06 May Splendour in Ravello: a stay at Palazzo Avino

Tucked high in the hills of the Amalfi Coast lies Ravello, a serene, unspoilt gem that feels like a world apart from the busier coastal destinations here. It’s on this enchanting clifftop haven that Palazzo Avino stands — a 12th-century villa turned family-run boutique hotel, where timeless beauty meets heartfelt hospitality.

We arrived in early May, welcomed by ideal spring weather — sun-drenched skies and balmy temperatures in the mid-20s. The one-hour transfer from Naples gave us just enough time to unwind and ease into the slower pace of riviera life. When the doors of Palazzo Avino opened before us, it was like stepping into another world — one brushed in soft pink hues, cascading gardens, and views that stretch beyond the imagination.

Our first meal set the tone: a relaxed lunch at Terrazza Maraviglia. Perched on a stone terrace, the restaurant serves light, elegant fare with views that leave you lingering long after the last bite. With the sea glimmering far below and Ravello’s terraces unfolding into the distance, it was impossible not to feel immediately enchanted.

That evening, we dined at Mimi Pizzeria, a charming local spot tucked away on a quiet Ravello street. The wood-fired pizzas were exceptional — simple, flavourful, and cooked to perfection — a casual counterpoint to the grandeur of our surroundings and a perfect slice of local life.

One of the highlights of our stay was a guided tour of Ravello, a town with a history as rich as its views. Unlike the more crowded Amalfi or Positano, Ravello remains blissfully tranquil, thanks in part to its elevated position. We explored the town’s most iconic landmarks, beginning with Villa Rufolo, a Moorish-style villa from the 13th century with manicured gardens that inspired Wagner and vistas that seem to hang over the sea. Then, Villa Cimbrone, with its famed Terrace of Infinity — a marble-lined promenade offering what may be the most breath taking views of the glistening sea and surrounding villages. The gardens there are a blend of classical statues, pergolas, and hidden paths.

In the heart of Ravello’s square, we wandered through independent shops selling handcrafted ceramics, linens, and local delicacies. We couldn’t resist commissioning some bespoke crockery which is tailor-made for Palazzo Avino, a little piece of the “Pink Palace” to take with us.

Back at the hotel, one of the most charming aspects of Palazzo Avino is the unmistakable sense that it is a family home. The Avino family themselves are often on-site including the elegant patriarch, lending the place a warmth and personality that’s impossible to replicate. And of course, Richard, their handsome little dachshund, is something of a celebrity in his own right, often spotted trotting proudly through the property keeping a watchful eye over hotel guests. 

The piece de resistance was dinner at the hotel’s Michelin starred Rossellini’s restaurant where, from the moment one arrives in the decadent and newly refurbished Caffe dell’ Arte, there’s the feeling of glamour and style, everything has been meticulously considered and created from the hundred plus martini cocktails fastidiously prepared by Salvatore and his team to the bespoke crockery at dinner which can only be described as a true gastronomic feast. The lemon ravioli remains my favourite, utterly delicious!

The following morning, despite the plethora of succulent fruits and tasty cheeses on offer, most of us opted for a coffee, still savouring the sensory overload from Rossellini’s. We had a day at the beach club planned before our early evening flight back so piled in eagerly to the complimentary shuttle bus and headed down to Clubhouse by The Sea, a more casual extension of the Pink Palace where guests can enjoy a change of scenery, a swim in the sea and more divine cocktails served by the handsome staff.

We left Ravello feeling deeply rested and with a few more Palazzo Avino fans, not only due to the magic of Ravello and it’s coastal landscape but equally due to the people who make this extraordinary place feel like home. Palazzo Avino isn’t just an hotel, it’s an experience layered in history, generosity, and soul.