Perched high above the Amalfi Coast, you’ll find Ravello. While there aren’t that many things to do in Ravello, its sweeping sea views, elegant villas and peaceful atmosphere make it well worth visiting. It’s often described as one of the most beautiful and relaxing places to visit in the region. Ravello also feels completely different from the busy seaside towns below.
Unlike Positano or Amalfi, Ravello isn’t about beaches or bustling harbours. Instead, it’s all about quiet streets, stunning gardens and incredible viewpoints that stretch out over the coastline. It’s the kind of place you come to slow down, take in the scenery and enjoy a completely different perspective of the Amalfi Coast.
In this guide, I’m sharing the best things to do in Ravello. Including the famous villas and viewpoints. As well as how to get there and whether it’s worth visiting as part of your Amalfi Coast itinerary.
We visited Ravello as a family, and while you won’t find any child-focused activities here, kids will still have a great time. As always, I will include some tips on enjoying Ravello’s attractions with children.
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Is Ravello Worth Visiting?
Absolutely! Ravello is 100% worth visiting and is one of the most beautiful and peaceful towns on the Amalfi Coast.
While it doesn’t sit directly on the sea like Positano or Amalfi, that’s actually part of its charm. Perched high in the hills, Ravello offers some of the most incredible panoramic views of the coastline, along with elegant gardens, historic villas and a much calmer atmosphere than the busier seaside towns.
Even if you’re only staying nearby for a few days, I’d say Ravello is absolutely worth making time for, even just as a half-day or day trip.
Getting to Ravello
Getting to Ravello is part of the experience. It’s worth knowing that it’s not as straightforward as some of the coastal towns, as it sits high up in the hills above the Amalfi Coast.
My preferred method of transport throughout the Amalfi Coast was the ferries. Unfortunately, they don’t run to the top of the hill!
We actually hiked up to Ravello from the coast. It was beautiful but very steep in places, and actually, according to my step counter, we climbed more stairs than if we’d gone from the bottom to the top of the Empire State Building!
It also took us about 3 and a half hours to get there from our base in Maiori. Then 2 and a half hours back.
We did this hike with our two children, aged 6 and 3. It was a great experience, which I will remember forever. I definitely wouldn’t recommend this route if you’re travelling with young children, pushchairs or luggage.
Hiking the Path of the Lemons from Ravello back to Maiori.
For most visitors, the easiest option is to take the local bus. This runs regularly and is the most common way to reach Ravello. The journey is short but very winding, so it’s worth being prepared if you’re prone to travel sickness.
Taxis are also available, although they are more expensive, and can be a good option if you want a quicker and more direct journey, especially if you’re short on time.
However you choose to get there, the views on the way up are absolutely incredible and make the journey worthwhile once you arrive.
Top Things to do in Ravello, Italy
Although it is a small town, you’ll still find some great things to do in Ravello. It’s packed with some of the most beautiful viewpoints and gardens on the Amalfi Coast. I found it to be less about ticking off lots of attractions and more about slowing down and taking in the scenery.
Explore Villa Rufolo
Villa Rufolo is one of Ravello’s most iconic landmarks and sits right in the heart of the town,making it very easy to visit as part of a stroll through the centre. While it’s smaller and less sprawling than Villa Cimbrone, it has its own unique charm and some of the best views you’ll ever see.
The villa is known for its beautifully maintained gardens, historic architecture and, of course, its incredible views over the coastline.
It doesn’t take too long to explore, but it’s absolutely worth a stop while you’re in Ravello!
Tickets need to be purchased on arrival. Prices vary per season, but expect to pay less than €10 per adult, and around €5 for children, with those under 5 visiting for free.
Family photo in front of the view at Villa Rufolo.
Visit Villa Cimbrone
Villa Cimbrone is one of the most famous places in Ravello. Known for its stunning gardens and the incredible Terrace of Infinity. From here, you get panoramic views stretching across the coastline, and it really is one of those “wow” moments of any Amalfi Coast trip.
The gardens themselves are beautiful to wander through, with shaded paths, statues and peaceful corners that feel completely removed from the busier towns below.
Unfortunately, due to our hike taking longer than planned, we didn’t make it here on our most recent trip. It’s only located a short walk from the town, but we were all feeling pretty tired. I know from past experiences that it is a beautiful thing to see in Ravello, and you should try to make time for it in your itinerary.
Did you know Villa Cimbrone is also a luxury hotel? It would make a gorgeous stay, if you’re looking for a treat! Check current rates and availability here.
While some parts of this villa are for hotel guests only, the gardens can be visited by the public. Tickets are only available at the entrance and cost €10 for adults, with children under 12 getting a discounted rate.
The infinity terrace at Villa Cimbrone, Ravello.
Lunch in Piazza Duomo
One of the nicest things to do in Ravello is simply to spend time in Piazza Duomo. This is the main square in the heart of the town. It has a relaxed, elegant feel and is a great place to stop for a break between sightseeing.
We had lunch at Duomo Caffè Ravello Costa di Amalfi, which is perfectly located right on the square. While I don’t usually like to eat in a main square, we enjoyed this spot!
Piazza Central in Ravello is a great spot for lunch.
Shop for Handmade Ceramics
Like many towns along the Amalfi Coast, Ravello has a selection of small ceramic shops selling beautifully painted local pottery. It’s a nice place to pick up a souvenir to take home.
The designs are typically bright, colourful and very much tied to the style you’ll see throughout the region.
Handmade ceramics for sale in Ravello.
Stroll Via Roma and Browse the Shops
Via Roma is one of the main streets running through Ravello, and it’s perfect for a gentle wander. Lined with small boutiques, cafés and artisan shops, it’s a lovely place to explore without any real plan.
Gelato at Baffone Gelateria
No visit to Ravello is complete without gelato, and Baffone Gelateria is a great spot to stop while exploring the town. It’s the perfect treat after walking through the villas or wandering the streets, especially on a warm day.
Grab a cone and find a nearby viewpoint or bench to sit and enjoy it while taking in the gorgeous scenery.
Gelato at Baffone Gelato Ravello.
Villa Cimbrone vs Villa Rufolo
If you have time during your visit to Ravello, I would definitely recommend visiting both Villa Cimbrone and Villa Rufolo. They each offer slightly different experiences and some of the best views on the Amalfi Coast.
On our most recent trip, we only visited Villa Rufolo because our hike up to Ravello took much longer than we expected, and we simply ran out of time. However, having visited both previously, I do think they’re both worth seeing if your schedule allows.
Villa Rufolo is more central and easier to access, located right in the middle of Ravello near the main square. It’s slightly smaller, but still incredibly beautiful, with elegant gardens, sea views and a lovely historic atmosphere.
Villa Cimbrone feels more dramatic and peaceful, with larger gardens and the famous Terrace of Infinity overlooking the coastline. It takes a little longer to reach from the centre of town, but personally, if I had to choose just one, Villa Cimbrone would probably be my pick purely for the views and overall experience.
That said, you really can’t go wrong with either. Both are some of the most beautiful places to visit in Ravello.
Enjoying views of the Amalfi Coast from Villa Rufolo.
Ravello With Kids
While there are no specifically kid-focused activities in Ravello, our children still had a wonderful time there. Though it might not immediately seem like the most obvious destination for kids, we actually ended up really enjoying our visit as a family.
Compared to some of the busier Amalfi Coast towns, it feels much calmer and more relaxed, which made the day feel far less hectic overall.
We hiked up to Ravello from Maiori. This was definitely challenging due to so many stairs and the heat, but our children actually handled it so well and really enjoyed the adventure side of it. That said, I probably wouldn’t recommend the hike for everyone, particularly with very young children.
One of the highlights for our kids was visiting Villa Rufolo, where they loved exploring the gardens and running around the open spaces.
And of course, gelato was a big success too, stopping at Baffone Gelateria after our hike to the town was probably one of the highlights of the day for everyone.
Overall, Ravello is a great place to spend a day as a family!
Children enjoying the gardens at Villa Rufolo.
FAQ’s on Visiting Ravello
Yes! Ravello is absolutely worth visiting and is one of the most beautiful towns on the Amalfi Coast. While it doesn’t have beaches like Positano or Amalfi, it offers incredible panoramic views, elegant villas and a much more peaceful atmosphere.
It’s the perfect place to slow down, wander through gardens, enjoy long lunches and experience a quieter side of the Amalfi Coast away from the busiest crowds.
You can see the main highlights of Ravello in around half a day, especially if you’re visiting Villa Rufolo and spending some time in the town centre. However, if you also want to visit Villa Cimbrone, enjoy lunch and properly explore at a slower pace, I’d recommend allowing a full day.
Ravello works particularly well as a day trip from nearby towns like Amalfi, Maiori or Minori.
Yes, you can walk to Ravello from Amalfi, Maiori, or Minori. It’s actually a popular hiking route on the Amalfi Coast. The walk is beautiful, with incredible views over the coastline along the way, but it is also very steep in parts and involves a lot of stairs.
We did the hike ourselves and really enjoyed it, but it took longer than we expected. While our children handled it surprisingly well, I probably wouldn’t recommend it for everyone, especially in the summer heat or with very young children.
If you want to visit Ravello without the physical challenge, the local bus is a much easier option.
Ravello is famous for its stunning villas, beautiful gardens and panoramic views over the Amalfi Coast. It’s often considered one of the most elegant and peaceful towns in the region, attracting visitors looking for a quieter and more scenic experience away from the busiest coastal towns.
The town is particularly well known for Villa Cimbrone and Villa Rufolo, both of which offer incredible viewpoints and historic gardens.
Yes. Ravello can be a lovely place to visit with children, especially if your family enjoys slower-paced travel, walking and scenic viewpoints. We very much enjoyed our day there as a family!
I think Ravello works best as a slower sightseeing day rather than somewhere focused on activities for children.
Views from Villa Rufolo.
Final Thoughts on the Best Things to Do in Ravello, Italy
Ravello ended up being one of the most beautiful, memorable places we visited on the Amalfi Coast. While it feels completely different from the colourful beach towns below, that’s exactly what makes it so special. The peaceful atmosphere, incredible views and beautiful gardens give it a much calmer and more elegant feel compared to the busier parts of the coastline.
While there aren’t masses of things to do in Ravello, you’ll certainly find enough attractions to fill a day or even two. Whether you spend your time wandering through Villa Cimbrone and Villa Rufolo, enjoying lunch in Piazza Duomo or simply taking in the views. Ravello is the kind of place that encourages you to slow down and appreciate the scenery around you.
If you’re planning an Amalfi Coast itinerary, I’d absolutely recommend making time for Ravello. Even if it’s just for a half-day trip. For us, it offered a completely different side of the Amalfi Coast and was easily one of the highlights of our trip.
Thank you so much for reading our guide on the best things to do in Ravello, Italy. We hope you have a wonderful visit to the Amalfi Coast. After Ravello, we headed back down to Maiori. Read our full Maiori guide here.
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Happy Exploring,
