Good morning, everyone!! Today’s travel guide is from the last stop on our honeymoon: Italy! We decided to add the Amalfi Coast onto our itinerary after I visited last year and had the most magical experience. My trip last year was actually RIGHT after Chris proposed, so it was extra meaningful. And the crazy part is this: although we both LOVE, LOVE, LOVED Greece, we actually both agreed that we loved Italy more! Especially Ravello 🙂 I’m rounding up some Instagrams below, but scroll down for the full review!
The infinity pool at the Belmond Caruso Hotel in Ravello. We spent an entire day out here! The water was so refreshing and the view was INSANE.
Exploring the cute streets of Ravello. There are a lot of cute art and pottery shops and if you want to purchase anything they will ship it home to you.
Balcony kisses at our hotel!! This was the night we ordered room service for dinner and ate it on our private balcony,
Another shot of our private balcony at the Belmond Caruso.
Villa Rufolo gardens in Ravello. I highly recommend visiting!
We took a day trip to Positano, it was offered complimentary from our hotel! The following picture was taken from Hotel Poseidon.
hat // Chanel bag
My handsome HUBBY!!
similar pink linen shirt, short sleeve version // white shorts
Our last night in Ravello 🙁 But the sunsets were INSANE!!!
White Fox Boutique dress, similar HERE
Chris and I specifically stayed in Ravello, but I highly recommend that if you’re traveling all the way to Ravello, that you stay and hang out and explore more of the Amalfi Coast! Chris and I chose Ravello because it’s less touristy than some of the other cities on the Amalfi Coast. We felt like we were really getting an authentic taste of Italy. It’s also SUPER romantic, with its luxury hotels and lush, blooming gardens. Ravello is located high in the mountains, while some of the other towns (like Amalif and Positano) are located right next to the ocean. We personally liked that Ravello was in the mountains – it was much cooler there temperature-wise, and you get the best birds eye views of the Amalfi Coast!
HOW TO GET TO RAVELLO
Since Ravello is high up in the mountains, the only way to get there is by land. We were coming from Santorini, so we used Volotea Airlines to fly from Santorini to Naples. The airplane was really small but I have no bad things to say about Volotea. We had arranged transportation with our hotel, so a driver picked us up from the Naples airport and drove us to our hotel in Ravello (around a one-hour drive if I remember correctly!). Ravello is pretty easy to reach from any town on the Amalfi Coast, you will just need to hire a driver to get there!
WHERE TO STAY IN RAVELLO
Ravello is known for its incredibly luxurious, romantic hotels, and I highly recommend splurging on one!! They’re AMAZING. Here are my two favorites:
- Belmond Caruso: I had been dreaming about staying at this hotel ever since I visited Ravello last year. I’m not kidding when I say that it’s my favorite hotel in the ENTIRE WORLD. Chris and I are already planning an anniversary trip back because we loved it so much! I want to cry when I think about this hotel, THAT is how much I loved it. It’s like stepping into a beautiful castle where you are King and Queen and everyone treats you just like that! Chris and I opted for our own private suite with balcony while we were at this hotel. The room had a beautiful tile floor and an AMAZING balcony with lush pink flowers all around. We had an all-marble bathroom with a large tub and even a little outdoor shower! We loooooved the food at the Belmond, too. We ordered lots of pasta from the room service menu, and the (complimentary) breakfast spread every morning is out of this world. There is an entire breakfast room filled with pastries, cheese, yogurts, fruits (and basically any vegetable item you can think of), you fill up your plate and then sit down in the dining room/balcony with a spectacular birds eye view of the entire Amalfi Coast. The breakfast is also served on beautiful Italian china – and the COFFEE. Oh my GOSH the coffee is so good! When you’re ready to relax, head out to the infinity pool with – again – the prettiest view of the Amalfi Coast. We were served rose by the pool and then had the best pizza at the poolside cafe. Honestly, this entire hotel provides one of the best travel experiences I’ve ever had in my life!
- Palazzo Avino: Last year when I visited the Amalfi Coast, we stayed at Palazzo Avino for two nights in Ravello. Everything about this hotel was spectacular. We opted for the Junior Suite with sea view since we were traveling with three people (the suite has room for an extra bed). It was GORGEOUS. Our room had lots of windows, three separate balconies and the prettiest view of the coast, along with very comfortable beds, an all-marble bathroom and a sitting area. In the bathroom there were plush robes and slippers for all three of us, and a staff member brought up a complimentary bottle of prosecco right after we checked into our hotel. The grounds of Palazzo Avino are also beautiful – there are two hot tubs on the roof, a pool spa, outdoor gym and many outdoor seating areas. The reception was extremely helpful in showing us around and also booking a dinner reservation for us. Although I really liked Palazzo Avino, I do think that the Belmond was even a step further in luxury. Both are amazing, though!
WHERE TO EAT IN RAVELLO
Although we loved the food in Greece, Chris and I both agreed that the food in Ravello was even better (we don’t even know how that is possible!). We stuffed ourselves on cheese, pasta, pizza with cheese-filled crust, tomatoes, bread with olive oil and balsamic, and gelato. And more. We ate and ate and ate, and loved every minute of it. 🙂
Although we loved the food in Greece, Chris and I both agreed that the food in Ravello was even better (we don’t even know how that is possible!). We stuffed ourselves on cheese, pasta, pizza with cheese-filled crust, tomatoes, bread with olive oil and balsamic, and gelato. And more. We ate and ate and ate, and loved every minute of it. 🙂
Lunch/Appetizers
- Belmond Caruso pool cafe: Definitely check out the pool bar, you can dine right beside the infinity pool for lunch. Order the pizza and any dessert you can get your hands on.
- Palazzo Avino: We shared a bunch of appetizers at Palazzo Avino’s cafe for lunch. They all tasted like they came straight from the garden – fresh and delicious.
Drinks
- Belmond Caruso Terrace: The prettiest view everrrrrr!!
- Palazzo Avino Terrace: The Palazzo Avino serves a mean spritz (a wine-based cocktail) which you have to try while you’re in Italy. Enjoy a view of the coastline while you’re sipping and enjoying countless Castelvetrano Olives.
- Luigi’s Bar: A great little hidden bar only a few steps away from the Belmond and Palazzo Avino. This is a great casual place for pre-dinner cocktails!
Dinner
- Mimi’s Pizzeria: We had the best pizza of our entire trip in this restaurant! This is a very casual pizzeria located in Ravello. It wasn’t touristy at all and the pizza and drinks were incredibly affordable. We had made reservations ahead of time, but we ended up having to wait a little bit for our table, so they gave us complimentary champagne to make up for it (which was fine with us). Chris and I ordered a gnocchi dish and a pizza with ricotta-stuffed crust and woooooow. I will remember that pizza for the rest of my life!
- Cumpa’ Cosimo: This was one of mine and Chris’s favorite restaurants from our entire honeymoon! This is a really small and very authentic restaurant in Ravello, and we walked in and immediately felt at home. Chris and I each ordered the pasta sampler, which includes three or four of their best pasta dishes – and it was AMAZING. Also, we got a bottle of Chianti here and it was also our favorite wine that we had on the trip! After we ate, the owner came up to us and gave us apricots from her garden for dessert.
- Rossellinis: If you’re feeling fancy, opt for Rossellinis, the Michelin Star restaurant at Palazzo Avino, and try the 7-course tasting menu.
WHAT TO DO IN RAVELLO
- Visit the gardens. Ravello is home to two gardens, both of which are a quick walk from the hotels: Villa Cimbrone and Villa Rufolo. Tickets are only a few euro each, and you can purchase upon entry and then explore. We spent the morning at Villa Rufolo and it was beautiful to see all of the flowers! Plus there’s a little museum where you can learn about the history the gardens.
- Take a day-trip! The Belmond offers FREE day trips to both Amalfi and Positano. We took a day trip to Positano and it was so fun to show Chris. We ate lunch at Chez Black on the beach (I ordered a heart-shaped pizza), then walked up to Hotel Poseidon for gelato and a glass of wine. Next we headed to le Sirenuse for a drink on their patio. It was suuuuuch a pretty hotel and made me wish that we had booked a couple of nights there, too! I tried their signature champagne cocktail but I can’t remember what it is called.
- Give yourself a self-guided tour of town. There are a few dozen super cute shops to poke in and out of. Spend the day window shopping, eating gelato and tasting limoncello.
- Celebrate happy hour on the plaza – any of the al fresco dining options will make you a perfect spritz. The plaza is really cute, too, and you can also enter the church and read about the history!
- Take a cooking class. We wanted to sign up for Mama Agata’s cooking class but didn’t have time – we’ve heard it’s a must-do in Ravello. The cooking class starts at 10 a.m. and is a full affair so be prepared to stay all day and leave fully satisfied.
- Relax! Ravello was practically built for relaxation. Book a spa appointment at the Belmond’s award-winning spa (I got the “muscle melt” massage) or simply spend the afternoon laying by the pool, reading.
WHAT TO WEAR IN RAVELLO
It’s a little cooler in Ravello because it’s on top of a mountain – and we loved that!! Our hotel had a dress code for breakfast, and everything in Ravello seemed SUPER fancy, so I would definitely recommend bringing nice dress clothes (both men and women). Chris wore his loafers here and he didn’t wear them any other time on our trip. Sundresses are nice, as well as long, flowy maxi dresses and maxi skirts. Definitely bring a pair of heels or wedges for dinner, but be sure you can walk in them!
Let me know if you have any questions about Ravello!!! xoxo
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What beautiful scenery!
Liz @ ShoppingMyCloset.com
It seriously looked amazing there! I'm hoping to go there next fall! Thanks for this guide!
http://www.rdsobsessions.com
This looks like such a dream! Wonderful tips, definitely on my bucket list!
Looks like an amazing trip! Your pictures are so pretty!What camera and lens did you use?
I have always loved your trip reviews, tips and suggestions on where to stay, eat, etc. Everything is always so on point and honest, thanks for that.
https://lartoffashion.com
@natakar
Sounds like you had a lovey time. Thanks for the tips.
http://www.amysfashionblog.com/blog-home
I loved reading this travel guide!! My fiancé and I will be going to the amalfi coast for part of our honeymoon in less than three weeks! We are actually staying in Positano at Hotel Poseidon. I know you mentioned you went there. How was it?! We are so excited to stay there! Thanks for all the tips!
Dreamy <3
http://www.evdaily.blogspot.com
Everything looks and sounds absolutely amazing! I am so thrilled that y'all had such a great time!
xo Laura Leigh
Louella Reese
Good morning! You've got a lovely collection of sun hats – I was wondering how you pack them when you travel? I just bought one and would like to bring it along for a trip to California. Thanks!
This trip sounds amazing, Caitlin! What better way to enjoy the most out of life than eating great food while taking in beautiful views with the one you love most? SO happy you guys had a great time!
She Sweats Diamonds
you’re so right!!!! We litterally just got back two weeks ago and the Belmond is perfect in every way. Loved positano too and amalfi
Your honeymoon look amazing and loved reliving the Ravello with you xoxoxo
Wow, beautiful photos of the Amalfi Coast. You make me want to go again! Love that area. And your outfits were perfect. Thanks for sharing.
Darlene
https://aquamarinastyle.com
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Amazing travel guide! Seems like you had the best time on the Amalfi Coast! And omg the where to eat section left me carving Italian food so badly Haha
Xx Janine
http://walkinmysneaks.blogspot.com/?m=1
I wanted to visit Amalfi coast while we were in Italy last summer but couldn't make it. Hopefully next time.
So beautiful there, and you look amazing in this maxi dress.
Nina's Style Blog
How much did it cost? I mean, food and hotels.
Caitlin! Did you stay in deluxe double sea view room? Im going to surprise my hubby next year. And how was the weather in june/july there?
This is great!!! Do you happen to have any recommendations for places to stay in Amalfi?
Did you fly back to NC from Naples? Trying to plan our flights and doing greece first, ending in italy!
We took a direct flight from Rome to Charlotte 🙂
Since you’ve been to Amalfi twice, how would you allocate your days ideally among the different cities? We are thinking of staying at Positano, Ravello, maybe Capri. What would you say is your ideal time at each city? We are going later in the season this October for our honeymoon!
Do 4 days in position and 3 days in race lol and 3 days in Capri! That’s what we did our first trip and it was the best! And we did 1 night in Rome to catch our flight back.
Do you have any recommendations where to stay while I’m Capri? Also is there any particular order you would visit Ravello, Positano, and Capri? Thanks for sharing your travel wisdom :)!