How to Get to Praiano
Praiano is located halfway between Amalfi and Positano (about ten kilometers away from each). If you are traveling by car, head for Positano and then continue towards Praiano along the SS163. Those traveling by public transport should take the Sita bus running between Sorrento, Positano, and Amalfi.
For more detailed information: How to get to the Amalfi Coast
Praiano, A Postcard Paradise
The town with the most romantic sunsets on the whole of the Amalfi Coast and the beautiful beaches of Marina di Praia and Cala della Gavitella.
The sunset visible from Praiano, the picturesque Italian fishing town located between Positano and Conca dei Marini, is considered to be one of the most romantic of all those on the Amalfi Coast.
From Praiano, the panorama extends from the bay of Positano and the islets of Li Galli to Punta Campanella and the island of Capri.
Hollywood Sunsets
Cala della Gavitella is kissed by the sun from dawn until dusk and can be reached from the center of the town via a pathway interspersed with short flights of steps. Here, in the little bay facing Positano and the Island of Capri, sun worshippers can dine at the excellent Gavitella restaurant which provides a shuttle service from the harbors of both Positano and Marina di Praia.
From Cala della Gavitella, you can easily reach the Fontana dell'Altare, a natural swimming pool located at the mouth of a cave.
In addition to the maze of small lanes, narrow flights of steps, and pretty, pastel-colored cottages, one of the most characteristic features of Praiano is the majolica-tiled votive shrines, which can be seen throughout the town. The shrines were constructed by the local families in order to both claim their ownership of a particular property and to obtain its divine protection.
The History and Churches of Praiano
Praiano, derived from "Pelagianum" (Greek for 'open sea'), has managed to conserve its authenticity, despite having become one of Italy's favorite tourist destinations. In times past, the men of Praiano were famous for their skill as coral fishers and, like the Saracen pirates, used to wear a ring in their left ear. During the height of the Amalfi Republic, the serenity and beauty of Praiano led to the town becoming the preferred summer residence of the Doge, the governor of the republic.
The town has a number of important houses of worship, including the Church of San Luca Evangelista, famous for its splendid majolica floor, the Church of San Gennaro, the Church of Santa Maria a Castro and the Convent of San Domenico. This last stands in the high Campo valley, which offers one of the most breathtaking views in the area.
Each year at the beginning of August, the town celebrates the Luminaria di San Domenico festival, when the narrow lanes of this tiny hamlet are lit with flickering torches.
Reflecting the characteristic "verticality" of the towns on the Amalfi Coast, the higher part of the town is referred to as 'Praiano Vettica' and the lower part, closest to the sea, as 'Praiano Inferiore'. From the upper part of Praiano, you can reach the Path of the Gods that begins Agerola and ends in Nocelle, a hamlet that sits atop Positano.
Just outside the village along the highway towards Salerno, the spectacular Furore Fjord (Fiordo di Furore) beckons. This deep cove set between towering rock faces was formed over millennia by the waters of the Schiato river as they rushed into the sea.
Praiano's Beaches
Close to Marina di Praia on the tip of the promontory, the Torre a Mare stands tall. This medieval tower originally served as a military outpost and can be reached via the Sentiero sulla Scogliera pathway.
A night to remember:
Since 1962, the Africana discotheque, created in a natural cave next to the little beach of La Praia, has been attracting a chic celebrity crowd, happy to dance the night away steps from the Mediterranean.
The pebble beach of Marina di Praia is sheltered on three sides by high cliffs.
The ideal eatery for visitors wishing to "eat directly on the water's edge", Trattoria da Armandino has been delighting holidaymakers with its superb marine cuisine ever since it first opened the 1950s.
The secluded Spiaggia delle Praie beach can only be accessed from the sea and is the perfect choice for romantics.
Where to Eat in Praiano
- For an informal meal on the beach: Da Armandino, a classic seafood trattoria, is located in the Marina di Praia fjord. The menu features coastal specialties like spaghetti with scampi, seafood risotto, and squid with potatoes.
- For a romantic dinner: Il Pirata, a terrace on the waterfront rocks with tables for two set directly above the water. There is also a more casual terrace for a romantic aperitivo.
- For a gourmet meal: Un piano nel cielo', the in-house restaurant at the five-star Casa Angelina hotel.