Ravello



Ravello is a town and commune in Salerno, Italy. A peaceful area with a small population, Ravello offers stunning views of the Mediterranean. Visit their renowned gardens, Villa Cimbrone and Villa Rufolo, and their spectacular Duomo, the Cathedral of Ravello in Vescovado Square. During summer months the city hosts the annual Ravello Festival, an event started in 1953 in honor of Richard Wagner and continued as a celebration of local art and music.

Get in
Ravello is in the hills above Amalfi. If you arrive by bus or boat from another city and plan on staying late for a concert, you will need to arrange return transportation. Your hotel should be able to arrange a car and driver to get you back to your hotel. This is a pricey option although it may be your only choice. The nearest airport is Napoli-Capodichino International Airport, and for trains you'll have to go to Salerno.

By boat
The closest point for Ravello with boat and ferry arrivals is Amalfi, which shuttle between the coastal towns of Positano, Salerno, Sorrento or Naples. In good weather, the views are spectacular from the water. Coop Sant Andrea run the service between Amalfi, Salerno and Positano. For private and luxury charters, Amalfi Coast Yacht are based in Amalfi, service the entire coast and specialise in transferring guests who are staying in Ravello's five-star retreats.

By car
Ravello is accessible by car, although cars are not allowed into Ravello proper and there is only one parking lot near the main square.

The main highways in this region that traverse the Amalfi Coast are SS145, SS163, and SS373. Continue on Via Castiglione to arrive at Ravello.

Get around
The small town of Ravello is easily explored on foot. SITA buses run frequently between Ravello and Amalfi (which is the main bus terminal on the Amalfi Coast for connections) and taxis are available near the main bus stop in Ravello.

Cruises
Down in Amalfi, you can take a full-day Amalfi Coast to Capri Boat Excursion, which departs everyday from Amalfi, Minori and Maiori. It includes village sightseeing along the Amalfi Coast as well as a chance to check out wondrous marine caves, grottos and rock formations. You'll circle Capri, then dock and spend three hours exploring the island. Don't forget your swimsuit, because the day will wrap up with a swim in the Mediterranean. A ticket costs €79, and advance booking is strongly encouraged. Or If you're short on time, you can opt for half-day Amalfi Coast to Positano Boat Tours, with departures in the morning or the afternoon. You'll see marine caves and grottos, and you'll pass by the towns of Ravello, Maiori, Amalfi, Minori, Scala, Praiano, taking a two-hour stop in Positano. A ticket is €49, and advance booking is strongly encouraged.

Other activities




Buy
Small boutiques and outdoor markets abound in Ravello. The town has long been famous for attracting artists and craftsmen, and this is reflected in the handmade items available for sale. Many shops will ship your purchases home - but beware of your own country's customs procedures first! Because Customs will charge you money to check and search your purchase at their major custom's hub when it arrives from Italy and will only release your package (ceramic table top, dinner set, etc.) when you pay the customs import costs. And this can go into the thousands as it is calculated by weight.



Eat
Food in Ravello is characterised by fresh, flavourful ingredients prepared by chefs who are passionate about their country's cuisine and determined to provide an authentic, welcoming eating experience. Be prepared for long, personal talks with your server, and for the owner to come out and greet you with open arms!



Drink
The vineyards that cling to the hillsides below Ravello primarily produce white wines; two local DOC white wines of note are Vigna San Lorenzo from the Episcopio winery at the Hotel Palumbo and Selva delle Monache from the Ettore Sammarco winery, both located in town. To sample the area wines, make sure to tour a local winery, either independently or through a tour company. Those travelers looking for something a little stronger should visit the bars located in Ravello's luxury hotels and enjoy a cocktail in high style. Espresso and other coffee drinks can be found in cafes near the town center.

Cafés
Most cafés in Ravello are located in or just off of the Piazza Duomo and offer espresso drinks, a quick bite to eat, and outdoor seating.

Go next
Nearby destinations include:


 * Amalfi: This is the heart of the magnificent Amalfi coast and a beautiful seaside setting. Home to the Duomo di Amalfi and a once strong maritime republic. Visit the Chiostro del Paradise, a famous graveyard dating back to the 1200s that also houses ornate statues and columns.
 * Positano: A city marked by fragrant citrus groves and brilliant white buildings stacked in tiers on the cliffs of the Amalfi coast. Positano offers lovely beaches, historic architecture and spectacular views.
 * Sorrento: Partake from a wealth of cafes, restaurants and shops. The town showcases striking architecture, and is a stop on the Circumvesuviana railway—a perfect diversion before visiting other locations such as Pompeii and Ercolano.