Many destinations along the Amalfi Coast stand out for their incredible panoramic views of the…read moremountains and Mediterranean Sea. In Ravello, there are two better-known villas touting scenic eye candy worth checking out (with many other more or lesser known viewpoints)--Villa Cimbrione and Villa Rufolo. The latter takes its name from the wealthy merchant family that built this domicile in the 13th century. In the 14th century, banquets were hosted here for King Robert II of Naples and other Norman royalty. It was even written up in a story by Italian Renaissance author Boccaccio in "Decameron," published in 1353. In 1851, Sir Francis Neville Reid, a Scottish botanist and philanthropist, visited the villa in a state of deterioration and neglect, purchased it and renovated what was remaining of the property and gardens. Famously German composer Richard Wagner visited in 1880 and was so inspired he remained in Ravello to complete the second act of "Parsifal," an opera that had been in work for two decades. Today this villa is a historic landmark and cultural center, hosting musical concerts, open to the public for €8 regular admission, €6 discounted, tickets available at the entrance. There is a Moorish-inspired smaller tower and a taller bell tower from which you can climb to the roof to take in the views from behind a glass barrier.* The staircase inside this bell tower stands out in its criss-crossing design for stairs going up and down--reminiscent of MC Escher's lithographs showing impossible perspectives. From terraces and gardens outdoors behind the villa you can also catch sight of the hillside and coastline. While I was there in April, the gardens were in transition, they had various signs posted that apologized for the bare appearance due to recent storms. To me they still looked nice and I appreciated that they were so conscientious with upkeep! Wandering around you can spend anywhere from 30 min to 1.5 hours here. It's conveniently located next to the main town piazza and close walking distance to local restaurants and businesses. For more info: https://www.ravello.com/attractions/villa-rufolo/ *and from which I tried very carefully to hold my phone above--and not plummet it into the hundreds of feet below--when taking videos.

Villa Rufolo was one of the main things I wanted to see during our visit to Ravello…read more We took a shuttle up to Ravello, but unfortunately, the shuttle was ridiculously late, which meant Villa Rufolo ended up being the main/only thing we had time for. Thankfully, it's a very easy stop to get to. From the bus/shuttle drop-off point, it's only a short walk. Located high above the Amalfi Coast, Villa Rufolo dates back to the 13th century and was built by the wealthy Rufolo family, one of Ravello's most influential families at the time. Today, it's one of Ravello's most popular attractions, largely because of that incredible combination of history, architecture, gardens and the incredible views. The villa sits high in the mountains overlooking the Amalfi Coast, and there are so many different vantage points throughout the property where you can stop and take in the scenery. There are so many postcard-worthy views of the coastline, mountains and sea below. I will say, I was expecting a little more in terms of flowers and blooms. I'm not sure if it was because we were visiting at the beginning of summer, but the gardens weren't quite as lush and colorful as I had imagined. There was also some construction happening of a stage during our visit that unfortunately obstructed the main viewpoint I had really been looking forward to seeing. I thought it was pretty unsightly and took away from the experience, but construction happens--and there's always *something* being worked. I also took a quick peek inside the villa itself. From what I was able to see, it was lovely, and you can step out onto the balcony that overlooks some of the gardens. Overall, Villa Rufolo is a relatively quick and easy visit, which makes it especially worthwhile if you're short on time in Ravello. I'm glad we made it here. The views alone are worth the stop, and the setting is truly spectacular.

Grateful for the city plazas in Sorrento where the public can enjoy views overlooking the port, Bay…read moreof Naples and nearby cliffs. This is one of two a couple blocks from each other. Along the north, this piazza is hemmed in by a walkway and terrace between a few five-star hotels: the Bellevue Syrene Hotel on the northwest, and Hotel Tasso and Hotel Tramontano on the east. Hotel Continental on the west, on the south by the Istituto Superiore Polispecialistico S.Paolo (polytechnic college). The center is raised on a small hill up a flight of stairs, a monument of winged Victory personified, memorializing the fallen Sorrento soldiers from WWI, by sculptor Francesco Jerace. The names of those commemorated are inscribed in white marble around the base of the statue. There's a secondary monument in the northeast quadrant of the park, a bust of Maxim Gorky, Russian writer and proponent of socialism. Around the park are about a dozen trees providing shade. Bench areas are available for sitting and enjoying a relaxing break from the day and the surrounding view. I enjoyed 20 minutes here watching the sunset, the clouds were a bit hazy in the distance and the colors of the pinks, oranges, blues and purples mirrored off the water along the horizon.

The Mortella Garden is a beautiful place to spend a few hours looking at a wonder, mature garden…read moreperched above the sea. The terracing is fabulous as it winds it's way up the hill to the Cafe (delicious food) and to the top where the outdoor amphitheater overlooks the beach. Very worthwhile.