If you plan to visit the Amalfi coast and are unsure of where to stay, consider Praiano -Amalfi's hidden gem. This quaint, often overlooked coastal town sits 2o minutes between Amalfi and Positano. It is small, less crowded, and boasts beautiful views, beaches, and fantastic cuisine. If you are looking for an authentic Italian experience, Praiano delivers.

Praiano-What Makes It Amalfi's Hidden Gem?

My husband, Mr. Travel, and I accidently stumbled on Praiano. We thought we booked in Positano only to discover we were "internet tricked." It turned out that while we were hotel searching, the internet led us to an available hotel just outside Positano. A small town named Praiano. Since Positano was no longer an option, we decided to embrace our "mistake."

As you may have predicted, we fell in love with Praiano. We jealously hoped that no one else would mistakenly discover her. Over the last several years, as Positano's crowds have increased, so has Praiano's popularity. However, for most first-time Amalfi travelers, she remains off the beaten path.

Here are five things that make this gem sparkle: proximity along the Amalfi coast, no crowds, great views, small beaches, and authentic Italian cuisine.

PROXIMITY

Praiano is mid way between Positano and the town of Amalfi. Mid-way means you can travel to either destination within 15-20 minutes. The proximity to these towns makes Praiano an excellent base for visiting the entire Amalfi coast. Some hotels offer free shuttles, but a bus to Positano arrives in Praiano hourly if your hotel doesn't. From Positano you can pick up ferries to Capri, Sorrento, and Amalfi. You can also take taxis or hire private drivers through Pisano Destinations and visit nearby Ravello. Consider taking some Amalfi coast tours led by The Tour Guy. Perhaps even rent a scooter and explore the Amalfi on your own.

My husband and I rented a scooter in Praiano and drove along the Amalfi, visiting Positano and Ravello. We stopped at our leisure, and exploited every photo opportunity that we encountered. We also drove the scooter to the beach in Praiano. With the scooter, parking is also much more accessible.

When renting a scooter, confirm that the supplier has provided a full tank of gas. Also, plan you travel time so that you are not driving the scooter along the Amalfi after sundown. There is no law against driving at night, but it is pretty scary.

NO CROWDS

Praiano is a small seaside town. Although there are many restaurants and hotels, it has no city square or "piazza." The streets are relatively narrow and steep. The city has a welcomed "sleepy charm," especially after a busy day of sightseeing.

Once a year, from August 1 - 4th, the town will gather for the Luminaria (festival of lights) at the Church of San Gennaro. This church is the only landmark where you will see groups of people gather in the town. It is fair to say that the Church of San Gennaro serves as Praiano's piazza (main city center). And while you are in Praiano, stop in and view this well-preserved 15th-century church and its unique baroque architecture.

View of San Gennaro Church from our hotel room at Tramonto D'oro

GREAT VIEWS

I am sure it is no surprise that Praiano has magnificent views. In fact, it is easy to accuse Praiano of being a "nature lovers dream." Because here you will also find the famous hiking trail "Footpath of the Gods" which connects to Positano. The path is not for the faint of heart, and in Praiano, it has many steps. Many, many, many steps.

My husband and I hiked a portion of this trail (after visiting the city's cemetery) to the top of the mountain until we reached the church and monastery Conventi Santa Maria a Castro. Here, you will find a large fresco that has been untouched for centuries. Perhaps more impressive is the view, which (at 1200 feet above sea level) overlooks Praiano's Vettica Maggiore, Positano, the private isles of Li Galli, and the island of Capri.

If you are not interested in hiking, take a casual stroll around town. Indulge in some of the city's local flavors and experience Praiano's collection of warm and friendly people. Then perhaps, rent a scooter and take some fantastic photos.

The photo was taken while walking through Praiano

MARINA DI PRAIA BEACH

Marina di Praia is the main beach in Praiano. It is better described as a beach cove, masterfully carved into the landscape between two cliffs. This beach is free, but it does offer chair and umbrella rentals. It is significantly less crowded than Positano and more beautiful. Like most beaches along the Amalfi, it is a pebble beach with clear blue/teal water.

Marina di Praia has a bathhouse, restaurants, and paid private parking. A walkway hugs the cliffs that lead to the infamous "Africana Nightclub." We arrived by scooter, rented two loungers, and spent several hours here. It helps to get here early, as the cliffs block the sun by early afternoon.

LA GAVITELLA BEACHCLUB

La Gavitella Beach translated is "kissed by the sun." Here you will find total sun exposure all day, something scarce along the Amalfi coast.

You can access this beach from the walkway that starts at the San Gennaro Church on Via Gennaro Capriglione. Be prepared to walk! The descent is over 400 stairs, don’t worry the stairs have handrails! Yes, the staircase is long, but the views are worth the struggle.

This beach has some free places, but most of it is private. It has chair rentals, restaurants, and bathrooms. Rented chairs can be expensive, so arrive early and get a full day of sun! The chairs are generally not discounted if you arrive later in the day.

Most importantly, if you do not want to take a walk at all, you can pick up a boat shuttle at the beach Marina di Praia. Many people take the walk down and then decide to shuttle over to Marina di Praia to skip the walk up.

FOOD

Ask any local about food in Praiano, and they will agree that the food here is as authentic as it gets. Because Praiano is still an active fishing village, seafood is always fresh. But don't forget to try the lemon pasta dishes! My all-time favorite afternoon dish is the lemon ravioli that is served at Ristorante Tramonto D'oro .

Lemon Ravioli from Ristorante Tramonto D’oro

If you just want great pizza, and a carafe of local wine, visit family owned and operated La Brace, located just down the street from the main church San Gennaro on Via Gennaro Capriglione.

For a nice dinner with beautiful views and excellent seafood and pasta, try another of Praiano’s top restaurants Il Pino, also located on Via Gennaro Capriglione.

PRAIANO

Praiano is still one of the best-kept secrets along the Amalfi coast. Her proximity to all things Amalfi, make her a strategic choice for many travelers.

Additionally, the off-the-beaten-path charm, excellent food, and warm and welcoming Italian locals make Praiano a place worth repeating. Considering that we found this hidden gem by accident, I can proudly claim, "Praiano; "Your my favorite mistake."

Meet me at the sea,

Praiano-Amalfi's Hidden Gem