Ravello

The Basics

Ravello is one of the few towns along the Amalfi Coast not set at sea level, so it must be reached by climbing a steep road up the cliffside. Given the heavy traffic that plagues the Amalfi Coast in summer, consider booking a Ravello tour and leave the hassle of navigating to a professional driver. The town has a number of historic villas and churches that are best appreciated with a tour guide, so join an all-day Amalfi Coast tour or shore excursion from Naples, Sorrento, or Salerno that includes Ravello. You can also take private tours to Pompeii, Mt. Vesuvius (Mount Vesuvius), and other destinations in the surrounding region of Campania from here.

Things to Know Before You Go

• Unlike the other villages along the Amalfi Coast, Ravello is relatively flat and easier to explore for those with limited mobility.

• Bring a hat and sunblock, and wear comfortable clothing and footwear, as much of your time touring Ravello will be spent outdoors.

How to Get to There

Ravello sits on the clifftop above the historic maritime republic of Amalfi and can only be reached by car or bus. No train line runs along the Amalfi Coast, so you must take the coastal bus from Salerno or Sorrento; alternatively, you can take the train from Rome or Naples to Sorrento, and then transfer to the bus. Ferries also run from Sorrento to Amalfi, where you can catch the bus to Ravello. Guided tours usually include round-trip transportation.

When to Get There

The Amalfi Coast is crowded in summer, while during winter, smaller villages like Ravello close up shop. The best times of the year to visit are spring and fall, when sights and restaurants are open but the crowds are smaller. If visiting between March and November, check out the calendar for the Ravello Concert Society's annual season of chamber music concerts.

The Ravello Festival

The annual Ravello Festival is among Italy’s finest festivals and celebrates the music of one of Ravello’s greatest fans, German composer Richard Wagner. He was inspired by the architecture of Villa Rufolo when he stayed in Ravello in 1880.

Ways to explore

Ravello is much higher above sea level than other towns along the Amalfi Coast, and it must be reached by climbing a steep road up the cliffside. For that reason, it’s best visited by car rather than boat. Book a Ravello tour that leaves the hassle of navigating to a professional driver, who can also take you to attractions in Amalfi and Positano on a full-day Amalfi Coast tour or shore excursion from Naples or Sorrento. If you’re short on time, opt for a city walking tour—Ravello’s historic villas and churches are best appreciated with a guide.

Accessibility

Ravello’s main square is relatively flat and easy to navigate with a wheelchair, but individual tours and attractions may not be accessible.

Age limits

None

What to pack

Camera, water bottle, sunscreen for exploring outdoors

What to wear

Dress for the weather—covering your legs and shoulders to enter local churches—and wear comfortable walking shoes to explore Ravello on foot.

Not allowed

Rules vary by tour, but most don’t allow pets, smoking, or alcohol.

Address

Ravello is approximately 30 minutes northeast of Amalfi. Driving—and parking—along the Amalfi Coast can be a challenge, so it’s best to ride the bus to Ravello or book a guided tour that includes transportation. If you’re up for a hike, some travelers drive to Ravello and take a scenic but steep downhill walk to Amalfi.

Driving

Ravello is about a 20-minute drive from Amalfi. The route follows the winding coastal Amalfi Drive (aka the SS163), then the steep uphill SS-373. Take a taxi or book a driving tour to avoid navigating these roads yourself.

Public transportation

Amalfi is the biggest transport hub near Ravello. Get to Amalfi by bus or ferry from Sorrento or Positano, then hop on the 5110 bus to Ravello—the ride takes around 35 minutes.

Best times to visit

Arrive in Ravello in the morning to maximize your time, stopping at Villa Rufolo or Villa Cimbrone in the late afternoon for the prettiest views of the sea and gardens.

Best days to visit

Ravello’s famous villas can get especially busy on weekends, so aim to go on a weekday for a calmer atmosphere.

Best months to visit

Ravello is crowded in the summer, and many businesses close up shop in the winter. Go in the spring or fall, when attractions are open but the crowds are smaller.

Special events

The Ravello Festival takes place from July to August and features sunrise and sunset concerts at Villa Rufolo’s sea-view terrace.