Hotel Villa Fraulo
Ravello - Via San Giovanni Del Toro, 18
Set in a Mediaeval building, Hotel Villa Fraulo features an infinity pool with views over the Bay of Salerno.
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Also known as the “City of Music” thanks to its countless musical events, Ravello is a charming town nestled inland on the Amalfi Coast, perched on a hillside over 365 metres above sea level. Less famous than Amalfi and Positano, Ravello is a serene yet exclusive destination that captivates visitors with its breathtaking views over the Gulf of Salerno.
Over the years, the town’s historical, architectural and natural splendour has drawn artists, intellectuals and art lovers from around the globe who have fallen under its spell. Ravello boasts a thriving cultural scene that includes exhibitions, concerts and performances, notably the Ravello Festival, a historic music festival held during the summer months and established in honour of German composer Richard Wagner.
Perched on a hillside near the far more celebrated Amalfi, Ravello may not face the sea directly, yet it offers enchanting vistas across the Gulf of Salerno. Its location has made it less well-known than other Amalfi Coast destinations, but this very fact has established it as a coveted retreat for those seeking a peaceful and private getaway.
Ravello is truly an “open-air museum“, both for its exceptional architectural treasures and its spectacular landscapes. The town is characterised by houses carved into the rock, historic buildings, medieval churches and exclusive villas with gardens.
The Ravello Cathedral, dating back to 1086, is one of Italy’s oldest cathedrals, though it has undergone several modifications and restorations over the centuries. Outside, you’ll find an impressive bronze door comprising 80 decorated panels, created in 1179 by Barisano da Trani. Inside, the three-aisled basilica houses remarkable treasures, including two exquisite marble-inlaid ambos.
Don’t miss the Chapel of San Pantaleone the Healer, which houses a phial containing the blood of San Pantaleone – every year the blood undergoes the miracle of liquefaction. The cathedral also contains two museums: the Opera Museum, displaying Roman funerary urns and early Christian relics, and the art gallery of medieval and modern works, featuring pieces by artists including Giovan Filippo Criscuolo and Giovanni Angelo and Giovanni Antonio D’Amato.
Villa Rufolo is a magnificent estate built dramatically above the sea in the 13th century by the medieval Rufolo family, who wanted to create a residence befitting their social standing and capable of hosting royalty. As the family’s fortunes declined, the villa fell into neglect until the mid-19th century, when it passed into the hands of a Scottish lord, Sir Francis Nevile Reid. A philanthropist well-versed in botany and the arts, Lord Reid undertook significant restoration work, transforming the building into an architectural masterpiece.
Villa Rufolo’s garden, which also enchanted Richard Wagner, is known as the Garden of the Soul and captivates visitors not only with its stunning flowers but also with its spectacular setting. Entering through the tower gate, you’ll access a beautiful cloister surrounded by twisted columns, then enjoy a remarkable vista – both towards the sea and mountains – from the Torre Maggiore. Finally, explore the marvellous belvedere, a garden offering splendid panoramic views across the entire Amalfi Coast, and the chapel, which hosts art exhibitions year-round.
Villa Cimbrone is renowned for its garden, embellished with ornamental plant and flower arrangements and statues, as well as for the stunning vistas it affords visitors. The panorama visible from here has captivated many famous figures, including Totò, Gina Lollobrigida and Humphrey Bogart.
In 1904, the English Beckett family purchased the villa and undertook a restoration following the elegant style of Villa Rufolo, creating the Terrace of Infinity, a breathtaking natural balcony offering views stretching along the Amalfi coast to Punta Licosa. The villa now operates as a luxury five-star hotel, though the gardens are open to visitors year-round for a fee.
Ravello’s historic centre is an almost entirely pedestrianised gem well worth exploring on foot, wandering through narrow alleyways that converge on Cathedral Square. The town centre is genuinely “human in scale” – a delightful place to stroll and soak up the atmosphere whilst browsing boutiques selling fine ceramics and shops featuring local crafts.
Despite sitting on a hillside inland from the Amalfi Coast, Ravello is home to some beautiful beaches with crystal-clear waters. Among the most picturesque is Carusiello, a tiny cove just six metres across, accessible only on foot through a private villa or by private boat. This inlet nestles within a sheltered bay surrounded by towering cliffs that shield it from winds, and the water is utterly pristine.
Ravello’s official beach is Castiglione, located in the namesake district. Stretching 112 metres long, it features clear but deep waters – over 25 metres – and in summer offers a small establishment providing basic facilities. In the San Cosma locality, you’ll find Lama ‘a Secca, a pebble beach around 12 metres long accessible only via two private villas or by sea.
Since 1953, Ravello has hosted the celebrated “Ravello Festival“, a festival featuring classical music, cinema and literature events. Drawing enthusiasts from across the globe, the festival takes place annually in July, with events held at various venues throughout town, including Villa Rufolo, Cathedral Square and the Oscar Niemeyer Auditorium4.
The Oscar Niemeyer Auditorium, in particular, commands excellent views of the Amalfi Coast from its terrace. Conceived by Brazilian architect Oscar Niemeyer as part of the “Ravello Project”, this building was constructed between 2008 and 2010 and can accommodate approximately 400 people.
In the following map you can see the location of the main places of interest mentioned in this article.
Ravello, a gem on the Amalfi Coast, offers a wide array of accommodation options, from stunning hotels to intimate bed and breakfasts and holiday rentals. This corner of the coast boasts lodgings that provide breathtaking panoramic views of the coastline whilst maintaining exceptional service standards. Many properties are housed in period buildings or restored historic villas featuring gardens and unique belvedere terraces.
The atmosphere here is less hectic than in Amalfi or Positano, yet distinctly exclusive. Though Ravello may appear a secondary destination overshadowed by other Amalfi Coast towns, it is in fact a highly exclusive locale where numerous celebrities retreat for private getaways.
We offer a selection of hotels at Ravello to suit all categories of travellers. The most booked by tourists are the sea-facing hotels, often right on the beach. If you want to play it safe, choose one of the following: they are among the most booked hotels in Ravello, sorted by number of reviews.
If you prefer space, privacy and the ability to prepare your own meals to a hotel holiday, book a holiday home at Ravello. We recommend a few below, but in this case we advise you to book early because houses and apartments for rent at Ravello are in high demand.
Driving is one of the best ways to reach Ravello. Those coming from the north should take the A3 motorway to the Angri exit, then follow provincial road SP1 towards the Chiunzi pass and signs to Ravello. From other Amalfi Coast locations, you’ll travel along the panoramic state road SS 163, which offers spectacular views but can become congested during summer.
Ravello is approximately 6 km from Amalfi, and the two are connected by buses operated by the Sita company, which typically take around 35 minutes between destinations when traffic permits. The nearest airport is Naples-Capodichino, about 60 km away, though it has no direct connection to town. From the airport, you’ll need to take a SITA bus to Amalfi, then transfer to another bus or private taxi.
What's the weather at Ravello? Below are the temperatures and the weather forecast at Ravello for the next few days.
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