Ravello, Italy-statue of Ceres inside the gardens of Villa Cimbrone

Romantic Ravello: 10 ultimate things to do in Ravello, Italy

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Come with me to explore the ultimate things to do in Ravello, the romantic clifftop town on Italy’s Amalfi Coast! Ravello is famous for its iconic villas like Villa Cimbrone with its Terrace of Infinity as well as Villa Rufolo with its gardens and coastline views.

We visited Ravello multiple times during our summer-long travels around the famous Amalfi Coast, however, you can easily visit all the main attractions in Ravello in one full day. Ravello is very popular so arrive early to beat the crowds!

Famed as one of the most beautiful places on the Amalfi Coast, Ravello has long attracted regular travelers and celebrities to its surroundings. Read along to find the top things to do in Ravello with photos, descriptions, and Google Maps locations.

A couple of tales about Ravello

Amalfi Coast views from Ravello, Italy
Ravello is definitely worth visiting!
Amalfi Coast views from Ravello, Italy
Ravello is a popular destination for a day trip

Sitting on a seaside cliff, Ravello was founded back in the 5th century when people needed a place to hide away from the pirates. This makes it one of the oldest Amalfi Coast towns.

Today it is a popular tourist destination and a mandatory stop for visitors to the Amalfi Coast. The most popular tourist attractions in Ravello include the Duomo di Ravello, and the historic villas – Villa Cimbrone and Villa Rufolo.

Ravello is nicknamed the City of Music and yearly hosts one of Italy’s oldest festivals – the Ravello Festival. It was created in honor of the composer Richard Wagner who visited Ravello and found inspiration for his opera Parsifal in the Villa Rufolo.

Ravello also hosts one famous place everyone should see before they die – the iconic Terrace of Infinity inside Villa Cimbrone. Gorgeous marble busts line the terrace along the cliffside and offer some of the best views of the Amalfi Coast.

If you are looking for a special keepsake from Ravello, then take a look at their handcrafted ceramics which often are handpainted in Mediterranean colors – blue, yellow, and green.

So what are the top things to do in Ravello?

1. Have a breakfast snack at Piazza Duomo

Ravello, Italy-Piazza Duomo also called Piazza Centrale in Ravello
Breakfast at Piazza Duomo in Ravello
Ravello, Italy-Piazza Duomo also called Piazza Centrale in Ravello
Panoramic views from Piazza Duomo

Piazza Duomo also called Piazza Centrale is the main square and the heart of Ravello. No matter your itinerary, one of the first things to do in Ravello is to go to this square.

Piazza Duomo is the main gathering place in the town. Everything starts from here and every main sight in this town is easily accessible from this central plaza. Entrances to such attractions as Duomo di Ravello or Villa Rufolo are right here.

Ravello, Italy-Piazza Duomo also called Piazza Centrale in Ravello
The square boasts scenic views of the Amalfi Coast
Ravello, Italy-Piazza Duomo also called Piazza Centrale in Ravello
The square is dominated by Duomo di Ravello

We arrived in Ravello early before the popular tourist attractions opened so we stopped by one of the breakfast cafés that was open for a cup of cappuccino and a pastry. It was really peaceful and serene. Everything was still quiet.

Later in the day, the square quickly gets filled with tables and chairs from nearby restaurants and bars. People are sitting on the steps of the Duomo di Ravello eating gelatos or sandwiches. It is probably the liveliest place in the whole town!

The lively square is not only surrounded by history and culture but also features scenic views. There is a viewpoint in the trees with panoramic vistas of the surrounding mountains. This was one of my favorite places in Ravello!

Location: Piazza Duomo

2. Admire the Terrace of Infinity at Villa Cimbrone

Ravello, Italy-Terrace of Infinity or Terrazza dell'Infinito inside the gardens of Villa Cimbrone
The Terrace of Infinity at Villa Cimbrone
Ravello, Italy-Statue of Ceres next to the Terrace of Infinity inside Villa Cimbrone gardens
Statue of Ceres next to the Terrace of Infinity

Let’s be honest, everyone who visits Ravello comes here to see the one and only, Villa Cimbrone with its vast gardens, panoramic views, and, of course, the fairytale-like Terrace of Infinity with marble busts lining the cliffside.

The name of the stunning historic villa actually comes from the rocky outcrop where this famous historic estate is located. The rock is known as Cimbronium so this is where the name comes from.

Ravello, Italy-Terrace of Infinity in Villa Cimbrone overlooks the Amalfi Coast
The terrace overlooks the Amalfi Coast
Ravello, Italy-Villa Cimbrone gardens
Gardens of Villa Cimbrone

Originally built back in medieval times, Villa Cimbrone from the 11th century has lived an eventful life. Throughout its existence, it has been a residence for many different influential families until the 1970s when it was turned into a luxury hotel.

Over the centuries, the villa was rebuilt and extended, and very little remains of the original structure. It features different architectural styles like Gothic, Moorish, and Venetian combined with English-style landscaping.

Ravello, Italy-Terrace of Infinity or Terrazza dell'Infinito inside the gardens of Villa Cimbrone
Terrazza dell’Infinito is the perfect place for photos
Ravello, Italy-Villa Cimbrone gardens
Inside Villa Cimbrone gardens

You cannot tour the hotel unless you stay there as a guest but the majority of the property is open to the public (for an entrance fee). You can visit a cloister, a temple, multiple beautiful gardens, and the famous Terrace of Infinity.

You don’t have to book anything in advance. We arrived in Ravello early in the morning and came to Villa Cimbrone as soon as it opened so we could explore the famous estate without crowds.

Ravello, Italy-Terrace of Infinity or Terrazza dell'Infinito inside the gardens of Villa Cimbrone
Marble busts line the cliffside of the terrace
Ravello, Italy-Temple of Bacchus in Villa Cimbrone gardens
The Temple of Bacchus

We immediately went to the Terrazza dell’Infinito as it is the most popular place there. Villa Cimbrone has hosted many celebrities and international dignitaries, and many regard the terrace as one of the most beautiful places in Italy.

People like Jacqueline Kennedy, actor Denzel Washington, actress Greta Garbo, as well as Winston Churchill, some members of royalty, and even the surrealist artist Salvador Dalí all have visited the iconic Villa Cimbrone.

Ravello, Italy-cloister inside Villa Cimbrone
Cloister inside Villa Cimbrone
Ravello, Italy-cloister inside Villa Cimbrone
Cloister inside Villa Cimbrone

After visiting the terrace, we toured the gardens, went to the Temple of Bacchus, and explored the Cloister. It was absolutely breathtaking, especially the panoramic views of the Mediterranean Sea from the famous terrace.

It is easily one of the best places to visit on the Amalfi Coast and Southern Italy!

Villa Cimbrone is also a paradise for photographers and features some of the most iconic Instagram spots on the Amalfi Coast. I hope my photos do at least some justice to the incomparable beauty of Villa Cimbrone!

Location: Villa CimbroneTerrace of Infinity

3. Explore the 11th-century Duomo di Ravello

Ravello, Italy-the Duomo di Ravello also known as the Cathedral of Santa Maria Assunta
Duomo di Ravello
Ravello, Italy-the Duomo di Ravello also known as the Cathedral of Santa Maria Assunta
Central nave of Duomo di Ravello

One of the most visible attractions in Ravello is the Duomo di Ravello, also known as the Cathedral of Santa Maria Assunta. The white 11th-century church stands on an elevated platform in the middle of the main square, Piazza Duomo.

Ravello Cathedral was built using waste materials from other buildings in the area which makes it a unique historic monument. You can visit the inside of the cathedral if you purchase a ticket at a museum located on the side of the cathedral.

Ravello, Italy-the Duomo di Ravello also known as the Cathedral of Santa Maria Assunta
Pulpit inside the Duomo di Ravello
Ravello, Italy-the Duomo di Ravello also known as the Cathedral of Santa Maria Assunta
12th-century bronze doors inside Duomo di Ravello

The interior of the cathedral features a couple of impressive historic artifacts. One of my favorites was the massive 12th-century bronze door. The door is covered from the outside so you can only see it from the inside.

Another impressive artifact is the 13th-century marble pulpit decorated with mosaics and lion statues. You can find it in the main church nave along with other artworks like gilded altars.

Ravello, Italy-the Duomo di Ravello also known as the Cathedral of Santa Maria Assunta
Artworks inside the Duomo di Ravello
Ravello, Italy-the Duomo di Ravello also known as the Cathedral of Santa Maria Assunta
Altar inside the Duomo di Ravello

At the backside of the church is a small museum featuring other historic artifacts, marble statues, and jewels. There isn’t much but some of the pieces were really cool.

Overall, we were not used to paying to see a cathedral from the inside and it is not the most impressive cathedral you will ever see. However, those couple of EUR for the entrance is a contribution to the local community so we were fine with paying.

Location: Duomo di Ravello

4. Explore the gardens and cloisters of Villa Rufolo

Ravello, Italy-the majestic 13th-century Villa Rufolo in Ravello, Italy
The iconic Villa Rufolo viewpoint
Ravello, Italy-cloister inside Villa Rufolo in Ravello
Cloister inside the Villa Rufolo estate

One of the most famous tourist attractions not only in the town of Ravello but in the whole Amalfi Coast is Villa Rufolo, a vast 13th-century estate built by the wealthy Rufolo family who were influential merchants in this area.

Today this estate is open to the public (for an entrance fee) and hosts different local events. It is one of the main sites for the famous Ravello Music Festival which takes place every year during the summer months.

Ravello, Italy-the majestic 13th-century Villa Rufolo in Ravello, Italy
Breathtaking views of the Amalfi Coast
Ravello, Italy-the majestic 13th-century Villa Rufolo in Ravello, Italy
Villa Rufolo dates back to the 13th century

Interestingly, the famous music festival was created in honor of the famous German composer Richard Wagner who actually spent time in Villa Rufolo and drew inspiration from this place for his opera Parsifal.

That’s why the festival takes place right here.

We visited Villa Rufolo at the beginning of September so the festival was already over. But we still got to explore the vibrant terraced gardens with panoramic Amalfi Coast views, saw the cloister, and climbed the medieval Torre Maggiore tower.

Ravello, Italy-the majestic 13th-century Villa Rufolo in Ravello, Italy
Entrance to the Villa Rufolo from Piazza Duomo
Ravello, Italy-the majestic 13th-century Villa Rufolo in Ravello, Italy
Gardens inside the Villa Rufolo estate

But there is one especially unique place. Located inside the gardens is a small viewpoint that overlooks an iconic view – the towers of the Church of Saint Mary of Grace with an iconic pine tree and the scenic view of the Amalfi Coast in the background.

This iconic view is one of the most recognizable postcards of the Amalfi Coast and one of the most photographed places in Italy. This medieval villa truly was worth one hour of our time! I really liked it but it does get quite crowded during the day.

Location: Villa Rufolo

5. Enjoy lunch with a scenic view

Ravello, Italy-pizza with a view at Da Nonno Alfonso in Ravello
Pizza with a view at Da Nonno Alfonso
Ravello, Italy-pizza with a view at Da Nonno Alfonso in Ravello
View from Da Nonno Alfonso

Ravello town is the king of scenic restaurants. The whole town sits on a 350-meter cliff (1,150 ft) so there are incredible views all around it.

Because of that, I knew that one of the must-do things to do in Ravello is to find a scenic restaurant and have lunch with a view.

Ravello, Italy-lunch with a view at Osteria Ravello restaurant
Lunch with a view from Osteria Ravello
Ravello, Italy-lunch with a view at Osteria Ravello restaurant
Lunch with a view at Osteria Ravello

Honestly, there are many options to choose from but we wanted a pizza so we found the best pizza spot and went to Da Nonno Alfonso. They are super popular so arrive early to get the best seats!

We also tried one of the most popular Italian restaurants in Ravello called Osteria Ravello. It is a super charming restaurant with tables along a scenic sidewalk.

I recommend checking out restaurants on the other side of the town too. Some of the best restaurants include Garden Ravelo Restaurant, Salvatore Ravello, and others.

Location: Da Nonno AlfonsoOsteria Ravello

6. Stroll through the hustle and bustle of Via Roma

Ravello, Italy-shopping on Via Roma street in Ravello
Shops on Via Roma street in Ravello
Ravello, Italy-shopping on Via Roma street in Ravello
Limoncello on Via Roma street

Via Roma was my favorite street in Ravello. It is very narrow and relatively short but it is packed with artisan shops, boutique shops, art galleries, ceramics shops, gourmet stores with wine and olive oil tasting, and more.

It is the ultimate shopping street. Even if you are not looking for new things to buy, you have to walk through the hustle and bustle of this street.

Ravello, Italy-shopping on Via Roma street in Ravello
You can buy souvenirs on Via Roma street
Ravello, Italy-shopping on Via Roma street in Ravello
Via Roma is a perfect spot for souvenir shopping

Via Roma street starts at the main square Piazza Duomo and finishes in a small square next to Chiesa di Santa Maria a Gradillo church.

A section of the narrow cobblestone street passes through a tunnel. Walking down this street made me think about how this town was a prosperous trading center in the Middle Ages and really gave me that feeling of stepping back in time.

Location: Via Roma

7. Try the best gelato in Ravello at Baffone Gelateria

Ravello, Italy-best gelato in Ravello at Baffone Gelateria Artigianale
The best gelato in Ravello!
Ravello, Italy-best gelato in Ravello at Baffone Gelateria Artigianale
Lemon Crumble gelato was the best!

If there is one place you have to visit on Via Roma, it is Baffone Gelateria Artigianale. It’s a beloved ice cream shop in Ravello where you can get true Italian artisan gelatos! It was so good we came back here twice!

It is a small ice cream shop and they change their flavors every day. I was kind of sad because the first time I chose Lemon Crumble gelato and it was absolutely exceptional so I wanted to get the same the next day, but they didn’t have it anymore.

Visiting this gelato spot is one of those not-to-miss things to do in Ravello. It’s so good that there’s usually a line of people outside. There were no tables or chairs, but we found a bench by the church right across from the gelato shop. Try it!

Location: Baffone Gelateria Artigianale

8. Stroll through the Belvedere Principessa di Piemonte

Ravello, Italy-Belvedere Principessa di Piemonte scenic gardens in Ravello
Belvedere Principessa di Piemonte was one of my favorite places to visit in Ravello

Dedicated to Princess Maria Josè of Savoy, wife of the last king of Italy, Belvedere Principessa di Piemonte Gardens is an enchanting place to visit in Ravello.

The small but scenic garden was opened to the public in 1932 and ever since has been a beloved place to relax under the shade of trees, admire the scenic Amalfi Coast views, and celebrate weddings.

Ravello, Italy-Amalfi Coast seen from Belvedere Principessa di Piemonte gardens in Ravello
Scenic Amalfi Coast views from the garden
Ravello, Italy-Belvedere Principessa di Piemonte scenic gardens in Ravello
Belvedere Principessa di Piemonte Garden

Probably the best part is that you can visit this cliffside garden for free. besides, when we visited, there were only two people there which was an added bonus to the most spectacular views of the coastline.

I really enjoyed the intimacy here. Most of the tourist crowds go to places like Villa Rufolo and Villa Cimbrone so this was a really romantic place to visit without crowds. And the views are unbeatable!

Location: Giardini Principessa di Piemonte

9. Shop Ravello’s renowned handcrafted ceramics

Ravello, Italy-shopping handcrafted ceramics in Ravello
Shopping ceramics is a fun thing to do in Ravello
Ravello, Italy-shopping handcrafted ceramics in Ravello
Typical souvenirs are plates, cups, clocks, etc.

Ravello is a hotspot for local artisans and the town is especially renowned for its handcrafted ceramics. As you stroll through the streets of Ravello, you’ll find many ceramics shops showcasing a variety of traditional designs.

Buying a piece of ceramics is one of the top things to do in Ravello. I already bought a gorgeous coffee mug with a lemon design when we visited Vietri sul Mare town so I went shopping with my eyes but I was very tempted to buy some more, haha!

Ravello, Italy-shopping handcrafted ceramics in Ravello
Some shops offer worldwide shipping
Ravello, Italy-shopping handcrafted ceramics in Ravello
Buying ceramics must be on your bucket list

You can find anything here. Typical souvenirs include ceramic Christmas ornaments, cups, plates, mugs, wall decorations, tiles, bowls, spoons, and many more. By the way, I noticed that many shops had worldwide shipping available!

Some of the top ceramics shopping spots are Ceramiche D’Arte Carmela, Ceramiche Cosmolena, and Ceramiche d’Arte Pascal. Amalfi Coast has a rich history in ceramics art so buying a piece of ceramics must be on your Amalfi Coast bucket list!

10. Admire the views from Auditorium Oscar Niemeyer

Ravello, Italy-the iconic Auditorium Oscar Niemeyer concert hall in Ravello
Entrance to the auditorium
Ravello, Italy-the iconic Auditorium Oscar Niemeyer concert hall in Ravello
The backside of the auditorium with a view

Nicknamed the City of Music, Ravello has long been a place favored by artists, especially, musicians.

Since 1953, every year in the summer months the town turns into a playground for music lovers and celebrates the Ravello Festival, also known as the Wagner Festival. It was created in honor of the famous German composer Richard Wagner.

One of the event venues for the Ravello Festival is the iconic Oscar Niemeyer Auditorium. Designed in 2000 by the renowned Brazilian architect Oscar Niemeyer, this unique concert hall is definitely worth a visit!

Amalfi Coast seen from the iconic Auditorium Oscar Niemeyer concert hall in Ravello
Views of the Amalfi Coast from the auditorium
Ravello, Italy-the iconic Auditorium Oscar Niemeyer concert hall in Ravello
Auditorium Oscar Niemeyer

The auditorium sits on a cliffside overlooking the whole Amalfi Coast. It is only a short walk from the center of Ravello so I highly recommend stopping by (you can access the outside for free). If not for the unique architecture, then definitely for the views!

Via Giovanni Boccaccio Street which leads to the auditorium from the town center boasts some of the most amazing views you will see. We came here after lunch and it was the perfect relaxing and scenic walk!

Location: Auditorium Oscar Niemeyer

Happy exploring!

Ravello is a majestic clifftop town along the famous Amalfi Coast, a UNESCO World Heritage Site, known for its Medieval charm and historic villas with panoramic views of the coastline.

We came to Ravello many times during our summer-long travels around the Amalfi Coast and this town really has a special place in my heart. No wonder it has long attracted artists, musicians, and celebrities to its inspiring surroundings.

I hope you find some travel inspiration from this Ravello travel guide. I also hope you enjoy your time on the Divine Coast of Italy as much as we did! The beaches, the views, the charming villages—it’s a place you won’t forget! Happy travels!

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Best things to do in Ravello, Italy
Best things to do in Ravello, Italy

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