After a few years of talking and planning, our family trip to Italy will finally become a reality in late June/early July 2023 (I'm a teacher, so while it will be hot and crowded, it's the only time we can take a long trip). We are planning to stay for 7 nights on the Amalfi Coast and have narrowed down our destination between Praiano and Atrani. We would like to have easy beach/ocean access, good restaurants and the ability to see some of the more popular towns (by land or sea) - but have more of our time "off the beaten track". Is there one village/location that is "better" than the other? Or at least some suggestions/recommendations?
Thank you!
Posted by
5115 posts
Praiano does not have ferry service--perhaps boat taxis are more prevalent in the summer, not sure--but that makes it a place to get away from it all, not necessarily a place to stay as a base for day trips. You are likely an early riser as a teacher and it may be worth it to you to have the extra travel time.
Atrani is a short walk from Amalfi, which does have ferry service. I liked its "tucked away" feel, but I did not go to Praiano so I cannot compare the two.
In terms of beaches, it's not a place I would go for swimming. There are boat tours that can take you to coves. Minori and Maiori had more appealing beaches. This site has a good overview of most aspects: https://www.positano.com/en/e/beaches-of-praiano
Posted by
2822 posts
The beaches on the Amalfi coast are pebble. You need water shoes to enjoy and the one day we went to the beach, we rented chairs. There were a few young people laying on towels in the pebbles.
We walked through Atrani on our way back from Ravello. You go through a tunnel and then you are in Amalfi which is a transportation hub. I haven’t been to Praiano but I would pick Attani for its transportation access unless you want to just stay put and relax. You can take ferries and buses from Amalfi. We wanted to do the Path of the Gods hike and stayed in Amalfi because of the buses available. We also liked the town.
Posted by
georgetown, KY, USA
114 posts
I have never been to Praiano but love Atrani. Atrani is just a short walk to Amalfi. It has the convenience of Amalfi regarding transportation but not the crowds. Also our favorite restaurants are in Atrani. There is a beach and also one in Amalfi but can’t comment on that as I have never been.