Ravello looks at the sea from above. Getting down for a swim is easier than it seems — here's where we go.
Let's clear it up straight away, since so many people ask: Ravello has no beach of its own. We are three hundred and fifty metres above the sea, among the lemon groves, and that is half of its beauty — the cool air, the quiet, the view that opens up at every corner.
The other half is that the sea stays close. In a quarter of an hour you're in the water, and in the evening you climb back up to the cool, leaving the crowded beach clubs behind. Over the years we've formed a clear idea of where it's worth going down, depending on what you're after: a quiet cove, an easy beach for the children, or a stroll through a fishing village.
This is Ravello's own beach, down in the hamlet of Castiglione. A small pebble cove tucked under the rock, with a couple of little beach clubs and a free stretch. You reach it by going down from the coast road: some take the lift that drops to sea level, others walk. Clean water and a seabed that deepens quickly — better for those who love to swim than to lie at the water's edge.
A little further on, towards Minori, there's Marmorata: pebbles and rocks, a couple of beach clubs and a sea that turns an unexpected turquoise in summer. It's less busy than the beaches in the towns, which is exactly why we suggest it for a peaceful day without going far.
Minori is our favourite for an unhurried day. The beach is sandy, wide and comfortable, the town is calm, and you'll eat the best pastries on the coast here — Sal De Riso's patisserie is in Minori. There's the equipped lido and there's the free beach. From Ravello, besides the bus, an old stairway comes down through the lemon groves: a beautiful walk on the way down, but for the way back, trust us and take the bus.
Maiori has the longest beach on the whole Amalfi Coast: sand, a promenade full of shops and gelaterie, room to spread out without being on top of anyone. It's the right choice with children, or when you want to spend the whole day by the sea with every comfort within reach.
Amalfi has its beach right below the centre, plus Marina Grande a short way off: very handy, but in high summer very crowded too. It's worth pairing a swim with a walk through the Cathedral and the town's alleys.
Next to Amalfi, a few minutes on foot, Atrani hides away: the smallest village in Italy, with a snug little beach framed by its houses. The feel here is still that of a fishing town — fewer tourists, more of the real thing. If you're after a genuine picture-postcard, this is it.
It's the simplest way. The SITA bus links Ravello to Amalfi in about twenty-five minutes; from there connections run to Minori, Maiori, Atrani and the other coastal towns. For Castiglione, get off at the stop on the coast road, just below Ravello.
If your legs are willing, you can walk down to Minori along the historic stairway through the lemon groves: about an hour downhill, with a view that repays every step. For the climb back, though, take the bus — it's a hard pull under the sun.
In summer you'll soon regret the car: the road is narrow and parking is scarce and pricey. If you can, leave the car and use the bus. In high season, instead, ferries and hydrofoils link Amalfi, Maiori and Minori — a scenic, relaxing way to move along the coast.
You'll find all the times and options on our How to reach us page — and we're always happy to help you plan your days at the sea.
Our holiday house in the centre of Ravello is the ideal starting point: down to the beach in the morning, back up to the quiet of the hills at night.