Discover Beautiful Ravello and the Amalfi coast
Experience Ravello to the Amalfi Coast: A World of Heritage, Culture and Beauty
Travelling from Ravello and the Amalfi coast is a visual feast of authentic pastel-hued houses clinging to cliffs and hairpin roads winding through the lush coastal mountains.
Hidden Gems
Take a trek to the Valley of the Mills. A short ride from central Amalfi, this gloriously zesty lemon grove still follows ancient agricultural methods. Head out with a local fisherman who will cook your catch right there on the boat. Discover the magical underground world of Naples through caves, Roman roads and ancient theatres. And for that shot of energy en-route grab an espresso from Caffe Gambrinus, like a true Napoletano and try some of their sponge lemon cake you won’t be disappointed. Click here and find out how to make Amalfi lemon and basil cake created by model, chef and wellness advocate Karen Koramshai.
Beautiful Positano
No stay would be complete without a visit to Positano via “Gozzo”, a traditional wooden boat. Stop for a swim under Marmolada waterfall and enjoy the crystal blue water: available for bookings at www.positano.com. Stop for lunch en route at Da Adolfo. This restaurant serves local fish and low key but well worth a visit.
VISIT
Villa Rufolo
Ravello is all ravishing gardens, medieval architecture and stupendous views. It’s the birth place of la dolce vita.
Discover Villa Rufolo, a palatial Moorish-style estate overlooking the beautiful Bay of Salerno. It’s here that Ravello Music Festival, the second oldest of its kind in Italy, boasts an array of arts each summer. A short walk away you’ll find Villa Cimbrone, these public gardens are just beautiful and worth a visit. Don’t miss the Dunmo cathedral, an Arabic-inspired church founded in 1086. Its surrounding Piazza Vescovado with beauty lemon trees surrounding the entrance. I remember the first time I went here, it took my breath away. It’s truly beautiful and well worth a visit. There is also a lively street market here each Tuesday.
GETTING AROUND
Great ways to see the Coastline’s Beauty
Make the most of seeing the beautiful Amalfi Coastline at its finest. Gaze at the azure waters from the comfort of your own private helicopter. Make like Jackie Kennedy and wind a convertible Fiat 600 around narrow historic streets. Or, if you’re daring enough, hop on a Vespa. It’s a great opportunity to lose yourself in the romance of the city.
SLEEPING
Stay at: Belmond Hotel Caruso
Steeped in history, this is the perfect base from which to explore Ravello, the Amalfi Coast, Positano and beyond.
This former 11th-century palace boasts all the worldly luxuries anyone could desire. Marbled hallways lead to rooms brimming with antiques and paintings by old masters.
Set into the cliff edge, over tiered breath taking groves of lemons and olive vines, Caruso seems to float above the ocean. Rooms make the best of the view, with balconies overlooking the sparkling sea. Interiors also enchant: airy and elegant, with hand-picked antique furniture and four-poster beds. Every room and suite in this ancient palace is unique, so keep an eye out for intriguing historical details.
Fresh Amalfi lemonade is served at breakfast time. The invigorating flavour of zesty, sweet, citrus is the perfect way to start the day. And the sheer size of these fragrant Amalfi lemons is incredible. www.belmond.com
EATING
Dine at: Cumpa’ Cosmio, Ravello
A true locals' hangout with almost legendary status, thanks to Jackie Kennedy eating here when she came to the Amalfi Coast to escape the media (ask the owner, Luca, to tell you all the details). It's a classic, family-run Italian restaurant, with dark wooden furniture, white tablecloths and old paintings and photographs on the walls, located just off the main piazza in Ravello. Like most Amalfi Coast restaurants their dishes follow the seasons; and they have many wonderful stories to tell. Their signature dish of five types of homemade pasta is on another level: tagliatelle ragu, cheese-and-ham-filled crepe, tomato basil rigatoni, tomato gnocchi and troffe. To book call + 03 089 857 156
My Spiritual Home
Italy is a truly magnificent country with so much to offer, be you culture-obsessed, a wine connoisseur, or foodie. I challenge you not to be seduced by its natural beauty and charm. Here memories can be made forever.
Sarah x
