Where to go to the sea in Praiano
Situated halfway between Amalfi and Positano, between the mountains and the sea, Praiano is a unique jewel of the Amalfi Coast, with its small white houses clinging to the rocks. It boasts a long tourist tradition: it has been a holiday destination since the earliest times of the ancient Maritime Republic of Amalfi, when it was much loved by the Amalfi Doges, who made it their summer residence. Its territory is home to some of the most enchanting beaches on the coast (and beyond), whose crystal-clear waters and natural beauty make them true paradises for lovers of the sea and relaxation.
Let’s discover together where to go to the sea in Praiano.
Cala della Gavitella
Praiano is home to the only beach on the Amalfi Coast kissed by the sun from dawn to dusk (thanks to its favourable western exposure with breathtaking views of Positano, the Li Galli Islands and the Faraglioni of Capri). We are talking about Cala della Gavitella, a natural cove located a few steps away from the centre of Vettica Maggiore (today a hamlet of Praiano but in the past an autonomous inhabited centre). Here the sunset plunges directly into the sea, creating a spectacle so evocative that it leaves one speechless. Impossible not to be enchanted! The beach is pebbly and the sea is an intense turquoise. In addition to the beach service with beach umbrella and sunbed rental, there is also a restaurant offering typical local dishes. It can be reached by sea or by walking up a panoramic flight of over 400 steps (built in 1926) that starts at Piazza San Gennaro. Near the cove are the natural pool of the Fontana dell’Altare (built in the cavern of a cave) and the solitary beach of the Praie (reachable only by sea).
The beach of Marina di Praia
The lower part of Praiano stretches towards Marina di Praia, the only landing place of the old Plagianum (Praiano’s original name). Here lies a splendid beach enclosed between two high rock walls. Characterised by pebbles mixed with a little sand, it is washed by a sea changing from azure to cobalt blue. The beach is equipped with umbrellas and sunbeds for hire and, in addition to sunbathing and swimming, activities such as kayaking, windsurfing and diving are available. In addition, with short boat trips it is possible to visit the surrounding coastline and reach spectacular caves such as those of Suppraiano and Africana. Guarding the marina is the medieval Torre a Mare on the promontory, which currently houses the atelier of artist Paolo Sandulli, and below it the fascinating path of the Scogliera di Praia. And if you want to try the delicious local cuisine, there are also several restaurants where you can eat excellent fresh fish. The beach of Marina di Praia can be easily reached by public transport or by car from the above-mentioned SS 163 Amalfitana road.
