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11 Fun & Best Things to Do in Ravello, Italy

Explore the iconic town of Ravello on the Amalfi Coast. This guide covers everything you need to see and do during your stay here. Here are the best things to do in Ravello to maximize your experience in this iconic town.

Ravello, the shining jewel of the Amalfi Coast, is a destination not for the faint of heart. Set upon a rocky cliff that overlooks the shimmering sea, this quaint town that neighbors Positano is the perfect place to marvel at the world’s most picturesque coastline.

From villas to lush groves and vineyards, Ravello is truly a slice of heaven on earth. Whether it’s a week or just a day trip to this beautiful town, there are numerous things to see and do. If you plan a trip to the Amalfi Coast, here’s your all-encompassing guide to the best things to do in Ravello.

Fun & Best Things to Do in Ravello, Italy

Ravello is one of the best getaways in Italy and is a place frequented by movie stars. If you are planning a trip to this gorgeous destination, we recommend spending a couple of days here to soak up everything this coastal town has to offer.

Here are the top spots to see during your time in Ravello.

1. Villa Cimbrone

villa-cimbrone

One of the best sights in Ravello is the terrace gardens that offer incredible views of the Amalfi Coast and beyond. One of the two most famous gardens in the town is Hotel Villa Cimbrone. This hotel villa’s garden, known for its elegance and opulence, holds a striking resemblance to the century-old palaces that are commonplace in cities like Vienna and Paris.

Villa Cimbrone offers a much-needed break from the hustle and bustle of Italy’s larger cities like Florence and Rome. One can spend hours roaming the expansive gardens overlooking the serene blue sea and the coastline.

The most famous spot at Villa Cimbrone is the Terrace of Infinity, lined with Romanesque statues. As you stand atop the iconic terrace, you see the deep sea beneath you and the stone houses that dot the Amalfi cliffs. Villa Cimbrone has seen many famous visitors, including T.S Eliot and Virginia Wolf.

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2. Villa Rufolo

Villa_Rufolo

Villa Rufolo rivals Villa Cimbrone in magnificence and beauty but is in visual contrast to its neighboring garden. While Hotel Villa Cimbrone offers views of the aquatic landscape, Rufolo exhibits Ravello’s floral beauty. Visitors can feel one with nature as they stroll through Villa Rufolo’s stunning gardens.

The Villa dates back to the 13th century and is exemplary of the stunning architecture that Amalfi is known for. The famous composer Richard Wagner is said to have found his inspiration for the opera, Parsifal during a visit to the gardens.

Villa Rufolo is a must-see on a trip to the Italian island for jaw-dropping views of the Gulf of Salerno. In addition to the garden, there is a tower and a museum on the ground that’s worth visiting. The entrance to the Rufolo is located in Ravello’s main town square, Piazza Vescovado.

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3. Town Square – Piazza Vescovado

piazza di duomo

After a stroll through Ravello’s picturesque Villa takes a break at the town’s main square – Piazza Vescovado. This is a great place to people-watch and grabs a bite to eat or drink.

You can even get some shopping done at the Piazza. Locally made ceramics, canvas paintings, and cloth handbags make for great souvenirs from Ravello.

The main square offers gorgeous views of the mountains surrounding the region and serves as an ocean backdrop. The piazza is also home to Ravello’s Cathedral, which was designed in Romanesque architecture and is definitely worth a visit.

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4. Duomo di Ravello

duomo ravello

Another famous spot in Ravello is the Duomo di Ravello, an impressive cathedral in the town center that dates back to 1087. The Duomo is known for its large bronze doors that turn inward and feature a carving of Christ surrounded by saints.

The doors are typical of Romanesque architecture and were designed by Barisano da Trani in 1179. The church’s interiors include mosaic carvings and medieval architecture with Christian symbols.

The small museum inside the church is worth a visit as well. The cathedral is open daily from 9 AM to noon and 5:30 PM to 7:00 PM.

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5. Hike the Path of Gods

Path_of-the-Gods

A great way to explore the coastline surrounding Ravello is to hike through the Path of Gods. This 7 km path stretches from Bomerano to Nocelle  (with many small towns in between) and offers incredible views of the Amalfi Coast. The hiking trail is just a short drive from Ravello and is worth the trip.

In order to beat the crowds and enjoy some solitary views at the top of the cliff, plan your time to begin your hike at 7 AM, the trail will take you across stone houses, wildflowers, and forests. You can even catch a glimpse of growing vines that line the hillside.

However, the real treat lies at the end of the hike, where you experience Amalfi from the clouds. Stand atop the highest cliff and watch the deep blue ocean beneath you, surrounded by the hillside homes that Amalfi is known for. The Path of God’s hike is a once-in-a-lifetime kind of experience.

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6. Cruise along the Amalfi coast

amalfi cruise

A trip to Ravello is incomplete without a cruise along the stunning Amalfi Coast. This coastal region is one of the most famous places in the world and is a popular summer destination among celebrities.

A cruise along the coastline will take you across the region’s famous towns like Ravello and Positano. It’s the best way to get a bird’s eye view of the coastal towns and capture those coveted seaside cliff pictures.

After sailing the Amalfi coastline, you can end your day with a hearty Italian meal at Ravello or one of the neighboring towns. There are also a number of bars along the coast that offer some incredible sunset views. Check out GetYourGuide to choose from various Amalfi cruise options.

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7. Visit the undiscovered Atrani Village

atrani

Just a short trip away from Ravello is the hidden yet beautiful fishing village of Atrani. The island features homes stacked on each other, leaving this town isolated from its more famous neighbors.

If you want to catch a break from the crowds of Positano and Ravello, Atrani is well worth your time. The highlight of this fishing town is the hike that takes you across the entire village and the seaside cliffs. You can even take a walking tour of Amalfi and Atrani.

The pathway is a descending trail that offers a view of the sea on one side and several houses hidden with stonewalls on the other.

Atrani is situated on a cliff that juts out into the ocean, serving as the perfect viewpoint of the entire coast. End your day at the beach and enjoy seafood at one of the many local eateries.

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8. Experience a cooking class

cooking

Italian food is without a doubt, the heart of Italian culture, and one of the best experiences for visitors in Ravello is a cooking class. The class isn’t just about learning how to make a good meal but also enjoying an unforgettable dining experience in a real Ravello home.

Mamma Agata’s cooking class is a must-try on a trip to Ravello. You will learn how to make a full-course meal during the class including starters, the main course, and dessert. The students can even visit the garden at Mamma Agata’s home to pick some vegetables for the meal.

The class ends with a beautiful lunch on Mamma Agata’s terrace where you get to enjoy your meal with a view of the Mediterranean Sea. You can visit Mamma Agata’s website to learn more about the cooking class.

9. Minori Walk

Minori, Italy Aerial View
Kyle Kroeger / ViaTravelers

One of the best ways to explore Minori and its surrounding regions is on foot. If you fancy a hike, consider taking the stairs to Minori from Ravello. The path begins at Villa Rufolo, where a descending staircase at the archway will take all the way to the town of Minori.

The hike is pretty easy and you just need to follow the signs to avoid any paths that take you upward (the hike is a declining path). The road to Minori offers breathtaking views of terraces, vineyards, gardens, and the Amalfi coastline.

Like Atrani, Minori is a secluded village that does not see too many tourists so you can kick back and enjoy the sun and sea.

The two major highlights in the town are Villa Romana and the Basilica of Santa Trofimena. You can end the day at one of the many restaurants on the promenade and enjoy an authentic Campania dish.

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10. Take a day trip to Maiori

Aerial View of Maiori, Italy
Kyle Kroeger / ViaTravelers

Maiori is another hidden gem of a town located on the Amalfi Coast. It’s just the next town south of Minori, but it is slightly bigger and offers a few worthwhile attractions. An incredible castle, Castello di San Nicola de Thoro-Plan, overlooks the town. The town’s history is well-known, dating back to the 9th century.

Right in the heart of the town center, you’ll find an incredible palazzo and church, Santuario Santa Maria a Mare that appears to be perfectly situated on a rock. Speaking of situated on a rock, then just passed the city is the well-known restaurant, Ristorante Torre Normanna, which is situated on a 13th-century watchtower embedded into the ocean.

Talk about incredible panoramic views! You’ll dine in a nearly 360-degree panorama of the ocean and the iconic coastline of Amalfi. Does it get any better than that?

11. Grab a bite to eat

best restaurants in Ravello

After a day of hiking and sightseeing, grab a bite at one of the many restaurants in Ravello. Since the town isn’t too big, finding the best places to eat is not hard. Each meal ends with a complimentary limoncello (Ravello is known for lemons).

Here are the best places to eat in Ravello:

Mimi Bar Pizzeria

One of the best pizza spots in Ravello and maybe even Amalfi – Mimi Bar Pizzeria has a wide variety of pizzas.

If you visit Ravello in the summer, you can enjoy your meal on the outdoor terrace. Mimi Bar also gives visitors a complimentary limoncello with their order.

Cumpa Cosimo

For an authentic Italian meal head to Campa Cusimo, a four-generation family-owned restaurant in Ravello. Cumpa Cosimo doesn’t have a fixed menu and the dishes change by the season.

The fettuccine and Bolognese are great choices; you can feast on a Lemon Delight cake for dessert. The restaurant is a hotspot among the rich and famous, like Jackie Osborne.

Rossellini’s

If you want to splurge on a meal, check out Rossellini’s in Palazzo Avino. The restaurant combines food and art to prepare a visually appealing meal. The menu includes a nine-course meal, including three courses of dessert.

Some dishes on the tasting menu include Ahi tuna, a rack of lamb, ricotta, and fruit mousse topped with fresh fruits. An in-house sommelier will help you pick the best wine to pair with your food. A meal a Rossellini’s is a true treat for your senses and one of the best things to do in Ravello.

Ravello is the perfect getaway on a trip to Italy. It is often referred to as the jewel of the Amalfi Coast, and rightfully so. From scenic hikes that take you across the coast and cruises that offer breathtaking views of the Amalfi coastline, Ravello has so much to offer.

The town offers a more relaxed vibe to Italy’s bigger cities like Rome and Milan. Enjoy this slice of heaven on earth while you feast on some tasty Italian food and a glass of Limoncello. We hope this guide to the best things to do in Ravello can help you plan the perfect trip.

12. Experience Ravello Festival

Stage for the Ravello Festival
smpoly / Shutterstock

Nothing compares to experiencing Ravello Festival during your time visiting the Amalfi Coast. Just look at the scene and setting for the stage at Villa Rufolo.

The festival was founded in 1953 by a group of artists and musicians, and since then, it has become one of the most prestigious cultural events in Europe, drawing visitors from all over the world.

Throughout the festival, you can expect performances from some of the world’s best musicians, dancers, and actors, as well as art exhibitions, film screenings, and more.

But what sets the Ravello Festival apart is its stunning setting – many performances take place in the town’s historic buildings and ancient villas, with breathtaking views of the Amalfi Coast.

And if you’re worried about not being a classical music buff, don’t be! The festival caters to a wide range of tastes, with performances ranging from classical to jazz, world music, and contemporary music.

But the festival isn’t just about the performances – it’s also an opportunity to immerse yourself in the local culture and meet people from around the world who share the same passion for music and the arts. It’s a unique and lasting impression you won’t find anywhere else.

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