Positano: The Jewel of the Amalfi Coast

• HelloCiao
  [chow]
• GoodbyeArrivederci
  [ah-ree-veh-dehr-chee]
• YesSì
  [see]
• NoNo
  [noh]
• Please/You're welcomePer favore/Prego
  [pear fah-voh-reh/preh-goh]
• Thank youGrazie
  [grah-tsyeh]
• Excuse me/SorryMi scusi/Scusa
  [mee skoo-zee/skoo-zah]
• How are you?Come stai?
  [koh-meh stai]
• 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
  [nohn kah-pee-scoh]

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

• Help!Aiuto!
  [ah-yoo-toh]
• Go away!Vai via!
  [vah-ee vee-ah]
• Call the Police!Chiama la polizia!
  [kyah-mah lah poh-lee-tsyah]
• Call a doctor!Chiama un dottore!
  [kyah-mah oon doh-toh-reh]
• I'm lostMi sono perso
  [mee soh-noh pehr-soh]
• I'm illSto male
  [stoh mah-leh]

• I'd like to buy...Vorrei comprare...
  [vohr-ray cawm-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 cahr-oh]
• Can you lower the price?Puoi abbassare il prezzo?
  [pwoy ahb-bahs-sah-reh eel preht-soh]

• What time is it?Che ora è?
  [keh oh-rah eh]
• It's one o'clockÈ l'una
  [eh loo-nah]
• Half past (10)Sono le dieci e mezza
  [soh-noh leh dyeh-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-toh]
• 9Nove
  [noh-veh]
• 10Dieci
  [dyeh-chee]

• Where's a/the...?Dov'è...?
  [doh-veh]
• What's the address?Qual è l'indirizzo?
  [kwahl eh leen-dee-ree-tsoh]
• Can you show me (on the map)?Puoi mostrarmi (sulla mappa)?
  [pwoy mohs-trahr-mee (sool-lah mahp-pah)]
• When's the next (bus)?Quando è il prossimo (autobus)?
  [kwahn-doh eh eel prohs-shee-moh (ow-toh-boos)]
• A ticket (to ....)Un biglietto (per ....)
  [oon beel-lyet-toh (pair)]

Positano's roots trace back to the ancient Greeks and Romans. It was originally a small fishing village that benefited from its strategic location along the Mediterranean coast. Artifacts from this period, such as pottery and ancient coins, have been discovered in the area.

During the Middle Ages, Positano became part of the powerful Maritime Republic of Amalfi. The town flourished as a bustling maritime hub, with its ships trading goods like spices, silk, and precious metals across the Mediterranean.

In the 9th and 10th centuries, Positano faced numerous attacks from Saracen pirates. To protect themselves, the inhabitants built watchtowers along the coast, many of which still stand today as historical landmarks. These towers were equipped with bells to alert the townspeople of impending raids.

Positano experienced a period of prosperity during the Renaissance. Wealthy merchant families built opulent villas and churches adorned with impressive artworks. The Church of Santa Maria Assunta, with its iconic dome covered in majolica tiles, dates back to this era and remains a central feature of the town.

In the 19th century, Positano's fortunes declined due to the collapse of the maritime trade routes and economic hardships. Many residents emigrated to the United States and South America in search of better opportunities. The population dwindled, and the town's economy suffered.

Positano was rediscovered by artists and writers in the early 20th century. Its picturesque beauty attracted figures like John Steinbeck, who famously described it as a 'dream place.' This period marked the beginning of Positano's transformation into a popular tourist destination.

During World War II, Positano was occupied by German forces. After the war, the town saw a significant boom in tourism as international travelers flocked to its scenic cliffs and azure waters. The post-war period also saw the restoration of many historical buildings and the development of modern amenities.

Today, Positano is renowned for its vibrant culture and traditions. The town hosts various festivals, such as the Feast of the Assumption, which features processions, fireworks, and traditional music. Local crafts, including handmade sandals and ceramics, are celebrated and preserved by artisans.

Positano is located on the Amalfi Coast in Italy. The nearest major airport is Naples International Airport (NAP), approximately 60 kilometers away. From Naples, you can take a direct bus operated by the Curreri Viaggi company to Sorrento, followed by a local SITA bus or ferry to Positano. Alternatively, you can hire a private transfer or drive a rental car. For those arriving by train, the nearest major train station is in Salerno, from where you can take a ferry or a bus to Positano.

Positano is a small town, and many attractions are within walking distance. The town's narrow, winding streets make walking the most practical mode of transportation. For longer trips along the Amalfi Coast, SITA buses and ferries are available. Taxis are also an option but can be expensive. Renting a scooter is a popular choice for exploring the surrounding areas. Note that parking can be limited and costly in Positano.

The official currency in Italy is the Euro (EUR). Credit cards are widely accepted in Positano, including in hotels, restaurants, and shops. However, it is advisable to carry some cash for smaller establishments, cafes, and local markets. ATMs are available throughout the town if you need to withdraw money.

Positano is generally a safe destination for tourists. However, like any tourist destination, it is important to take standard precautions. Keep an eye on your belongings in crowded areas and avoid leaving valuables unattended. There are no specific high-crime areas targeting tourists, but it's always wise to stay vigilant, especially in busy tourist spots and on public transportation.

In case of an emergency, dial 112 for immediate assistance. Positano has a local police station and a medical clinic for minor health issues. For more serious medical emergencies, the nearest hospital is in Sorrento. It is recommended to have travel insurance that covers medical emergencies. Pharmacies can be found in town for over-the-counter medications.

Fashion: Do dress stylishly but comfortably; Positano is known for its chic, casual fashion. Avoid wearing beachwear away from the beach. Religion: Do respect local customs when visiting churches; cover your shoulders and knees. Public Transport: Do validate your bus tickets before boarding. Don't eat or drink on public transport. Greetings: Do greet people with a friendly 'Ciao' or 'Buongiorno.' A handshake is common. Eating & Drinking: Do try local dishes like 'spaghetti alle vongole' and 'delizia al limone.' Don't rush through meals; dining is a leisurely activity.

To experience Positano like a local, visit during the shoulder seasons (April-May or September-October) to avoid the crowds. Take a leisurely stroll along the Sentiero degli Dei (Path of the Gods) for breathtaking views. Visit the local market for fresh produce and local delicacies. Engage with locals; they are often friendly and willing to share stories and recommendations. Don't miss the opportunity to take a boat tour to explore hidden coves and beaches along the Amalfi Coast.