The 11th-century Villa Cimbrone is now a luxury hotel and restaurant, but its formal English-style gardens are open to the public. The grounds were reworked in the early 20th century by Ernest Beckett, an English aristocrat who owned the property until the 1960s, and today are dotted with colorful rose gardens, statuary, temples, and a Moorish pavilion. The crown jewel is the Terrace of Infinity (Terrazza dell’Infinito), which offers what many consider the most iconic view on the Amalfi Coast.
Villa Cimbrone is perched on a rocky outcrop in Ravello, one of the few towns along the Amalfi Coast not set at sea level and accessible only via a steep road up the cliffside. Given the heavy traffic that plagues the coastline much of the year, consider booking an Amalfi Coast tour or shore excursion from Naples, Sorrento, or Salerno with a stop in Ravello and leave the hassle of driving to a professional. Most tours include free time in Ravello to explore the sights at your own pace, so book tickets to Villa Cimbrone in advance to avoid a delay at the entrance.