If you’re planning a vacation to the Amalfi Coast, you can’t miss spending one day in Ravello.
Ravello is a small town perched on a hilltop overlooking the Tyrrhenian Sea along the Amalfi Coast. While most of the nearby popular destinations (like Positano or Capri) are known for their beaches, Ravello is known for its lush terraced gardens, historic villas and jaw-dropping views.
This charming medieval village is also a UNESCO World Heritage Site and a must see on the Amalfi Coast.
Here’s the perfect Ravello one day itinerary!
How to Get to Ravello
Ravello is a little off the beaten path when compared to some of the main coastal towns but it’s absolutely worth the trip.
The nearest airport is Naples International Airport which is about an hour and a half drive from Ravello. And, if you’re arriving into Naples and heading straight to Ravello, there are a few different ways to get there.
Rental Car
Renting a car to explore the Amalfi Coast is a popular option and gives you flexibility to go where you want when you want. However, it should be noted that the Amalfi Coast is home to some very narrow and winding roads that can be challenging to those unfamiliar. Plus, parking can be an issue so it’s a good idea to check with your accommodations if there is parking onsite.
Private Transfer
If you’d rather leave the driving up to a pro, hiring a private transfer to Ravello is your best option. Considering that there is no direct bus or ferry to Ravello, it’s also the easiest option! There are many private transfer companies leaving from Naples or operating between other Amalfi Coast destinations like Positano or Amalfi.
Bus
The SITA bus travels from Naples to Ravello by way of Sorrento and Amalfi. This is a cost effective way to reach Ravello but it takes a few hours and the buses can get crowded at times.
Train
There are no direct trains to Ravello either. If traveling from Naples, you’ll want to take a train to Sorrento first and then take a train to Amalfi and hop on the bus to Ravello from there.
Ferry
Since there are no direct ferries from Naples to Ravello, you’ll take the ferry from Naples to Sorrento and then from Sorrento to Amalfi. Once you arrive in Amalfi, you can hop on the bus to Ravello!
Note that, since there are no direct buses, trains or ferries to Ravello, most visitors (who aren’t traveling by car) will take a combination of bus and train or ferry.
Most likely, your route will depend on what other destinations you want to visit along the coast! For example, a Ravello day trip from Positano is a popular option. Since there is no Ravello to Positano ferry, you could take the ferry from Positano to Amalfi (about 15 – 25 mins). After you explore Amalfi for a few hours, grab the bus to Ravello (about 25 mins) and spend the rest of the afternoon soaking in the views from above.
→ Read Next: 15 Things You Can’t Miss in Positano
The Best Time to Visit Ravello
Summer is the most popular time to visit Ravello since the weather is very warm. Many people visit Ravello on a larger Amalfi Coast trip including beachside destinations like Positano or Capri that are best visited during the summer.
Ravello will be the most crowded during the summer months of June through August. But even during the summer months, I found that it wasn’t nearly as crowded as Positano or Capri since it’s a bit off the coastline! Restaurants and hotels will be open for the season but rates may be higher due to demand.
The spring and fall shoulder months of March – May and September – October are also lovely times to visit Ravello. The weather will still be quite nice and the crowds will have dwindled with hotel rates to match. And, note that spring time will offer the most beautiful blooms if you plan to visit the gardens!
Winter in Ravello is uncrowded and can get quite chilly with temperatures in the 40°s and 50°s. Many hotels and restaurants will have closed for the season but Villa Rufolo and Villa la Cimbrone remain open. If you’re looking to visit these beautiful gardens without the crowds and don’t mind the cooler temperatures, that this could be your opportunity for a day trip to Ravello!
How Much Time To Spend in Ravello
Ravello is small but packs a ton of charm and beauty. Exploring the town of Ravello and visiting the iconic gardens takes just a few hours. This makes Ravello a wonderful day trip option to include on your Amalfi Coast trip!
→ Read Next: One Week Itinerary for the Amalfi Coast
However, if you have longer than a day and want to take your time soaking in Ravello’s beauty and peace, there are plenty of hotel options to stay a night or two.
Ravello One Day Itinerary
Here’s exactly what to do in Ravello with one day! This itinerary covers some of the best things to do in Ravello including the most beautiful gardens in town, where to eat in Ravello, and the best hotel options.
Explore Villa Rufolo
One of the top things to see in Ravello is Villa Rufolo, a 13th century villa with stunning gardens. Located in the historic center of town, the villa features beautiful Moorish architecture. And, the lavish gardens are home to some of the best views in Ravello.
Spend some time wandering through the gardens and snapping photos of this gorgeous spot!
Lunch at Belmond Hotel Caruso
Wondering where to eat in Ravello? Perched on a cliff overlooking the sea, Belmond Hotel Caruso is one of the most beautiful hotels in Italy.
With its sweeping views and terraced gardens, it’s worth stopping by for lunch even if you’re not planning to stay at the hotel!
Belvedere Restaurant offers delectable Italian dishes with an emphasis on fresh, local ingredients from the Mediterranean. All while having one of the best views in town! Another option is Bar Caruso which also offers a beautiful terrace as well as a piano bar with drinks and light snacks.
Enjoy Piazza Duomo
Piazza Duomo (or sometimes called Piazza Vescovado) is the town’s main square and communal hub. The square is home to Ravello’s cathedral as well as some shops and restaurants. It’s a great place to people watch and grab some gelato!
Then, check out some of the cute shops selling local goods (limoncello, anyone?) along Via dei Rufolo and Via Roma and pick up a few souvenirs. Lastly, don’t forget to check out the gorgeous mountain views from the piazza as well… Ravello is truly beautiful from all angles!
Take in the views at Villa Cimbrone
Villa Cimbrone is an 11th century villa whose beauty rivals that of Villa Rufolo! While the villa itself is now a hotel, you can still tour the lush gardens and enjoy the sea views.
For the absolute best views, check out the Infinity Terrace (Terrazza Dell’Infinito, also known as Belvedere). Here you’ll find the iconic views of the Tyrrhenian Sea from the balcony adorned with stone columns holding magnificent marble busts. It’s truly a postcard worthy view!
Visit Amalfi
Since the town of Amalfi is just 15 minutes’ drive from Ravello, it’s definitely worth visiting both on your day trip. Plus, you’ll likely be passing through Amalfi on your way to or from Ravello!
This little town is located on the coast and is home to a few beach clubs. Make sure to wander around the town’s main square, Piazza Dante, to see the iconic fountains and the Amalfi Duomo.
Amalfi also has a ton of shops so it’s a great place to browse for handcrafted souvenirs like ceramics, leather or Amalfi’s famous lemon products.
Where to Stay in Ravello
There is quite a range in lodging from bed and breakfasts’ to 5-star hotels! Here are some of the best hotels in Ravello:
Luxury
Mid-Range
Budget
Great that you are highlighting beautiful Ravello. Some comments on travel to Amalfi (as gateway to Ravello for most). There is no train station in Amalfi – just a stop around 10km away which concludes Amalfi in its name. A train from Naples to Salerno then ferry or buses is also possible. There is a ferry between Naples and Amalfi – probably stops underway but no need to change ferry. It is less frequent than shorter ferry routes and may be seasonal but it was running in April 2024 subject to weather (something to watch for all ferries in shoulder season).
Buongiorno Laura! Wow! Didn’t think possible, but I have fallen more in amore with Italia after reading your descriptions and seeing your pictures!
My Hubby and I will be visiting the Amalfi region Oct 2-7. We are hoping that will be ample time to take in many of the sites you have referenced. Do you have any further thoughts/advice for that time frame?
Also, super shallow question, haha, but I adore the sandals you are wearing in most of your photos! They appear to be what I’d like to find for our trip. Do you mind sharing details?
Grazie mille! And thank you so much for getting us even more excited for Italia!
Tina
Hi Tina! Thank you for such a nice comment… I’m so glad my post was helpful!
Early October will be a great time to enjoy the Amalfi Coast as the crowds will be clearing out and the weather is usually still quite nice with temperatures in the low 70s. Most restaurants, hotels, and beach clubs will still be open for the season in early October (many of them begin to shut down mid-October) so perfect timing for your trip.
And the sandals I actually got at a shop in the Milan airport a few years ago, I think the shop was called Camomilla Italia 🙂
Have a wonderful time on the Amalfi Coast!
– Laura