Praiano
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Latest page update: 1 February 2025
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By: Dion Protani
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Located around 10 kilometres east along the coast from Positano, the town of Praiano offers a much more low-key atmosphere than its illustrious neighbour but lacks nothing in charm.
There are two distinct areas to the small, sprawling town which straddles the main Amalfi Coast Road. The main part of the town is known as Vettica Maggiore and it is here that you'll see the iconic Chiesa San Gennaro church with its distinctive dome. |
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If you walk down to the piazza outside the church you'll find a pathway that leads down to the town's main beach, Spiaggia Gavitella, one of the prettiest locations along the whole Amalfi Coast.
This is a wonderful area for walking, above the town on the precipitous hills is the famous Path of the Gods (sentiero degli dei) walking trail while Praiano has its own paths to offer. Heading east from the church you'll pass through an interesting residential area, passing the famous Africana nightclub before arriving in Marina di Praia, another beautiful beach location in a cove.
Many visitors to Positano choose to stay in Praiano due to its close proximity, cheaper hotels and laid-back atmosphere.
This is a wonderful area for walking, above the town on the precipitous hills is the famous Path of the Gods (sentiero degli dei) walking trail while Praiano has its own paths to offer. Heading east from the church you'll pass through an interesting residential area, passing the famous Africana nightclub before arriving in Marina di Praia, another beautiful beach location in a cove.
Many visitors to Positano choose to stay in Praiano due to its close proximity, cheaper hotels and laid-back atmosphere.
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Praiano: peaceful retreat on the Amalfi Coast
Praiano is a small town on the Amalfi Coast, between Positano and Amalfi. It is built along steep cliffs, with houses and paths overlooking the Mediterranean Sea. In the Middle Ages, it was a fishing and trading village under the Duchy of Amalfi. Later, it became a summer residence for noble families.
The Church of San Gennaro, from the 16th century, has a tiled dome and a large square facing the sea. Inside, it has marble altars and paintings from the Renaissance period. The Church of San Luca Evangelista, dedicated to the town’s patron saint, has relics and Baroque decorations.
The coastline has small beaches, including Marina di Praia, a narrow cove with fishing boats and restaurants. A coastal path leads to Torre a Mare, a medieval watchtower used for defense against pirates. The Sentiero degli Dei, or Path of the Gods, is a hiking trail that connects Praiano to Positano, with views of the coast and Capri.
Nearby, Amalfi has a historic cathedral and old paper mills. Positano has steep streets and beach clubs. Ferries from the coast connect to Capri, Sorrento, and Salerno. The area is known for local seafood, handmade ceramics, and lemon-based products.
The Church of San Gennaro, from the 16th century, has a tiled dome and a large square facing the sea. Inside, it has marble altars and paintings from the Renaissance period. The Church of San Luca Evangelista, dedicated to the town’s patron saint, has relics and Baroque decorations.
The coastline has small beaches, including Marina di Praia, a narrow cove with fishing boats and restaurants. A coastal path leads to Torre a Mare, a medieval watchtower used for defense against pirates. The Sentiero degli Dei, or Path of the Gods, is a hiking trail that connects Praiano to Positano, with views of the coast and Capri.
Nearby, Amalfi has a historic cathedral and old paper mills. Positano has steep streets and beach clubs. Ferries from the coast connect to Capri, Sorrento, and Salerno. The area is known for local seafood, handmade ceramics, and lemon-based products.
Comune di Praiano
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Province: Salerno
Region: Campania Population: 1,970 (2024 - source) Size: 3 km² Highlights: Chiesa San Gennaro, Spiaggia Gavitella Close by: Positano, Path of the Gods, Conca dei Marini, Furore By car: Positano - 26 mins, Amalfi - 31 mins, Ravello - 51 mins Recommended accommodation: Hotel Margherita |
What are the best hotels in Praiano?
- Casa Angelina: A boutique hotel perched on the cliffs of the Amalfi Coast, offering spectacular views, modern design, and excellent spa facilities.
- Hotel Margherita: A family-run hotel featuring a rooftop terrace with panoramic sea views, an outdoor pool, and a restaurant serving local cuisine.
- Hotel Pellegrino: Known for its exceptional hospitality, this hotel offers spacious rooms with sea-view balconies and a complimentary shuttle service to nearby attractions.
- Grand Hotel Tritone: Perched on a cliffside, this hotel provides private beach access, an outdoor pool, and rooms with breathtaking sea views.
- Hotel Onda Verde: Set amidst lush Mediterranean vegetation, this hotel offers direct access to the sea, an on-site restaurant, and rooms with private terraces overlooking the water.
What's the best way to reach Praiano?
Praiano, a picturesque village on the Amalfi Coast, is accessible by various transport options. The nearest airport is Naples International Airport, about 70 kilometres away. From the airport, travelers can take a taxi, rent a car, or use a shuttle bus to Sorrento or Salerno for further connections.
By road, Praiano is reached via the SS163 Amalfi Drive, a scenic but winding coastal road. Driving can be challenging due to traffic and limited parking.
There are no direct train services to Praiano. The closest stations are in Sorrento and Salerno, where travelers can continue by bus or ferry.
Ferry connections are available from Naples, Sorrento, and Salerno to nearby Positano or Amalfi, from where local buses or taxis reach Praiano.
Local SITA buses connect Praiano with Positano, Amalfi, and Sorrento. Buses run frequently but can be crowded in peak season.
By road, Praiano is reached via the SS163 Amalfi Drive, a scenic but winding coastal road. Driving can be challenging due to traffic and limited parking.
There are no direct train services to Praiano. The closest stations are in Sorrento and Salerno, where travelers can continue by bus or ferry.
Ferry connections are available from Naples, Sorrento, and Salerno to nearby Positano or Amalfi, from where local buses or taxis reach Praiano.
Local SITA buses connect Praiano with Positano, Amalfi, and Sorrento. Buses run frequently but can be crowded in peak season.
Praiano Gallery
Where are the best places to eat in Praiano?
- Kasai: Offers Italian, seafood, and Mediterranean cuisine, with positive reviews for its quality dishes and service.
- Trattoria Da Armandino: Serves Italian, seafood, and Mediterranean dishes, appreciated for its fresh ingredients and coastal ambiance.
- Il Pino: Known for its Italian and Mediterranean cuisine, providing a casual dining experience with favorable reviews.
- Ristorante Costa Diva: Specializes in Italian and Mediterranean dishes, recognized for its authentic flavors and welcoming atmosphere.
- Il Pirata: Offers Italian and seafood cuisine, praised for its menu variety and pleasant dining experience.
