'''Praiano''' is in Campania, Italy. It's a part of the world famous Amalfi Coast, a really beautiful and quiet place. There are a dozen of hotels on the steep cliffs.
Get in
By bus
By Taxi
Taxi Benvenuto Umberto
Via Roma, 54
Tel. +39 089 874024 or 334 3078342
[http://www.taxibenvenuto.com Taxi Benvenuto]
By train/bus
By boat
There is a network of ferries that run along the towns of the Amalfi Coast. The ferry service is run by Coop Sant'Andrea with 2009 schedule released here: http://www.coopsantandrea.com
They provide quicker access to the towns during the summer months, as opposed to the one main Amalfi Coast road which connects Amalfi to Praiano to Positano and onwards to Sorrento. Major ferry stops are Salerno, Sorrento, Positano, and Amalfi. In summer, there are ferry connections from Positano and Amalfi to the pretty towns of Maiori and Minori. Praiano is not serviced by ferry as there is no stable pier to dock and ultimately the marina is very shallow. Positano is the closest point for people staying in Praiano who want the ferry.
Get around
By bus
There is SITA bus network which travels along the coast (Naples to Salerno) and the 24h ticket is 6 Euro. Stops are frequent and one must be ready for quite a ride (narrow road, many turns and rather speedy driving)
There is a local bus that loops through Praiano and runs to Positano. This service is operated by the Flavio Gioia company [http://www.flaviogioia.com]. 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 rental agencies - on in Praiano and another in nearby Conca dei Marini.
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 truly 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.
By boat
Charter La Dolce Vita can dock in Praiano's marina called Marina di Praia or at any Praiano villa which has a landing stage. They specialise in luxury motor-yacht charters, private boat tours, water taxi from Praiano to any Amalfi Coast destination and cruise excursions along the Amalfi, Capri, Ischia, Sorrento and Naples Coast. http://www.amalficoastyacht.com
See
[http://www.sanluca.org '''Chiesa di San Luca''']
'''Chiesa di San Gennaro'''.
'''Chiesa di San Tommaso''', for its unique climate.
'''Chiesa di Santa Caterina''', on the 163 Statal Road.
'''Chiesa di San Giovanni''', with a wonderful floor and pipe organ.
'''Chiesa SS.Annunziata''', on the beach ''La Praia''.
'''Chiesa S.Maria di Costantinopoli''', with a wonderful landscape.
Do
'''Relax''' - Praiano is a fairly quintessential italian village located amongst the hullabaloo of the the neighboring towns. You will find many of the local towns people gathering in the squares of Chiesa San Luca and San Gennaro, especially in the evening. The children will often be playing soccer. Enjoy the many walks, vistas, footpaths and aromas throughout the town. Town that is quite different from others on the coast because of it's original italian spirit not spoiled by huge amounts of tourists.
There are two '''beaches''' in Praiano. The first is called Marina di Praia, located between two rock formations but lacking sun in the afternoon, and the other is called La Gavitella, the only beach on the Amalfi Coast with sun exposure all day (betw.9,30am to 8,00 pm during summer time).
'''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 lower prices than the neighboring towns.
'''Il Gusto della Costa''', [http://www.ilgustodellacosta.it/]. 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 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/].
'''Il Pirata'''
'''La Strada'''
'''Hotel Onda Verde''', [http://www.ondaverde.it/].
'''Margherita's Restaurant''', [http://www.hotelmargherita.info/].
Trattoria Armandino. ia Terramare 1.
Drink
'''Le Fioriere Bar''', Via G Capriglione 138, [http://www.lefioriere.it/bar.htm]. The Hotel Bar Le Fioriere is the only cocktail and wine bar available in Praiano town centre Relaxed atmosphere surrounded by locals in a mediterranean architecture with arcs and floor with majolica.Lovely decorated counter The bar room and terrace is provided by Wi-Fi internet access.With good music in the background They also serve a complete breakfast (Tea, Coffes,Espresso, Cappuccino , cornetto )with fresh fruit seasonally.
'''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 (sfogliatelle, treccine, cornetti, etc.). There is an indoor bar as well as an outdoor terrace that overlooks San Gennaro Church. This is where you will find many of the local villagers and fisherman.
.
Sleep
'''Hotel Onda Verde''', Via Terramare, No.3, Telephone +30 089 874143, +39 089 874 125 (''FAX +39 089 8131049''), [http://www.ondaverde.it/]. Hotel Onda Verde offers a stunning location with panoramic views, attentive and friendly staff and outstanding cuisine. Access to the beach, and boats to La Grotta Smeraldo and La Gavitella. Day trips to Positano, Amalfi, Ravello, Pompeii and many other points of interest arranged directly at the hotel. The SITA bus, which connects all Amalfi coast points, stops right outside the hotel entrance for the convenience of guests.
''' Hotel Le Fioriere''', (''right at the bus stop centre town''), Tel +39 089 874203or +39 089 874157 fax +39 089 874343, email: [mailto:info@lefioriere.it info@lefioriere.it], [http://www.lefioriere.it]. Le Fioriere is in the Praiano centre a 3 stars hotel with family feeling with sea view terrace room 95 Euros for a double room with AC/Heating, bathroom and terrace with parking and breakfast included.
Hotel Margherita. ia Umberto I, 70, Praiano. 39 089.874227. ttp://www.hotelmargherita.info/en/index.htm. nfo@hotelmargherita.info. 39 089.874227. A magical place, an enchanting view, a kind and warm hospitality, a terrace with pool, sunbathing deck and view...all this is yours to enjoy. Surrounded by verdent hills and crystal clear blue waters. Only the guests of Hotel Margherita have the privilege of living these atmospheres, beauty, comforts and services in one of the most appreciated 3 star hotels of Praiano and of the Amalfi Coast.
With restaurant, pool, parking and rooms with views...</sleep>
'''Hotel Villa Bellavista''', (''right at the bus stop''), Tel: 089874054, email: [mailto:info@villabellavista.it info@villabellavista.it], [http://www.villabellavista.it]. 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.
Amalfi Coast Accommodation. ia G.Capriglione, 67 Praiano. isit our website to contact us. FAX +39 089 874891). nfo@amalfi-coast-accommodation.com. ttp://amalfi-coast-accommodation.com. It offers a refined selection of self-catering luxury villas and exclusive apartments on the Amalfi Coast, in Praiano and Positano. Rent a week in the Paradise!
Get out
Praiano is on the SITA[http://www.sitabus.it/] 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.
Maiori
Minori
Ravello
Amalfi
Tramonti
Conca dei Marini
Furore
Positano
Capri
Pompeii
Herculaneum