Amalfi's Hilltop Crown Jewel. Villa Rufolo concerts, infinity-terrace views, and Belmond Hotel Caruso serenity.
Ravello is a historic town perched on a clifftop approximately 365 metres above the Amalfi Coast. Travellers are drawn to its elevated position, which provides expansive views of the Tyrrhenian Sea and a tranquil atmosphere away from the busier coastal towns. Known for its elegant villas, terraced gardens, and a rich cultural history connected to music and the arts, it offers a refined perspective on the region. The Amalfi Coast, including Ravello, is a designated UNESCO World Heritage Site.
This area around Piazza Vescovado provides immediate access to the Duomo, the entrance to Villa Rufolo, and the town's primary shops and restaurants. It is the most central and convenient location.
This pedestrian path leads from the centre towards Villa Cimbrone. Accommodations here are often set within gardens, offering a degree of seclusion while remaining a short walk from the main square.
Properties situated on the terraced slopes below the main town centre typically feature unobstructed views of the coastline. These locations can offer greater privacy but require walking up gradients to reach the central piazza.
A 13th-century villa located off the main square, known for its layered history, Moorish-style cloister, and terraced gardens. The gardens are a primary venue for the annual Ravello Festival, inspired by composer Richard Wagner's visit in 1880.
The extensive gardens of a historic private villa are open to the public for visits. They are famed for the Terrazza dell'Infinito (Terrace of Infinity), a belvedere lined with 18th-century marble busts offering a commanding panorama of the sea.
The town's 11th-century cathedral, located in Piazza Vescovado, is dedicated to Saint Pantaleon. Its notable features include a set of bronze doors cast in 1179 and an ornate pulpit supported by six spiral columns resting on marble lions.
An established summer festival dedicated primarily to classical music, with performances held in various locations including the gardens of Villa Rufolo. The event honours the town's historical connection with music and the arts.
May–June and September. The summer months of July and August are the warmest and coincide with the peak visitor season. Spring and autumn generally provide milder temperatures for walking and exploring the gardens, with fewer crowds.
The nearest international airport is Naples-Capodichino Airport (NAP). From there, the most direct method to reach Ravello is typically a pre-arranged private car transfer, as the town is located in the hills above the main coastal road.
The core of Ravello around the main piazza is largely pedestrianised and walkable. Reaching certain areas, such as Villa Cimbrone or accommodations on the slopes, involves pathways and stone steps that can be steep in places.
Ravello can serve as a base, providing a quiet setting away from the sea-level towns. Journeys to other coastal locations like Amalfi or Positano require a descent by road via bus or taxi, which adds time to any excursion.
Ravello is included within the Amalfi Coast UNESCO World Heritage site, designated in 1997. The listing cites the area as an outstanding example of a Mediterranean landscape with exceptional cultural and natural scenic values.
All destinations · Best hotels · Compare hotels · Plan & Book
Back to Luxury Travel Guides
Hotel reviews · Destinations · Best hotels · Compare hotels · The Journal · Plan & Book
Published by Peters Signature Travel.