The gardens of the Amalfi Coast are one of the “discoveries within the discovery” when visiting this wonderful part of the world.
With their colors and fragrances, these oases of beauty invite you to pause and savor the moment, perhaps letting your gaze wander over the immensity of the sea offered by their viewpoints.
We have selected some of the most beautiful gardens on the Amalfi Coast for you. Let’s discover them together.
The Most Famous Gardens of the Amalfi Coast
Gardens of Villa Rufolo and Villa Cimbrone (Ravello)
Elegant, well-maintained, and panoramic, these are the most beautiful gardens on the Amalfi Coast. We will discuss them in more detail in the next section.
Gardens of Augustus (Capri)
Visiting the Gardens of Augustus in Capri allows you to discover a small “island” of peace, adorned with flowered paths, plants, statues, and famous viewpoints. From here, you can admire the iconic Faraglioni rocks as well as Via Krupp, which descends with its winding path toward the sea, both typical stops on boat tours of Capri.
Path of Lemons (Minori-Maiori)
This is not a garden but a panoramic route on the Amalfi Coast that connects the coastal villages of Minori and Maiori. The absolute protagonist of this path is, as the name suggests, the lemon. The road crosses the terraced cultivation of the famous “sfusato amalfitano,” a variety of lemon appreciated worldwide.
Path of the Gods
Again, we’re not talking about a garden but a panoramic trekking route on the Amalfi Coast that offers a different perspective compared to boat excursions along the Amalfi Coast. You walk between 650 and 400 meters in height with views of the coastline, Positano, Praiano, the island of Capri, and the Li Galli archipelago. The route starts from Agerola and arrives at Nocelle, a hamlet located in the upper part of Positano. The path is about 10 km long and has a less challenging lower variant.
Cimini Exotic Garden (Maiori)
Named after its creator, Beniamino Cimini, who decided to combine lemon cultivation with exotic plants in this place. The garden hosts about 2,000 varieties of succulents and cacti, as well as a variety of roses from around the world. Its terraces are clearly visible during boat excursions along the Amalfi Coast when passing along Maiori beach.
Garden of Minerva (Salerno)
The first example of a botanical garden in Europe, it develops over different terraces from which you can enjoy magnificent views of the city of Salerno. It consists of medicinal, aromatic, and fruit plants. It is currently undergoing renovation, and its reopening is scheduled for 2025.
Villa Comunale (Salerno)
It is one of the beating hearts of Salerno, just steps from the seafront. Among elegant paths and particular tree species, the garden has been completely renovated but still maintains its nineteenth-century charm intact. In winter, it hosts the “Luci d’artista” event, where the park is populated with luminous sculptures that create a magical atmosphere.
The Gardens of Villa Rufolo and Villa Cimbrone: Treasures of Ravello
Located about 300 meters above sea level, the village of Ravello dominates the coast between Amalfi and Minori, offering visitors a splendid view of the Amalfi Coast.
Here are the most well-known gardens of the Amalfi Coast, capable of fascinating writers, intellectuals, and artists of the caliber of Virginia Woolf, Richard Wagner, Gore Vidal, and Greta Garbo.
Gardens of Villa Cimbrone: The gardens are open to the public and are part of an elegant villa, now a 5-star hotel, chosen for private events, banquets, and weddings. Although dating back to the 11th century, the villa and gardens were completely renovated at the beginning of the 20th century by Lord Grimthorpe, an English nobleman, as evidenced by the style used for the green areas.
The garden develops in terraces and is full of discoveries with its fountains, sculptures (including plant sculptures), the small temple, and finally the spectacular Terrace of Infinity that offers one of the most beautiful panoramas of the Amalfi Coast.
Gardens of Villa Rufolo: Again, we are talking about a garden that is part of a historic residence purchased and renovated by a nobleman. We’re referring to Sir Francis Neville Reid, a Scottish philanthropist and expert in botany and ancient art. It was he who transformed the garden in 1851, creating a fascinating irrigation system and introducing, alongside Mediterranean plants, a multitude of exotic plants, including an African baobab.
How to Reach the Gardens by Sea and Land
For visiting the Gardens of Ravello, we recommend organizing a “slow” excursion on weekdays, to fully enjoy the peace of this Amalfi village away from mass tourism.
Traveling from Amalfi to Ravello with a car rental service with driver or taxi will take about twenty minutes.
The visit to the Gardens of Augustus in Capri can be made as part of a private yacht tour of Capri. In excursions organized by Amalfi Sails, upon arrival at the port, our guests will find a car ready to take them directly to the Gardens or to discover Capri.
For nature lovers, we also recommend a boat visit to the most beautiful caves of the Amalfi Coast, including the lesser-known ones.
Experiences to Live in the Gardens: Concerts and Events
The best time to visit the gardens of the Amalfi Coast is between spring and summer.
April and May are, for example, the best months to witness the spectacle of wisteria in bloom among the pergolas of the Gardens of Villa Cimbrone.
In summer, the Gardens of Villa Rufolo host the historic Ravello Festival, which combines music and art with a program that covers the entire summer season.
The concerts take place in the scenic setting of the Villa Rufolo viewpoint, with the orchestra performing on a platform overlooking the sea.
Certainly among the most exclusive experiences to live on the Amalfi Coast, along with, of course, a tour along the coast on a splendid private yacht.