If you’re wondering where to stay on the Amalfi Coast, the quiet hilltop town of Ravello may just be the perfect place.
Perched high above the shoreline, Ravello offers sweeping views, historic charm, and a slower pace—ideal for travelers who want to experience the Amalfi Coast from a different perspective.
Most visitors see the coast from sea level, zipping between beach clubs and gelato stands. But there’s a version of it high above the crowds. Quieter. Slower. Legendary.
It’s ideal for those who’ve already stayed in Positano, already rented the lounger and taken the ferry to Capri; for those who prefer box seats to being a part of the show. Up on the ridge, you don’t give up the coastline—you just gain a gorgeous, mesmerizing view.
Ravello is the ideal place to begin. Perched above Amalfi Town, it’s long been a retreat for composers, poets, and aristocracy. Here, mornings are slow and terraces open to gardens instead of crowds. And if you’re feeling energetic, three paths with bragging rights are well within reach.
There’s a stone stairway of 1,500+ steps from Ravello down to Amalfi (it goes up too, but let’s not get crazy)—entirely walkable, especially when you know there’s gelato waiting at the bottom. The Path of Lemons, winding between Minori and Maiori, is a fragrant passage through the citrus terraces—short, scenic, and deeply satisfying. And then there’s the Path of the Gods, high above it all, carved into the cliffs from Bomerano to Nocelle. Myth says the gods walked it once. You’ll understand why.
Belmond Hotel Caruso, Ravello
A restored 11th-century palace with a garden infinity pool that seems to spill into the sky. A classic for a reason.
Palazzo Avino, Ravello
The “Pink Palace.” Michelin-starred dining, velvet sunsets, and a setting that feels like you wandered into a film.
Villa degli Dei, Nocelle
Set high above Positano, this boutique villa is perfect for privacy-seekers. Private terraces and hot tubs. The kind of place you remember.
Planning a split stay? Pack light—these villages were not designed for steamer trunks.
Spring and fall are ideal.
If you’re creating a longer Italy itinerary, pair the Amalfi Coast ridge with Puglia for a more rustic coastal contrast. Or go classic: fly into Rome, unwind in Ravello, and fly out of Naples—shorter drive, easier airport, and one last perfect espresso before you go.
The Amalfi Coast doesn’t need promotion. It’s as beautiful as you’ve heard. But if you want to see it differently—see it better—you’ll find a refined experience above the waterline, where the air is sweet, the paths are quiet, and the views earn their mythology.
You could piece it together on your own… but why would you?
Whether you’re dreaming of lemon groves in Ravello, a luxury hotel with an infinity pool, or a custom itinerary that skips the crowds and captures the magic, I can help design a trip that feels entirely your own.
From “Is Ravello worth it?” to “I wish we’d stayed longer,” click here to schedule a call and start planning the kind of Italian getaway you’ll still be thinking about long after you return.
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Karen Aikman is the founder of Live LARGE Travel, where she personally designs custom travel experiences tailored to her clients’ unique preferences. A seasoned traveler with a deep passion for exploration, she shares insider tips, expert insights, and destination inspiration both here on the Live LARGE Travel blog and across various platforms.
Whether you’re dreaming of a bucket-list adventure or a seamless luxury getaway,
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