A Guide to the Best Things to do in Ravello, Amalfi Coast

Last Updated on 4th June 2024 by Sophie Nadeau

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The impossibly beautiful town of Ravello sits perched in the mountains that kiss the Amalfi Coastline and is a must-visit while in southern Italy. Home to immaculate gardens, Italianate architecture, and romantic scenery, here’s your ultimate guide to the best things to do in Ravello, as well as what to know before you go.

What is Ravello known for?

Ravello’s prominent position high on the cliff face overlooking the Amalfi Coastline and glittering waters below mean that its probably most famous for its sweeping views. The town is also known as the “City of Music,” thanks to the fact that artists and other creatives have always been drawn to the relaxing ambiance of the town.

I personally love this little town as it is a little more off the beaten path than the likes of Amalfi or Positano and so is much quieter (even in the height of summer) and has a charming laid-back ambiance.

Where is Ravello?

Ravello is located on the Amalfi Coastline, a world-famous stretch of rocky shoreline that is associated with luxurious resorts, pristine beaches, and breathtaking scenery. Ravello is situated in the province of Salerno, Campania of Southern Italy.

How long do you need in Ravello?

Truth be told, you don’t really need more than an afternoon in Ravello as the town is fairly compact and you can easily see all of the major attractions over the course of a few hours.

With this being said, there are some pretty nice dining opportunities in town, not to mention the stunning views and so many people opt to stay overnight in order to experience the town without the day trippers. If it’s your first time in the area, be sure to check out our Amalfi Coast itinerary suggestions.

Best things to do in Ravello

Wander around Ravello

One of the best ways to experience the beauty and charm of Ravello is simply to wander around its quiet cobbled streets and lose yourself in the beauty of the town’s Romand and Medieval roots. If you would prefer to get to know the town with a local guide, then you can book a private guided walking tour like this one.

The winding alleys will surprise you with cute shops and cosy cafes to venture into and every now and then you’ll find yourself coming out on to viewpoints of captivating scenery, sure to take your breath away.

Of course the best way to explore and get a true taste of Ravello is to do so with an ice-cream (or, more specifically, an Italian gelato) in hand! Hands down, the best gelato in town can be found at Baffone Gelateria Artigianale.

Villa Rufolo

Dating back as early as the 13th century, the charming Villa Rufolo has been dubbed as the ‘crown jewel’ of Ravello. Located in the beautiful Piazza Vescovado, the historic villa overlooks the cathedral square and is well known for its beautiful gardens and thanks to its location, hosts many of the Ravello Festival concerts.

The Rufolos were of a high social status in Southern Italy and Villa Rufolo was built to reflect this. A combination of Arab and Byzantine architecture and decoration was used to express the power of this medieval family.

However, by the 19th-century Villa Rufolo remained only as a ruin, and was bought and rebuilt by Scottish aristocrat, Sir Francis Nevile Reid.

Now as it stands, visitors are welcome to enjoy exploring the rooms rich with history and well maintained gardens that boast of stunning views. You probably only need 20 minutes for your visit, find admission prices and opening times here.

Villa Cimbrone Gardens & The Terrace of Infinity

Another historic villa in Ravello that’s certainly worth the short hike up the hill is that of Villa Cimbrone. Dating back as far as the 11th century, Villa Cimbrone is the extraordinary creation of an eccentric English lord. Nowadays the villa is a luxury hotel, one of the most prestigious in all of Europe!

Full of charm and tradition this five-star hotel has been managed by the Vuilleumier family since 1874, and if you get a chance to wander through you can see they have kept the distinctive style and character of the villa, remaining true to its history.

The gardens are open to the public to visit. An oasis of colour, bursting with thriving lush greenery and plants, and scattered with statues and fountains, the garden is a real mix of styles and eras and truly a paradise to explore!

However the reason most people visit is to see one of the most beautiful views of all of Amalfi Coast that has captivated all those who visit, ‘The Terrace of Infinity’. 350 meters above sea level, there’s a beautifully decorated marble rail with a series of 18th-century marble busts.

Staying true to its name, you’ll find your gaze lost in the infinite stretch of sparkling blue Mediterranean sea and the Gulf of Salerno below, as well as the emerald hills of the surrounding Amalfi Coastline.

Duomo di Ravello

The main church in Ravello can be found in the form of a historic cathedral, dating back to 1068 the church was built with support from the Rufolo family, this basilica is the spiritual and social centre of the town.

The church has undergone extensive renovations over the past 900 years, but its style is a clear combination of Baroque and Romanesque styles and the 13th century bell tower shows a Byzantine influence.

Within the church visitors can marvel at the decorative mosaics, spiral columns that sit atop intricately carved marble lions and the bust who is believed to be, Sigilgaida Rufolo (the wife of Nicola Rufolo).

Chiesa Dell’Annunziata

The church and oratory of the annunciation is located just below Villa Rufolo, it makes for an iconic photo which can be captured from the villa’s gardens. Only open for concerts and conferences, you can admire its beautiful facade and architecture from many parts of Ravello town.

Chiesa di San Giovanni del Toro

Yet another church in Ravello that has had to undergo renovation, Chiesa di San Giovanni del Toro was damaged by an earthquake and much of it had to be rebuilt in 1715.

Named after John the Apostle, also known as Saint John the Beloved, this hidden treasure is beautiful visit and also makes a popular spot for weddings!

Piazza Centrale

For a true taste of Italian life, I recommend hanging out in the main square of Ravello, Piazza Centrale. Lined with restaurants and cafes serving the most delicious traditional Italian cuisine! On the square you’ll also find the Duomo and the entrance to Villa Rufolo.

Caseificio Staiano Ravello Cheese Factory

Another way to learn about the local culinary scene in Ravello to book a cheesemaking class with Biagio and Carolina and make your own mozzarella!

An unforgettable experience, this is one of the few cheese factories that are within reaching distance of the sea. Find out more about cheesemaking and how to book here.

Shop for Italian souvenirs

Lemons are one of the most popular foods grown along the Amalfi Coast. As a result, one of the most popular shops is Ceramiche Cosmolena, filled with handmade ceramics adorned with painted decorative lemons.

Filled with small gift shops and artists studios, you are sure to find plenty of creative souvenirs or gifts from the town to bring back and treasure.

There’s also the Ravello Market that happens every Tuesday morning in the parking space beneath Piazza Duomo, selling fresh local produce, it’s the ideal place to pick up snacks for a picnic!

Ravello Festival

If you happen to be visiting Ravello in the months of July and August you will find yourself immersed in one of Italy’s best-loved music events, Ravello Festival, also known as the ‘Wagner Festival’ after the popular German composer.

This annual summer festival usually lasts the duration of two months and Ravello becomes a glorious hub of musical and cultural activities.

A major highlight of the festival is the Dawn Concert. Have you envisioned a movie soundtrack playing when you experience beautiful moments in life? Well this is exactly this…except the music is actually playing out loud! Performed on the cliff edge of the Amalfi Coast, this event is definitely worth staying up till the crack of dawn for, the breathtaking views and music will leave you feeling inspired.

Auditorium Oscar Niemeyer

Located close to the car park which is just outside of the town centre, this dramatically curved, modern building was designed by the renowned Brazillian architect, Oscar Niemeyer and is the venue for most of the Ravello Festival, seating up to 400 people.

Sample the local wine

After hearing about the breathtaking views, you can probably imagine that this is the perfect destination to sip on wine and no trip would be complete without sampling some of the local wine.

Sun kissed grapes make for exquisite wine! In fact, many of the grapes grown along the Amalfi Coast have ancient lineages that date back to Roman times. Some of the best rated wine bars in town include Babel wine bar bistrò & art and Enotavola Wine Bar.

Hike to Amalfi

As long as you have comfortable shoes and love hiking, it’s very possible to hike from Ravello to Amalfi and admire the captivating views as you walk along the paths that are rich with history. This beautiful hike is an absolute must if you have time, and be sure to bring water and a snack along too!

Although the route is quite challenging with quite a few steep inclines at points, it only takes around 50 minutes to get from town to town. Once in Amalfi town, there are plenty of unique things to see and do, including the Amalfi Duomo and relaxing on the beach!

Can you see Ravello in one day?

My answer would be a resounding yes. We personally visited Ravello over the course of a long afternoon and found it a sufficient amount of time to wander the cobbled streets, soak up the views, and visit one of the most important gardens in town.

Where to stay in Ravello

If there’s one thing you should know about visiting the Amalfi Coast, it’s that it can certainly be on the pricier side of things, especially if you’re visiting in high season (July and August).

With this being said, due to Ravello’s position a little further away from the sea, the town is a little bit cheaper to stay in than the likes of Positano or Amalfi. Here are some of the best places to stay in Ravello (based on location and web-reviews):

Auditorium Rooms: If you’re looking for a cosy and laid-back B&B, this delightful accommodation is just a short distance from the town centre and has highlights such as amazing sea views from the property and unique decor. Check prices and availability here.

Villa Cimbrone: If you’re looking for a crème de la crème experience that you’ll remember for years to come, you’ll want to check yourself into this five-star hotel. Amenities include an outdoor pool, lovely grounds, and a restaurant and bar on site. Check prices and availability here.

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