When traveling to places as popular as the Amalfi Coast in Italy, making the right decision about where to stay is crucial. Most visitors look into the popular towns of Positano and Amalfi as their desired location but are they on the right track? My answer is no. Read on to learn why to stay in Ravello instead.
Why to Stay in Ravello:
1. Ravello is one of the most relaxing spots in the Amalfi Coast
2. The air quality in Ravello is much better than in Amalfi or Positano
3. It offers the best views of the Amalfi Coast
4. Ravello is less expensive than Amalfi or Positano
5. It still maintains its local charm
6. It is a good base for hiking the Amalfi Coast
7. Ravello is a destination on its own
8. It is inspirational
9. It is famous for its glamour vibe
10. From Ravello, you can easily escape the Amalfi Coast without taking the coastal drive
I keep coming back to Italy mostly for its scenery and unique charm. The Amalfi Coast offers an abundance of both. During my last visit to the area, I stayed two nights in Sorrento, just for the convenience of a day trip to Capri, and two nights in Ravello for the remaining part.
I visited Positano and Amalfi and I am convinced that Ravello was the best choice.
What you need to know about the Amalfi Coast of Italy.
The Amalfi Coast is an extremely popular European destination. Just south of Naples, it delivers one of the most magnificent stretches of the Tyrrhenian coast of Italy.
The scenic road clinging to the cliff offers spectacular views but it is very winding, narrow, and often jammed with traffic. In perfect conditions, it could be driven in about an hour and a half but it is rarely the case.
Driving along the Amalfi Coast
Many tourists who drove the Almafi coastal road advise against driving it at all. I want to make things clear, the road itself is not dangerous. Yes, it is narrow and winding but you will not fall off the cliff.
What makes it dangerous is heavy traffic and tour buses not being able to make the sharp turns. In summer months, you can expect bumper to bumper and accidents.
But do not worry, there is a way to do avoid the traffic and still enjoy the ride. Simply get up early, preferably at sunrise, and finish your tour before 8 AM when touring buses hit the road. We took our drive soon after sunrise and had the road to ourselves. The sky was spectacular at that hour!
Why to Stay in Ravello versus Amalfi or Positano
Sitting on a rocky hill, almost 1,150 feet above sea level, Ravello stands on its own proudly distancing itself from the hassle and bustle below but still welcomes visitors with the best that the Amalfi Coast has to offer.
Here are the reasons why to stay in Ravello:
1. Ravello is one of the most relaxing spots in the Amalfi Coast
Located high in the mountains, away from the main coastal road, Ravello is the ideal place to stay for those looking for a relaxing visit.
2. The air quality in Ravello is much better than in Amalfi or Positano
Unfortunately, the Amalfi Coast as not as pristine as it looks. The heavy traffic takes its toll on the air quality. Because of its distance from the coastal road, 3 kilometers, Ravello’s air is much cleaner than in towns below. Additionally, a large part of the village is car-free.
3. It offers the best views of the Amalfi Coast
With its high elevation, Ravello delivers the best views of the Amalfi Coast.
4. Ravello is less expensive than Amalfi or Positano
Even though less expensive than Amalfi or Positano, Ravello still offers everything that visitors are looking for: spectacular views, great choice of accommodation, good restaurants, and shopping.
We stayed in the wonderful Bed and Breakfast Giuliana’s View. I highly recommend it. You cannot beat the price and breakfast was included in an already reasonable price.
5. It still maintains its local charm
Without being overpowered by tourists, Ravello has a local feel so hard to find elsewhere in the Amalfi Coast.
6. It is a good base for hiking the Amalfi Coast
Sitting hight in the mountains, Ravello is a great base for hiking. You can walk down to Minari or Amalfi and take a taxi back to your hotel. If you are ambitious, you can climb back but your legs and heart may not like that challenge.
7. Ravello is a destination on its own
Decreed a World Heritage Site by UNESCO in 1996, it is famous for its outstanding architecture. Ravello’s Duomo (Cathedral) and Villa Cimbrone (both 11th century) and Villa Rufolo (13th century) are magnificent sights.
8. Ravello is inspirational
Thousands of years of its history and an enchanting mountaintop have captivated countless artists. Today, the town is known for its intense cultural activities featuring shows, exhibitions, and concerts.
9. Ravelo is famous for its glamour vibe
Despite being relatively inexpensive for average travelers, Ravello delivers the highest luxury in the entire Amalfi Coast. Hotel Villa Cimbrone, for example, is one of the most exclusive locations in the world. Greta Garbo, Jacqueline Kennedy, and Tennessee Williams all holidayed here.
10. From Ravello, you can easily escape the Amalfi Coast without taking the coastal drive
The Amalfi coastal drive can keep you trapped in your location if you are staying next to it. There is simply no way to avoid it if you wish to leave the area or take a day trip. That is not the case with Ravello. You can easily head north from there and leave all the congested coast behind.
Learn more about First Time Holidays to Italy – What You Need to Know.
Cons of staying in Ravello:
1. Because of its high elevation, Ravello is difficult to walk so you need to be in a reasonable condition to navigate it.
2. There is no beach in Ravello. The closest one is in Minari but it takes a good hike to get there. You can also take a taxi there or to Amalfi. I do not advise to drive because parking is difficult to find.
Minori beach as seen from a hiking trail from Ravello. You may also like these destinations:
Beautiful description and great information. I just want to be there right now! Everything that I love: sun, views, great food and Italians 😂. I so miss Italy 🇮🇹
Thank you! I miss it already, too. “Kurcok bene” LOL. Oh, good old days!
Thanks for sharing guide why to stay in italy .The best part in the guide is every thing is explained completely with pictures and description. I was deciding to start a tour guide find it really helpful. Enjoy your travels. I was looking for a trip story find it accurately. i will definitely follow you up
Great! I was looking for the tour guide for italy ultimately find it. Beautiful description and great information. I just want to be there right now! Everything that I love: sun, views, great food and Italians. What should be the accurate season to visit Italy?
Thank you. My favorite season for Italy is spring when the flowers are blooming and summer crowds did not arrive yet.
Trip to the Italy is always of wonderful and of excitement. The best part of this post is you have described excellently your whole trip. I was looking for a tour guide to US can you suggest? i will plan this tour in vacations surely.
Thank you. I think the best way to visit USA is on your own. No need for a tour guide. This my give you some ideas https://yvonnestravel.blog/category/united-states/23-top-reasons-to-visit-america/