The Most Beautiful Beaches In Praiano & The Amalfi Coast
The Amalfi Coast is one of the most beautiful stretches of coastline in all of Italy, if not the world. Home to colorful hilltop villages that overlook a crystalline sea, it’s a landscape that boasts natural beauty, art, history and culture – all suspended between sea and sky. You’ve probably seen it in films and commercials, but nothing can prepare you for the real experience. UNESCO, in fact, has declared it “an outstanding example of a Mediterranean landscape” when it added the Amalfi Coast to its list of World Heritage Sites in 1997.
This small corner of paradise has long attracted travelers from all over the world who want to experience la dolce vita. The main beaches are quite crowded but for those looking for a bit of tranquility, the entire coastline is full of beautiful coves, many accessible only by boat. Here, we’ve selected some of our favorite beaches in Praiano and the Amalfi Coast.
One of the pearls of the Amalfi Coast is the small town of Praiano, home to our boutique hotel Albadamare. Down by the shore of Praiano you’ll find Cala della Gavitella, one of the most beautiful beaches of the Amalfi Coast that is bathed in sunlight from sunrise until sunset. To reach if you’ll have to walk down a long flight of stairs but once you arrive down to the sea, you’ll be speechless in front of its beauty. Near Gavitella beach look out for the Fountain of the Altar, an enchanting natural swimming pool located within a cave and the small beach of Praeie which you can only reach by sea. Another beautiful beach is Marina di Praia, a small jewel nestled between two rock walls overlooking the sea. From here you can admire the Torre a Mare, an ancient Saracen watchtower, and enjoy watersports: in addition to swimming and sunbathing, this is a great little spot for kayaking, windsurfing, diving and boat tours. There are also a number of restaurants where you can enjoy the delicious cuisine of our coastline.
Another breathtaking beach is the Fjord of Furore, one of the most fascinating and picturesque places of the Amalfi Coast. This small beach, just 25 meters long, is nestled between two sides of the mountain making it extremely photogenic. You can reach this narrow bay by walking down a long staircase – and the temperatures here tend to be cooler because the beach is only hit by the sun in the early afternoon. If you want more of a crowd, the Marina Grande in Positano is popular with jetsetters and is fascinating for its dark sand and pebbles. With the colorful houses of Positano in the backdrop, it’s a nice place for a picturesque swim or for sunbathing but it can get quite busy and overcrowded during the summer months.
Another beautiful, famous beach is the Marina Grande beach in Amalfi. One of the largest beaches along the coastline, its central location and charming setting make it a popular destination in the summer – and it’s convenient because it’s located down by the port and offers many services to travelers. Full of bars and restaurants, this beach is a great choice if you want to enjoy a plate of fresh fish while soaking in the sunshine. Nearby, the Duoglio beach is tucked away from the crowds but one of the most enchanting places on the coast. It’s considered one of the cleanest beaches in the area and the transparent waves quietly lap up the long shoreline: the pebbled beach is 170 meters long. You can reach it by walking down a long staircase, about 400 steps in total, but it’s worth it.
If you’re an incurable romantic, you can’t miss the Lover’s Beach in the nearby fishing town of Cetara. This small cove, just 6 meters long, can only accommodated 3 or 4 couples during low tide so it’s private and a great place to relax. Surrounding by rocks overlooking the sea, you can only reach the pebbled beach by sea to enjoy its crystal-clear waters. And if you prefer sunbathing on a sandy beach, we recommend heading to the Marina di Vietri which is easily accessible by car and the best choice for families with children.
On the Amalfi Coast, you’re spoiled for choice! Which beach will you choose for your vacation?
