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If you’re thinking of an idyllic, summery week in Italy’s glorious Amalfi, images of a sun-drenched Positano are likely the first ones that will come to mind:
That picturesque volcanic beach dotted with blue-and-white-striped parasols, pastel-hue houses hanging to the side of vertiginous cliffs, and scenic vespa rides into blood-orange sunsets… If only it weren’t awfully busy and prohibitively expensive.
Overnights in budget hotels and B&Bs start at $200-300 per night, while mid-range to luxury will set you back by a whopping $900-1,500.
Add to that an average $68 for casual dining and other equally inflated secondary costs, and you’re looking at thousands of dollars in expenses for the week.
Amalfi is indeed gorgeous, but it isn’t really worth breaking the bank for—but hey, something most Amalfi-bound tourists forget is that Positano, however central it may be, is not the only base available for exploring the picture-perfect coast.
Discover Ravello, Amalfi’s Last Hidden Gem
For decades now, everyone’s been sleeping on Ravello, a mountain settlement 365 meters above the Tyrrhenian Sea, and it’s finally time it got the recognition it deserves.
Set a short 45-minute drive from Positano, and an even shorter 13 minutes from Amalfi, the settlement after which the 31-mile stretch of coast is named, it is a laid-back resort town nestled in the Southern Italian hills, often bypassed as it’s not directly on the coast.
Tourists often prefer to stay directly in Positano, as it’s considered ‘iconic’ and the quintessential Amalfi town, or the lively Sorrento, drawn to the buzzing marina and high-end amenities, draining their bank accounts while paying an equally beautiful, and far more affordable Ravello dust:
Here’s why you shouldn’t make that same mistake:
One Of The Most Beautiful Towns In The Amalfi Coast
For starters, Ravello is simply one of the most beautiful towns in Amalfi, as well as the most serene, perhaps:
With an absence of beach clubs and obvious Instagram-friendly spots, visitors are primarily drawn to the region’s rich cultural tapestry, romantic vistas, and tranquility—it’s no wonder it’s been a favorite of writers visiting the region, like Richard Wagner.
The historic center is like something out of a storybook, with stone-paved streets flanked by pastel-hue buildings and alleys leading to lush gardens and secluded villas.
By the way, two incredibly historic Southern Italian villas are situated here: Villa Rufolo, dating back to the 13th century and distinguished by its Moorish-inspired interior, and Villa Cimbrione, famous for its terraced garden overlooking the Mediterranean.
History lovers will also appreciate the well-preserved medieval cathedral, Duomo di Ravello, built in the 11th century, dedicated to St. Pantaleone, featuring a magnificent marble pulpit, and the fact that Villa Rufolo itself has Roman-era foundations.
Ravello Is A Lot Cheaper Than Positano
Affordability also plays a massive part in making Ravello more appealing to budget-conscious travelers than Positano.
Well, let’s rephrase it: it’s not exactly affordable, per se, but it is definitely on the cheaper end for Amalfi standards: Positano is well-known for its luxury hotels, some exceeding $1,000 per night in summer, while mid-range options are still a jaw-dropping $200 per night.
Ravello, on the other hand, has a wide range of fairly inexpensive accommodations: for instance, booking a single room at the privately managed B&B Ravello Rooms, within walking distance of Cathedral Square, will set you back a very reasonable $89 a night, breakfast included.
Nestled higher up on the hill, with a view of Ravello and the sea, Il Rifugio del Poeta, which, as the name suggests, feels like a poet’s refuge, will set you back by $137 per night: double room, amazing sunset vistas, and breakfast in the mix.
For something a little more luxurious yet within reason, there’s Gala Residence Villa Giovanna, a 4-star listing known for its airy, modern amenities, proximity to the Old Town (the cathedral is 300 meters away), and continental breakfast. It costs $287 a night.
Trust us, you won’t find better deals anywhere in Amalfi during summer.
Cheaper Food Than Average
When it comes to dining expenses, food is usually less expensive, too: we wouldn’t be going out for dinner in Positano with less than a hundred bucks in the wallet, but in Ravello, you can enjoy delicious meals at lower prices.
La Terraza Di Giuliana is a cozy pizzeria where you can have fresh caprese or made-on-the-spot sourdough pizza for around $9. Babel Wine Bar is popular for bruschetta with goat cheese and caramelized onions and charcuterie boards, with prices ranging from $18 to $35.
For homemade gelato, check out Baffone up Via Roma. On the odd evening when you feel like treating yourself a little, Salvatore Ravello 1958 is a traditional seafood eatery boasting views of the Mediterranean.
While there are always exceptions, and you shouldn’t be under the illusion that Ravello is your usual, traditional budget-friendly destination by any means, it tends to provide better value for travelers than Positano.
It’s Not On The Coast, But It’s Close Enough
Ravello may not be on the coast, but it is the starting point for several trails leading down to the waterfront, at the bottom of the hill.
A popular activity for overnight stayers is hiking down to Atrani, along stone steps and lush Mediterranean vegetation: at the end of the 1.5-mile walk, you’ll find another lesser-known medieval gem by the sea, equally overlooked by tourists.
Otherwise, you may attempt the longer, 2.2-mile walk through the Valle dei Mulini, a valley dotted with lemon groves and ancient Roman ruins, culminating in the town of Amalfi, home to a landmark cathedral and a bustling marina.
About an hour’s walk from Ravello, Minori is connected to it via the Sentiero dei Limoni, or Path of the Lemons. It is perfect for sampling traditional pastries (make sure you try the local sal de riso). A further one mile from Minori, there’s Maiori, a modern beach town.
Oh, and did we mention that Scala, the oldest town on the Amalfi Coast, is similarly a 45-minute walk from Ravello?
Visit the Romanesque cathedral, which dates back to the 12th century and is beautifully frescoed, or explore the ruins of the medieval Basilica Sant’Eustachio.
Lastly, sample the local cheese at the sophisticated, Michelin-starred Palazzo Avino.
On top of its proximity to several of Amalfi’s top destinations, Ravello is conveniently located halfway between the Amalfi Coast’s two airports.
Naples International Airport (NAP), set to host flights from Chicago-O’Hare, New York-JFK, Newark, Philadelphia, and Atlanta from May, is a 1h20-drive to Ravello, whereas driving from the region’s secondary hub, Salerno Costa d’Amalfi Airport (QSR), is 1h10.
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This article originally appeared on TravelOffPath.com
Opinions expressed here are the author’s alone, not those of any bank, credit card issuer, hotel, airline, or other entity. This content has not been reviewed, approved or otherwise endorsed by any of the entities included within the post.
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