Things To Do In Ravello
Ravello is by far one of the most underrated towns on the Amalfi coast.
This hidden gem of a village is tucked high into the mountains and a little inconvenient to get to… which is why most day trippers and first-time visitors opt for more accessible and popular options like Positano or Amalfi town.
However, during my five day stay on the coast, Ravello left the strongest impression.
I loved how quiet and quaint it was; the architecture was out of this world; and the village had some of the best coastal views that I had ever seen.
Ravello was the epitome of slow travel on the Amalfi coast away from crowds and chaos, and if you’re ready to experience it for yourself, here are my favorite things to do in Ravello.
Essential Tools For Your Italy Trip
Accommodations: I use Booking.Com to reserve rooms 2-3 months ahead of time during high season
Transport: use Omio for bus/train tickets & FerryScanner for ferry tickets (skip the SITA bus and book a ferry to get around instead. You’ll save yourself the headache.)
Tours: use GetYourGuide to book a sunset tour around the coast!
Esim: I used Holafly during this trip (because I needed unlimited data for work 🥲)
Insurance: the world is kinda insane right now so use SafetyWing to make sure you’re covered
Not in the mood to explore Ravello alone? Opt for a guided walking tour with a local!
1. Visit Villa Cimbrone & the Terrace of Infinity
Villa Cimbrone is Ravello’s most famous attraction.
This 11th century villa dates back to Ravello’s golden age as a maritime republic.
It passed from aristocrat to aristocrat, but by the mid-1800s, had fallen into a state of semi-abandonment.
It was purchased in 1904 by a British man, Ernest William Beckett, who transformed it into the modern vision that it is today by restoring it with a blend of Gothic and Morris influences and curating lush gardens that highlight the incredible national natural scenery.
Spend your morning walking through the villa learning more about its history, and then of course stop by the famous Terrazza dell’Infinito (Terrace of Infinity) for incredible photos.
This balcony is lined with 18th-century marble busts and offers an 360 degree panorama of the coast.
2. Explore Villa Rufolo
Having a home with a view has been in style since ancient times, and since Ravello has the most incredible views on the coast, it only makes sense that there's more than one villa in town.
Villa Ruffalo was built in the 13th century and architecturally fuses Arabic, Sicilian, and Norman styles.
The estate has famously inspired multiple pieces of art including Boccaccio’s Decameron and Wagner’s Parsifal.
It’s a little bit smaller of a villa, but the grounds are just as beautiful.
If you visit during summer, you might even be able to catch the famed Ravello Festival!
3. Drop In On An Outdoor Concert (Ravello Festival)
Unfortunately, I visited in late autumn, and the events had already concluded but if you’re there from June to September then definitely make sure to book tickets for Ravello Festival!
This series of outdoor concerts is hosted by the village every year and features classical music set in Villa Ruffalo's gardens overlooking the sea.
It’s just a spectacular excuse to slow down, connect, and enjoy the gardens as they’re meant to be enjoyed.
I’m so jealous of anyone who actually gets to attend.
4. Wander Piazza Duomo and Visit Ravello Cathedral
Alright, now that we're done with the rich people stuff, let's get down and dirty with plebeian life.
The piazza is the heart of any Italian town and to really get a feel for a place, you've gotta spend a few hours just people watching there, right?
So head to the Duomo (Cathedral) first and admire its magnificent bronze doors and the marble pulpit supported by six lions and once you've paid your respects, grab an award-winning gelato from Baffone Gelateria and spend an afternoon judging fellow travelers and snapping videos of stray cats.
5. See the Oscar Niemeyer Auditorium
If you love modern architecture, then definitely stop by the Oscar Niemeyer Auditorium.
This sleek, white, concert hall was designed by Oscar Niemeyer, a Brazilian architect famous for his futuristic designs and clean aesthetic.
The building features a striking curved design that seemingly floats over the Italian hillside and is a shocking contrast to the rest of Ravello's medieval feel.
The auditorium seats over 400 and is typically used during Ravello Festival and other arts events.
I accidentally left it off my itinerary, but for 2 euro, it's totally worth the visit next time.
6. Take A Cooking Class
Travel in Italy would be incomplete without a deep dive into its culinary culture so take a cooking class from Mamma Agata while you're in Ravello.
You'll begin your half-day class by learning to make her famous lemon cake and then dive into a garden tour, a three-hour cooking demonstration, and of course, a long lunch on the terrace overlooking the Mediterranean.
Mamma Agata and her daughter, Chiara, run the tours and it's a great way to learn more about Amalfi cooking and connect with the locals!
Ravello is a small town and one day is perfectly enough time to explore it in its entirety.
Once you're done with everything on this itinerary, fill your time by getting lost in the medieval streets. That's honestly my favorite part about slow travel: no thoughts, just taking in the sights and smells.
Just keep an eye on the SITA bus schedule because the last thing you want is to miss your bus back to Amalfi town.
From Amalfi, you can venture to other towns like Positano, or get settled and begin planning for the rest of your Italy itinerary!
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