Perched 365 meters above the Amalfi Coast, this medieval town is known for its 13th-century Villa Rufolo gardens and summer music festivals in cliffside venues.
Perched 365 meters above the Mediterranean Sea, Ravello overlooks Italy's Amalfi Coast and the Gulf of Salerno. This medieval town has drawn artists and musicians for centuries - Richard Wagner composed parts of his opera Parsifal here after visiting Villa Rufolo. Today, you can walk through Villa Rufolo's multi-level gardens, stand at Villa Cimbrone's marble-columned Infinity Terrace, or admire the bronze doors from 1179 at the town's 11th-century cathedral.
Getting to Ravello
You can reach Ravello by taking a 20-minute bus ride from Amalfi town, or driving up the winding mountain road. The drive from Naples International Airport takes about 90 minutes, while Rome is a 3-hour journey away. The narrow roads can be challenging to navigate, so many visitors opt for private transfers or local buses. During summer months, the roads become congested, so morning departures work best.
Inside Villa Rufolo
The 13th-century Villa Rufolo's 30-meter tower rises above Ravello's main square. Inside, you'll find two levels of cloisters with geometric stone inlays and pointed arches. The gardens spread across multiple terraces, where cypress trees frame the coastline below. From April through October, wisteria, roses, and native Mediterranean plants bloom throughout the grounds. Wagner visited in 1880, and now the villa hosts summer concerts during the Ravello Festival.
Exploring Villa Cimbrone Gardens
Villa Cimbrone's gardens extend along a natural promontory above the sea. The Infinity Terrace stretches over the cliff edge, lined with 18th-century marble busts facing the horizon. Stone temples, small grottos, and rose gardens dot the grounds, with paths winding between ancient pine trees. You can visit the gardens daily from 9 AM to sunset, while the villa operates as a hotel.
Walking Paths to the Coast
Several paths connect Ravello to the coastal towns below. The stone pathway to Atrani takes 45 minutes, winding through terraced lemon groves and past small stone chapels. The trail to Amalfi follows old mule tracks for about an hour, with views of the coastline and fishing boats throughout the descent. Both paths require sturdy shoes and good physical condition for the return climb.
The Ravello Festival Season
Classical music fills Ravello from July through September during the annual festival. Musicians perform in Villa Rufolo's gardens on an outdoor stage overlooking the coast. The modern Oscar Niemeyer Auditorium, with its distinctive white curved design, hosts indoor concerts. The festival started in 1953 to honor Wagner and has grown into one of Italy's major classical music events.
Best Times for Your Visit
Spring (April-May) and fall (September-October) bring mild temperatures and fewer visitors. Summer includes daily concerts and the music festival, but expect more crowds and higher accommodation rates. From November through March, many restaurants and shops close, limiting your dining and shopping options.
