need opinions of Positano & Praiano, Italy for family vacation

We're planning a family vacation (my parents, 2 sisters, and Al & myself) for next May. We're looking to rent a villa on the Amalfi Coast for a week. We've been concentrating our search in Positano and we've narrowed down the choices to 2 beautiful villas - one's in old town Positano and the other is between Positano & Praiano (12 minute walk to center of Positano / 15 minute walk to Praiano).

If anyone's been to both places - can you give me your opinions? Keep in mind this is a family trip, not a honeymoon (though I wouldn't mind some romance )

Some pictures for you...

Re: need opinions of Positano & Praiano, Italy for family vacation

Positano is absolutely beautiful you wont go wrong staying there. I have not been to Praiano but considering there is not much to do in Positano other than relax surounded by pure beauty , eat the best food in the world and look at pottery I would guess Praiano has a little less happening.

Re: need opinions of Positano & Praiano, Italy for family vacation

Hi Lisa,
You probably read my HM posts on the Bride board but I thought I'd just give my opinion here. . . I would definitely go with Positano. Praiano was beautiful but there was not much to do. Positano was amazing - shopping, eating, swimming (depending on the season), etc - It has everything. As far as a family vacation goes, I definitely think it is more appropriate than Praiano. JMO -
Have fun - It is absolutely breathtaking there - Even better than the pictures. Take me with you!!!! I want to go back!!!!

Re: need opinions of Positano & Praiano, Italy for family vacation

Did either of you go to Sorrento? How does that compare to Positano? I'm 90% sure we'll end up in Positano.

Any day trips you would recommend (or recommend avoiding)?

Thanks

Re: need opinions of Positano & Praiano, Italy for family vacation

I went to Sorrento but just to take the ferry over to Capri - We didn't stay there. It is bigger and busier than Positano. I didn't think it had as much charm but, then again, I didn't stay there.
I would definitely recommend a day-trip to Ravello. I stayed there for a few nights and it was my favorite town. Definitely visit both the Villa Rufolo (right in town) and the Villa Cimbrone (a bit of a walk up from town). They are both beautiful old villas with tons of gardens overlooking the water. Also, the Villa Rufolo has outdoor classical music concerts in the evening - Amazing.
Other day trips to consider . . .
Capri - probably worth the trip although it is very crowded and touristy.
Amalfi - Similar to Positano but definitely has it's own charm.
Sorrento - Like I said before, it is much bigger and busier than the most of the other coastal towns but probably worth a visit.
Hope this helps!

Re: need opinions of Positano & Praiano, Italy for family vacation

I am sooooooo jealous !!! Can I hop into your luggage and come with you???? I'll be good, I promise!!!

Re: need opinions of Positano & Praiano, Italy for family vacation

lisat - I agree with Meg. I stayed in Sorento for a night, its beautiful they do all that inlaid wood. It is a bigger 'city'. If you have time or if you are shopping for inlaid wood furniture or accessories its worth a stop but it dosent compare to Positano. Capri is also worth the trip - the blue grotto is touristy but amazing. Make sure you duck when you go into the grotto.

Re: need opinions of Positano & Praiano, Italy for family vacation

lisat positano is the only place in the world that I wish we never left... We should have stayed and made a million babies and sold ceramic forever and ever. We stayed Le Sirenuse for 15 days - my best friend stayed at the top villa picture that you posted! EXQUISITE. That is what I would do. The old town is so amazing - the trip to Praeno is no problem - but stay in the center of things in my opinion. There is a wonderful restaurant at the bottom of the hill at the water - very casual. Le Tre Sorelle - great linguine w. clams. A VERY nice place halfway up 'the hill' - don't remember the name but it's a restaurant at a hotel - there's like a wrought iron fence with ivy...lots of white lights everywhere. The restaurant at Sirenuse cannot be beat either. I wasn't crazy about Sorrento in comparison - much more metropolitan. Any questions - feel free to forum mail me!