Capri: The Jewel of the Tyrrhenian Sea

• HelloCiao
  [chow]
• GoodbyeArrivederci
  [ah-ree-veh-dehr-chee]
• YesSì
  [see]
• NoNo
  [noh]
• Please/You're welcomePer favore/Prego
  [pehr fah-voh-reh/preh-goh]
• Thank youGrazie
  [gra-tsyeh]
• Excuse me/SorryScusi/Mi dispiace
  [skoo-zee/mee dees-pyah-cheh]
• How are you?Come stai?
  [koh-meh stah-ee]
• Fine. And you?Bene. E tu?
  [beh-neh. eh too]
• Do you speak English?Parli inglese?
  [pahr-lee een-gleh-zeh]
• I don't understandNon capisco
  [non kah-pee-skoh]

• I'd like to see the menu, pleaseVorrei vedere il menu, per favore
  [vohr-ray veh-deh-reh eel meh-noo, pehr fah-voh-reh]
• I don't eat meatNon mangio carne
  [non mahn-joh kahr-neh]
• Cheers!Salute!
  [sah-loo-teh]
• I would like to pay, pleaseVorrei pagare, per favore
  [vohr-ray pah-gah-reh, pehr fah-voh-reh]

• Help!Aiuto!
  [ah-yoo-toh]
• Go away!Vai via!
  [vah-ee vee-ah]
• Call the Police!Chiama la polizia!
  [kee-ah-mah lah poh-lee-tsyah]
• Call a doctor!Chiama un dottore!
  [kee-ah-mah oon doht-toh-reh]
• I'm lostMi sono perso
  [mee soh-no pehr-soh]
• I'm illSto male
  [stoh mah-leh]

• I'd like to buy...Vorrei comprare...
  [vohr-ray kohm-prah-reh]
• I'm just lookingSto solo guardando
  [stoh soh-loh gwar-dahn-doh]
• How much is it?Quanto costa?
  [kwahn-toh koh-stah]
• That's too expensiveÈ troppo caro
  [eh troh-poh kah-roh]
• Can you lower the price?Puoi abbassare il prezzo?
  [pwah-ee ahb-bah-sah-reh eel preh-tsoh]

• What time is it?Che ore sono?
  [keh oh-reh soh-noh]
• It's one o'clockÈ l'una
  [eh loo-nah]
• Half past (10)Sono le dieci e mezza
  [soh-noh leh dee-eh-chee eh meh-tsah]
• MorningMattina
  [maht-tee-nah]
• AfternoonPomeriggio
  [poh-meh-ree-joh]
• EveningSera
  [seh-rah]
• YesterdayIeri
  [yeh-ree]
• TodayOggi
  [oh-jee]
• TomorrowDomani
  [doh-mah-nee]
• 1Uno
  [oo-noh]
• 2Due
  [dweh]
• 3Tre
  [treh]
• 4Quattro
  [kwah-troh]
• 5Cinque
  [cheen-kweh]
• 6Sei
  [say]
• 7Sette
  [seht-teh]
• 8Otto
  [oh-ttoh]
• 9Nove
  [noh-veh]
• 10Dieci
  [dee-eh-chee]

• Where's a/the...?Dov'è...?
  [doh-veh]
• What's the address?Qual è l'indirizzo?
  [kwahl eh leen-dee-reet-soh]
• Can you show me (on the map)?Puoi mostrarmi (sulla mappa)?
  [pwah-ee moh-stahr-mee soo-lah mahp-pah]
• When's the next (bus)?Quando c'è il prossimo (autobus)?
  [kwahn-doh cheh eel prohs-see-moh ow-toh-boo]
• A ticket (to ....)Un biglietto (per ....)
  [oon beel-yet-toh pehr]

Capri's history dates back to ancient times when it was first inhabited by the Greeks in the 8th century BC. Known as 'Kapros,' the island was valued for its strategic location and natural beauty. The Greeks established settlements and introduced their culture, which laid the groundwork for future civilizations on the island.

Capri achieved prominence during the Roman era, particularly under Emperor Augustus, who visited the island in 29 BC. Augustus was so captivated by Capri that he exchanged the larger island of Ischia for it. His successor, Emperor Tiberius, built twelve lavish villas on the island, the most famous being Villa Jovis. Tiberius ruled the Roman Empire from Capri for the last decade of his reign, making the island a center of power and opulence.

After the fall of the Roman Empire, Capri experienced a period of decline and frequent pirate incursions. During the medieval period, the island was controlled by various Lombard, Norman, and Angevin rulers. The construction of defensive structures, such as the Castello Barbarossa, was essential to protect the inhabitants from pirate raids and invasions.

In the 16th century, Capri came under Spanish control as part of the Kingdom of Naples. During this time, the island faced continuous threats from Ottoman pirates. The inhabitants fortified the island and built watchtowers, such as the Torre della Guardia, to defend against these attacks. Despite these challenges, Capri continued to be a place of agricultural productivity and modest trade.

The 19th century marked a significant turning point in Capri's history. The island was rediscovered by European artists, writers, and aristocrats who were enchanted by its natural beauty and idyllic landscape. Notable figures, such as the German painter August Kopisch, who rediscovered the Blue Grotto in 1826, helped to popularize Capri as a travel destination. This era saw the rise of Capri as a haven for the elite and contributed to its reputation as a cultural and artistic hub.

Throughout the 20th century, Capri continued to attract famous personalities, including writers, filmmakers, and celebrities. The island became synonymous with luxury and glamour, drawing visitors from around the world. The construction of hotels, restaurants, and other tourist facilities transformed Capri into a premier travel destination. Despite its modern developments, Capri has managed to preserve its historical charm and natural beauty, making it a unique blend of the past and present.

Capri is accessible by ferry or hydrofoil from Naples, Sorrento, and other parts of the Amalfi Coast. The main ferry terminals are Molo Beverello and Calata di Massa in Naples, and Marina Piccola in Sorrento. The journey from Naples takes about 40-80 minutes, while from Sorrento, it takes about 20-40 minutes. During the summer, additional routes and services are available.

Capri is best explored on foot, but there are also taxis, buses, and a funicular railway that connects Marina Grande to Capri town. The island has limited car access, so renting a car is not recommended. For longer trips, consider using the local buses or taxis, which are often open-top and offer stunning views. The funicular is a quick and scenic way to travel between the marina and the town center.

The official currency in Capri is the Euro (EUR). Credit and debit cards are widely accepted in hotels, restaurants, and shops. However, it's advisable to carry some cash for smaller establishments, local markets, and tips. ATMs are available in Capri town and Anacapri, but it's a good idea to withdraw enough cash before heading to more remote parts of the island.

Capri is generally a safe destination for tourists, with low crime rates. However, it's always wise to take standard precautions. Avoid leaving your belongings unattended, especially in crowded areas like the Marina Grande and Piazza Umberto I. Petty theft, such as pickpocketing, can occur in busy tourist spots, so stay vigilant. There are no specific high-crime areas targeting tourists.

In case of an emergency, dial 112 for immediate assistance. Capri has a hospital, Ospedale Capilupi, located in Capri town, which provides medical services. Pharmacies are also available across the island for minor health issues. Ensure you have travel insurance that covers medical emergencies. For urgent medical care, the hospital can arrange for air evacuation to Naples if necessary.

Fashion: Do dress stylishly, as Capri is known for its fashion-conscious locals and visitors. Avoid overly casual attire. Religion: Do respect local customs and dress modestly when visiting churches. Public Transport: Do use the funicular and buses for convenient travel. Don't try to drive, as car access is limited. Greetings: Do greet with a simple 'Buongiorno' (Good morning) or 'Buonasera' (Good evening). Eating & Drinking: Do try local specialties like Caprese salad and Limoncello. Don't rush through meals; dining is a leisurely affair.

To experience Capri like a local, visit early in the morning or late in the afternoon to avoid the midday tourist crowds. Explore the lesser-known paths and trails, such as the Pizzolungo walk, for stunning views and serenity. Engage with locals at traditional bars and cafes. Don't miss the Blue Grotto, but also consider visiting the Green Grotto for a less crowded experience. Shop for handmade sandals and local crafts in Anacapri for unique souvenirs.