Ravello Holidays

Ravello's pastel-hued Neapolitan views, al fresco eateries and dash of Mediterranean glamour have been drawing in-the-know travellers for ages. Tucked away in the mountains along Italy's Amalfi Coast, this resort town manages to skirt the main tourist trail – unlike its high-profile neighbours. You might still catch the odd celeb in town to pick up some local ceramics.

Stop by the cathedral in Piazza Duomo – you'll know it for the gleaming bronze entryway and eye-catching animal decor. At trattorias cosied up in pedestrian streets, you can chow down on gooey pizzas or big servings of ravioli. If you fancy a swim, drive 15 minutes to Amalfi, a wisteria-fringed hotspot with a couple of cove-like beaches.

You might not be plumb on the coast, but the views make up for it. There are pretty villas hiding in these hills – with soul-stirring views from their flower-filled gardens. It's no wonder Wagner included these inspirational spots in his famous Parsifal opera. To really up the swank, bask in the outdoors at a swish spa that offers treatments in the open air.