Perched on the cliffs of the celebrated Amalfi coast, Praiano is a small town known for its unparalleled beauty. Although small, Priano boasts some world-renowned attractions and is among the must-visit towns on the Amalfi coast. So what are some of the must-see and do activities in this small magical town?
When touring Praiano, you can go for a private excursion to the Amalfi coast and explore World Heritage-listed beaches, sea cliffs, and hidden coves. You can also take a walk down to Torre di Grado to enjoy stunning views of the ocean or explore the Chiesa di San Gennaro’s baroque architecture. There are also world-class restaurants like Kasai and Ciali Bistrot to explore when around the town.
Keen to explore Praiano and make the most of your experience in the celebrated town with breathtaking sea views? If so, then you couldn’t be in a better place. Read on as we take an in-depth look at the top activities to do in the magical town along the Amalfi coast.
Where is Praiano?
Praiano is a small fishing town located in Italy’s Salerno province along the Amalfi Coast. The small town’s strategic location between Amalfi and Positano makes it a hotspot destination for tourists, more so those looking for a laid-back atmosphere away from all the noise. The relaxed village vibes, along with scenic views of crystal clear seas, make the fishing town a top destination on the Amalfi Coast.
5 Things to Do and See in Praiano
Despite its reputation as a calm seaside village, the small town has a lot to offer, as explained in this section.
1. Private Excursion to the Amalfi Coast from Praiano
A private excursion from Praiano to the Amalfi coast allows you to experience the region’s World Heritage-listed beaches, sea cliffs, grottoes, and hidden coves. You’ll be firmly in control of your experience as you can stop to explore, climb, and even swim as you continue exploring the scenic sites.
For your private excursion, you can choose from a variety of sea vessels, from speed boats to yachts or even a traditional wooden boat. It’s the perfect way to experience the Amalfi coastline with your spouse, family members, or group of friends.
2. Chiesa di San Luca Evangelista
Dedicated to St. Luke, Praiano’s patron saint, the Chiesa di San Luca Evangelista is one of the town’s most historic attractions. The church boasts a timeless marble altar and precious artworks and statues.
Visiting the Church of San Luca allows you to experience Praiano’s rich catholic tradition while enjoying the historic artwork and design. In addition to viewing the church’s majolica dome, you’ll also get to view the silver bust of Saint Luke constructed in 1696.
3. Torre di Grado
Enjoy the Praiano sun while relaxing below the Torre di Grado. It’s one of the town’s popular attractions, boasting a rich history that dates back to 1503. Although you’ll need to walk close to 400 steps to get to the bottom of the watchtower, you’ll enjoy the scenic views and clear water.
4. Chiesa di San Gennaro
Known for its unique baroque architecture, the Chiesa di St.Gennaro stands out as one of Praiano’s most beautiful buildings, courtesy of its spectacular tile work. Don’t be fooled by its relatively dull exterior; go in to experience its remarkable artwork and flawless decoration. The balcony is also a great place to enjoy sea views.
5. Grotte di Suppraiano e dell’Africana
Enhance your Amalfi coast experience by visiting the hidden gem that is the Africana Cave. You’ll get to the sea cave by boat, although you can swim (if you’re athletic and experienced enough). It’s highly advisable to visit the sea cave when the sun is still out to enjoy scenic views like no other.
The Best Beaches in Praiano, Italy
The Amalfi coast is renowned for its world-class beaches that attract tourists in their droves every year. Let’s take a close look at some of the best beaches in Praiano, along the Amalfi coast.
Marina di Praia
The Marina di Prai is a hidden beach located between Conca dei Marini and Praiano. It receives a few hours of sunlight, as it’s set between rock ridges, meaning sunbathing works best during morning hours. Tourists and locals alike love that it’s intimate and surrounded by some of the best restaurants on the Amalfi coast.
Gavitella Beach
Although tiny, the Gavitella beach is arguably the best spot to catch spectacular sunset vibes along the Amalfi coast. It’s a well-secluded attraction that’s little known to tourists who prefer to explore the major destinations on the Amalfi coast.
The Best Restaurant in Praiano
II Pirata
The Il Pirata is a reasonably priced Haven in Terramare, Praiano, known for its spacious lounge overlooking the ocean. The restaurant is renowned for its traditional recipes, lounge bar, and wonderful patio that gives you unlimited sea access. The II Pirata boasts a positive 4-star review on Tripadvisor and serves seafood delicacies like clams, octopus, anchovies, squid, and shrimp.
Kasai
Boasting a 4.5-star rating on Tripadvisor, Kasai is a classy restaurant in Umberto, Praiano, known for its great views of the Amalfi coast. Enjoy a variety of pasta dishes and eggplant delicacies. It’s also a great place to try some local wines while enjoying the picturesque outdoors.
Cialì Bistrot
Located in Capriglione, Praiano, Cialì Bistrot is a premier restaurant open all Tuesdays to Sundays from 6.30 p.m. to 11 p.m. The restaurant is renowned for its vegan and seafood recipes and serves some of the best local wines.
Hotels in Praiano, Italy
In this section, we take a quick look at some of the best hotels in Praiano.
The Hotel Piccolo Sant’Andrea
The Hotel Piccolo Sant’Andrea is strategically located between Praiano and Positano and boasts a well-manicured outdoor garden, an on-site bar, and elegantly decorated, spacious rooms. All rooms are contemporary-style, with most featuring sea-view balconies. The hotel has a spa and a restaurant but doesn’t allow pets.
La Divina Amalfi Coast
The La Divina Amalfi Coast is characterized by its spacious rooms with sea views and strategic location to key attractions in the area. Unfortunately, La Davina does not have a spa or restaurant but is just a few meters away from top restaurants, making it a great option if you want to explore the nearby areas.
Hotel Villa Bellavista
Hotel Villa Bellavista is a family-run hotel in Praiano with a bar and restaurant. The hotel is surrounded by olive groves and boasts a large terrace that serves views of the popular Capri Island. It’s a great option if you’re looking for a pet-friendly and affordable hotel in the small town.
How to Get to Praiano, Italy
If you’re looking to explore Praiano from Rome, you’ll have several options to consider, from trains, buses, or private means.
From Rome
Praiano doesn’t have a train station, meaning you’ll have to connect once your train from Rome arrives at the Sorrento or Via Nocera stations. Fortunately, there are lots of taxis and buses available to take you from these stations.
You can also use a bus to get to Praiano from Rome or consider private means, which is a lot costlier compared to public transportation
From Amalfi
Praiano is around 10 km from Amalfi, which translates to a 25-minute bus ride. Several buses operate the route, meaning you won’t be short of options when looking to move from one town to the other. Expect to pay around $1-$8 from Amalfi via bus, depending on the time of day.
Taxis are a lot more convenient and faster compared to buses. They take around 12-15 minutes to Praiano from Amalfi, but you’ll have to pay $14- $20 for the ride.
You can also choose to walk the 10 km stretch if the weather allows and you want to explore meandering roads and scenic environments. This isn’t a popular option for most tourists, though, as you’ll be on the road for nearly 2 hours, depending on pace.
What To See Nearby Praiano
There’s no denying that Praiano is a sight to behold. It gets even better as the small town is surrounded by equally attractive towns and villages, as explained below.
Positano
Located along the Amalfi coast, Positano is a scenic village known for its steep, narrow streets and pebble beachfront. Beach lovers will appreciate the sound of waves and the beautiful views of the vast ocean. The cliffside villas also add to the small town’s overall appeal. Positano is a popular tourist destination and boasts some of the most luxurious hotels around.
Atrani
Characterized by its winding pathways and cobblestone lanes, Attrani is a small quiet city that often gets forgotten when discussing top destinations along the Amalfi coast. You’ll appreciate the scenes of beautiful buildings, churches, and cottages that face the ocean. Most tourists appreciate the small city’s laid-back nature, which allows guests to escape the hustle and bustle of nearby towns.
Conca dei Marini
Conca dei Marini stands out as one of the most popular (and exclusive) destinations along the Amalfi coast. It’s a tiny village in Campania and a playground for the well-off looking to enjoy some quiet time. Conca dei Marini is also home to Grotta dello Smeraldo and is a major attraction for people in nearby towns.
Vietri Sul Mare
Sure, Vietri Sul Mare might not be as popular as neighboring towns, but it remains a great base to explore the Amalfi coast due to its strategic location. The town is a popular destination for tourists looking for a relaxed environment to call home while touring the Amalfi coast during the day.
Ravello
Looking for a peaceful retreat after touring the attractions along the Amalfi coast? If so, then Ravello is a great option due to its stunning views, quaintness, and laid-back feel. It’s renowned for its scenic views of the Mediterranean Sea, while the summer music festival makes it a great destination for music lovers.
Maiori
Mairoi is a popular town along the Amalfi coast renowned for its fine coastline, mostly comprised of large-grain sand. It’s a popular destination for families with small kids as it’s considerably more relaxed than other towns. Maiori is also a lot cheaper compared to nearby attractions.
FAQs About Praiano, Italy
In this section, we answer some of the commonly asked questions about Praiano.
How Far is Praiano from Positano?
The distance between Positano and Praiano is approximately 7.6 km. It will take you 10-15 minutes from Positano by taxi. Walking is also an alternative for nature lovers but isn’t recommended as the route can be challenging. A bus ride is a cheaper alternative and can take anywhere from 15 to 25 minutes.
How to Get from Naples to Praiano?
You can get from Naples to Praiano using private or public means. Public means is a lot cheaper, but you’ll need to connect as there is no direct route. A train from Naples to Sorrento is your best bet before taking a bus to your destination.
How to Get from Praiano to Positano
The most convenient way to get to Positano from Praiano is via taxi, which typically takes around 12-15 minutes. You can also use a direct bus as these services operate daily and depart every hour.
How to Get from Praiano to Amalfi
You can get from Praiano to Amalfi using a taxi or bus. Taxi is a faster and more convenient option but costlier compared to bus. A bus will take around 25 minutes to get to Amalfi.
Is it Better to Stay in Positano or Praiano?
There is no better destination between the two towns, as it all comes down to personal preferences. If you’re looking to experience the vibrance of the famous Amalfi coast, then Positano may be a better option. It’s full of life and is a major attraction for tourists looking to explore the world-renowned coast. Praiano, on the other hand, is a great option if you’re looking for a laid-back experience away from all the noise.
Wrapping Up
Now that we’ve taken a closer look at the magical town that is Praiano, you should be well-placed to make the most of your experience in the peaceful village. Sure, Praiano might not have the fame or allure of towns like Positano and Atrani, but it holds its own when it comes to scenic views, local traditions, and beautiful attractions. Plus, it’s strategically located, making it easier to visit nearby towns and attractions.
