A Travel Price Comparison for Italy Ravenna vs. Amalfi for Food, Couples, Attractions, and Nightlife

Should you visit Ravenna or Amalfi?

Which is cheaper to visit? Which is more expensive for vacation?

Which city should you visit? Read on to compare the activities as well as the prices of travel for Ravenna and Amalfi. We'll break down costs for accommodation, food, transportation and more to help you learn more about these two destinations. Then, you can figure out if either of these two places are accessible based on your travel budget, schedule, and interests. So, let's dig into it.

Ravenna

Ravenna is a charming, authentic, and historic town. As this is a charming small town, visitors also come to explore the sights and local activities. And you can't forget about the shopping, museums, and nightlife.

Amalfi

Amalfi is a dramatic, charming, and picturesque town. It's considered by many to be an absolutely beautiful destination, too. Visitors also love the beaches, hiking, and shopping.

Ravenna and Amalfi: Pros and Cons

Is there more to do in Ravenna or Amalfi?

Visitors will usually find more to do in Amalfi than Ravenna, as it offers more sights, attractions, and activities. Amalfi is better known for its food, nightlife, scuba diving & snorkeling, beaches, historical sights, hiking, and impressive beauty, while Ravenna is more popular for its museums and small town charm. Amalfi is more touristy than Ravenna and is popular for its dramatic views, charming character, and excellent limoncello. Also, Amalfi is famous for the dramatic coastline. Ravenna is well known for its many stunning mosaics which date back to the early Christian and Byzantine empires.

How is Ravenna different from Amalfi?

Which is Better for a Holiday?

Let's take a look at the differences and similarities between Amalfi and Ravenna. Then, you can decide for yourself which place is better for your next trip.

Are the Museums and Historical Sights Better in Ravenna or Amalfi?

Ravenna is well known for its museums and landmarks. Also, Amalfi is still popular, but not quite as popular for its historical sights.

You'll find a good number of museums and monuments packed into Ravenna. Most sights in town are centered around the the beautiful mosaics. Neonian Baptistery is a good place to begin your visit. Other highlights include San Vitale, the Mausoleum of Galla Placidia, and Sant'Apollinare Nuovo.

If you're looking for an educational opportunity, there are a decent number of museums and historical sights around Amalfi. The town is an attraction in and off itself. It's filled with charm and character and visitors spend much of their time simply walking around and soaking up the atmosphere.

Is the Food Better in Ravenna or Amalfi? Which Destination has the Best Restaurants?

Amalfi is a must-visit destination for its restaurants. Also, Ravenna is not quite as popular, but is fairly good for its restaurant scene.

Eat your way through Amalfi, as it has many local or world renowned restaurants to choose from. The town's access to the beautiful sea means that many dishes use a variety of seafood. Eggplant is also a common ingredient and you'll find everything from pastas to elegant desserts around town.

Dining out in Ravenna is an experience not to be missed. The region is most known for its first course dishes, so pasta lovers will enjoy dining on homemade egg pasta dishes that are served with meat or cheese sauces. You'll also find lots of grilled meats and many great desserts.

Is Ravenna or Amalfi Better for Nightlife?

Amalfi is a very popular place for nightlife and partying. Also, Ravenna is not quite as popular, but is fairly good for its evening party scene.

Amalfi has a large number of nightlife venues. There's a good number of bars and clubs in town that often have live music or DJs. Alternatively, there are also clubs that dot the entire coastline.

Ravenna has an active nightlife scene for those who seek it out. You'll find most of the pubs and clubs in town around Marina di Ravenna. There are a couple of places that attract a crowd, but many are open only during the summer months.

Is Ravenna or Amalfi Better for Scuba Diving and Snorkeling?

Amalfi is a good destination for its diving and snorkeling. However, Ravenna is not a scuba or snorkeling destination.

Grab a mask and fins and explore the underwater scenery in Amalfi. You'll find snorkeling trips that take you along the coastline and stop at several places so you can take a peak at the underwater world.

Ravenna is not a scuba or snorkeling destination.

Is Ravenna or Amalfi Better for Beaches?

Amalfi is a good destination for the beache. However, Ravenna is not a beach destination.

Amalfi offers a nice beach destination. The beaches tend to be pebbly and rocky. During the summer months they can get very crowded, but taking a swim is a great way to escape the heat for a bit.

Ravenna is not a beach destination.

Is Ravenna or Amalfi Better for its Old Town?

Amalfi is a very popular place for its old town. However, Ravenna does not have a historic old town.

There are many historical things to see in the old town of Amalfi. The town is charming and filled with great shops and restaurants. It's the perfect place to soak up the atmosphere of the Amalfi Coast.

Ravenna does not have a historic old town.

Is Ravenna or Amalfi Better for Hiking?

Amalfi is a very popular place for its hiking trails. However, Ravenna is not a hiking destination.

Many visitors explore the nearby hiking trails while visiting Amalfi. The coastline is filled with great trails that offer stunning views. Hiking is a top way to see the natural beauty of the Amalfi Coast and catch a glimpse at some of the best beaches.

Ravenna is not a hiking destination.

Is the Shopping Better in Ravenna or Amalfi?

Shoppers can find a variety of notable stores in both Ravenna and Amalfi.

Shopping is a popular activity when visiting Ravenna. There are some nice shopping streets in town where you can buy locally made mosaics. You'll also find art studios and artisan shops, as well as your typical souvenir shops and clothing stores. Via Cavour, via Diaz, and via Cairoli are some of the most popular shopping streets.

Many visitors go to Amalfi to go shopping. You'll find many great shops that sell everything from clothing to fine wine, local foods, or limoncello.

Is Ravenna or Amalfi Better for Families?

Ravenna is well known for its family-friendly activities. Also, Amalfi is still popular, but not quite as popular for its kid-friendly activities.

Ravenna is a very kid-friendly town. In town you'll find mosaics, museums, and a charming town, and ten kilometers outside of town you'll find Italy's largest amusement park - Mirabilandia. The city is also filled with parks where kids can explore and learn, and the food, like any Italian city, is very kid-friendly.

Amalfi offers lots of family activities. The town is positioned in the middle of the Amalfi Coast, making it a great base for exploring the area. It's also one of the larger towns so you'll find more energy and things to do with kids, including the Museum of Paper.

Is Ravenna or Amalfi Better for Couples?

Amalfi is a must-visit destination for its romantic activities. Also, Ravenna is not quite as popular, but is fairly good for couples.

Amalfi is fantastic couple's destination with fun and romantic activities. The Amalfi Coast is a world class honeymoon destination and couples will enjoy staying in the lively town of Amalfi. It's a quaint and beautiful town in the middle of everything, so you'll have access to all that the area has to offer.

Couples visit Ravenna frequently as it offers plenty of romantic activities. Many visitors to Italy don't add this charming town to their itinerary, but for couples who want to experience a small town setting with beautiful art and architecture, then Ravenna is a great option. There are parks to explore and great restaurants to experience as well.

Is Ravenna or Amalfi Better for Backpackers and Budget Travelers?

Ravenna is a town with good options for backpackers. However, Amalfi is not particularly known for backpackers and budget travelers.

Ravenna is a good town to visit for backpackers. It's a bit off-the-beaten path, so you won't find a large number of hostels or a lot of backpackers to hang out with. That doesn't mean it won't make a great addition to your itinerary though.

Amalfi is a challenging destination for budget travelers and backpackers due to the higher prices. The area has a couple of hostels around, but in general this is a difficult place to visit as a backpacker. There are SITA buses that offer transportation, and because the town is in the middle of the coastline, it offers decent access to everything.

Is Ravenna or Amalfi Better for Public Transit? Which Is Easier to Get Around Without a Car?

Visitors will find notable public transit in both Ravenna and Amalfi.

Ravenna has some public transit options. Buses in and around town are managed by START ROMAGNA and offer access to many nearby towns.

You'll find some public transit in Amalfi, but it may not be enough to take you everywhere. The SITA buses offer transit between many of the towns along the Amalfi Coast.

Is Ravenna or Amalfi a more walkable city?

Amalfi is a must-visit destination for its high level of walkability. Also, Ravenna is not quite as popular, but is fairly good for its ease of walking around.

It's very easy to get around on foot in Amalfi. It's a compact and charming town that is a bit flatter than some nearby villages so it's easy to explore on foot.

Ravenna is a very walkable destination. There are care-free areas to the town that can only be explored on foot.

For even more information, also check out Is Ravenna Worth Visiting? and Is Amalfi Worth Visiting?.

Should I spend more time in Amalfi or Ravenna?

How long in Ravenna or Amalfi?

Both Ravenna and Amalfi have a number of activities to choose from. With generally more activities and things to do, visitors tend to spend more time in Amalfi than in Ravenna. Usually, 1-2 days is a good amount of time for Ravenna, and 2-7 days is enough time in Amalfi.

Couples should spend more time in Amalfi than Ravenna. You'll find plenty of romantic sights and fun activities in Amalfi that are perfect for a weekend getaway or a longer couple's trip.

Backpackers and budget travelers should spend more time in Amalfi than Ravenna if your budget allows for it. With a larger number of budget-friendly sights, good nightlife, and active things to do, anyone traveling on a budget would have a good time in Amalfi.

One day in Ravenna or Amalfi?

Ravenna might be a small town, but there's plenty to do in the area. One day is often enough time to do most activities.

In Amalfi, you'll find shopping and museums. Most visitors spend time around the old town while in the area. One reason most visitors come is for the food. This town offers something for everyone. One day is usually not enough time for a trip here as there is plenty to do.

A weekend in Ravenna or Amalfi?

Ravenna is a great place to explore. It is common to spend a weekend here. With all of its activities, you can easily fill a weekend here. Your budget might influence how long you stay.

In Amalfi, you'll find museums and nightlife. The length of your trip often depends on your style of travel. A weekend here is typical. Hiking can easily take up a good amount of your time here, too. One reason most visitors come is for the food. A weekend is a great amount of time to relax and see the many things that Amalfi has to offer.

Five days in Ravenna or Amalfi?

It's hard to know how much time to spend in Ravenna. Five days may feel like too much time unless you plan to do a lot of relaxing. It has many unique tourist attractions and fascinating things to do.

Amalfi is a great place to explore. It is common to spend five days here. The old town is one of the main draws for visitors. Five days is a great amount of time to relax and see the many things that Amalfi has to offer. Anyone can find something fun to do here.

A week in Ravenna or Amalfi?

Ravenna is a small town, so it's a great destination if you're short on time. This town offers a variety of activities to choose from. Most people find that one week is more than enough time to see everything.

It's hard to know how much time to spend in Amalfi. In Amalfi, you'll find food and scuba diving and snorkeling. One reason most visitors come is for the food. Exploring the old town is a popular activity. With all of its activities, you can easily fill one week here.

For some great organized tour ideas, see The Best Family-Friendly Tours to Italy, The Best Hiking & Trekking Tours in Italy, The Best Historical Tours in Italy, and The Best 10-Day Tours in Italy.

When we compare the travel costs of actual travelers between Ravenna and Amalfi, we can see that Amalfi is more expensive. And not only is Ravenna much less expensive, but it is actually a significantly cheaper destination. So, traveling to Ravenna would let you spend less money overall. Or, you could decide to spend more money in Ravenna and be able to afford a more luxurious travel style by staying in nicer hotels, eating at more expensive restaurants, taking tours, and experiencing more activities. The same level of travel in Amalfi would naturally cost you much more money, so you would probably want to keep your budget a little tighter in Amalfi than you might in Ravenna.

If you're trying to decide if either of these two destinations are within your price range, also see Is Ravenna Expensive? and Is Amalfi Expensive?.

Which is Bigger, Ravenna or Amalfi?

Ravenna has a larger population, and is about 20 times larger than the population of Amalfi. When comparing the sizes of Ravenna and Amalfi, keep in mind that a larger population does not always imply the destination has more attractions or better activities. So, always research the type of place that you want to visit along with the activities and attractions that interest you.

When is the best time to visit Ravenna or Amalfi?

Both places have a temperate climate with four distinct seasons. As both cities are in the northern hemisphere, summer is in July and winter is in January.

Should I visit Ravenna or Amalfi in the Summer?

Both Amalfi and Ravenna during the summer are popular places to visit. Most visitors come to Ravenna for the small town charm and the family-friendly experiences during these months. Also, the summer months attract visitors to Amalfi because of the beaches, snorkeling, the hiking, and the family-friendly experiences.

Ravenna is around the same temperature as Amalfi in the summer. The daily temperature in Ravenna averages around 22°C (72°F) in July, and Amalfi fluctuates around 23°C (74°F).

Ravenna usually gets more rain in July than Amalfi. Ravenna gets 71 mm (2.8 in) of rain, while Amalfi receives 26 mm (1 in) of rain this time of the year.

Should I visit Ravenna or Amalfi in the Autumn?

The autumn attracts plenty of travelers to both Ravenna and Amalfi. The autumn months attract visitors to Ravenna because of the shopping scene and the small town atmosphere. Also, the hiking trails, the shopping scene, and the natural beauty of the area are the main draw to Amalfi this time of year.

In the autumn, Ravenna is cooler than Amalfi. Typically, the autumn temperatures in Ravenna in October average around 14°C (58°F), and Amalfi averages at about 17°C (63°F).

Amalfi receives a lot of rain in the autumn. In October, Ravenna usually receives less rain than Amalfi. Ravenna gets 55 mm (2.2 in) of rain, while Amalfi receives 132 mm (5.2 in) of rain each month for the autumn.

Should I visit Ravenna or Amalfi in the Winter?

The winter brings many poeple to Ravenna as well as Amalfi. The museums, the shopping scene, and the cuisine are the main draw to Ravenna this time of year. Also, many travelers come to Amalfi for the museums, the shopping scene, and the cuisine.

It's quite cold in Ravenna in the winter. In January, Ravenna is generally much colder than Amalfi. Daily temperatures in Ravenna average around 3°C (37°F), and Amalfi fluctuates around 8°C (47°F).

It's quite rainy in Amalfi. Ravenna usually gets less rain in January than Amalfi. Ravenna gets 44 mm (1.7 in) of rain, while Amalfi receives 111 mm (4.4 in) of rain this time of the year.

Should I visit Ravenna or Amalfi in the Spring?

Both Amalfi and Ravenna are popular destinations to visit in the spring with plenty of activities. Many travelers come to Ravenna for the small town charm. Also, many visitors come to Amalfi in the spring for the beaches and the natural beauty.

Ravenna is cooler than Amalfi in the spring. The daily temperature in Ravenna averages around 11°C (53°F) in April, and Amalfi fluctuates around 13°C (55°F).

In April, Ravenna usually receives less rain than Amalfi. Ravenna gets 54 mm (2.1 in) of rain, while Amalfi receives 71 mm (2.8 in) of rain each month for the spring.

Typical Weather for Amalfi and Ravenna