RAVELLO, ITALY
The Hilltop Heaven of the Amalfi Coast
Setting the Scene
Everyone always raves about the Amalfi coast, and don’t get me wrong, it is breathtaking. However, if you are like me, and want to skip the crowds and tourist traps, Ravello is the place for you. Sitting in the hillside of the Amalfi Coast, is where you will find this Hallmarkesque town. Each cobblestone street leads to pastel villas and secret cafes overlooking the cliffs of Italy’s most scenic coast. The only way to get there is by winding roads, where every corner reveals another postcard view. This little paradise is every traveler's dream come true.
Where Ravello Is
Perched high above the Amalfi Coast, tucked into the green hillsides, away from the main tourist traffic, is where you will find this gem. Ravello is known for its gardens, villas, and sweeping sea views that look like paintings. Because of the location, it is much quieter and far more romantic than the coast. Each day you hear church bells and birds singing in the trees above, not to mention all of the cute kitties that perch on the walls of the village.
What makes Ravello so special, is the slowness of the entire village. It is as if time is no worry, people stroll and linger, and sit, embracing all of the beauty. When I pictured a small Italian village, this is exactly what came to mind. Locals enjoying espresso and wine on their balconies, the smell of homemade bread coming through every window, and lemon trees cascading across the hillsides. I could go on and on about how special this village is.
It feels untouched, almost like a secret village that the modern world forgot.
Locals take pride in beauty and hospitality. You’ll find hand-painted ceramics, flower boxes on every balcony, and did I mention, there are lemon trees everywhere!
It has a magnetic calmness, it’s the kind of place that makes you want to write a book, fall in love, or both. Which is exactly what I did!
Things to See & Do
Some of the must-see places in Ravello start with the Villa Cimbrone Gardens. Seriously a fairytale dream come true. From the moment you enter the grounds, a feeling of peace will wash over your body. The lush grass, the wisteria covered trellises, the pristine rose gardens, nothing looks more perfect. At the edge of the garden you will find “The Terrace of Infinity”, marble statues against endless sea views. This is the kind of place that makes you whisper without realizing it. There are little hidden benches and nooks around the grounds, so I recommend bringing a book or if you enjoy art, bring some supplies and let your eyes paint the scene for you.
Another must is Piazza Duomo. The heart of town, the square full of life and stories, grab an espresso or limoncello spritz and people-watch for hours. Maybe make a kitty friend while you are at it!
Even if you swear you’re traveling light, you’ll find yourself buying a lemon-patterned mug. If I had more room in my luggage, I think I could have opened my own ceramic shop with all of the handcrafted art I wanted to purchase. The local ceramic shops scattered throughout the town are full of hand-painted, bright, and completely irresistible treasures.
We took on the challenge of hiking to Minori one day, and I will say, it is not for the faint of heart. It was one of the most beautiful trails my eyes have ever witnessed. It was steep switchbacks the entire way, but around every corner was a new view that I not only had to, but wanted to stop and take a deep breath and soak it all in. Once we made it down to Minori, we took a dip in the ocean, and then enjoyed some lemon ice cream before embarking on our trip back up the mountain. It took about 2 hours each way for reference, but that is a trek I will never forget, in the best way. It definitely makes for some laughs later on.
Food & Drink Highlights
The cuisine in Ravello is mindblowing, and add a view on a terrace overlooking the sea, you will be speechless, just as I was.
One of the most memorable places we ate was almost a speakeasy style deli. We ordered our sandwiches at the deli counter and were then directed to take the tiny 2 person elevator down to the wine cellar. This is where we poured our own glasses of wine from taps coming out of the wine barrels (and yes, it was 12pm, but when in Europe right??), and our food was delivered down to us! This was such a casual and personal lunch experience, and so unexpected, which made it all the better!
Another delightful meal was our last supper in Ravello. We found this small Italian joint tucked away from the main square, and little did we down, down the flight of stairs we would enjoy the best pizzas of our lives! Da Nonno Alfanso is where I could die happy. The lady who seated us and served us seemed to also be the owner of the cozy restaurant. She was so kind and passionate, she made us feel like family. One of the pizzas we ordered had locally made buffalo cheese, and I swear that taste still lingers in my mouth. A full 10/10 to that place!
In the mornings we would head to the square and enjoy our double cappuccinos, I do take full responsibility for my caffeine addiction. People watching over a delicious cup of italian espresso and steamed milk will forever be one of my favorite pastimes. The way life moves in Ravello is like watching a movie, I wish there were words that could describe it, but I think it is something you just have to experience for yourself to fully understand.
Our Experience
Our experience in Ravello was truly unforgettable. Dominik and I kept looking at each other and asking “is this real life?”. It’s one of those places that makes you slow down without even trying, makes you stop and smell the roses without even thinking, and drink more espresso than water completely unintentionally.
Ravello is a place I could visit 100 times over and never get sick of it.
Travel Tips
Some things that I would recommend if you find yourself traveling to Ravello, is to stay more than one night. Most people just day trip here, but the magic really happens when the tour buses leave. Enjoy the town as a local would.
Tip two is to bring comfortable shoes. There are stairs and inclines all around the town, so be sure that number one, your feet are comfortable and ready for treck.
Time your visit just right if you were trying to escape the crowds. We went during the end of May, which I feel was ideal for getting the better end of the stick when it comes to weather and crowds.
And lastly, don’t rush it. Ravello deserves a slower pace, this will be your Italian dream vacation come true, so sit, have an espresso or a Hugo spritz and relax.
Final Thoughts / Emotional Close
Ravello is one of those rare places that feels like it’s watching over the world from above, it’s deeply calm, content, and impossibly beautiful. If there is such a thing as heaven on earth, I think we have found it…So with an ode to travel, GO! See the world, experience the culture, trust the journey, and when you find a place that makes your heart flutter, stop and stay awhile.
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