Praiano is picturesquely positioned on the spectacular Amalfi Coast, yet is strangely peaceful compared to the photogenic bustle and crowds of its near neighbour Positano. Being a relatively small centre, Praiano has predominantly smaller properties, with a good range of B&Bs, guesthouses, small hotels and small apartment hotels. Though the best places to stay in Praiano also include some beautiful converted villas, and a couple of contemporary hotels. However our Gurus favour the properties with the very best views.

Praiano has two centres, Vettica Maggiore, which is higher on the cliffs, along the main corniche road; and Marina di Praia, tucked into a cleft in the cliffs at sea level, a little further east towards Amalfi. Both centres are small, but have little shops, cafes, bars, and restaurants. Around them wind narrow lanes and steep steps, in between prettily coloured houses. Explore either way along the coast from Marina di Praia and you’ll find Praiano’s small beaches, some sandy, some pebbly, but all quieter than Positano’s! Vettica Maggiore’s appeals include several very lovely churches: the Church of San Luca Evangelista has a beautiful majolica floor, and the Convent of San Domenico high above the town and with breathtaking views. Praiano is also the closest town to the magical Grotta dello Smeraldo, a vast sea cave that glows a magical emerald when flooded.

The town is an obvious pick for families who prefer a quieter beach and less crowed restaurants, but our Gurus recommend the best places to stay in Praiano to romantics too, and walkers. Whatever your reason to visit, it is an excellent place to relax, which isn’t something that can be said for everywhere on the Amalfi Coast!

The Best Places to Stay in Praiano

For a Beach Break

• The Grand Hotel Tritone is one of those wonderful Amalfi Coast buildings that seems to defy gravity, jutting out of the cliff so that almost all of its 60 rooms and suites have views that will take your breath away. The gorgeous pools, terraces, bars and restaurant have incredible views too. The decor is Amalfi Coast perfection, with plenty of white and accents of marine blues and greens, tiles and potted plants feature too. Below the hotel, on the water, is its private beach, complete with a rock pool, beach bar and cafe, and a jetty.

For The Views

• With its white-on-white decor, sleek lines and bold contemporary art, Casa Angelina is a design-junkie's dream. All of the 30 rooms and suites have private terraces and unbroken sea views, which stretch all the way to Capri and Positano, while four cottages near the private beach have their own shady terraces. The casa has both indoor and outdoor pools, plus a small gym, and a beach club with a boat exclusively available to guests. The cottage have self-catering facilities, and are idea for groups or families, but with over 12s.

For an Intimate Escape

• Picturesque and intimate, the Casa Privata is a seven room guesthouse surrounded by beautiful landscaped gardens full of lavender and roses, lemons, cypresses, and fountains, all tumbling towards the sea along a gently terraced slope. Halfway down there’s a secluded pool, and at the base of the cliff there’s a private beach. Each of the seven rooms is airy and spacious, decorated simply and traditionally with dark wood and a colour palate of warm naturals. They’re all unique, and some have private sitting areas and terraces, all have flowers from the gardens. Meals on request.

For Families

• Il Piccolo Sant'Andrea is a gorgeous, cliffside hotel overlooking the spectacular Amalfi Coast in both directions. Inside are just 27 rooms and suites, bright and stylishly decorated with lots of white, plus contemporary furnishings and features. There’s a chic spa with a small indoor pool, built into the cliff, an outdoor pool, and a beautiful bar and restaurant. Some of the suites are perfect for families.

For Great Value

• If reclining in the sun is your idea of fun then Hotel Margherita is the one for you. Stylishly designed, the hotel's 28 elegant rooms and suites have balconies that offer stunning views out over the Amalfi coast. They also have traditional features, like tiled floors, frescos, and decoratively painted furnishings. Enjoy delicious food on the terrace overlooking the sea, or close your eyes and enjoy the sun. The quadruple rooms will suit families, and there’s a friendly relaxed atmosphere and a friendly price tag too.

Best B&Bs

• La Maurella is a delightful, family-run B&B in a peaceful spot directly overlooking the ocean. It has just five charming rooms, all individually decorated and featuring lots of white and pale wood, the best with private balconies. There’s also a sun-soaked terrace, and a pool-with-a-view. A delicious breakfast is served on the terrace every morning,

For a Private apartment or villa

• If you think a self-catering option would best suit your needs then browse through the wide variety available online with our partner, Booking.com.

Travel Information

• Praiano’s closest international airport is Naples Airport, which is about an hour's drive, or just under two hours by public transport. Rome’s Leonardo da Vinci Airport might be convenient for connections, but it’s about three hours' drive, or four hours away by train.
• If you plan to hire a car, which we would advise if you want to get out and explore further afield, we recommend you visit our online partner Rentalcars.
• As wth the rest of the Amalfi Coast, the most popular time to visit Praiano is during the summer, it’s hot and sunny but busy with it. Daily maximum temperatures in July and August average at 30° C, so if you’re not so good in the heat you might want to opt for May, June or September, which are still bustling periods, with lots of sunshine.

Still not sure where to stay?

• You could expand your search to include all the best places to stay on the Amalfi Coast
• Or you could expand your search to consider some of the Amalfi Coast’s other gems like neighbouring Conca Dei Marini, Amalfi or Positano
• You might want to refine your search by the kind of accommodation you’re looking for, and consider the best beach hotels on the Amalfi Coast, the best hotel views on the Amalfi Coast or the best luxury hotels on the Amalfi Coast
• Alternatively, you could contact one of our friendly Gurus for personalised advice.