated 11th century building atop a sea-view cliff. The property consists of two buildings: the main hotel complex and an annex in the garden.
The hotel seamlessly blends elements from across history like state-of-the art amenities served under frescoed ceilings and ancient architecture. You’ll have a choice of suites and rooms with private balconies for secluded privacy.
The hotel is popular with couples who love its splendid American breakfast spread in addition to the Italian delicacies available.
Those who are visiting in the summer will be happy to learn that the hotel also provides complimentary boat trips and a shuttle for hitching a ride into town.
Palazzo Confalone
The Palazzo Confalone, named after the ancient building it is housed in, is another highly rated hotel that is worth a visit for the architectural marvel that it is.
The property and its rooms are modeled in fresh modern designs with historic artifacts for decoration.
The interiors of the hotel are meritorious in terms of attention to detail. Be it the columns, the flooring, or even the gardens outside, the property is maintained in a way that allows you to enjoy your stay in the most regal manner.
Overhead blooms of white and pink make amazing settings to capture photographs.
The rooms in the hotel offer unparalleled views of the coast and the city. This, coupled with the hotel's delicious food and its staff's hospitality make it one of the most sought-after locations to stay in when passing through Ravello.
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We hope you see how this paradise amid cliffs is truly the culmination of modern finesse and the rich history of its ancestors. Ravello is a spot that is definitely worth visiting when on the Amalfi Coast, so get planning!
PLAN YOUR VISIT: More on the Amalfi Coast
