Minori e Ravello

 Buongiorno!

Today we want to show you two charming villages along the Amalfi coast:  Minori and Ravello.   Before getting into our pictures, I just want to say three things to set the stage:  

1. If you take the land-based route to get to these destinations, you must remember that this is probably one of the most dangerous drives in the world (remember, Wilma?) and can induce extreme anxiety (a lady sitting behind me on the bus had a panic attack! Geez!). 
2. If you can get past the first challenge, it is really worth it because the views are among the most beautiful and spectacular in the world!!!  
3. If you can arrange it, this can be a good time to come to tour the Amalfi coast.  Look at the following pictures carefully and you’ll note that there are VERY few people here relative to the hordes that come from May through to October!!!

This picture is facing the south end of Minori.  As the bus approaches from the south it travels at about a height half way up the slope and slowly descends around the corner down to the level of the sea.  All the way down the slopes you can see the terraces where lemon trees grow and produce the lemons for limoncello!

This picture looks towards the north end of Minori.  Like every town on the Amalfi Coast, the houses and buildings are perched precipitously on the very steep hillsides.  The bus goes along the seaside (Lungomare) and cuts up through the town to again find its way onto the route connecting to the rest of the coast.

What’s so interesting about Minori? Not only does it have a beautiful seafront, and several limoncello producers, it is the home of internationally renowned pastry chef, Sal De Riso.  We intentionally started our adventure early enough to ensure that we would be in Minori to enjoy the fare at this fabulous pasticceria!

Here’s the front

A view inside the covered patio (essential for the summer heat!)

The main entrance into the shop

The array of offerings. 

By the way, Julie, they have all sorts of croisants, buns, doughnuts from which the customer can select and then choose the type of filling that you want.  You can select from various chocolates, jams, fruits, cremes and nuts and they’ll put it in the pastry bag and fill it right in front of you !

Lemon pastries and cakes

Fruit cakes

Gift boxes

Our wonderful selections:  due capuccini, e pasticcini al cioccolato e al pistachio!

(2 capuccini and chocolate and pistachio pastries)

We finished in a leisurely fashion, just in time to catch the bus for our next destination - Amalfi.  Yes, Amalfi.  We have to change buses there to a different bus service that will drive up the mountain to get us to Ravello!

Here’s the view from atop the mountain at Ravello.  Minori is the seaside community in the centre of the picture.

Another view from the top at Ravello

Front of the Duomo and, in the foreground to the left, the Duomo Cafe

Bell Tower of the Duomo

 

Relaxation at the Duomo Cafe

The Duomo Piazza and the Casa Rufalo 

The Casa Rufalo and Gardens

Winding side streets and alleyways with ceramiche negozzi (ceramics stores)

And a few thoughts to end today’s post:

• Having had the driving experience in narrow streets in cities, I know with absolute certainty that I would never want to drive a car along the Amalfi Coast.  The roadway is so narrow in many places, particularly going around corners, that the lane is only big enough for one vehicle. It is, therefore, very difficult for newcomers (read: tourists) to navigate these spaces.  Fortunately, the bus drivers are VERY competent.
• For this time of year, Ravello exudes a very peaceful feeling.  Since most of the streets and piazzas  are for pedestrians only, it is very easy for visitors to relax and explore without worrying about cars and motorcycles whizzing down narrow one-way streets. 
• We feel very lucky to be here when its so quiet. A word of caution, though.  Remember that most of the Amalfi Coast is a vacation destination during the summer months.  There are many establishments that actually close during winter.  So, if you plan to come in February and March, do your research ahead of time to ensure that the things you want to see and do will be open!

That brings us to the end of our visit to Minori and Ravello.  We hope you've enjoyed our take on these two very lovely communities. 

Ciao for now!