In the heart of the Amalfi Coast - Praiano
Activities and excursions
In the heart of the Amalfi Coast and half way between Positano and Amalfi, from which it is just a 7km journey away, lies the enchanting fishing village of Praiano.
Originally, the village was situated even closer to the sea but, due to both the constant threat of attack by Saracen pirates and frequent seaquakes, the inhabitants were forced to move to safer, higher land.
During the Angevin period, Praiano was fortified with a series of watch towers, some of which can be visited.
In the 17th century Praiano was ruled by Amalfi, from which it slowly established its own identity by way of its weaving, linen bleaching, and coral crafting traditions and its production of pickled anchovies.
To visit
In the historic center of Praiano
The parish church of San Luca Evangelista: the church, dedicated to St Luke, Patron Saint of Praiano, dates back to the late 16th century. Built in baroque style, the edifice is characterised by a single majolica-faced dome and a beautiful 18th century majolica pavement depicting the Saint.
The church is further embellished by artworks of an inestimable value: works in marble (balustrade, main altar, and altar of the Rosario), paintings (by Giovanni Bernardo Lama, Padovano di Montorio, and del Gigante) and statues, all in a perfect state of conservation.
The Church of San Gennaro Vescovo e Martire: built in the 16th century on the site of a pre-existing house of worship, the church is home to a number of 19th century chapels. Particularly noteworthy is the altar of San Michele Arcangelo which, in the 17th and 18th centuries, provided the spiritual home for fishermen and seamen.
Torre Assiola: built by the Spanish during the period of the Viceroy, the building served as watch tower to defend the town from attack from the sea.
To see
Cala della Gavitella: one of Praiano’s two main beaches, from where there is beautiful view of the islands of Capri and Li Galli and Positano. This beach is one of few on the Amalfi Coast where the sunshine can be enjoyed from dawn until dusk.
Other favourite places to swim are the waters just off the beach of Praie, accessible only from the sea – either by renting a boat or by taking the shuttle service - and the enchanting Fontana dell'Altare, a natural swimming pool at the entrance of a cave.
The Suppraiano and Africana caves, located in the vicinity of Marina di Praia, offer a fascinating display of crystal concretions.
Hotel Onda Verde will be pleased to organise excursions to: Capri with a visit to the Faraglioni, the Grotta dello Smeraldo, the Fiord of Furore, Ischia and the island’s thermal parks, the archaeological site of Pompei, Mount Vesuvius, Sorrento, Herculaneum, Paestum and Naples, city of art and culture, with a visit to Palazzo Reale.
Il Sentiero degli Dei: a long scenic walk which commences in Praiano, considered to be one of the most beautiful pathways in the world.
Cooking lessons: 2 hr cooking lessons held by chef Nicola, during which you can discover some of the secrets of the Amalfi Coast’s great culinary tradition, such as how to prepare ravioli, tagliatelle and gnocchi.
Concerts at Ravello (from March to early November). For music lovers, attending a concert at Ravello is a unique opportunity both to listen to performances by musicians of world-side fame, and to experience the enchanting atmosphere of town’s amphitheatre, complete with breathtaking view of the sea.
Excursions: Hotel Onda Verde will be pleased to organise excursions to: Capri with a visit to the Faraglioni, the Grotta dello Smeraldo, the Fiord of Furore, Ischia and the island’s thermal parks, the archaeological site of Pompei, Mount Vesuvius, Sorrento, Herculaneum, Paestum and Naples, city of art and culture, with a visit to Palazzo Reale.
