I always hear that this is a "great" place, but I've never heard what the allure is. Can anyone provide some insight and/or suggestions?

Thanks!

It's beautiful. Gorgeous gardens and views; decent shopping. I wouldn't stay there, but I would definitely visit.

I would stay there -- it is way up above it all -- meaning the rest of the Amalfi Coast. We had dinner there in a nice restaurant with an extrordinary view, although it was a misty cloudy evening. The village is pretty, cars park on the outskirts of town so it is mostly pedestrian. There are outdoor music events throughout the summer. Very romantic. Next time we will stay a night or two...it is a bit more remote than the other Amalfi towns, but that is part of it's charm.

Hi Uh OH Busted- Could you tell me if there are summer outdoor concerts in Ravello in the afternoons as well as evenings? We are only going to be able to spend a day there and hope to catch a concert. We are spending 4 days in Positano and others have said Ravello is too quiet. On the other hand, I've heard the Palazzo Sasso is out of this world too.

Hi aneckc

Try this web site for concert information. I'm not sure about afternoon concerts. Hope this helps.
http://www.ravelloarts.org/

Ravello is incredibly beautiful. Take the time to walk through the gardens of Villa Cimbrone.

I much preferred Ravello to Positano- Positano is dull with not much to do apart from stroll up and down the street- all the shops sell the same things! Ravello is much prettier. The Villa Cimbrone gardens are delightful with fantastic views out to sea. Great little church and lovely musical events. Great bus journey from Amalfi to Ravello. Journey takes about 20 mins with breathtaking views across the valley.

Ravello is indeed beautiful with exceptional views from Villa Rufolo and also Villa Cimbrone, but IMO, I would not stay overnight there.

Re: the concerts, they are only given at night (9:30 pm). Check out www.rcs.amalficoast.it for Ravello Concert Society's entire concert schedule and details.

Since you will be in the area, try to see Sorrento (or Surriento as the locals call it). I found that city to be very quaint and charming and not nearly as crowded with tourists as Amalfi and Positano.

We were in Ravello on July 27 of last year. That is the feast day of Ravello's patron saint and there was a big mass at the duomo and afterwards (about noon) the municipal band played a concert in the main square in front of the church. People sat at tables and many danced in the piazza.

Make sure you include a visit to Villa Rufolo in Ravello. The views of the coastline from there are fantastic. Many say that it offers the best views of the Amalfi coastline.

Is't the villa rafullo where the concerts are?

Daine

Yes Diane, the evening concerts are held outdoors at Villa Rufolo.

I wonder if the posters above who basically stated "I would visit there but I wouldn't spend the night" have actually ever spent a night in Ravello? I'm in my early 30's and still enjoy an active nightlife, which I got in Rome, but don't we all (or at least most of us) go to the Amalfi Coast to relax, unwind and soak in the beautiful scenery? There's no better place to do just that than in Ravello.

Much like Capri, I thought Ravello was much more enjoyable when the day-trippers left, leaving the main plaza and the narrow pathways peacefully uncrowded.

Attending the evening concert at Villa Rufolo, you're also treated to views overlooking the evening glow from the town of Minori and the moonlit coastline. A covenient highlight available to those staying overnight. Then to awaken in the morning, step out onto your terrace, only to gaze upon the sunlight gradually streaming over the coastal mountainside and eventually over the radiant, azure sea is the most welcoming start to a beautiful day. Having breakfast at any one of the fine hotels to continue soaking in the wonderful atmosphere and incredible views furthers your relaxive state.

Take a morning stroll through the narrow passageways and over to the gardens at Villa Cimbrone to take in absolutely the most fabulous view of the Amalfi Coast from the famous Belvedere. Where you can also gaze upon the steep, terraced gardens of Atrani. Stroll through the rest of the gorgeous grounds, trying to find all the hidden treasures, without another soul in sight. It's too meditative to describe. Then head back to the town center to peruse through the ceramic and limoncello shops.

These are things best enjoyed when you've stayed overnight...when the day crowds have yet to arrive and taint the peaceful nature of the town.

If you really want to visualize what the fuss is all about, check out these websites:

http://community.webshots.com/album/44215093RSbukd (there's plenty of other galleries)
www.villacimbrone.it (check out the gardens)
www.rcs.amalficoast.it (Ravello Concert Society)
www.ravellotime.it
www.ravello.it

Okie,

Views, food, relaxed atmosphere -- if you're coming from a Big City, you'll really appreciate it. If you're under thirty, maybe not.

The coastal panoramas reminded me of early days on the Palos Verdes Peninsula (California) before the Coming of the Condos.