Ravello — Amalfi Coast Honeymoon, Part 2

Ravello was the most romantic stop on our Amalfi Coast honeymoon. Perched above the sea with winding cobblestone streets and timeless architecture, the town felt almost unreal—part Tuscan village, part cliffside paradise. Walking its lanes you can easily lose track of the century you’re in; the atmosphere is peaceful, refined and quietly enchanting.

Each town along the Amalfi Coast has its own personality, and for us Ravello stood out. It’s less crowded and feels more authentic than some of the coastal towns. Most villages hug the shoreline, but Ravello sits in the hills, offering cooler air and expansive views that make you feel like you’re on top of the world.

That said, a small section of Ravello does touch the sea. We stayed at a hidden gem down on the water called Villa Scarpariello Relais. The property feels like a cliffside fortress—an intimate inn built into the rocks with dramatic ocean views. Discovering it by chance while exploring the town map remains one of the best travel finds we’ve made.

The relais only has a handful of rooms, which keeps the atmosphere private and peaceful. We stayed in the Moresca room, which literally juts out over the sea—the balcony opened onto sweeping water views and a cool ocean breeze. Waking up to that sight felt unreal.

From the moment we passed through the gates we felt as if we had stumbled into a private castle garden: statues, lemon trees, terraces and secluded viewpoints. The grounds include a cliffside pool and direct access to the sea, with plenty of quiet corners to relax and take in the panorama.

Best of all, the price felt very reasonable for what the property offers. In a region known for expensive resorts, this relais delivered spectacular views and charming grounds without the premium cost of larger hotels.

The owners were warm and attentive, making sure our stay felt personal. Transport between the water and the hilltop town requires planning: you can walk, but be prepared—it’s a steep one-hour uphill hike with many stairs. We alternated walking and taking taxis depending on our energy levels.

One local favorite we discovered was Mimi Bar Pizzeria. Its ricotta-stuffed pizza—known as the corniciotta—was unforgettable and worth climbing for. We loved it so much we ate there nearly every day. Reservations are recommended since it fills up quickly.

For pastries, we enjoyed a sfogliatelle—crisp, layered pastry filled with ricotta and lemon—savoring it as we looked out over the town. Food in Ravello is a highlight: fresh mozzarella, cherry tomatoes, homemade pasta and outstanding pizza at modest prices.

Shopping here is special too. The pottery in Ravello feels like art—handmade and unique rather than mass-produced. We found a memorable ceramics shop and brought home plates, a bowl and some tiles; they shipped our purchases safely to the United States.

Wine shopping was another delightful surprise. Several small wine shops offered impromptu tastings. We fell for a volcanic-grown red called Sisifo and arranged to have bottles shipped home. The wine’s bold character and unexpected cherry notes made it a standout.

Our favorite site was Villa Cimbrone and its gardens. The terraces, statues and sweeping views are among the most romantic I’ve seen. Going right at opening time let us enjoy the oasis with very few other visitors, which made the experience even more magical.

Ravello felt like a vacation within our honeymoon: quieter, abundant with hidden corners, and full of discoveries. Between cliffside accommodations, outstanding local food, artisanal pottery and the cinematic Villa Cimbrone gardens, it became our favorite stop on the Amalfi Coast.

If you’re planning a trip to the Amalfi Coast, consider spending time in Ravello. It’s ideal for couples seeking romance and travelers who appreciate slower-paced charm and dramatic hilltop views.

We left Ravello already planning to return. The light, the gardens, the food and the private corners make it a place to revisit again and again.

Thanks for taking this small virtual trip to Ravello with us. Stay tuned for the final post in our Amalfi Coast mini-series: Capri.