Anyone coming to the Amalfi Coast during the summer is surely looking for special places to enjoy some well-deserved relaxation.
Sea lovers will surely be happy to know that there are over a hundred beaches on the Amalfi Coast: some are accessible by road, others by private facilities, and still others – the most exclusive ones – only by sea.
In this article, we will focus on Praiano, one of the pearls of the Amalfi Coast, set between sky and sea. Midway between Amalfi and Positano, it is the place chosen by thousands of people for their holidays.
The town is famous for its position, which offers truly suggestive sunsets, to be enjoyed while sipping a drink in one of the many bars overlooking the sea, or from the small majolica-tiled square in front of the Church of San Gennaro: it is really worth treating yourself to this special moment, enjoying a view that sweeps as far as Positano, Capri and Li Galli, enhanced by the warm tones at sunset.
It may be an idea when you return from your day at Marina di Praia, one of the most famous and popular beaches in the area.
Before proceeding, however, we recommend that you do not limit your visit to the lower part of the town alone: in the upper part, there is the 16th century Church of San Luca Evangelista, the Church of San Gennaro, which we have already mentioned, from which the narrow streets lead to the Gavitella beach and the Grado Tower.
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What are the unmissable beaches in Praiano?
Marina di Praia
Overlooked and dominated by an ancient Saracen tower, the beach of Marina di Praia in Praiano is set among rocks, framed by a unique and evocative landscape, making it one of the most sought-after beaches on the Coast.
Because it is protected and guarded by two cliffs, the sun only reaches it during the central hours of the day. The cliff runs all around the Saracen tower, offering one of those walks that put you at peace with the world and stamp a smile of well-being on your face all day long. The walk is particularly recommended towards evening and starts from the right side of the beach.
From the beach of Marina di Praia you can reach several restaurants and one of the most famous historical clubs of the Amalfi Coast, the Africana, a suggestive nightclub set in the rock.
The club has hosted illustrious personalities in its history, including even Jaqueline Kennedy, wife of US President John Fitzerald Kennedy, during her holiday on the Amalfi Coast in 1962.
How to get to Marina di Praia beach in Praiano
The beach is very accessible, as it can be reached easily from the above-mentioned State Road 163 Amalfitana.
Public transport of the SITA SUD service, which covers the Amalfi – Positano route, makes it easy to reach the beach.
Looking for more information on getting around the Amalfi Coast? Download our free guide “Getting around the Amalfi Coast”.
La Gavitella: the most brightly lit beach on the Amalfi Coast
Praiano offers another great opportunity to tourists, represented by the Gavitella beach. From here one can enjoy a splendid view of Positano, the Li Galli Islands and the island of Capri. Due to its geographical position, the sun kisses the beach throughout the day. Here one can enjoy a sunset that is nothing short of breathtaking.
The steep slope leading down to the beach is also characteristic of the small beaches and inlets of the Amalfi Coast. For those who prefer to reach it more conveniently, it can be reached by sea directly from Marina Grande. The beach is only thirty metres long, but more space has been created by two concrete platforms. It is a completely private beach and inside the lido there is also an excellent restaurant, which welcomes thousands of tourists with kindness and professionalism.
As mentioned above, the descent to the beach is characterised by a unique stairway, consisting of no less than 413 steps. The landscape as you descend towards Gavitella is unique.
Not only unmissable beaches: what to do in the surroundings
Just a stone’s throw from Praiano is one of the most beautiful and suggestive places on the Amalfi Coast, the Fiordo of Furore. The fjord is made up of a deep cleft in the rock and is crossed by the Schiato torrent, which rushes down from the Agerola plateau.
These deep inlets and overhanging rocks are typical of northern European landscapes, and Furore too takes on the physical connotations typical of those fairytale landscapes, blending them, however, with Mediterranean smells and atmosphere.
Reaching the Fiordo from Praiano is quite simple. From State Road 163 Amalfitana there is access through an inlet that leads to the beach only 25 metres wide, although there are no car parks in the area.
