Praiano
Praiano is in the middle of the Amalfi Coast, between Positano and Amalfi, is the lesser-known but beautiful village of Praiano. It is a seaside resort that has retained its atmosphere as a quiet fishing town throughout the centuries.
Praiano it is an ideal base for a vacation on the Amalfi Coast, as the other towns can be easily reached from here by bus or boat. It’s well connected to Sorrento, Positano, and Amalfi by the regional SITA bus, and by ferries, as well.
It has a long reputation as a hospitable and fashionable resort, having been the favored summer residence of the powerful Doges of the Maritime Republic of Amalfi.
Nowadays, it attracts visitors from around the world, drawn to its crystal-clear seas that are awarded the Bandiera Blu (Blue Flag) for cleanliness, and the encompassing views. The ambiance here is friendly and laid-back. Praiano has the feel of a village while offering the cafes, shops and restaurants of a resort.
History
In ancient times, according to the tradition, the name Praiano was Plagianum, but the centre had birth and consolidated itself in medieval time following the glorious Amalfi deeds.
During centuries people from Praiano dedicated themselves above all to maritime trade and to fishing while those who lived in the upper part of the village started cultivating terraced gardens.
In a locality called Praia, where a small inlet still offers recover to fisherman’s boats, it is still possible to see ancient “monazzeri” which allowed fishermen to haul boats and to repair themselves when sea conditions did not allow to go out fishing.
Things to see and do in Praiano
Until a few years ago, Praiano was just a fishing village; today it has opened to tourism preserving its most authentic and genuine soul, avoiding mass tourism and offering, in this way, a quiet and relaxing atmosphere. A population of craftsmen, since 1300-1400, the inhabitants of Praiano were specialised in the production of linen, coral objects (artisans working with coral were easy to recognize because of the earrings they wore, an antique Saracen tradition), hair nets, anchovies packed in salt and weaving palms during the Easter period.
Church of San Gennaro
In Praiano’s town centre there is the church consecrated to St. Gennaro the Neapolitan bishop of Benevento, who was made Martyr of Pozzuoli on the 19th of September 305.
This church was built in 1589 on an existing structure dating back to 1200 and untill 1572 was the property of the Corsario family who were noblemen from Amalfi. The structure is flanked by a bell tower with a cupola covered in majolica tiles. According to Matteo Camera (Amalfitan historian) the new building was completed in the 1602.
The structure is divided in three naves, in the right one there are many altars dedicated to the Rosary, the Sacred Family, St. Bartolomeo and the Immaculate Conception (with a Gian Battista Lama Paint dated 1747). On the same side there is also the Sacred heart chapel built in 1898 by Domenico Rispoli- Zingone. On the left nave there are other altars dedicated to the Carmine, San Gennaro, Santa Lucia, the Crucifix, San Michele Archangel (a spiritual place for the fisherman and the seaman in the 1600 and the 1700).
Extracts from “La Memoria nell’immagine, Praiano viaggio nel Passato” – Giovanni Scala
*St Gennaro is celebrated on September 19th ; on December 16th ; on the first Sunday of May
Church of San Luca Evangelist
The church of St. Luca the Evangelist is dedicated to the Patron of Praiano, and was built in elegant baroque style in 1588 on an existing structure dating back to 1123, then consequently restored in 1772.
Beside the façade, which has been recently restored, there is the bell tower which is made up of three levels. Inside, the church is divided into three naves with six altars on each side. The central nave is covered by a barrel vault and the sides by cross vaults. The majolica tiled dome makes this church unique as it is uncommon on the Amalfi coast .
The floor inside the church is also done in this unique style which dates back to 1789 and depicts St. Luca surrounded by flowers and birds. From the rich patrimony there is the precious silver bust of the Saint kept in the sacristy and also two beautiful paintings, one dating back to the second half of the fifteenth century painted by Giovanni Bernardo Lama which represents the circumcision; the second one was painted by Padovano De Martino dating back to 1582 and it represents Our Lady of the Rosary.
Extracts from “Il restauro del busto reliquario di San Luca Evangelista” – Vincenzo Bove
*St Luca Evangelist, Patron Saint of Praiano, is celebrated on October 18th; on Easter Monday; on the first Weekend of July.
Church and Monastery of Santa Maria a Castro
Church and Monastery of Santa Maria a Castro
Below the mountain called St. Angelo a Tre Pizzi which stands 364 m, there is a church dedicated to St. Maria a Castro. Surrounded by some wonderful flora and fauna that is so typical in these mountain areas, this is also where the monastery of St. Domenico is situated. From this magnificent place you can admire a breathtaking view overlooking Vettica Maggiore, Positano, Li Galli and the island of Capri.
The first official document regarding this place is dated 1599, a document of Naples University that allowed the monks to build the monastery.
The interior structure is composed of two levels, on the first one there are four cells and a kitchen, on the ground floor an oven and cistern.
Inside the church there are many paintings. On the walls of the left nave there is one dating back to 1439 called Madonna delle Grazie, and recently removed sections of the wall allow most parts of the work to be seen.
The Fresco (Affresco)
In the Church of Saint Maria a Castro there is a large fresco that has remained unchanged for centuries. Generally referred to as the “Madonna delle Grazie” (Lit: “The Madonna of Thanks”), in recognition of the miracles that Our Lady has continually granted.
Dated from around 1400, the fresco occupies an entire recess, or niche, in the left nave of the church.
The upper section is occupied by an image of the Blessed Christ surrounded by angels and the saints Peter and Paul. In the lower section, the Virgin and infant Jesus are seated on a throne, also surrounded by angels and saints. The precise identification of the saints is difficult to ascertain. It is to be noted that the saint dressed as a Bishop has been redone. Some particulars, such as the tightly curled hair and the Bishops mitre are slightly difficult to see in the newer plaster. To the left, under the saint with the pen and book (possibly Saint John the evangelist), a small procession of people dressed in modern clothes most likely represents the sponsors or donors of the work.
The principal elements of the composition, both in size and importance, are Christ and the Madonna. The other figures seem to revolve around them.
The Christ seated on the throne (in late Byzantine style), and the canopied throne of the Madonna (modern classical style) are organised in a calculated manner.
The angels and saints occupy the remaining space to complete a well balance design.
The artist (unknown) appears to be well aware of, and adept in the use of, the artistic style of the renaissance, which at the time was maturing in Naples and throughout the Mediterranean area.
Spiaggia La Gavitella
Accessible by a steep staircase (with 300 steps more or less) from the village of Praiano or by boat from Marina di Praia, Gavitella is a tiny but popular affair with a private beach club and a superb restaurant Cala Gavitella Beach Club plying potent cocktails. As one of the coast’s few west-facing beaches, it’s a lovely spot to watch the sunset
Marina di Praia
At the foot of the cliff on which an ancient Saracen watch tower (the Torre a Mare) takes pride of place. It is from the beach of Marina di Praia that one of the Amalfi Coasts most romantic coastal walks begins, taking visitors all the way around the cliff, beneath the tower. The beach is home to a number of excellent restaurants and the Africana, arguably the most fashionable dance club on the whole of the Amalfi Coast. Given its position, the beach catches the sun only during the central hours of the day.
Amalfi Coast Private Experience by Boat
Departure from Praiano
Duration: 8 or 4 hours
From: 700 €
A boat trip is the perfect way to discover the beauty of the Amalfi Coast in one day, leaving.
From Positano we will sail through Praiano, Marina di Praia, the famous Fiordo di Furore patrimony of the UNESCO and the beautiful Emerald Grotto.
The cruise follows to Amalfi the glorious Sea republic.
Departure from Positano along the way to Amalfi we will admire the unique scenery of our Amalfi Coast.
Then from our boat we will see: Praiano with the Gavitella beach, the “Grotta Dell ‘Africana” and Marina di Praia, a small fishermen village. It is possible also visit the Emerald Grotto (extra €5 pp cash to be paid directly there), this visit is optional, you can decide with the skipper if you want to visit it or not.
After this the excursion will restart passing through Conca dei Marini, the natural Arch, Amalfi, Atrani with the waterfalls of Marmorata. If you wish you can stop in Amalfi for have some free time to see the center of the town and enjoy a nice walk on the main street visiting the S. Andrea’s Cathedral.
The skipper can also book a table for you in a seaside restaurant along the Coast. You can stop for a swim in the limpid waters of the coast for a refreshing and relaxing bath. We will then return to Positano.
On board you can enjoy a wide selection of drinks available for you.
Capri Private Experience by Boat
Departure from Praiano
Duration: 8 or 4 hours
From: 850 €
Departure from Positano * at 09.30 am towards the island of Capri. Along the way we will also pass through the famous island “Li galli” known throughout the world for the famous legend that saw it as the “home” of the mermaids, mysterious creatures that tempted sailors with their soft singing. You will then reach Capri, one of the most famous and requested destinations in Campania.
Then you will visit the most beautiful spots of Capri, such as the White Cave, the Natural Arch, the Faraglioni, one of the most romantic and evocative sceneries of Capri. Arriving at the port you will have the opportunity to choose how much free time you have at your disposal to visit the center of Capri and go shopping, or the sailor will recommend a good restaurant along the coast where you can enjoy a good meal overlooking the sea.
Back on board you will visit the Green Grotto, Punta carena with its lighthouse and the Blue Grotto (extra ticket 15 € pp cash to be paid directly there), this visit is optional, you can visit it or decide with the sailor not to visit it. Your sailor will also be able to advise you of splendid coves where to stop for a bath. On board you can take advantage of a wide selection of drinks available for you.
*we also offer departures from Praiano Marina di Praia (09.30 am to the boarding pier)
Praiano Gavitella (09.30)
Included in the price: soft drinks (water, coca cola, tea), a bottle of Prosecco and beach towels
*This is just an exemple of tour, you can change the itineray based on your need directly with the captain.
*The boarding dock of Positano during the high season time can be really busy, sometimes you can find queue for boarding.
NB: The visit of Blue Grotto is not always possible because the opening of the cave depends by the weather and sea conditions. Our boat will stop at the entrance of the cave, from there you will pass a small rowing boats managed by the Cooperative Battellieri of Capri, the only ones that allow entry into the cave. In high season the queue at the entrance is very long, for this reason the visiti s a group decision.
BOOK NOW
Sunset Cruise
Departure from Praiano
Duration: 1 hour 30 min
From: 260 €
The sunset cruise is a perfect tour if you wish to spend just few hours on a boat cruising along the Amalfi Coast.
We offer two itineraries:
Departure from Positano/Praiano, cruising along the Coast you’ll arrive until the Li Galli island, a private island.
One of the first owners of the island was the famous Russian dancer Rudolf Hametovic Nureyev who spent its life on the island and used it for important dance events.
You can enjoy the beauty of the islands, three small islands near each other, you’ll stop there and enjoy a nice aperitif on board. On the way back we sail though Testa del Faraone and Punta Germano until Positano.
Departure from Positano/Praiano, cruising along the Coast you’ll see Praiano with la Gavitella beach, Marina di Praia (an old fishermen village) until the famous Fiordo di Furore.
There you can enjoy a nice aperitif on boar with an amazing view on the Capo di Conca (on one side) and Praiano on the other side.
BOOK NOW
Li Galli Tour
Departure from Praiano
Duration: 3 hours
From: 230 €
Li Galli Tour (daily, cost from 230 € 2/4 px 270€ 5/6 pax :
Tour: Departure from Positano*, to the Li Galli island. The tour lasts three hours.
On the route to get to the Galli island, you will admire the splendid Bay of Fornillo with the two Saracen towers, the Torre Trasita and the Torre Clavel.
Once you arrive at Li Galli island there will be a complete tour of the island and stop for a swim in the clear waters of our coast.
* We also offer departures from:
Praiano Marina di Praia (09:50 – 13.50 at the boarding pier)
Praiano Gavitella (09:55 – 13.55)
Included in the price: soft drinks (water, Coca Cola, tea) and beach towels
BOOK NOW
Procida Private Tour
Departure from Praiano
Duration: 8 hours
From: 1800 €
Departure from Positano * (09.30), towards the island of Procida.
Along the way we will pass through the bay of Nerano and the island of Capri, one of the most famous destinations in Campania.
Then we will reach Procida, the third largest island in the Neapolitan area.
Procida is also the island of culture, in fact the novel “the island of Arturo” by Elsa Morante is set here. It is also the island where “Il Postino” by Massimo Troisi was filmed.
You will have free time on the island to admire the historic city center. The sailor will also be able to recommend a restaurant on the island for lunch. You will have time for a swim in the beautiful coves of the Campania coast between Positano and Procida.
On board you will find an ice box equipped with water, coca cola, tea and a bottle of Prosecco.
Included in the price soft drinks, a bottle of Prosecco, beach towels
BOOK NOW
Ischia Private Tour
Departure from Praiano
Duration: 8 hours
From: 1800 €
Departure from Positano * (9.30), towards the island of Ischia. Along the way we will pass through the bay of Nerano and the island of Capri, one of the most famous destinations in Campania.
It will then reach Ischia, an island famous throughout the world for its natural thermal springs, it covers an area of 46 square kilometers and is administratively divided by 6 municipalities: Barano d’Ischia, Casamicciola Terme, Forio d’Ischia, Ischia, Lacco Ameno and Serrara Fontana.
The landing is scheduled in Ischia Porto where you will have three hours of free time on the island to visit the famous Aragonese Castle, which stands on a trachytic rock island connected to the eastern side of the island of Ischia by a masonry bridge 220 meters long, or enjoy some shopping along the main street of Ischia Porto. The sailor will be able to recommend a restaurant on the island for lunch.
You will also have time for a swim in the beautiful coves of the Campania coast between Positano and Ischia. On board you will find an ice box equipped with water, coca cola, tea and a bottle of Prosecco.
* we also offer departures from:
Praiano Marina di Praia 09.30
Praiano Gavitella 09.30
Included in the price soft drinks, a bottle of Prosecco, beach towels
BOOK NOW
“Like a dream” Wedding Proposal
Departure from Praiano
Duration:1 hour 30 min
From: 450 €
Positano and the Amalfi Coast are known throughout the world not only for their beauty but also for the unique romanticism that these landscapes offer. If you are looking for the perfect spot for an unforgettable marriage proposal, this is the tour for you.
A sunset cruise with an aperitif and a professional photographer to capture these unique moments. The tour consists of a sunset cruise or along the Amalfi Coast (where you can admire Marina di Praia, a small fishing village and the Fiordo di Furore) or to the island of Li Galli.
On board you will find an ice box with various drinks and a bottle of Prosecco for an aperitif on board.
* the tour includes: professional photographer, soft drinks, Prosecco and beach towels
On request we can also combine a bouquet of flowers / a small cake / live serenade with mandolin
Also you can decide directly with the skipper on board the perfect place for your proposal
BOOK NOW
Amalfi Coast half day tour
Departure from Praiano
Duration: 4 hours
From: 400 €
Departure from Positano * at 10.00 on the way to Amalfi enjoy the unique scenery in the world, our Amalfi Coast.
Admire from the boat Praiano with the cove of Gavitella, the “Grotta dell’Africana” and Marina di Praia, a small fishing village.
You can also visit the Emerald Grotto (extra €6 pp cash to be paid directly there), this visit is optional, you can choose whether to visit the cave or stay on board.
It will then resume the excursion passing through Conca dei Marini, the natural Arch and Amalfi.On the way back to Positano you’ll stop for a swim in the limpid waters of the coast .On board you can enjoy a wide selection of drinks available for you.
* We also offer departures from:
Praiano Marina di Praia (09:50 – 13.50 at the boarding pier)
Praiano Gavitella (09:55 – 13.55)
Included in the price: soft drinks (water, Coca Cola, tea) and beach towels
BOOK NOWClassic Cooking Class in Praiano
Learn about Amalfi Coast regional cooking . Our primary objective is to teach our recipes, rich in local tradition that will remain in the hearts of those who
When you dream about Italy, you definitely think about Praiano
Among its alleys, the colorful houses and its breathtaking views, you will discover its authentic flavors. This region is famous for the quality of its raw materials, protagonists of wonderful dishes that you will taste in a local home!
You can’t visit Italy without trying at least one pasta dish… So we’ll serve you two!
You will be welcomed into a la Cala Gavitella host’s home to enjoy “Bis di primi”, two pasta recipes followed by one of Italy’s most popular dessert, the tiramisu.
Feel like part of the family as you enjoy lovingly prepared regional recipes, accompanied by carefully selected local wines.
BOOK NOWLeave a Reply
Do you have some comments or questions for us? We’d love to hear from you! Don’t be shy! Feel free to drop us a message!