A Hidden Cliffside Town On The Amalfi Coast That Feels Like A Peaceful Escape

With its dramatic limestone cliffs, crystal-clear waters, and colorful seaside towns, Italy's iconic Amalfi Coast is what Mediterranean dreams are made of. From the grandeur of Positano's iconic pastel buildings cascading down the rugged hillside to the crowd-free beaches and laid-back charm of Maiori, the southern Italian region has become synonymous with all things coastal luxury.

While most tourists pack the narrow streets and famous beaches of some of the Amalfi Coast's most popular destinations, making it challenging to find a quiet moment to take in the stunning Mediterranean views, the coastline still has a few undiscovered gems that make the journey worthwhile. One of these hidden treasures is the village of Praiano. Located a quick 20-minute drive south of Positano, the former fishing village boasts everything from secluded beaches to panoramic coastal views — without the crowds or tourist prices to spoil the fun.

Home to roughly 2,000 residents, the sleepy town sits halfway between two of its more bustling counterparts — Positano and Amalfi — which makes it the ideal home base for exploring the region. Better yet, despite its tucked-away location, Praiano is also easily accessible from the region's main international travel hubs. From Naples International Airport, for example, you can reach the beachside haven in just over an hour via private transport for between 120 and 160 euros, or $125 to $167. Alternatively, if you're traveling on a tighter budget, you can also opt for a combination of the Circumvesuviana train to Sorrento for 3 euros (about $3) followed by a SITA bus along the coast between 10 and 12 euros (about $11 and $13). Be forewarned, travel experts like Rick Steves suggest avoiding the buses on the Amalfi Coast for various reasons — so splurging on private transport might actually be worth the extra cost.

Life in Praiano follows a more slow-paced, relaxed rhythm. With stone pathways that wind between whitewashed houses and lemon groves, the town's quiet streets and small squares offer plenty of spots to pause and take in the sea views. Just make sure you pack your most comfortable walking shoes! Considering Praiano's location on the cliffside, you're likely to face a lot of steps and steep hills to reach most places in town, so this is an important factor to consider for people with mobility issues.

In terms of soaking up the sun, the town's main beach — Marina di Praia — sits at the bottom of a steep ridge. Locally known as "La Praia," this small pebble beach offers a relatively intimate setting where you can swim in crystal-clear waters or rent a lounge chair for the day (around $20 a day for a pair, but prices are always subject to change). Alternatively, for an even more secluded option, make your way to Gavitella Beach. Known for being one of the only spots on the Amalfi Coast that gets sun until sunset, the beach is accessible through the One Fire Beach Club, where you can also rent chairs and umbrellas.

Once you've had your fill of sunbathing and swimming, Praiano also has plenty of options for adventurous travelers. One of these is the "Sentiero degli Dei" — aka, the "Path of the Gods." Starting from town, the challenging 5-mile hike features steep paths, rocky terrain, and plenty of climbs and descents along the way before ending in Nocelle. Once there, you can either take 1,700 steps down to Positano or catch a bus back to where it all began. The entire trek typically takes between three and five hours, with stunning views of the Tyrrhenian Sea cheering you on throughout the sweaty journey.

Most accommodations in Praiano offer stunning sea views, but prices vary significantly based on location and amenities. For example, one of the town's more luxurious options is the adults-only Casa Angelina. Although prices can always change depending on when you book, stays at Casa Angelina generally start from around $750 a night and climb up to roughly $2,000 a night during the summer months. The property sits perched on the cliffs with its own private glass elevator to the beach, modern spa facilities, and two upscale restaurants on-site. On the other hand, hotels like La Barbera Bed & Breakfast (starting from around $400 a night) also offer high-end hospitality for a smaller price tag. Alternatively, for more budget-friendly options, there are plenty of local Airbnbs for around $150 a night.

In terms of dining, one of Praiano's most iconic spots is Kasai. Known for its innovative seafood dishes like their sea urchin and hazelnut linguine or truffle burrata the upscale restaurant is hard to beat. Meanwhile, spots like Che Bonta serve excellent wood-fired pizzas, while Il Pirata offers fresh seafood right on the water. For sunset drinks, head to Bar de Sole where you can enjoy a reasonably priced aperitivo (or pre-drink meal) with spectacular views.

As for timing, the best time to visit Praiano is from April through early June. During these months, you'll have plenty of sunshine and warm weather to enjoy, with the advantage of fewer tourists compared to the peak summer months. If you're staying longer than a few days, consider renting a scooter in town, which can set you back about 70 euros (about $73 dollars) per day. Not only are they the best way to get around the Amalfi Coast, but having one also saves you the trouble of dealing with the crowded SITA buses.