Holidays in Ravello take you to one of the most stunning locations in
Italy, overlooking the spectacular Amalfi Coast, between the towns of
Minori and
Amalfi itself. Ravello is built on a series of terraces above steep cliffs that plunge down towards the sea, with narrow streets gradually winding their way up towards Piazza Duomo, where the town’s 900 year old cathedral commands the square. It’s a charming spot that has been attracting the rich and famous for decades – artists, writers and film stars have all been captivated by Ravello’s charms, adding a splash of glamour to this rustic little place.
Explore Ravello’s rich history, with several medieval noblemen making their homes here. Their legacy remains in buildings like Villa Cimbrone and Villa Rufolo. Both were later bought by wealthy British visitors and are now popular attractions because of their elegant architecture, ornamental gardens and incredible views. For relaxed days of wandering, Ravello’s streets and squares are peppered with cafés and restaurants, as well as craft shops selling the hand-made ceramics that this area is famous for.
Explore Ravello like no other
As a UNESCO World Heritage Site, Ravello holidays can be a big tourist attraction during the peak summer season, but many visitors are day trippers and the town can be very tranquil once they’ve left in the evenings. Spring is a quieter time to come here, when the fragrant smell of lemon blossom wafts across the whole town and the surrounding hillsides are full of lemon trees, which is reflected in the local cuisine.
Whatever time of year you visit, exploring Ravello’s romantic lanes and alleys puts you in the footsteps of movie stars like Greta Garbo and Humphrey Bogart, and writers like Tennessee Williams and Virginia Woolf. In the 1920s DH Lawrence wrote Lady Chatterley’s Lover while staying in Ravello, and even Winston Churchill came here to relax after the war. Piazza Duomo, where several cafés overlook the square, is a great place to watch the world go by and let your imagination take over – maybe Salvador Dali or Graham Greene once sat in your very spot, looking for inspiration.
