Praiano Travel Guide

A detailed tour guide for Praiano, Italy, including a list of places to visit, the best things to do, where to stay, and how to get there.


Introduction to Praiano

Praiano is a charming town located on the picturesque Amalfi Coast of Italy’s Southern Campania region. This hidden gem offers stunning views of the Tyrrhenian sea, breathtaking landscapes, and unforgettable sunsets. Praiano is a peaceful town compared to its neighboring towns, Positano and Amalfi, but it is quickly gaining popularity among travelers looking for a tranquil escape. In this comprehensive tour guide, we will highlight the best places to visit, things to do, and where to stay in Praiano.

List of Places to Visit in Praiano

Culturally Important Attractions: Museums and Historical Places

1. Church of San Gennaro

The Church of San Gennaro is a 10th-century church with intricate baroque architecture. The church features a wooden statue of Saint Gennaro, the town’s patron saint, and beautiful frescoes depicting his life.

2. Gavitella Beach

Gavitella Beach is a hidden gem on the Praiano coast that offers a calm and relaxing atmosphere. The beach has crystal clear waters and provides scenic views of the surrounding landscape.

3. Path of the Gods

The Path of the Gods is a hiking trail with a breathtaking view of the Amalfi Coast. The trail winds from Agerola to Positano, and it takes approximately 4-5 hours to complete the trail.

Natural Attractions of Praiano: Outdoor Adventures and Scenic Views

1. Marina di Praia

Marina di Praia is a quaint seaside village located on the rocky, jagged coast of Praiano. Visitors can swim in the waters or enjoy kyaking or paddleboarding. It is an ideal place to spend a relaxing day outdoors.

2. Fiordo di Furore

The Fiordo di Furore is a fjord that was created due to natural erosion over the centuries. It is a must-visit location for nature enthusiasts due to its natural beauty.

3. Emerald Cave

The Emerald Grotto is a sea cave located in the town of Conca dei Marini, near Praiano. The grotto boasts marvelously green waters. Inside, visitors will see unusual stalactites and stalagmites, and amazing light effects.

Hiking/Biking Routes of Praiano

Praiano offers a lot of hiking and biking routes with picturesque views and stunning natural beauty. Here are some excellent routes:

  • Punta del Capo
  • Monte Sant’Angelo
  • Path of the Gods
  • Valle delle Ferriere

Best Things to Do in Praiano: Activities and Tours

1. Boat Tour to Capri

A boat tour to Capri is an ideal way to explore the stunning beauty of the island. The boat tour usually starts from Praiano and takes you to famous sites like the Blue Grotto, Lover’s Arch, and Faraglioni.

2. Cooking Class

Experience traditional Italian cooking with a Praiano cooking class. In the cooking class, visitors learn how to prepare famous Italian dishes like pasta, pizza, and gelato.

3. Wine Tasting Tour

The wine tasting tour is an excellent way to experience the local culture and lifestyle in Praiano. This tour features taste-testing of some of Italy’s finest wines, including white, red and Prosecco.

Week-Long Itinerary for Praiano

Day Activity
Day 1 Visit the San Gennaro church and the Gavitella Beach
Day 2 Explore the Path of the Gods and enjoy the stunning natural beauty of the Amalfi Coast
Day 3 Visit Marina di Praia and go swimming or kayaking and experience the natural beauty of the sea
Day 4 Take a boat tour to Capri and explore the island
Day 5 Learn how to make traditional Italian food with a Praiano cooking class
Day 6 Go wine tasting and experience the local culture in Praiano
Day 7 Take a hike to Valle delle Ferriere and experience the stunning natural beauty

Food and Drink Scene of Praiano

Must-Try Dishes

  • Spaghetti alle vongole (pasta with clams)
  • Risi e bisi (rice and peas)
  • Caprese salad (fresh tomato and mozzarella salad)

Local Beverages

  • Limoncello (a lemon liqueur)
  • Peroni (Italian beer)
  • Prosecco (Italian sparkling wine)

Where to Stay in Praiano: Hotels, Hostels, and Guesthouses

  • Hotel Margherita: Located on a hilltop in Praiano, this four-star hotel offers stunning sea views.
  • La Perla: A family-run bed and breakfast with a gorgeous panoramic terrace offering views of the Mediterranean sea.
  • Casa Angelina: A luxury hotel with a private beach club and an infinity pool overlooking the sea.

What to Buy in Praiano: Souvenirs and Local Products to Bring Home

  • Limoncello and other liqueurs
  • Pottery and ceramic crafts
  • Handcrafted leather sandals and bags

Local Culture and Customs of Praiano

Praiano is a coastal town with relaxed, laid-back residents who value friendship and community. Visitors are expected to respect the local traditions and customs. For instance, it’s polite to greet locals with “buongiorno” (good morning) or “buonasera” (good evening) when passing them.

Best Time to Visit Praiano

The best time to visit Praiano is between April and September, when temperatures are mild, and the weather is sunny. The summer months experience heavy crowds of tourists. September is usually the best month to visit as the weather is still pleasant, and the crowds are smaller.

Do’s and Don’ts of Praiano

Do:

  • Respect the local customs and traditions
  • Dress appropriately when visiting religious sites
  • Carry a reusable water bottle as the tap water is drinkable

Don’t:

  • Speak too loudly in public places as it can be offensive to locals
  • Litter as it can lead to heavy fines
  • Go topless on the beaches as it can offend locals

Safety and Health

Safety in Praiano

Praiano is a safe town with low crime rates. Visitors should take the usual precautions of safeguarding their possessions when in crowded areas. The roads in Praiano can be narrow and windy, and visitors unfamiliar to the town should hire a driver or use public transportation.

Health in Praiano

There are no major health concerns in Praiano. Visitors should remember to pack sunscreen, a hat, and sunglasses as the sun can be intense.

Getting to Praiano: Transportation Options and Logistics

Airports Near Praiano

  • Naples Capodichino Airport (40 kilometers)
  • Salerno Costa D’Amalfi Airport (63 kilometers)

Bus Stations Near Praiano

  • SITA bus station, Praiano
  • SITA bus station, Sorrento

Other Options

Visitors can hire a car or use a taxi service to reach Praiano.

How to Get Around in Praiano

The best way to get around Praiano is on foot. There are also buses and taxis available for transportation.

Where to Go Next from Praiano: Nearby Destinations and Excursions

Praiano is in proximity to some of Italy’s famous tourist destinations:

  • Positano (8 kilometers)
  • Amalfi (11 kilometers)
  • Sorrento (23 kilometers)

Conclusion

Praiano is an ideal destination for travelers who want to escape the hustle and bustle of the crowded Italian tourist trail. This hidden gem offers stunning natural beauty, excellent food and wine culture, and warm, welcoming locals. Follow this guide to enjoy the best that Praiano has to offer and create unforgettable memories.

View of bay View of bay View towards Positano from Via Masa View towards Positano from Via Masa Church Church