Key Facts About Ravello, Italy

📍 Location

• Region: Campania

• Province: Salerno

• Nearest Towns: Amalfi (20 min drive), Positano (~1 hr), Naples (~1.5 hrs)

• Altitude: ~365 meters (1,198 feet) above sea level

• Coordinates: 40.6502° N, 14.6106° E

🌟 What Makes It Special

• Spectacular views over the Amalfi Coast and Mediterranean Sea

• Iconic Villa Rufolo and Villa Cimbrone with lush gardens and architecture

• Famous for the Ravello Festival, a world-class music and arts event

• Attracts creatives and thinkers – from Wagner to Virginia Woolf

• Tranquil vibe compared to busy coastal towns

🌞 Best Time to Visit

• Late spring (May–June) and early fall (September–October) offer ideal weather and fewer crowds

• July–August for the Ravello Festival (but expect high tourist traffic)

• Winters are mild but very quiet (many places close)

🎨 Top Things to See & Do

• Villa Rufolo – 13th-century villa with gardens and stunning views; inspired Wagner

• Villa Cimbrone – walk the famous Terrace of Infinity overlooking the sea

• Duomo di Ravello – elegant 11th-century cathedral in the town square

• Ravello Festival – music and arts events hosted throughout summer

• Walk the Path of the Lemons or nearby hiking trails

• Enjoy quiet cafés and art galleries in the hilltop lanes

🍴 Local Flavors

• Lemon-based dishes and desserts made with local Amalfi lemons

• Seafood pastas with clams, anchovies, and fresh herbs

• Try gnocchi alla sorrentina or melanzane alla parmigiana

• Refreshing granita al limone (lemon ice) in warm months

• Local wines: Costa d’Amalfi DOC whites and rosés

🛏️ Where to Stay

• Elegant boutique hotels and historic villas with sea views

• Luxury stays like Belmond Hotel Caruso for a splurge

• Quaint family-run B&Bs tucked into quiet alleys

🚗 Getting There

• By car: Drive along Amalfi Drive to Ravello via winding roads

• By bus: From Amalfi (SITA bus ~25 minutes uphill)

• By ferry/train: Ferry to Amalfi, then transfer by bus or taxi

• Parking: Limited; expect to walk uphill from lots

📸 Travel Tip

Visit Villa Cimbrone right before sunset — the Terrace of Infinity offers unforgettable golden-hour views over the coast with dramatic cliffs and sea below.

✨ Did You Know?

Composer Richard Wagner was so inspired by Villa Rufolo that he imagined it as the setting for his opera Parsifal. Today, the villa hosts classical concerts in his honor.

📌 Final Thoughts

With its breathtaking views, romantic atmosphere, and rich cultural heritage, Ravello is the crown jewel of the Amalfi Coast for those seeking beauty and tranquility. It’s ideal for couples, artists, and anyone looking to escape the crowds.