6km (3 3/4 miles) NE of Amalfi; 29km (18 miles) W of Salerno; 66km (41 miles) SE of Naples

Situated high up in the mountains, Ravello is like a terrace over the sea, overlooking the villages of Minori and Maiori. Long a refuge for VIPs (including Gore Vidal, who only recently sold his villa here), it is worlds away from the clamor down on the coast, and its traffic-free status gives the town an air of classy tranquility. Once the day trippers leave, it reverts to being a sleepy, hilltop village and is a charming place to spend a couple of nights.