Amalfi and Ravello

Today's destination was Amalfi and the quaint hilltop town of Ravello. So that meant we caught another ferry to Amalfi with a short stop in Positano en route. We arrived to the port in Sorrento just in time to board the 9:30 a.m. ferry bound for Amalfi. The Amalfi port was as busy as I remember it from last time I was here, however it seemed to be even busier. The buses leave from this location as well. It adds to the convenience but also major congestion. The tourist season has definitely begun!

To get to Ravello you need to decide how much money you are willing to spend. Your options: Private car, Rental car, Taxi, Bus, or Walking. This is in obvious order of expense. The bus is the most common method among tourists as it was only 2 Euros per ride, but you do need to be a bit aggressive in line and have sharp elbows. Ok, not really...but sort of. The queue was nothing more than a mob of people trying to board through the door of a bus, all at once. We managed to get on and even snagged a seat. Sitting down was a good choice on the windy and hilly road to the top where Ravello was situated. Some people might need Gravol. It took about 15 minutes because of traffic.

I would not even consider renting a car here or even a moped (scooter) as the drivers are rather aggressive and a little ballsy. But because they are local, they know the roads the best.

Once up to Ravello it proved to be worth the chaos to get there. Gorgeous views of the ocean below and hillside towns and villages wherever you looked. Beautiful. We went into Villa Rufolo, which is a 13th century villa and gardens. This was the place to go for that amazing quintessential views from Ravello. Awesome!

We walked around the centre of town, enjoyed some gelato, did some shopping and then it was time to tackle the bus to head back down to Amalfi. However, we decided to forego the *Gong Show* that was the bus and take a taxi for the 5 km journey down. My research showed the approximate cost of 10-12 Euros, but then another more recent review said 20-30 Euros. I was quite surprised when the driver quoted me 50 Euros. Are you kidding me!??!?! So...the bus it was. While waiting in line for the bus, and waiting, and waiting....we easily made friends with other travellers and decided to split a cab. Some were reluctant to drop that much cash for such a short ride - but by the time they agreed they did not want to wait any longer, all the cabs were gone! And just like that....3 buses arrived at once and away we went! The driver did not even take my money (2 Euros) - hurray, free ride! I saved us 50 Euros - haha!

All the waiting in for the bus cut into our exploring time of the town of Amalfi - which was probably a good thing because we would have had more time to shop! Amalfi was very busy today as there was a cruise ship in port so probably increased the tourist numbers.

Ferry ride back to Sorrento and another yummy pasta dinner at restaurant of the main piazza. Time to relax at the apartment with some cocktails on the balcony and organize tomorrow's adventures. Maybe not as many lines!!!