Ravello was HANDS DOWN our most favorite stop in Italy.
We stayed for 2 full days and I could have easily set up shop for a month. If I ever write another book, I am going to pack up the WGC test kitchen and move it to Ravello. It was as gorgeous as Positano but much less touristy. (also there were a lot less stairs in Ravello which was a huge relief after hiking Positano for 2 full days!) We stayed at Palazzo Avino which is easily now officially on my top 5 hotels of all times. It was magical. The grounds were gorgeous, I got a birthday massage, wine and cheese was delivered to our room nightly and I was in love! 2 days is plenty of time if you're making the rounds like we did - but I plan on going back for a month next time!
Day 1
- Give yourself a self guided tour of the town. There are a few dozen super cute shops to poke in and out of and spend the day window shopping.
- Grab happy hour on the plaza - any of the al fresco dining options will make you a perfect spritz!
- Dinner at Cumpa' Cosimo! Get the pasta sampler which was about 5-6 different pastas that are their favorites! Their bolognese was life changing and the lasagna made me want to cry it was so good.
Day 2
- Ravello is home to 2 gardens, both of which are a quick walk from the hotel and gorgeous. Grab tickets, they are a few euro each, upon entry and explore!
- Grab lunch Ristorante Pizzeria Vittoria - pizza duh!
- We took the 2nd afternoon off from sight-seeing to relax poolside at Palazzo Avino and get spa treatments.
- Happy hour at Palazzo Avino - they make a mean Spritz and serve you endless amounts of Castelvetrano olives. I was in heaven.
- Wander over to Mimi Bar Pizzeria for a casual dinner or if you're feeling fancy, opt for Rossellinis Restaurant at Palazzo Avino!
Check out all the Italy guides here! Photos and video by Thomas Dawson
This looks incredible! What month did you do this trip? I am thinking of going in August, but I have heard it is very hot and crowded then, so I am curious when you were there!
June!!
If you had to pick Positano or Ravello, which would you pick? I am going to Italy for work and wanted to add on a fun/not work related trip! Probably wont have time to do both towns.
Depends on your vibe - laid back / romantic / calm / hidden gem = 100% ravello.
Positano is more of a scene, party, beach club situation!!
This looks amazing! My fiance and I are traveling to Positano/Ravello/Florence this September, so your guide is so useful! I really want to book dinner at Cumpa' Cosimo after your review, did you guys make reservations?
Thanks so much!
we had our hotel make reservations everywhere just to be safe - but at Cumpa' Cosimo you'd probably be okay just to walk in!!
I JUST returned from a Butterfield and Robinson tour of the Amalfi Coast, and we hiked from Amalfi nearly all the way to Ravello (through family farms and lemon groves). We stayed at the Palazzo Avino as well, which was magical. Such a stunning part of the world... I can't wait to go back! LOVE your photos!
What did you find was the easiest way to travel between Florence to Positano/Ravello?
We took a highspeed train from Florence to Naples and had our Positano hotel arrange for a driver to pick us up from the train in Naples and take us to the hotel!!
Gaby I think we might have been in all of these places at the same time! My fiancé and I basically did the same exact things!
I wish you would have gotten to try the pizza at the belmond caruso by the pool. IT IS AMAZING!!!!!
omg small world!! I'm dying to go back to Ravello!
This is perfect timing! I am planning my trip now!!
I need to go back to Italy soon!
It's official. I need to go back to Italy soon!!!! This looks like a dream.
Looks incredible!! Can't wait to be there!