Marina di Praia
The Marina di Praia is a tiny inlet below Praiano reachable by a staircase cut into the cliff — a small beach of dark sand and pebbles with a bar, a restaurant serving the catch of the day, and water that is calm even when the main coast beaches are churned up by ferry wash. The descent takes five minutes; the ascent takes ten, and is worth it. The restaurant at the bottom serves grilled fish and local wine at prices that have not adjusted to match Positano's. Arrive at lunch, stay until afternoon.
Sunsets and the Western Aspect
Praiano faces directly west, which means sunsets hit the water at full intensity rather than disappearing behind a headland. The terrace of the church of San Luca, halfway up the main staircase, is the best free viewpoint on the coast for the evening light. The few hotels in Praiano — smaller, family-run, without infinity pools or spa menus — fill up nonetheless, largely with repeat visitors. Book three months ahead for July and August.
Walking to Positano
The coastal path between Praiano and Positano — branching off the Sentiero degli Dei above — takes roughly two hours one-way and provides the kind of elevated views over the coast that the road, which stays close to sea level, cannot offer. The path is well-marked and mostly shaded. The ferry back from Positano to Praiano (or to Amalfi) runs in season and takes twenty minutes, making a one-way walk with a boat return the most logical itinerary.
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