WHY TO STAY IN RAVELLO ITALY

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.

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