Praiano is a secluded sanctuary nestled within the breath-taking landscape of the Amalfi Coast. The popular towns surrounding it swarm with tourists every year, but if you prefer something a little more tranquil, this is your ideal destination…
Not Your Typical Tourist Spot
The quaint town of Praiano is traditionally known for its fishing and crafting industries, so not only is the seafood completely fresh and authentic, but the markets and shops that are scattered along the streets sell homemade wares that you certainly won’t find anywhere else. It undoubtedly fits the bill if you’re after a holiday town untouched by tourism.
What to Do
Despite its size, Praiano boasts a wide range of attractions that are sure to thrill culture-loving travellers. Here are some favourites that might inspire you to explore this hidden gem of Italy.
Parocchia di San Luca Evangelista
For a chance to enjoy some astonishing architecture, head to this local Catholic Church just a short walk from the centre of town. Its ornate décor and intricate embellishments make it rather unique to conventional places of worship. It is definitely worth a visit – if you want to truly blend in with the locals, go along to a service and enjoy the wonderful acoustics as the organ plays.
Seafood at Trattoria Da Armandino
This restaurant is at the heart of Praiano and is the perfect place to enjoy lunch or dinner while looking out at the sea. However, Trattoria Da Armandino does not only serve exquisite sea views – the freshly caught seafood is the true majesty of this restaurant. Sample the clams, squid, prawns and tuna, all cooked to perfection alongside locally sourced wines which never fail to compliment the meal.
Amalfi Coast
Once you have exhausted the attractions, browsed the local boutiques and sampled the quality cuisine, why not take a drive along the rest of the Amalfi Coast? There are a wealth of small towns and villages that are located along the route, all home to various attractions and eateries. Personally, I would recommend stopping off at Minori, just an hour’s drive from Praiano. The town makes a wonderful visit for culture lovers as it boasts some fantastic historical sites, including one of the most important monuments on the Amalfi Coast.
The Villa Marittima Romana (an ancient Roman villa) is an archaeological ruin dating back to the first century AD. The villa is said to have been the seaside residence of an influential member of the imperial court, so today it is a well-known landmark frequently visited by tourists. The infrastructure is very much intact, and some of the building’s original mosaics and frescoes are still on display. The site is truly fascinating and makes for an enjoyable day trip; a small museum nearby provides even more information about the ancient Roman way of life.
Also worth visiting while in Minori is the Cathedral, dedicated to Santa Trofimena (in the lower basilica lie the relics of this patron saint). The building was restored in the nineteenth century and now stands majestically at the heart of the town. The paintings and sculptures inside are not to be missed.
Top Tip: Discover more about the Amalfi Coast here.
Where to Stay
Hotel Margherita – This family-run hotel is high-class and stylish. Delectable dishes prepared with organic ingredients are served daily at the breakfast buffet, and an onsite restaurant offers equally delightful meals in the evenings. The rooms each have a balcony and there is also a sun terrace; you have plenty of opportunities to enjoy the beautiful landscape.
Hotel Grand Tritone – Situated just a short walk to both the beach and the bus stop, this hotel is in a prime location for adventurers. However, there is also an outdoor pool if you feel like enjoying a relaxing day at the hotel! The outside appearance of the building is wonderfully authentic, contrasting to the rooms which are decorated with sleek, modern furnishings.
Hotel Onda Verde – Hidden amongst lush gardens is the Hotel Onda Verde. Once again, this accommodation serves some of Praiano’s finest cuisine, and is in a brilliant location to go out exploring. Boat trips are available nearby for day excursions to other islands, or you can stay in the hotel and enjoy the pool and spa.
How to Get There
The best airport to fly to from the UK is Naples International Airport. There are usually around 50 flights per week and the journey takes two and a half hours. Seven airlines fly direct, so you should be able to find the times and prices that suit you quite easily.
From the airport, a transfer to your accommodation is the simplest option. Shuttle Direct since offers a number of different shuttle options catering to various requirements – all you need to do is book before you leave home. The journey from Naples International to Praiano takes just two hours.
About Shuttle Direct
At Shuttle Direct, we provide safe and reliable airport transfers to get your holiday off to the best start possible. Leave your worries behind you and book your transfer now to avoid the inevitable transport queues at the airport.
