Praiano: A Hidden Gem on the Amalfi Coast
If you’re planning a trip to Italy’s stunning Amalfi Coast, consider making Praiano a stop in your journey. While this quaint fishing town is often overshadowed by neighboring Positano, Praiano is a true gem from a price, location, and cultural perspective. My husband and I visited this cliffside oasis on the frontend of our ten day Italy trip and had the most incredible three night visit. Keep reading for a breakdown of how we spent our time in Praiano.
Praiano: Getting There
We arrived in Naples by plane, departing from JFK with a brief layover in Paris. Naples Airport (NAP) is a single-terminal airport, frequented by locals and easy to maneuver. Customs was relatively nonexistent, and we were in the cab line, bags in hand in under 30 minutes. If you’re traveling directly to Praiano, expect to pay ~140 Euros (+ tip) for the roughly 2 hour drive on SS163. This picturesque route runs parallel to the coastline with breathtaking views of the Tyrrhenian Sea. Looking for alternative options to reach a coastal town from Naples? Consider starting your stay in Sorrento and traveling by train.
Traveler Tip: If you’re prone to motion sickness, consider taking Dramamine. It’s a windy road!
Praiano: Where To Stay
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We stayed at La Barbera, a stunning bed & breakfast in central Praiano. Owned and operated by two brothers, the relatively new (est. 2019) property consists of just five rooms, each with an oversized balcony and panoramic view of nearby Positano.
What Made La Barbera Unforgettable:
- We were able to explore so much of Praiano and neighboring towns thanks to La Barbera’s prime location. It’s walking distance from top restaurants and endless day + night activities. The local bus stop is just a short walk as well.
- The staff took hospitality to an entirely new level. They provided exceptional recommendations, even drawing us a map of the local area.
- La Barbera’s daily breakfast menu was impressive: fresh mozzarella, omelettes, local honey/ jams, pastries, and more. We enjoyed breakfast on the terrace daily, sipping fresh juice while enjoying the sunrise.
Traveler Tip: The area is famous for its lemons. We loved starting our day with fresh lemon water!
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Praiano: What To Do
Scooter Rental
For 90 Euro/day, we rented an adorable Piaggo Vespa Sprint from M.L Porter (walking distance from La Barbera) and spent the day exploring nearby towns. We rode to Ravello (~40 minutes by scooter) and spent the afternoon at Villa Cimbrone, a breathtaking oasis in the clouds.
Explore Praiano by Foot
This ancient fishing village is rich in history and culture. We spent half a day wandering the streets, visiting Torre a Mare, an 800 year-old cliffside tower that now serves as a studio for local artist Paolo Sandull. Bar del Sole (the bar of the locals) was a great place to relax and people watch, and we finished a long day with pizza at Trattoria San Gennaro. The town overlooks the stunning Church of St. Januarius, and you’re rarely without a breathtaking view.
Amalfi Coast Boat Tour
Praiano is just a quick bus ride to several coastal treasures. The SitaSud bus is affordable and convenient, with a stop on the main street of Praiano. For 1.30 Euro each, Matt and I rode the bus ~30 minutes to the town of Amalfi to meet our captain for the day, Mimo. We booked through Amalfi Sea Service and had the time of our lives. Complete with a stop for a delicious seafood lunch, this all-day adventure is a must if you’re visiting Praiano — or any town in Amalfi!
Path of the Gods
Praiano is famous for “Sentiero degli Dei,” a 3.5 mile hike to Positano complete with breathtaking views of the coastline. While heavy rain deterred us from making the trip, we heard from many locals that the views were well worth the sweat!
Praiano: Where and What to Eat
- Kasai: We rarely eat at a restaurant twice while traveling but made an exception for Kasai. Filled with locals and highly recommended by our Airbnb hosts, Kasai kicked off our Italian eating adventure with a bang. The truffle pasta is a must! Kasai | Via Umberto I, 84, 84010 Praiano
- Da Teresa: One of my favorite meals of our trip, this restaurant is only accessible by boat (ask your driver to stop for lunch here!) and serves the freshest seafood in the Amalfi. Via Santa Croce, 1, 84011 Amalfi
- Il Pirata Restaurant: For a beachfront lunch or dinner with breathtaking views, visit Il Pirata. Try the catch of the day or one of their delicious pasta specialties. Il Pirata / Via Marina di Praia, 84010 Praiano SA
- Alfonzo a Mare: Nestled in a picturesque cove, the restaurants of Alfonzo a Mare serve incredible seafood with a view. Try totani e patate, a local staple of squid and potatoes. Via Praiano SNC, 84010 Praiano Italy
Traveler Tip: Tipping is only accepted via cash, so make sure to withdraw Euros before your arrival.
From Praiano, we traveled to Sorrento to continue our Amalfi adventure. You can read more on our Sorrento itinerary here, or jump here for my Tuscany wine tour recommendations.
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