We’ve recently returned from a trip to Italy hosted by the Palazzo Avino. We spent 4-nights in Ravello, Italy using the Palazzo Avino as our home base for exploring all over the Amalfi Coast. It was a blast!
Ravello, itself, deserves 4-nights all on its own. We were impressed by the amount of things to see/do in this little hillside village. Our top 5 activities in Ravello are:
1. Support the Local Economy! We found the shopping in Positano and Amalfi disappointing, and Sorrento was okay. These towns were full of shops selling touristy items, and very few of their wares were made in Italy, let alone on the Amalfi coast. In Contrast, Ravello’s shops were owned and staffed by local artists and craftsmen who were warm, friendly, and more than willing to share stories about their art. We truly enjoyed wandering in and out of the shops (all within easy walking distance from the hotel) and meeting the local artisans and business owners.
2. Walking Around Town and visiting the gardens: Ravello is a very walkable area (as long as you are comfortable with a few stairs), and we could spend a whole day just wandering around town visiting the Terrace of Infinity at Villa Cimbrone, The Sculpture Garden at Villa Rufolo, or having a coffee at one of the outdoor cafes in the town square.
3. Learn to Cook Great Italian Food! There are two great cooking schools in Ravello. Nona Orsula is the more rustic and affordable option, and it has the feel of an authentic Italian kitchen. Mamma Agata is still very genuine but a bit more polished with oodles of celebrity power. They sell recipe books and have been featured on TV shows. Mama Agata and Chiara, working together, are a powerhouse! This is one experience that should not be missed.
4. Taste Wine From 500-Year-Old Vines: We had one of the best experiences of the trip while on our wine-tasting excursion. The Tenuta San Francesco Vineyard is a must-see! This family-run vineyard is home to grapevines that are 500 years old, and the family is so warm and inviting. They only host small groups, so you will either be alone or with 2-3 other couples and enjoy lots of personal time with the wine-maker. After a tour of the vineyard and the cellars, everyone will sit down to a homemade meal – great wine, great food, great company… what more can you ask for?!
5. Lounge Around the Palazzo Avino Beach Club: The Palazzo Avino is the only hotel that can offer you the best of both worlds: a fantastic hilltop view of the coast AND direct access to the ocean. Take a quick shuttle ride from the hotel to the sea and find yourself in a private oceanside paradise. The Palazzo Avino Ocean Club features swimming platforms into the ocean, snorkeling and kayaking, a beautiful lawn for sunbathing, a pool, a bar, and a full-service restaurant specializing in Neapolitan pizza.
Bonus Activities: If you’re athletic and adventurous, don’t miss the chance to hike the Path of the Gods. Foodies will find themselves in a wonderland and must go Limoncello and olive oil tasting. The Amalfi Coast is famous for its ceramics, and travelers interested in learning about the industry’s history can visit the ceramics factory for a tour. Fans of the arts will enjoy the annual music festival and the year-round calendar of live music performances. Car enthusiasts will enjoy a scenic driving tour of the coast in an Alpha Romeo Spider … There is something for everyone here!
Palazzo Avino is a Virtuoso hotel, and our clients can receive the following amenities:
- Upgrade on arrival, subject to availability
- Daily Buffet breakfast for up to two in room guests, served in restaurant or via rooom service
- USD 100 Spa Services credit, to be utilized during stay (not combinable, no cash value if not redeemed in full)
- Free access to the hotel SPA every day during the stay, including hydrotherapy pool, sauna, steam bath, aromatic showers (15 EUR value per person, per day)
- Complimentary high-speed internet access for the duration of the stay
- A complimentary departure gift
- Early check-in/late check-out, subject to availability
Not only does Ravello have so much to offer visitors nearby, but it also makes an excellent home base for touring the Amalfi Coast. The town center of Amalfi is a short drive away and is close enough to visit just for dinner; we loved our meal at the Santa Caterina. Amalfi itself is worth a trip in daylight for a half day of walking around, shopping, and enjoying the waterfront. Catch the ferry in Amalfi and head over to Capri for the day! Positano is approximately 45 minutes away, and Naples/Sorrento is slightly over an hour away. We enjoyed walking around the Sorrento town center, where you can see many Dali statues, enjoy some Gelato, and do a little shopping. You could also easily see Pompeii on a day excursion, which we highly recommend.
We are enamored with the Amalfi Coast, especially Ravello, and we think it is a place everyone should see at least once. Fill out a Travel Request Form if you want to check it off your bucket list!
