Praiano: Your Home Away from Home
“I wanted to hold onto this point in time before our eyes found each other and before I knew whether our hearts could do the same.” Amalfi Blue” ~ Lisa Fantino
Costiera Amalfitana is a premier travel destination in the Campania region of southwest Italy.
Praiano, Lodged between Amalfi and Positano, is the low-key fishing village of Praiano. Its appeal to tourists is the fact that it is a perfect jump off point to other more well known destinations. It is a beautiful resort by the sea famous for its coral fishing and as a summer home of the Doges of the Maritime Republic of Amalfi.
Praiano is divided into two sectors: “Antica Plagianum” and “Vettica Maggiore.” The former faces east that allows its guests the chance to bask with the rising sun as well as witness the romance of the moonrise. Conversely, the latter provides you the pleasure of appreciating the dazzling sunsets against the backdrop of the “Faraglioni” of Capri.
The Sea and its Influence to Life Around Here
In the olden days, Praiano was located very close to the sea. The town center has moved on higher grounds and the coasts were fortified with defensive structures such as fortresses and sighting towers as a result of several natural cataclysms. Many of these still watch over Praiano to this day. But until a few decades ago, Praiano was first and foremost a fishing town. Fishing was the only way to earn for people of this village until tourism became established here. So, it is not surprising is the ocean has always been a strong influence on this fishing settlement.
It cannot be denied that to this day a lot of tourists find Praiano a rewarding destination with its crystal clear waters and the fantastic vistas of the sea. The setting is still easygoing, unhurried and relaxing; a great place for holidaymakers who want a break from the stressful pace of the city and of many of the better known resort locations along the Amalfi Coast. Praiano is a place that nature lovers can easily appreciate.
To get a real feeling for this village, you need to need to be out on the water. Indeed, there are a lot of things you can take from the waters that are not visible from the road. Commune with the sea; get on a boat, stay on a cottage by the beach, and enjoy simple seafood fares on the restaurants located by the coast.
Getting In and Going Around Praiano
Travelers can get to Praiano by Trenitalia from nearby Salerno main station or Naples Piazza Garibaldi or by Circumvesuviana local train to Sorrento from Naples. There are also buses plying from Sorrento and from Amalfi bus station.
But being an ocean village, there is no better way to come and get around here than by taking the ferry service plying along the towns of the Amalfi Coast. Rather than negotiate the one main Amalfi Coastal road, this is the quickest way to access the nearby towns and beaches of the coast. The ferry network has major stops at Positano, Amalfi, Salerno, and Sorrento. From any of these stops, visitors can take the SITA bus or a local bus that goes through Positano and Praiano from spring until fall.
Those who want to more in control of their vacation can go around the villages in scooters or on foot. There are scooter rentals in Praiano, which is a proof that many visitors here enjoy efficiently going around on their own in scooters. If you have no experience driving a scooter, taking a hike in this scenic town can be one fantastic experience.
Sleeping By Praiano and its Beach Views
Praiano has 17 hotels that literally vie for the most beautiful view of the beaches down below.
- Casa Angelina, a dazzling-white, 5-star hotel at Via Capriglione 147, boasts of 43 airconditioned rooms and being minutes away from attractions such as La Gavitella and Church of San Gennaro, Marina di Praia and Sentiero degli Dei. It is in a marvelous setting with views up the coast to Capri from the pool, bar and superb rooftop eating spot. When booking a room, ask for one of the four Eaudesea Experience rooms which are in renovated fishermen’s cottages located overhead La Gavitella Beach that is 150 steps below the hotel.
- Pensione Pellegrino. This is among the top hotel at Via Gennaro Capriglione 190 that is known for its warm family environment. It offers its guests highly commendable adequate services and authentic local cuisine for a pleasant holiday. The family Rispoli takes pride in the attention they give the food and their services.
- Hotel Tramonto d’Oro, a 4-star hotel has the same accessibility as Casa Angelina and brags of its 38 guestrooms and a great deal of amenities including recreation facilities, a restobar, and business conveniences.
- There is a horde of 2- and 3-star hotels in the area. Most of these can adequately provide the needs of its guests, and still offer economical choices. The most widely patronized are Hotel Margherita at Via Umberto I, 70; Hotel il Pino Praiano at Via G. Capriglione; 13, Hotel Le Fioriere near the bus stop centre town; and Hotel Villa Bellavista
- Conde Nast Traveller’s suggestions in its post Hidden Depths of Amalfi. Aside from Casa Angelina, this website recommends Casa Privata, II Pirata, and Hostaria Bacco.
- Casa Privata. A former fisherman’s house in grounds that descend to a private rocky beach. The look is a stylish mix of custom-made Indonesian furniture and early-20th-century design classics. The only downside is that it’s a steep climb up to the main road for lunch and dinner. Via Rezzola 41 (00 39 089 874078; www.casaprivata.it). Doubles from €195
- Il Pirata. With its sunbathing platforms built onto the rocks just around the cliff path from La Praia, people come to Il Pirata to work on their tan. …. Against a backdrop of gently lapping water and twinkling lights, aubergine baked with mozzarella and anchovies, and linguine sauced with highly prized ricci (sea urchins) will never taste better. Via Terramare (00 39 089 874377; www.ristoranteilpirata.net). About €60
Hostaria Bacco. Restaurant options are limited this high up the mountains, so ignore the naff decor at Hostaria Bacco and head straight for the dizzying terrace. The ferrazzuoli alla nannarella (pasta with smoked swordfish, cherry tomatoes, pine nuts and sultanas) and grigliata mista di pesce (swordfish, giant prawns, tuna and squid) are excellent. From the wine list choose a bottle of Cuomo’s superb Fiorduva. Via Gian Battista Lama 9, Furore (00 39 089 830360; www.baccofurore.it). About €80
Praiano has a number (about 238) of well-maintained villas and apartments with superb outdoor spaces in the most resplendent beaches and the most unforgettable views. These are suitable for travelers who want to stay longer or when they are traveling in groups.
These holiday rentals are not just cheaper in the long run, they are also more convenient. There are a lot of options for guests; there is always something suited to fit the taste of even the most discerning travelers.
- Some of these villas and apartments that have good reviews are: Villa Adalgisa, Casa San Tommaso, Il Giardino dei Limoni, Villa delle Ginestre, Villa Demetra, Zaffiro, Cerasella, Casa Erminia, and so many more.
- La Terrazza is among the large apartments in Praiano. It is found in a quiet and haunting location that offers an exceedingly panoramic vision of the Amalfi Coast. Every room has a share of the marvelous view. The apartment is provided with every imaginable essential and a few amenities for comfortable stay. The spacious terrace with a sea view is equipped with tables, chairs, deck chairs, sun umbrellas, and barbecue. This is 5 minutes away from la Praia and 10 minutes from the commercial center.
What is your reason for staying in Praiano and not on another village or town along the Costiera Amalfitana? It provides the best spot to see the rest of the coast. Truly, Praiano is your home.
