As the highest mountain town on the Amalfi Coast, Ravello avoids the hustle and bustle of coastal towns. Known for its centuries-old noble villas, cliffside gardens, and panoramic mountain and sea views, it is the best destination on the coast for a slow-paced vacation. Stay two nights and spend a full day exploring in depth, combined with a relaxed half day for arrival and departure. This way, you can fully experience the main sights and soak in the peaceful atmosphere of the mountain town.
1. Detailed round-trip transportation
Ravello is not accessible by train or ferry. You must transfer through Amalfi town to go up the mountain. The following are the most common routes for arrival and departure:
Main arrival routes
1. From Naples (cost-effective route)
Take the high-speed train from Naples Central Station to Salerno, about 40 minutes, ticket price around €10. Then transfer to a SITA bus or ferry to Amalfi town, followed by a bus up the mountain. The total trip takes about 2.5 hours and costs around €20. If coming from the Sorrento direction: take the Circumvesuviana private train to Sorrento (70 minutes, €4.5), then transfer to a SITA bus to Amalfi (1.5 hours, €6), and then change for the bus up the mountain.
2. From Amalfi/Sorrento
SITA bus: board the SitaSud 5110 route next to Amalfi’s main square, direct to Ravello old town. The trip takes about 25 minutes. A one-way ticket costs about €3. Buses run every 30–40 minutes during the day. Tickets must be purchased in advance at a tobacco shop (Tabacchi) and validated before boarding.
Taxi/shared ride: a taxi from Amalfi port to Ravello old town takes only 10 minutes and costs about €10–12. This is very cost-effective if you have a lot of luggage or are traveling with 3–4 people. During peak season, you can also share a ride at the bus station for about €5 per person.
3. Private transfer (most comfortable choice)
From Naples airport or city directly to your hotel in Ravello, about 1.5 hours, costing around €110–160 per vehicle. No transfers needed, ideal for travelers with large luggage after long flights.
Departure routes
Reverse the above routes. Note: bus service is greatly reduced in winter. The last bus in peak season departs Ravello around 8:30 PM. If you miss it, you must take a taxi down. If you plan to walk down to Amalfi, it takes about 1.5 hours. The sea views along the way are excellent, but walking uphill in the opposite direction is not recommended.
2. Two nights and one day slow travel itinerary
Day 1: afternoon arrival · first encounter with the mountain town
Afternoon 3:00–5:00 PM check-in and old town stroll
After arriving in Ravello, check in and rest briefly. Stroll slowly from the main street Via Roma to the Cathedral Square (Piazza Vescovado), the heart of the mountain town. The Ravello Cathedral next to the square is free to enter. Its Romanesque facade is simple and solemn. Inside are medieval bronze doors and a marble altar. Few tourists visit, creating a particularly peaceful atmosphere. Wander casually through the alleys beside the square. White stone houses are covered with bougainvillea. The alleys hide lemon workshops, ceramic shops, and family-run bookstores. No need to rush—pop into any shop that catches your eye. Most shop owners will warmly offer a free taste of lemon liqueur.
Evening 6:00–7:30 PM terrace sunset
Find an outdoor café by the square, order an iced coffee or local white wine, and wait for the sunset. Ravello’s sunset is a soft golden glow. The sunlight spills over the valley and the distant Gulf of Salerno. The sea sparkles like scattered gold. There are no crowds like in coastal towns, only the sound of the wind and distant church bells.
Dinner 8:00–9:30 PM family-style local meal
Recommended is Garden Ravello in the old town, a family-run restaurant for three generations. Their signature ragù pasta features tender meat and rich sauce. Pair it with lemon-flavored grilled sea fish. The cost is about €28 per person. The restaurant is tucked in a small garden, and the warm yellow lighting creates a cozy atmosphere.
Day 2: villa gardens · panoramic mountain and sea views
Morning 9:00 AM–12:00 PM Villa Rufolo
Enter as soon as it opens to avoid tour group crowds. This 13th-century noble villa is a symbol of Ravello. In 1880, opera master Wagner visited and called its garden the “magic garden of Klingsor,” inspiring his work Parsifal. After entering, walk through the Moorish cloister. The intersecting pointed arches and stone columns show Arab-Sicilian style. Light and shadow on the stone floor create a rich texture. Then climb the 30-meter-high medieval main tower for views of the entire mountain town and coastline. The highlight is the two-level terraced garden, with roses, bougainvillea, and giant potted plants arranged in layers. The viewing terrace at the end faces the Mediterranean. When the sea breeze blows, the air is filled with floral fragrance. Tickets cost about €8. Summer hours are 9:00 AM–8:00 PM.
Noon 12:30–2:30 PM terrace lunch
Recommended is the Sigilgaida restaurant inside Hotel Rufolo. The terrace faces the valley and sea. Must-try dishes are lemon seafood pasta and signature lemon cake, balancing sweet and sour with a light texture. The cost is about €35 per person. For a budget option, a family-run eatery on the main street offers pasta and salad for about €18.
Afternoon 3:30–6:30 PM Villa Cimbrone
About a 15-minute walk from the old town, this villa is famous for its “infinity terrace” (Terrazza dell’Infinito). Writer Gore Vidal called it “the most beautiful view in the world.” Walk slowly along the garden path. Along the way are Gothic pavilions, a Bacchus temple, hidden grottoes, and rare plants—each step reveals a new scene. The infinity terrace at the end stretches along the cliff, lined with marble busts on both sides. Ahead is an unobstructed panoramic view of mountain and sea—the sea is a deep, translucent blue, and the coastal mountains wind into the distance, as if earth and sky stretch out here. It’s best to stay until dusk, when the sunset turns the sea orange for the most stunning view. Tickets cost about €10. Summer hours until 7:00 PM.
Evening 7:00–8:30 PM casual stroll and shopping
On the way back to the old town, browse the shops on the main street. Ravello’s shops have no chain brands. Most are local artisans’ handmade goods: hand-painted lemon-patterned ceramics, traditionally made lemon soap and liqueur, handmade paper notebooks, and locally produced white wine. These unique, reasonably priced items make excellent souvenirs.
Dinner 9:00 PM slow final meal
Choose a restaurant with a viewing terrace. Order a bottle of local white wine and a fried seafood platter. Enjoy it slowly in the evening breeze to end a complete day.
Day 3: morning stroll · leisurely departure
After breakfast, before tourists arrive, take another walk around the old town. The mountain town in the early morning mist is especially quiet. After buying souvenirs, check out and depart according to your planned route.
3. Accommodation recommendations and check-in tips
Luxury experience (over €300/night): Hotel Villa Cimbrone, located inside Villa Cimbrone itself. Guests can enjoy the garden’s quiet outside opening hours. Some rooms have private sea-view terraces. Breakfast is served in the garden, offering an ultimate vacation experience.
Mid-range quality (€120–220/night): Hotel Rufolo, adjacent to Villa Rufolo, with an outdoor pool and sea-view restaurant. Service is attentive, and the lemon cake is a must-try for guests. La Dolce Vita Ravello is in the old town center, with cozy rooms. The concierge can help book private transfers and restaurants. Both offer excellent value.
Budget-friendly (€70–110/night): family-run B&Bs with shared viewing terraces. Breakfast includes homemade pastries and jams, full of local charm.
Practical check-in tips
1. Ravello old town is all cobblestone streets and steps. For heavy luggage, contact your hotel in advance to arrange shuttle service down the mountain. Avoid dragging suitcases through alleys.
2. Self-driving up the mountain is not recommended: private vehicles are banned in the old town. Parking spaces in outer lots are very limited and daily fees exceed €30.
3. Prioritize rooms with terraces or sea views. The valley’s morning mist and starry night sky are surprises you’ll only get by staying overnight.
4. Practical tips and precautions
1. Best travel time: April–June and September–October have cool, humid weather and fewer tourists, ideal for slow travel. July–August is hot and crowded. It’s best to go out early and return late to avoid midday heat.
2. Clothing and gear: The mountain town has many steps and cobblestones. Wear comfortable flat shoes. The Mediterranean sun is strong. Bring high-SPF sunscreen, sunglasses, and a sun hat. Temperatures vary greatly between morning and evening, so bring a light jacket.
3. Daily rhythm: Southern Italy observes a midday break from 1:00–4:00 PM. Most shops and attractions close during this time. Use it for meals, rest, or relaxing on your hotel terrace. No need to schedule activities then.
4. Payment tips: Most small restaurants and craft shops accept cash only. Carry some euro coins. Scenic restaurants are slightly more expensive but not overpriced. Confirm the menu and service charge before sitting.
5. Safety reminder: Be careful of your footing when taking photos on cliffside paths. In summer, there may be some mosquitoes in the mountains. Bring a small amount of insect repellent.