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TRAVEL · September 7, 2015

Marina di Praia – My New Favorite Beach on the Amalfi Coast!

Amalfi Coast Travel La Praia Beach Praiano
– The beautiful little beach in Marina di Praia in Praiano

I think I have a new favorite beach. But shhh … don’t tell Santa Croce. I’ve always like the little cove at Marina di Praia, located between Conca dei Marini and Praiano. The road clings to the mountainside high above the beach and a small access road that’s pretty easy to miss leads down to a tiny seaside village. The beach really isn’t much wider than the photo above, as you can see the shadow of the rocky cliff on the left. But what it lacks in size it sure makes up for with scenery and things to see and do.

Ciao Amalfi Coast Travel Marina di Praian Praiano Beach
– On the beach at La Praia

Locals call the beach La Praia or simply Praia, and the pebbly beach is the biggest draw during the day in the summer. But instead of being covered with rows of perfectly lined up umbrellas, the beach is mostly covered with boats of all shapes, sizes and colors. I love that! There are umbrellas and sunbeds for rental though, and if you’re planning to spend a day that’s the way to go as the beach isn’t very comfortable for sun bathing. But back to the boats!

Amalfi Coast Travel Marina di Praia Beach Praiano Sailboat
– My favorite boat on the beach in Praia

I had my camera with me when I went to the beach at Praia, and just had to spend some time wandering through the boats and capturing their colors and patterns.

Amalfi Coast Travel Marina La Praia Praiano Green Fishing Boat
– Worn boat in Marina di Praia

The weathered wood and chipped paint reminded me of the first time I visited Marina di Praia back in the early spring of 2008 when the boats were being repainted and the stones on the beach were speckled with drops of green, blue, red and yellow paint.

Amalfi Coast Travel La Praia Beach Fishing Boats and Nets
– Boats and fishing nets on the beach in Praia

The boats lined up on the beach and the fishing nets covering the wall nearby are such beautiful reminders of the simple life that was once all there was on the Amalfi Coast. It’s still there in all the villages along the coast, but it’s just a little easier to spot in some places. The nets were just fascinating with their colors and different shapes and sizes.

Amalfi Coast Travel Praia Fishing Nets Praiano
– Fishing net artistry in Praia

The local fishermen likely though it was a bit nutty how much time I spent photographing this impressive wall of nets. Although I’m sure it’s a fairly common occurrence!

Amalfi Coast Travel Praia Fishing Nets
– Amazed by the fishing nets at Praia

Nearby the beach a wide wall was covered with fishing nets. I wondered if they were there because they needed patching and where the fishermen had wandered to. Maybe to the nearby cafe for an espresso before tackling the laborious project.

Amalfi Coast Travel Marina di Praia Fishing Nets
– Fishing nets drying in the sun

Just when I thought I had seen all the boats, I found this bright red and blue beauty. What do you think, does red and blue work for a Christmas card this year?

Amalfi Coast Travel Praia Fishing Boat Red and Blue
– The color to paint your boat if you want to find it easily in boat parking …

There’s another lovely feature at Marina di Praia that makes it one of my favorite beaches. Starting nearby the beach there’s a walkway carved into the rocky cliffs that leads past some houses and to the famous Africana nightclub in Praiano. The beginning of the pathway leads right under the cliff. Best not to think about it too much and enjoy the view!

Amalfi Coast Travel Praiano Marina di Praia Beach
– The beginning of the seaside walkway in Praia

Following the walkway leads away from the beach and west along the rugged coastline. The sunny beach comes in and out of view with the winding of the pathway.

Amalfi Coast Travel Praiano Marina di Praia Beach Walk
– Say goodbye to the beach!

The pathway leads right through the Il Pirata restaurant, which has one of the most incredible dining areas overlooking the sea that I’ve ever seen. It’s especially magical at night! As you walk by, take a peek inside since it’s quite unusual having been carved out of the mountainside.

Amalfi Coast Travel Marina di Praia Ristorante Il Pirata
– This restaurant is located inside a cave!

Just past Il Pirata you have a great view looking back toward the Marina di Praia beach where you can see how it’s just a small cove in the mountains.

Amalfi Coast Travel Marina di Praia Beach Praiano
– Looking back at Marina di Praia and the Il Pirata restaurant

Every single available spot – even the most precarious looking – seems to be taken for swimming or fishing or sunbathing.

Amalfi Coast Travel Marina di Praia Fishing
– A mighty fine spot for fishing

When you’re not looking down at the sea and waves crashing into the rocks, take a look east to see the distinctive Capo di Conca jutting out into the water near Conca de Marini.

Amalfi Coast Travel Praiano Marina di Praia Conca dei Marini
– A view of Capo di Conca in Conca dei Marini

If I could stay in just one place, it would be this spot along the walkway in the photo below. That’s one of my happy places my mind travels back to again and again.

Amalfi Coast Travel Praiano Walkway by the Sea
– My happy place

Just around another corner sits the Africana nightclub carved into the mountain. During the day all is quiet and the light sparkling on the is far more appealing.

Amalfi Coast Travel Marina di Praia Flowers
– Just when you think it couldn’t possibly get any prettier

Back on the beach, wander not far inland from the beach and you’ll find a pretty little piazza with more boats and a whitewashed church that seems like it would be more at home in Greece than Italy.

Amalfi Coast Travel Marina di Praiano Praia Church and Fishing Boats
– Can I just stay in this spot and never leave?

I couldn’t get enough of this perfect little church with its white facade, teeny bell and strings of fairy lights above the entrance. I peered and peeked but could only get the tiniest of glimpses inside.

Amalfi Coast Travel Marina di Praia Church
– Don’t you just want to hear that bell ring?

 

Amalfi Coast Travel Marina di Praia Priano Flower Vase
– Sunshine and flowers (and more boats!) in Praia

I love a beach with things to see and do as well as beautiful water and good swimming. That’s exactly why I’m smitten with Marina di Praia. It’s a storybook setting and I want to write the stories that flutter about in the back of my mind as I wander along the sea and imagine weddings and village celebrations in that tiny church.

Ciao Amalfi Marina di Praia Beach 1
– Amazing dining spots at Praia

Of course, you don’t have to go far to find some excellent restaurants in Marina di Praia. My favorite is Da Armandino, which is just a few steps from the beach. So whether you’re looking for a special day at the beach, a great lunch spot or a romantic dinner on the Amalfi Coast, you’ll definitely remember your time at Marina di Praia. Make sure you take that walk along the sea … and tell me what stories you imagine taking place in this beautiful little cove on the Amalfi Coast!

Posted In: TRAVEL · Tagged: Amalfi Coast Beaches, Amalfi Coast See & Do, La Praia, Marina di Praia, Praiano

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Comments

  1. Lynne says

    September 8, 2015 at 00:32

    Ciao!!! I loved this article and the evocative pictures- we will be in Sorrento by Sept 25th for four days, and I’m wondering how you would get to this place/beach from there? We will not have a car….prego!

    Reply
  2. Gil says

    September 8, 2015 at 02:25

    Loved this post as I’ve never been to this part of Italy.

    Reply
  3. Sandra says

    September 8, 2015 at 16:15

    What a beautiful place. I can see why you love it. Thanks for sharing and the beautiful photos.

    Reply
  4. Robyn says

    September 8, 2015 at 16:18

    Marina Di Praia, is also a favourite of mine, first discovered it in 2009, when we stayed at hotel Onde Verde.. Have been back there many times since, and Da Amandino”s is definately the best restaurant there. Praiano is my perfect place.

    Reply
  5. Vanessa says

    September 11, 2015 at 22:47

    My husband with 2 friends & I are going to Positano on Sunday for 4 nights & we can’t wait.

    Reply
    • Laura Thayer says

      January 9, 2016 at 16:01

      I hope you had a marvelous time, Vanessa!

      Reply
  6. Sherry says

    September 19, 2015 at 21:07

    Gorgeous!! I was on the Amalfi coast many years ago, one of my favorite vacations ever. I am heading back there again but for one day only as I will be on a Med cruise with 3 friends docking in Salerno. We would love to see the coast from the water this time. Are there small, private boats for rent from the port of Salerno that could take us to Marina di Praia and the many other lovely spots you highlight on your blog? Can you recommend a particular outfit?

    Reply
  7. KareninCalabria says

    September 21, 2015 at 16:51

    Love the boats and the nets! I felt like I was right there with you discovering this beautiful coastal angle. And as you can see from my avatar (taken from the cover of my book about Calabria), I’m a fan of seaside images!

    Reply
  8. FrankC says

    October 7, 2015 at 22:11

    My wife and I just got back from a 3 week stay in Praiano. We made the trek down to Marina di Praia a number of times to swim, or to eat at Armandino’s. This is our favorite restaurant on the Amalfi Coast. We’ve been coming here for 8 years and always make it a point to get down to this restaurant as much as we can. Armandino is a charming host, and the food is outstanding…much of it prepared by his wife. The beach is very rocky. We can’t manage it without water shoes, although many of the locals seem to have no problem. Make it a point to visit this charming little beach.

    Reply
  9. Sandra says

    July 11, 2016 at 18:49

    What a magical post and the photos are more than enticing. I really loved this post and can’t wait to spend the day here with you!

    Reply
    • Laura Thayer says

      July 19, 2016 at 09:39

      Yes … we’ll definitely spend a day here! We’ll get a nice table overlooking the sea and work on the book together. 🙂

      Reply
  10. Sherry jones says

    July 11, 2016 at 20:32

    Laura, how do you get to this beach? I stay in Praiano. Would love to take my friends there next year. Always love reading your blog, I remember this one glad you reposted it.

    Reply
    • Laura Thayer says

      July 19, 2016 at 09:38

      Hi Sherry, from the main Amalfi Coast Road there’s a small road that leads down to Marina di Praia. There’s a (paid) parking area that you can leave the car if you’re driving. I would highly recommend putting it on your list if you’re staying in Praiano next year!

      Reply
  11. Christine Anderson says

    July 12, 2016 at 20:07

    We were at the Marina di Praia just recently. I don’t know how we missed the pretty church.

    Reply
    • Laura Thayer says

      July 19, 2016 at 09:36

      It’s such a beautiful beach and area! The church is kind of hidden away behind the restaurant that faces out toward the beach.

      Reply
  12. Randy Grisham says

    January 13, 2017 at 20:33

    Hi Laura – I just discovered your wonderful site! I’ve had the pleasure of staying on the Amalfi coast 3 years ago, staying in charming Atrani.
    This May we head back to Amalfi for my nephews wedding being held at Villa Cimbrone. I’m staying in Amalfi and for one afternoon I want to head to one of these secluded and lovely beaches for lunch.
    I was considering Santa Croce or Conca dei Marini, because they’re both close by and have free shuttle boats. Does Praia have free shuttle boats or is it too far away from Amalfi.?
    Which of these 3 beaches would you recommend for lunch if I’m coming from Amalfi?
    Thanks!

    Reply
  13. Lori Trainor-Girard says

    June 7, 2017 at 14:44

    Hi Laura, please tell me is there full sun for most of the day at this beach? I hear that Gavitella Beach has the longest and fullest sun in Amalfi. Is Gavitella beach a private beach or a public beach. I am there in October. Thanks. Lori

    Reply

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My name is Laura and the Amalfi Coast is my passion and my home. I’m a writer and photographer who is endlessly inspired by the incredible beauty of the Amalfi Coast. Welcome to Ciao Amalfi!

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