Travel Reference
In-Depth Information
Marina di Praia
Located a couple of kilometres east of the centre, this charming small beach and harbour
are why most people stop off here. From the SS163 (next to the Hotel Onda Verde) a steep
path leads down the cliffs to a tiny inlet with a small stretch of coarse sand and very
tempting water; the best water is actually off the rocks, just before you get to the bottom.
In what were once fishermen's houses, there are now four restaurants, including an excel-
lent place for seafood. You can also rent boats here.
HARBOUR
Chiesa di San Luca
(Via Oratorio 1)
In the upper village, the 16th-century church features an impressive ma-
jolica floor, paintings by the 16th-century artist Giovanni Bernardo Lama and a late 17th-
century bust of St Luke the Evangelist.
CHURCH
Centro Sub Costiera Amalfitana
( 089 81 21 48;
www.centrosub.it
; Via Marina di Praia; dives from €80; )
Head
here if you are into diving. This well-respected local outfit also offers lessons for adults
and children over eight years, as well as night dives and full diving days with snacks on
board.
DIVING
ART IN A TOWER
Defensive towers sit all along the Amalfi Coast. They are ironically generally known as Saracen towers,
named after the very invaders they were erected to thwart. Although most lie empty, some are privately
owned. At Marina di Praia you can combine a visit to one such tower,
Torre a Mare
( 339 4401008;
www.paolosandulli.com
;
Torre a Mare; 9am-1pm & 3.30-7pm)
, all while enjoying the original
sculptures and art work of Paolo Sandulli. Most distinctive are his 'heads' with the colourful sea-sponge
hair dos (also on sale at Pop Gallery;
Click here
). Check out his sketches and sculptures of the local
fishermen where he has totally captured the character of the faces, and his sexy plump women playing
tennis in miniskirts. A spiral staircase leads to more works upstairs, including paintings. Paolo's work is
on display throughout the Amalfi Coast, including at Positano's prestigious Palazzo Murat.