The Secret Spot in Italy Where the Views Taste as Good as the Fries

My trip to the Amalfi Coast Italy last year was one of those pinch-me moments, and I’m still thinking about it till this day. We were surrounded by unbelievable coastal views, enjoyed a lovely lunch, and soaked up the simple, sweet life in Ravello.

The best part of our trip was that we didn’t just come across these gems–they were woven into an incredible itinerary we booked. It was an all-day cruise that completely transformed our experience. It allowed us to see the stunning coastline from the water, stop for a swim, and, most importantly, have lunch at a place that will forever be a core memory.

If you’ve been dreaming about Italy, this is your sign to start planning. Here is everything you need to know about the incredible views, the decent food, and the beautiful lemon trees of the Amalfi Coast.

La Gavitella: The Restaurant

We booked an amazing all-day cruise experience—which I’ll tell you more about in a minute—and it included a stop for lunch at a place called La Gavitella.

This wasn’t just any restaurant stop; it was an event. The only way to get to La Gavitella is by water or a very, very long set of steps, which means it feels exclusive and completely peaceful. As we arrived, the first thing that hit me wasn’t the smell of the food, but the view. Oh. My. Gosh. The views are straight out of a magazine, the kind you flip through at the airport thinking, “I wish I could go there.”

We sat down and looked out over the endless Mediterranean Sea. The turquoise water met the impossibly clear sky, and you could see the whole coast curving away in the distance. This was the main thing that stood out to us. We enjoyed our lunch while feeling like we were sitting in a luxurious, multi-million dollar postcard. Seriously, the aesthetic was just incredible. I could have stayed in that spot all day just sipping on a drink and soaking it all in.

Speaking of lunch, it was decent! We were only there for a quick bite, but it hit the spot. I remember getting a big serving of fries and a sandwich, which, while simple, tasted perfect with that view.

Now, for a quick heads-up if you’re planning a trip soon, the restaurant La Gavitella is closed for the rest of 2025. This is important to keep in mind, but don’t worry, they will be opening up again for the new year, so if you’re visiting Italy next year, it will absolutely be worth the wait. The views alone will blow you away. We were only here for lunch, so I can’t tell you how dinner is, but we recommend you check out the dinner menu whenever they open.

This whole experience—the incredible setting, the refreshing swim stops, and the perfect lunch—was thanks to the all-day cruise we booked. It truly gave us a taste of the coastal life we wouldn’t have gotten otherwise. If you’re ready for your own day of Italian coastal magic, I highly recommend you go ahead and book the all-day cruise experience here: (Quick disclosure that this is a affiliated link, your support is very much appreciated.)

Lemon Trees, and Ravello

Lemon trees in Ravello — Source- Luxury Travel Babe Blog

If the Amalfi Coast is famous for its stunning blue water and vertigo-inducing cliffs, it should be equally famous for its lemons. Driving or walking around this region, you can’t help but notice them. In Italy, you pass by a lot of lemon trees. They are everywhere, climbing the terraced hillsides, and they are incredibly pleasing to look at. The bright yellow fruit against the deep green leaves is a simple, beautiful sight that captures the essence of the Mediterranean.

There was one beautiful lemon tree closest to the Airbnb we stayed at in Ravello, and it was a daily dose of sunshine. Seeing those huge, vibrant lemons hanging just outside our window was one of those details that made the trip feel authentic and special.

The presence of these lemons is no accident—it’s a deep part of the local culture and history, especially in the areas around Ravello, Amalfi, and the neighboring towns. The lemons grown here are not the small, regular ones you find in your grocery store. The famous variety is called Sfusato Amalfitano, which means “tapered” because of its long, spindle-like shape.

Here are a few fun facts that make these Italian lemons so special:

Ancient History: Lemon cultivation here dates back to the 11th century. Fun fact: the fruit was extremely important for sailors on long voyages because its high Vitamin C content helped prevent scurvy!
Unique Structure: The Sfusato Amalfitano lemon is huge and has a thick skin, but the flesh is very juicy and surprisingly mildly acidic. You could almost eat it like an orange if you were feeling brave!
The Secret to Limoncello: The skin, or rind, of this specific lemon is incredibly rich in essential oils. This is what gives the famous Italian liqueur, Limoncello, its powerful, intense flavor. No other lemon works quite the same way.
Grown on Terraces: Because the coastline is so steep, the farmers here—often called “heroic farmers”—grow their lemons on special terraced gardens called macchie, which are carved right into the mountainside. The work is all done by hand because machinery can’t navigate the steep, rocky terrain.
Winter Protection: To keep the trees safe from cold weather in the winter, farmers use traditional methods like covering the trees with chestnut poles or straw mats, which are called pagliarelle.

Seeing these trees every day and learning about the hard work that goes into them made me appreciate every sip of fresh lemonade and every drop of Limoncello.

My time in Italy was a feast for all the senses—the eyes with those unbelievable coastal views, the nose with the sweet scent of lemon blossoms, and the tastebuds with simple, satisfying food. It’s a place that gets under your skin, and I hope this blog post encourages you to go and discover its beauty for yourself in the new year. You absolutely won’t regret it.