Part of our Ravello travel guide  — explore all our Ravello posts.

While the Amalfi Coast is world-famous for its colorful seaside towns and bustling pebble beaches, the mountain village of Ravello offers a serene escape high above the crowds. Perched dramatically on the cliffs of the Dragone Valley, Ravello is a peaceful sanctuary of lush gardens, historic villas, and commanding sea views. A day trip here from Amalfi town is the ultimate summer excursion, leading you to the magnificent estate of Villa Cimbrone and its world-famous Terrazza dell'Infinito (Terrace of Infinity), where the line between sky and sea completely disappears.

Day Trip to Ravello Itinerary

This carefully timed route ensures you see the best of Ravello while avoiding the peak midday tour buses.

  • 8:30 AM: Escape from Amalfi. Board the early SITA bus or hire a local open-top taxi from Amalfi town to Ravello. Starting early helps you beat the heavy summer traffic on the winding mountain roads.
  • 9:15 AM: Stroll Ravello's Piazza Duomo. Grab a refreshing espresso or a fresh lemon granita at a quiet café on the main square before the day-trippers arrive.
  • 10:00 AM: Villa Cimbrone Gardens. Head straight to the villa. Wander through the manicured pathways lined with blooming wisteria and roses, culminating at the breathtaking Terrace of Infinity.
  • 12:30 PM: Shaded Terrace Lunch. Enjoy a relaxed lunch at a cliffside trattoria, indulging in fresh seafood pasta, local cherry tomatoes, and cold falanghina white wine.
  • 2:30 PM: Villa Rufolo Gardens. Visit Ravello's second famous villa, renowned for its medieval watchtowers and the stunning outdoor concert stage that seems to float over the blue sea.
  • 4:30 PM: Return to Amalfi. Hike down the ancient stone steps back to Amalfi or catch the afternoon bus as the golden light begins to drape over the mountains.

The Experience

Entering the grounds of Villa Cimbrone feels like stepping into a romantic painting. The air is thick with the scent of Mediterranean pines, wild jasmine, and lemon groves. Standing on the Terrace of Infinity, you look out over a sheer drop to the sparkling Tyrrhenian Sea, where the water is so blue it seems to merge with the summer sky. The quiet, gentle breeze rustling through the cypress trees provides a cool, welcome contrast to the bustling, hot beaches down below.

Nearby Pairings

Enhance your coastal day trip by pairing your visit with Villa Rufolo, the historic Ravello Cathedral on the main square, and a stop at one of Ravello's famous hand-painted ceramic workshops.

How to Visit Smoothly

Buses run frequently from Amalfi town, but they get extremely crowded in the summer. Consider buying your tickets in advance at a local tabaccheria or taking an early morning taxi. Wear comfortable walking shoes, as Ravello is entirely pedestrianized and features many steps.

Photo Notes

The Terrace of Infinity is best photographed in the late morning when the sun illuminates the white marble busts lining the balcony. Frame your shots using the overhanging stone arches and surrounding pine branches to add depth and scale.

Quick FAQ

Q: How do I get to Villa Cimbrone on a day trip to Ravello from Amalfi?

A: Take the SITA bus from Amalfi to Ravello, then follow the well-marked pedestrian signs from Ravello's main square through the narrow streets to the villa entrance.

Q: What is the best season to visit Villa Cimbrone in Ravello?

A: Late spring and summer are the absolute best times to visit when the gardens are in full bloom and the coastal weather is perfect.

Q: Is Villa Cimbrone accessible for travelers with mobility issues?

A: The pedestrian paths from the main square to the villa are paved but contain several steep sections and steps, which may be challenging for some visitors.

Q: Can you stay overnight at Villa Cimbrone?

A: Yes, Villa Cimbrone is a luxury hotel, but the historic gardens and the Terrace of Infinity remain open to the public daily for a small admission fee.