Praiano Travel Guide
From Wikitravel
Praiano is in Campania, Italy. It a beautiful and quiet place. There are a dozen of hotels on the steep cliffs.
Contents |
Get in
By bus
By train/bus
By boat
There is a network of ferries that run along the towns of the Amalfi Coast. These are said to provide quicker access to the towns during the summer months, as opposed to the local highway. Major stops are within the towns of Sorrento, Positano, and Amalfi. The smaller towns, such as Praiano, may have "spotty" access by ferry.
By car service
Although this will most likely be the most expensive route, this will provide a more comfortable and direct route when compared to the other bus and train itineraries. Most companies will pick you up from the Naples airport or other Amalfi Coast towns and transport you accordingly. If you are travelling with a group, most companies offer vans. This can help to defray the costs. The ride from Naples airport is approximately 90 minutes and prices seem to start around $100 one way.
Get around
By bus
There is a local bus that loops through Praiano and runs to Positano. This service is operated by the Flavio Gioia company [1]. Tickets are purchased on board the bus from the bus driver (yes, it can be a rather slow process of there are lots of people boarding). If you are going to Positano, this is often a better route to take, rather than the SITA bus. More information regarding this bus route can be located at Praiano's tourist office.
By scooter
There are two scooter rentals.
By foot
This is the best way to enjoy Praiano. There are lots of interesting paths and stairs, some very vertical, that meander amongst gardens, olive trees, lemon trees, etc. These cannot be truely appreciated by day-tripping. These paths not only provide quaint walks, but they also provide a network of "roads" that allow the locals to avoid walking along the main thoroughfares.
See
Do
- Relax - Praiano is a fairly quintessential italian village located amongst the hullabaloo of the the neighbooring towns. You will find many of the local towns people gathering in the squares of Chiesa San Luca and Santa Maria Assunta , especially in the evening. The children will often be playing soccer. Enjoy the many walks, vistas, footpaths and aromas throughout the town.
- Beach
- Cooking Classes - There seem to be quite a few cooking schools in the area, but they are not widely advertised or easy to find.
Buy
Local stores offer hand-made ceramics at less prices than the neighbooring towns.
- Il Gusto della Costa [2]. A local limoncello manufacturer.
Eat
The proximity to the sea provides many chances to enjoy the local cuisine of the Amalfi Coast. You will see many of the restaurants heading out on their fishing boats to bring back the meals for that day. The fish is fresh and the shellfish is very sweet. Be aware that some seafood items may be frozen. The menu will alert you to this. The majority of the wines are local.
- La Gavitella (http://www.ristorantelagavitella.it/)
- La Brace
- Alfonso a Mare (http://www.alfonsoamare.it/)
- Hotel Il Pino (http://www.hotelilpino.it/)
Drink
- Bar del Sole, Capriglione 120 gets very lively at night. It is also sells ice cream and beer and wine to go. This seems to be the prime location to get all of the Italian bar items, including all espresso-based beverages (cappuccino, espresso, etc.) and pastries (sfogliadelle, treccine, cornetti, etc.). There is an indoor bar as well as an outdoor terrace that overlooks Santa Maria Assunta . This is where you will find many of the local villagers and fisherman.
Sleep
- Hotel Villa Bellavista (right at the bus stop). Tel: 089874054, mailto:info@villabellavista.it, [3]. It caters to germans but everyone is welcome. €100 for a double room with AC, bathroom and balcony. The rooms are located on small terraces, all with a beautiful view af the bay. €20 for half pension which includes 5 course dinner.
- Apartment & Villa Rentals - Many companies offer apartment and villa rentals, often by the week. These are terrific for those who like to travel and not depend upon the services of a formal hotel. These tend to have more charm and offer economical choices when compared to hotels.
Get out
Praiano is on the SITA Sorrento-Salerno line, which will allow you to travel to all of the towns along the Amalfi Coast. Tickets can be purchased at any tabacchi. Remember to validate the ticket once you board the bus or else you risk the chance of being fined if you are caught without a validated ticket. [4]
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