Hello, our family is planning a trip to Europe. We have decided to include the Amalfi coast in our plans, and I was curious as to this resourceful groups opinions on bases to explore from. We are looking at the month of July, for a week or so. I have narrowed down our search to Praiano and Altrani for bases. I like the accessibility of Altrani for day trips, but also like Praiano for easy access to the "Path of the Gods" for some hiking. My question would be, do I spend the entire week in one location and use the bus to get to the ferry ports out of Praiano or walk to Amalfi to the ports out of Altrani, or perhaps split up our trip between the two. One for day tripping and the other for the hiking? Any suggestions or personal experience is greatly appreciated.
Posted by
Western NY
15 posts
We have stayed in Praiano twice. There is a tall staircase on the edge of town that leads right to the Path. It was too hot the morning we started on the stairs (plus I drank too much the night before). We opted to take the bus to Bomerano (Follow these instructions: http://www.pathofgods.com/into-the-path/from-east-to-west/from-bomerano-to-nocelle/).
We loved Praiano because it is quiet as opposed to Amalfi and Positano. It is easy to get to either place via the bus system. The 2 beaches are great.... our favorite was One Fire Beach. Small restaurants that are great. Nice town square where we saw a local carnival on a Friday night.... just a great little town with really nice locals.
Ravello is one of the many small towns I would recommend going to from Praiano.
Hotel - In Praiano we stayed at Hotel Margherita both times. There are 2 rooms that stand out at Hotel Margherita, both with private balconies. Call and Suela the owner will take care of you.
Posted by
Portland, OR
1135 posts
Hi Tania,
I believe that you are referring to Atrani, not Altrani. Atrani is in a great central location and down on the beach. It can be busier and noisier though because its right on the main road.
We have stayed in Ravello three times and loved it!. I have been looking at Praiano though for our next visit though, just to switch it up a little.
I personally wouldn't switch locations while you're on the Amalfi coast. You can take the hydrofoil or bus everywhere.
Posted by
Boise, ID, USA
2334 posts
If you're staying in hotels, I'd consider the split approach. For apartments, one generally gets a better rate by the week. We stayed in Atrani last May. The buses to Ravello were jammed, and I can only imagine they'll be worse in July - and maybe the ferries will be as well. What I mean to point out is that getting from Praiano to Ravello, for example, will be much more time-consuming than from Atrani to Ravello (from Atrani you can even walk up to Ravello, if you don't mind 1000+ stairs!). Happy planning.
Posted by
Washington DC
28470 posts
Do check on how many steps you'll have to climb to your accommodation. That can be an issue in the Amalfi area.