Praiano is an ancient village on the Amalfi Coast, ideally situated between Positano and Amalfi.
Villa Il Frantoio is a delightful bed and breakfast located in the heart of Praiano, at Via Francesco Russo 36, just a few minutes' walk from the center of Vettica Maggiore. The main Sita bus stop, along with various restaurants and bars, are conveniently nearby.
At the villa, you can bask in the evening sun until 8:30 PM during the summer months while enjoying breathtaking views of Capri, Positano, and the enchanting Li Galli islands. Please note that the walk from the parking area to the villa involves approximately 75 steps, leading to a communal path of about 200 meters. The village center is about 200 steps away.
Please note that access from the parking area to the villa involves approximately 75 steps, leading to a communal path of about 200 meters.
Parking is available for around 30 euros per day in public lots along Via Costantinopoli, situated between bus stops 16 and 17. Alternatively, you can find free parking between bus stops 18 and 19.
Both Praiano and Vettica are historic villages, rich in culture and tradition. Unfortunately, their origins remain somewhat of a mystery due to the limited historical documents available. Praiano, known as Antica Plagianum, faces east, allowing for stunning sun and moonrises, while Vettica Maggiore, where Villa Il Frantoio is located, faces west, offering spectacular sunsets behind the iconic Faraglioni of Capri.
Historically, Praiano has been a fishing village, with fishing as the primary occupation until just a few years ago. The original village was situated by the sea, but due to invasions by Saracens, plagues, and other natural disasters, the residents were forced to relocate to higher ground in the mountains for safety.
During the Angioino and Preroyal periods, numerous fortresses were constructed along the coast, many of which remain well-preserved today, gracing our magnificent shoreline. These eras also saw the emergence of Mediterranean-style houses, resembling eagle nests nestled among the rocks, complemented by terraced gardens featuring dry stone walls made from local materials. Villagers embraced agriculture, cultivating regional staples such as citrus fruits, potatoes, tomatoes, grapes, and barley. The council crest of Praiano prominently features oranges, symbolizing the significance of agriculture in the area.
In the Angioino period, Praiano was honored with the title of Universitas, a distinction granted to only a select few villages. This title afforded Praiano greater independence, although its economic ties to Amalfi persisted until the 17th century. In addition to agriculture, silk and linen manufacturing, along with fishing net production, provided vital sources of income. Local men not only excelled as fishermen but also traded local corals with factories in Torre del Greco.
In 1924, a devastating landslide ravaged the Praia beach area, profoundly impacting the village, as this was the heart of local activity and trade. The Cala della Gavitella, located in Vettica di Praiano, served as an alternative trading spot and storage area for goods in the so-called “magazzeni.” Scattered throughout both villages are 15 churches and chapels, most of which were built for private use. The two main churches, constructed after the Battle of Lepanto in the late 16th century, are the Church of Saint Luca in Praiano and the Church of Saint Gennaro in Vettica Maggiore.
Staying at a bed and breakfast like Villa Il Frantoio in Praiano allows you to fully immerse yourself in the wonders of this region. The B&B is just a short walk from the breathtaking sights of the Amalfi Coast, including Amalfi, Capri, Ravello, and Sorrento—true gems of nature!
Reach us by private transportation
In order to reach the b&b in Praiano from Naples, use the Autostrada A3 Salerno-Reggio Calabria. Exit the highway in Castellammare di Stabia, just after Pompeii. Drive towards Sorrento and then follow Positano. Praiano is the village immediately after Positano. Once reached Praiano village centre you need to drive towards San Luca church and park your car on via Costantinopoli Vettica Maggiore.
The b&b is located at 300 meters on via Francesco Russo n. 36, in a pedestrian area, not reachable by car.
Reach us by public transportation
If you intend to get here by public transportation, having as base the train station of Naples, use the Circumvesuviana local train to Sorrento, or if your starting point is the airport of Naples then you could use either the Alibus to the train station and then the local train to Sorrento or the Curreri direct bus to Sorrento. Once you’ve reached Sorrento, you could get on the Sita bus and continue to Praiano. From the centre of the village of Praiano (Vettica Maggiore stop), you can walk up the flight of steps via Francesco Russo and reach the b&b at civic number 36 (about 200 steps) or hop on the local bus Flavio Gioia and get off at the stop Muriciello and continue by foot to Via Francesco Russo (about 400 meters).
