Praiano, halfway between Amalfi and Positano is a small fishing village, with many stories to tell. In the past it was a silk production center and a holiday destination since the Middle Ages. In fact, the Dukes of Amalfi spent their holidays there, attracted by its pebble beaches and spectacular views. From here you can admire the most beautiful sunsets of the coast, and it is a strategic point to discover its countless beauties.
WHAT TO DO
Gastronomic Trekking
The Amalfi Coast has more than 500 km of marked trails. The most famous is the 3hr Sentiero degli Dei, from Agerola to Positano, but there are easier ones, such as the Gastronomic Trekking routes, to learn about wild herbs, collect them and then cook them at the M’ama Restaurant in Praiano. WEBSITE
Visit the Fiordo di Furore
Take a swim at the tiny pebbled beach of Fiordo di Furore – a secluded space to spend the day among sunshine and salty sea.
lounge at a BEACH CLUB
La Gavitella
Praiano is the point on the Amalfi Coast where the sun sets later, with a view of Positano and Capri. Going down to Cala della Gavitella – there are about 300 steps immersed in the Mediterranean scrub – you can enjoy up to the last ray of sunshine in the evening. Guests of La Gavitella Restaurant & Beach can arrive by boat (for free) from Positano or Marina di Praia. Book an evening with live music for some real fun! WEBSITE
One fire beach
Now THEY sure know how to have a good time. One Fire Beach is a lido located in Cala della Gavitella in Praiano. Bright orange sun loungers to match the umbrellas – it only seems fair to throw in a spritz. It’s all about the good vibes here and to make things even sweeter, grab a slice of watermelon, the centre piece of the beach club, also known as ‘melon time’ and let loose. From 16.30 there will be ecstatic dancing, music and a all round amusement. WEBSITE
Where to eat
La Brace
Would you like grilled fish on a panoramic terrace? Book (and don’t forget to book, especially during high season) in advance. The fresh catch of the day is cooked in a variety of ways, just state your preferred method (ps. it can also used to make tasty pasta sauces). The pizza cooked in a wood fired oven is also good. WEBSITE
Bar Mare DONNA CLELIA
On the Praia beach, in an old boat shelter, Clelia and Salvatore prepare the freshest fish and artisanal liqueurs of the area. His timeless dish is spaghetti with chopped walnuts, anchovies, colatura and a sprinkle of parsley. Apart from Clelia’s inventions, the menu is super traditional: spaghetti with clams, mussels, shrimps and sea truffles, squid, grilled fish or acqua pazza and fritto di mare are just a few of the many. WEBSITE
Da Armandino
Da Armandino “La Praia”, nestled between two cliffs along the Praiano coastline, has been cooking traditional, home-style cuisine since 1986. Expect local, seafood based dishes in a very familiar, modest atmosphere. Ps. you can also spend the day at the neighbouring beach. WEBSITE
Bacco Furore
After a daring dip in the Furore fiord – it’s a sort of Italian Acapulco very close to Praiano – book a table at Baccofuore. In this historic osteria on the sea, you can order traditional dishes overlooking the water, and the fish, as you can imagine, is fresh every day. In the 1950s, it was attended by many actors and directors who would order ‘a Menesta Mmaretata’, a soup with chicory, wild spinach and other wild herbs or Ferrazzuoli alla Nannarella, a pasta with cherry tomatoes, swordfish and rocket. You can still find these signature dishes on the menu. The restaurant also has simple rooms for those wishing to sleep in this peaceful setting with priceless views. WEBSITE
Il Pirata
A lounge bar, beach club and restaurant located in Marina di Praia. The cuisine is a mediterranean based menu coupled with exceptional views over the Tyrrhenian sea. This place is an all-day kind of destination – start the day at the beach club, hit the restaurant for lunch and end your day with an aperitivo at the lounge bar at sunset. WEBSITE
WHERE TO SLEEP
Casa Angelina
Casa Angelina is one of the most exclusive hotels on the Amalfi Coast, a sort of contemporary white box where floor to ceiling windows and generous terraces overlook the bay and the iconic islands of Li Galli and Capri. The protagonist is in fact the landscape outside with the incredible shades of blue and green. It’s a super romantic location even for a private dinner, for the two of you, on the terrace, with the Neapolitan chef all for you. Relax in the afternoon under the lemon gazebo by the swimming pool and practice yoga early in the morning in the garden. Some nights they also organise pizza parties. WEBSITE