Ravello: the terrace over the sea
Above Amalfi, Ravello looks down on the sea with Villa Rufolo, Villa Cimbrone and the music of its summer festival.
The village above the clouds
Ravello stands about 365 metres above the sea, its gardens and terraces seemingly suspended between sky and water. The compact village around the piazza keeps its cathedral, palaces and a quiet the coast no longer has.
The two villas
Villa Rufolo, which inspired Wagner, opens its flowering gardens over the cliff; Villa Cimbrone offers the Terrace of Infinity, with the balustrade and the most celebrated panorama of the coast. Either alone is worth the trip.
Music and craft
The Ravello Festival brings music into the gardens and historic halls in summer, among Europe's most evocative concerts. In the village, ceramics and little bells are still made, with artisan workshops and artistic paper mills.
Getting there
From Pompei you reach it via Sorrento by coast bus or ferry to Amalfi and then the bus uphill; about 2.5 hours altogether. Leave early so you can enjoy sunset from the terrace before heading back.