Ravello Amalfi Coast — the clifftop garden of Villa Cimbrone with its famous Terrace of Infinity overlooking the sea

Amalfi Coast

Ravello

/ Unsplash

Trade-off

The hilltop escape — Villa Rufolo gardens, world-class concerts above the sea, and the most serene base on the coast.

Ravello sits 350 metres above Amalfi on a ridge above the sea, connected by a winding road that leaves the coastal traffic entirely behind. It has been drawing artists and intellectuals since the 19th century — Wagner composed here, Gore Vidal lived here for decades, and the garden of Villa Rufolo inspired a scene in Parsifal. The Ravello Concert Festival runs through summer with open-air performances on a stage that appears to float above the sea. It's the least accessible base on the coast (no ferry, one narrow road) and by far the most peaceful.

Scores

7/10

Walkability

4/10

Transit

2/10

Price

7/10

Local feel

3/10

Nightlife

7/10

Family-friendly

5/10

Centrality

What you gain

  • ↑Villa Rufolo and Villa Cimbrone: two of the finest gardens in Italy, both with cliff-edge terraces above the sea — the Belvedere of Infinity at Cimbrone is among the most beautiful viewpoints in Europe
  • ↑Ravello Concert Festival (June–September): international classical and jazz concerts performed in Villa Rufolo's garden with the Mediterranean as backdrop — a genuinely world-class cultural experience
  • ↑The quietest nights on the coast: Ravello after 9pm belongs entirely to its residents and guests — no road noise, no boat traffic, no summer crowds

What you sacrifice

  • ↓No ferry access: reaching Ravello requires the bus from Amalfi or a taxi — the sea is 15 minutes and a steep descent away
  • ↓Getting to any beach requires leaving the village: for beach days, Amalfi town or Minori are the nearest options by bus
  • ↓Limited hotel choice compared to Positano or Amalfi: mostly luxury properties and small guesthouses — fewer mid-range options

Best for

those who want the most peaceful and culturally rich base on the coastclassical music and arts travellers visiting the Ravello Festivalthose who prioritise the garden and hilltop atmosphere over beach access

Avoid if

beach-first travellers who want to walk to the seathose who want the bustle and energy of the coastal villagesthose without flexibility on transport (a car or regular taxis make Ravello much easier)

Other Amalfi Coast neighbourhoods

Maiori & Minori

The local eastern end — the coast's widest beaches, most affordable beds, and least touristy atmosphere.

→
Amalfi Town

The historic capital — the magnificent Duomo, ferry hub, and the most connected point on the coast.

→
Praiano

The quiet alternative — halfway between Positano and Amalfi, with a local feel and a fraction of the crowds.

→

Know where to stay — now find when to go.

Best time to visit Amalfi Coast →