Destinations · Campania
Praiano the village between Positano and Amalfi
A village of houses scattered along the ridge, halfway between Positano and Amalfi: fewer crowds, the same view and the finest sunsets on the Amalfi Coast.
The doges’ summer retreat
The name probably comes from the Latin Plagianum, “the open beach”. In the Middle Ages Praiano belonged to the Republic of Amalfi and, according to tradition, the doges of Amalfi spent their summers here, far from the harbour and its trade.
For centuries the village lived on fishing, silk and crops grown on terraces carved out of the rock. The coastal towers, built against pirate raids, are still part of the landscape today.
A quieter Amalfi Coast
Praiano has kept a slow pace: it has no single centre but two souls, Vettica Maggiore and Praiano proper, linked by stairways and a panoramic coast road.
In early August the Luminaria di San Domenico lights up the village with thousands of small lamps: it is one of the most evocative festivals on the coast.
Not to be missed in Praiano
Church of San Gennaro
The majolica dome and the churchyard overlooking the sea.
Marina di Praia
A small bay between the rocks, with boats and restaurants.
Torre a Mare
An old watchtower on the sea.
Vettica viewpoint
Positano and Capri on the horizon at sunset.
The stairways
The village is best discovered on foot, among lemons and bougainvillea.
Path of the Gods
Reachable on foot from Praiano, climbing towards Bomerano.
Before you go
Along the Sorrento Peninsula and on past Positano.
Or a stop during the Amalfi Coast tour.
August for the Luminaria.
A few minutes’ drive in either direction.
Praiano is a perfect base if you want Positano and Amalfi without sleeping in the chaos: I’ll take you to your hotel and, in the following days, drive you wherever you like.
Approximate times, without traffic.
Praiano and the Amalfi Coast, without the hairpin bends at the wheel.
Tolls and parking are always included. Carlo checks availability and replies within 24 hours.
