Amalfi and Ravello Day Trip: How to Visit Both in One Day
Amalfi and Ravello are one of my favorite town pairings on the Amalfi Coast. If you’re planning a bigger trip, they both deserve a spot on your list of things to do on the Amalfi Coast.
You get the best of both worlds in one day: Ravello’s quiet gardens and dreamy views from above, then Amalfi’s cathedral, lemon shops, busy piazza, and waterfront.
Most people naturally start in Amalfi because it’s by the water and easier to reach. But for this itinerary, I’d actually do the opposite: Ravello in the morning, Amalfi in the afternoon.
Ravello is at its best before the crowds arrive, especially if you want to visit Villa Cimbrone, Villa Rufolo, and those famous viewpoints. Then, once you’re ready to come down to the coast, Amalfi makes a great afternoon stop.
You can take the bus or a taxi between the two towns, but if you’re up for it, you can also walk down from Ravello to Amalfi. I did this walk and loved it, although I’ll say right away: it involves a lot of stairs. Your knees should be prepared!
In this guide, I’ll show you how to visit Amalfi and Ravello in one day, what to prioritize, when to visit each town, and when it makes sense to book a tour instead of dealing with the logistics yourself.
Amalfi and Ravello Day Trip At a Glance
If you only have one day for Amalfi and Ravello, I recommend keeping the plan simple. Start high in Ravello, enjoy the villas and views while the town is still calm, then head down to Amalfi for the cathedral, historic center, lemon treats, and waterfront.
| Time | What to do | Good to know |
|---|---|---|
| Morning | Start in Ravello and walk around Piazza Duomo before visiting one or both villas. | Ravello feels much more special early, before the bigger day-trip crowds arrive. |
| Late morning | Visit Villa Cimbrone for the Terrace of Infinity, or Villa Rufolo for an easier, central visit. | If you have time and energy, do both. If not, choose one and slow down. |
| Midday | Get down to Amalfi by bus, taxi, or on foot. | The Ravello to Amalfi walk is beautiful, but it has lots of steps. |
| Afternoon | Explore Amalfi, visit the Duomo, wander the historic center, and stop for something lemony. | Amalfi will be busier by now, but it works well as an afternoon stop. |
| Evening | End with gelato, aperitivo, or a walk by the waterfront before heading back. | Check your last ferry or bus before getting too relaxed. |
Start in Ravello and walk around Piazza Duomo before visiting one or both villas.
Ravello feels much more special early, before the bigger day-trip crowds arrive.
Visit Villa Cimbrone for the Terrace of Infinity, or Villa Rufolo for an easier, central visit.
If you have time and energy, do both. If not, choose one and slow down.
Get down to Amalfi by bus, taxi, or on foot.
The Ravello to Amalfi walk is beautiful, but it has lots of steps.
Explore Amalfi, visit the Duomo, wander the historic center, and stop for something lemony.
Amalfi will be busier by now, but it works well as an afternoon stop.
End with gelato, aperitivo, or a walk by the waterfront before heading back.
Check your last ferry or bus before getting too relaxed.
Why I’d Visit Ravello Before Amalfi
Most people naturally start in Amalfi because it’s by the sea, easier to reach, and has the port. But for this itinerary, I’d still do the opposite: Ravello first, Amalfi second.
Ravello is all about atmosphere, and it feels much more special in the morning. The villas, gardens, viewpoints, and quiet lanes are better before the bigger day-trip crowds arrive.
Amalfi works well later in the day because it has more movement: cafés, shops, restaurants, the cathedral, the waterfront, ferries, and buses. It can handle the afternoon energy better than Ravello can.
The only reason I’d reverse the order is if your main goal is photographing the Amalfi Cathedral without many people. I went around 8:30 AM in May and had the square almost to myself. By late morning, it was a completely different scene.
But for this specific Amalfi and Ravello day trip, I’d still give the morning to Ravello.
Amalfi and Ravello One Day Itinerary
This itinerary is designed for travelers who want to visit both towns without turning the day into a race. You won’t see every single corner of Ravello or Amalfi, and that’s fine. The goal is to enjoy the best of both places in a way that actually makes sense.
Start Your Morning in Ravello
Start in Piazza Duomo, the main square of Ravello. This is where you’ll find the Duomo di Ravello, cafés, the entrance to Villa Rufolo, and the small lanes that lead deeper into town. If you want more ideas beyond this quick visit, I have a full guide to the best things to do in Ravello.
Ravello is small, but I wouldn’t rush it. The beauty of this town is not only in the big sights, but in the quiet corners, terraces, and sudden views that appear when you least expect them.
If you only have time for one villa, I’d choose Villa Cimbrone for the Terrace of Infinity. It’s the most iconic view in Ravello, and honestly, one of the most unforgettable viewpoints on the whole Amalfi Coast.
But don’t make the mistake of rushing straight to the terrace and leaving. The gardens of Villa Cimbrone are part of the experience, with shaded paths, stone details, romantic corners, and several viewpoints along the way.
If you want the easier option, choose Villa Rufolo. It sits right by Piazza Duomo, so it’s very simple to fit into a shorter visit. The gardens are smaller than Villa Cimbrone, but the views are beautiful and the setting feels very elegant.
If you’re trying to decide how much time to spend here, I’d plan at least 2 to 3 hours in Ravello. That gives you enough time for one villa, a wander through town, and a coffee. If you want to visit both Villa Rufolo and Villa Cimbrone without rushing, allow closer to half a day.
Choose How to Get Down to Amalfi
Once you’re done in Ravello, you have three main ways to get down to Amalfi: bus, taxi, or walking.
The bus is the cheapest option, but it can get crowded in high season. You could also consider the Amico shuttle, which runs the Amalfi-Ravello route.
A taxi is easier and faster, but more expensive. Walking down is the most scenic option, and the one I personally loved, but it does require time, good shoes, and a decent relationship with stairs.
I won’t go into every transport detail here because I already have a full guide on how to get to Ravello, including buses, ferries, taxis, and the best options depending on where you’re starting from.
By bus / shuttle
The budget option. Good if you’re flexible, but expect crowds in summer and check the schedule before you plan the day around it.
By taxi
The easiest option if you want to save time. It’s more expensive, but useful if you’re short on time or traveling with others.
On foot
The most scenic option. Best done downhill from Ravello to Amalfi, with good shoes and no heavy luggage.
Optional: Walk from Ravello to Amalfi
Walking from Ravello to Amalfi was one of my favorite things I did in this part of the coast, and it’s also one of the routes I include in my guide to the best hikes on the Amalfi Coast.
You leave the polished, elegant atmosphere of Ravello and slowly descend through quiet lanes, old staircases, greenery, lemon groves, and small corners that feel very far from the busy coast below.
The walk usually takes around 1 to 2 hours, depending on your pace, photo stops, and whether you pause in Atrani along the way. It is mostly downhill, which is why I strongly recommend doing it from Ravello to Amalfi, not the other way around.
That said, this is not a casual flat stroll. There are many steps, and they can feel tiring even going down.
If it’s very hot, you have knee issues, you have luggage, or you’re already tired after the villas, just take the bus or a taxi down.
You want the scenic route
This is a lovely option if you want the day to feel more active and local.
- You enjoy scenic walks
- You have comfortable shoes
- You’re not carrying luggage
- The weather is not too hot
- You don’t mind lots of steps
You want an easier day
There’s no shame in taking the bus or taxi. The coast already gives your legs enough drama.
- You have knee issues
- You’re visiting in peak summer heat
- You’re short on time
- You’re traveling with kids
- You want a slower, easier itinerary
I’ll write a full guide to the Ravello to Amalfi walk separately, but for this itinerary, just know that it can be a lovely way to connect the two towns if you’re up for the stairs.
Spend the Afternoon in Amalfi
Once you arrive in Amalfi, start in Piazza Duomo. This is the heart of town, and even if it’s busy, it’s still one of the most beautiful squares on the Amalfi Coast.
The main sight is the Amalfi Cathedral, called the Duomo di Amalfi in Italian. The staircase, striped façade, arches, mosaics, and Arab-Norman details make it look dramatic before you even step inside.
If you have time, visit the full cathedral complex, especially the Cloister of Paradise. It’s one of my favorite parts because it gives you a peaceful break from the chaos of the square outside.
I go into the visit in more detail in my Amalfi Cathedral guide, but for this itinerary, I’d at least try to see the cloister and the crypt if they’re open.
After the Duomo, wander through Amalfi’s historic center. The streets behind the main square are full of little shops, covered passages, staircases, handmade paper, ceramics, sandals, limoncello, and more lemon-themed products than seems legally possible.
I cover this part of town in more detail in my one day in Amalfi itinerary, but for this Amalfi and Ravello day trip, keep it simple and don’t try to do everything.
If you want to add one easy experience in Amalfi, this is where the short limoncello factory experience fits really well. It only takes about 30 minutes, so it’s very doable even with just half a day in Amalfi.
I did this mini tour myself and learned a lot about how limoncello is made, from the lemon peels to the final bottle. I also really enjoyed tasting the different types of limoncello and other traditional local liquors, which made it feel like a fun little break rather than a big commitment.
If you want lemons to be a bigger part of the day, you can book a longer lemon garden experience with a visit to a lemon grove, views and tastings. It’s doable, but I’d only add it if you’re keeping Ravello simple or skipping the walk down to Amalfi.
If you prefer to keep things simple, skip the extra activity and just leave time for something sweet. Pasticceria Pansa, right by the Duomo, is the classic choice for pastries and coffee. If you haven’t tried a lemon delizia yet, Amalfi is a very good place to fix that problem.
End your day by the waterfront, with gelato, aperitivo, or a short walk near the port. This is also where Amalfi is very practical: if you’re continuing by ferry or bus, you’re already in the right place.
Best Tours That Include Amalfi and Ravello
If you’re already staying in Amalfi, Positano, Praiano, Atrani, Minori, or Maiori, I’d probably do this day trip on your own. It’s easy enough to reach Ravello by bus or taxi, and walking down to Amalfi is a great option if you enjoy scenic walks.
But if you’re coming from Naples, Salerno, or Sorrento, a tour can make the day much easier. Most organized tours include Positano as well, so they’re faster paced than this itinerary, but they save you from dealing with ferries, buses, parking, and taxi availability.
How to Customize Your Amalfi and Ravello Day Trip
The itinerary above gives you a balanced day, but Amalfi and Ravello work well when you adjust them to your travel style. Here’s how I’d customize the day.
For views
Spend more time in Ravello and visit both Villa Cimbrone and Villa Rufolo. This is the best version if viewpoints are your priority.
For history
Prioritize Amalfi Cathedral, the Cloister of Paradise, and a slower walk through Amalfi’s historic center.
For walkers
Walk down from Ravello to Amalfi instead of taking the bus. It makes the day feel much more scenic and memorable.
For a slower day
Visit only one villa in Ravello, skip the walk down, and leave more time for Amalfi, pastries, and aperitivo.
For summer
Start early, bring water, and avoid walking down from Ravello in the hottest part of the day. A taxi may be worth it.
For food lovers
Keep lunch simple, then leave time in Amalfi for lemon treats, pastries, or a short lemon experience if you want something local.
Tips for Visiting Amalfi and Ravello in One Day
- Start early. Ravello is much more beautiful before the biggest crowds arrive, especially around the villas.
- Do not try to add too many towns. Amalfi and Ravello are enough for one day. Add Positano only if you’re on a tour or are ok with having a very long day.
- Choose one villa if you’re short on time. Villa Cimbrone is best for the iconic view. Villa Rufolo is easier and more central.
- Wear good shoes. This is especially important if you plan to walk from Ravello to Amalfi, as there are many steps.
- Check your return transport. Ferries are seasonal, buses can be crowded, and you don’t want to discover the last ride left while you were ordering gelato.
- Be flexible with the weather. Ravello’s views can disappear in fog or clouds, but they can also clear quickly. Sometimes waiting a little helps (that’s what happened to me!)
- Book ahead in summer. Tours, restaurants, and popular experiences can fill up quickly between June and September.
- Keep Amalfi relaxed. In the afternoon, focus on the Duomo, historic center, lemon treats, and the waterfront. You don’t need to turn it into a checklist.
FAQ About Visiting Amalfi and Ravello in One Day
Can you visit Amalfi and Ravello in one day?
Yes, you can visit Amalfi and Ravello in one day, and I actually think they make one of the best two-town pairings on the Amalfi Coast. Ravello gives you villas, gardens, and views from above, while Amalfi gives you the cathedral, historic center, lemon shops, and waterfront.
Should you visit Amalfi or Ravello first?
I recommend visiting Ravello first and Amalfi second. Ravello is more atmospheric in the morning, when the villas and viewpoints are quieter. Amalfi works well in the afternoon because it has more shops, cafés, restaurants, and transport options.
How far is Ravello from Amalfi?
Ravello sits above Amalfi, so the two towns are close but not on the same level. You can travel between them by bus, taxi, or on foot. The road distance is short, but the elevation makes the journey feel more dramatic.
Can you walk from Ravello to Amalfi?
Yes, you can walk from Ravello to Amalfi, and it’s a beautiful route if you enjoy scenic walks. I recommend doing it downhill from Ravello to Amalfi, not uphill. Expect many steps, so comfortable shoes are important.
Is Ravello worth visiting on a day trip?
Yes, Ravello is absolutely worth visiting on a day trip, especially if you love gardens, views, and quieter towns. It feels very different from the coastal villages below, which is exactly why I think it pairs so well with Amalfi. If you decide to focus only on Ravello, follow my one day in Ravello itinerary instead.
Can you visit Amalfi, Ravello, and Positano in one day?
You can, but I wouldn’t recommend doing Amalfi, Ravello, and Positano independently in one day unless you’re very organized and okay with a fast pace. It’s easier on a tour, but for a DIY day trip, Amalfi and Ravello alone make a much better itinerary.
Do you need a tour to visit Amalfi and Ravello?
You don’t need a tour if you’re staying in Amalfi, Atrani, Minori, Maiori, or nearby towns. But if you’re coming from Naples, Salerno, or Sorrento, a tour can make the day easier because it removes the stress of buses, ferries, parking, and transfers.