Blogs from Praiano, Campania, Italy, Europe

Just a few days after returning from Travemünde I had planned to go on a five days trip to Naples, Pompei, and Amalfi Coast in Italy. Again, some unforeseen events challenged my plans: I had to undergo some minor surgery and discussed with the doctor whether it would be possible to postpone it to after my trip. But he said: “Look, now it’s Wednesday. We can conduct the surgery on Thursday morning, you can go home on Friday, come back for a quick checkup on Saturday and then fly on Sunday.” That’s what we did, so I left for Italy on a Sunday afternoon, still on painkillers, but feeling quite okay. Upon arrival in Naples I picked up a rental car and drove into the city to meet Nils. He had been in the city for ... read more

Wow! We spent today walking up and down stairs to discover multi terraced houses with magnificent views and amazing engineering. How do people build places in such steep locations- imagine bringing in the building materials! Our host is wonderfully welcoming and we have a delightful little apartment overlooking the Salerno Gulf. There are little stores selling groceries and wine. This is the quiet time here in an area which thrives on tourism. The locals find this time of year a peaceful paradise where they can enjoy their beautiful district in the peace and quiet of the winter months. If you are going to visit Amalfi this is the time of year to do so.... read more

Geo: 40.6118, 14.524Fast Train from ROME to NAPLES, then change to a slow local train to SORRENTO.Then a big coach along the steep winding roads to PRAIANO.With help we found the sign for our hotel, across the road from the bus stop!50 steps down, along the path to check into our hotel.What an amazing view!Dinner at the hotel was yummy, and an early night for two tired travellers.Off to AMALFI in the morning, exploring and shopping, then lunch at a cool pizzeria. Back on the bus, a walk to the dock, and dinner out at another pizzeria!Day trip to CAPRI on the hotel's boat, to see some amazing boats, and expensive shops.Taxi around the island and another boat ride home.Kate made it up the 320 steps from the dock to the hotel, well done indeed!Dinner at ... read more

We bid Sorrento a fond farewell, and vowed to return someday, as the song says... We realized a few days ago that there was no way we were going to be able to make the transfer between Sorrento and our next destination, Praiano, on the other side of the peninsula on public transportation, not with all our luggage and accumulated odds and ends. So we hired a pricey driver for the 45 minute drive, but in the end he was worth every Euro. From the minute Maurizio loaded our numerous bags into his van, he was friendly and knowledgeable, pointing out sights, imparting historical, cultural, architectural, geological tidbits, to improve our understanding of this area, all while negotiating the road with amazing grace! Once on the Amalfi Coast Drive, he stopped at an overlook, so we ... read more

Last days in Praiano, Amalfi Coast – GORGEOUS! We left the Costa d’Amalfi bathed in glorious sunshine for our last two days. We had the most amazing meal in this tiny hole in the wall restaurant in Praiano - not even sure of the name of it but the chef come waiter cooked us the most amazing chicken dish along with roasted artichoke leaves. His hospitality and low key nature was fantastic. It was like we were in his kitchen. We however struggled the next day on our 4.5 hour trek after the two bottles of red and beers but we survived. Our walking & our drinking fitness are both improving significantly. On our last day we popped into Amalfi town for quick look around but the shops / tourist haunts are not really us ... read more