Sorrento: The Jewel of the Amalfi Coast

• 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
  [grah-tsee-eh]
• Excuse me/SorryMi scusi/Scusa
  [mee skoo-zee/skoo-sah]
• 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-skoh]

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

• Help!Aiuto!
  [ah-yoo-toh]
• Go away!Vai via!
  [vai 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 illSono malato
  [soh-noh mah-lah-toh]

• I'd like to buy...Vorrei comprare...
  [vohr-reh-ee kohm-prah-reh]
• I'm just lookingSto solo guardando
  [stoh soh-loh gwahr-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?
  [pwoy ahb-bah-sah-reh eel preh-tsoh]

• 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 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
  [doo-eh]
• 3Tre
  [treh]
• 4Quattro
  [kwat-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 un/il...?
  [doh-veh oon/eel]
• What's the address?Qual è l'indirizzo?
  [kwahl eh leen-dee-reet-tsoh]
• Can you show me (on the map)?Puoi farmi vedere (sulla mappa)?
  [pwoy fahr-mee veh-deh-reh (sool-lah mahp-pah)]
• When's the next (bus)?Quando passa il prossimo (autobus)?
  [kwahn-doh pahs-sah eel prohs-see-moh (ow-toh-boos)]
• A ticket (to ....)Un biglietto (per ....)
  [oon beel-lyet-toh (pehr)]

Sorrento's history can be traced back to ancient times, with evidence of Greek and Etruscan settlements. The city's name is derived from the Greek word 'Syrrenton,' meaning 'Sirens,' referring to the mythical creatures that were said to inhabit the waters near the town, luring sailors to their doom.

During the Roman era, Sorrento became a popular resort destination for wealthy Romans, including emperors like Augustus and Tiberius. The city was known for its luxurious villas, some of which still have ruins that can be explored today. The Roman influence is also evident in the city's layout and infrastructure.

In the Middle Ages, Sorrento faced numerous invasions and was under the control of various kingdoms, including the Byzantines, the Normans, and the Angevins. The city's strategic location made it a valuable asset and a frequent target for pirates and invaders.

During the Renaissance, Sorrento experienced a cultural revival under the rule of the Aragonese and later the Spanish. The city saw the construction of beautiful churches, monasteries, and palaces. Notable architectural examples from this period include the Cathedral of Sorrento and the Church of San Francesco.

In the 18th and 19th centuries, Sorrento became a must-visit destination for European aristocrats and intellectuals undertaking the Grand Tour. This period is marked by the arrival of famous figures such as Goethe, Byron, and Dickens, who were captivated by the town's scenic beauty and rich history.

In the 20th century, Sorrento evolved into a bustling tourist destination, attracting visitors from around the world. The city's economy transitioned from traditional industries like agriculture and fishing to tourism, hospitality, and services. Today, Sorrento is known for its stunning coastal views, vibrant cultural scene, and as a gateway to the Amalfi Coast and Capri.

Sorrento is well-connected and accessible by various modes of transportation. The nearest major airport is Naples International Airport (NAP), located about 50 kilometers away. From the airport, you can take a bus or taxi to Naples Central Station and then a train to Sorrento via the Circumvesuviana line. Alternatively, ferries and hydrofoils operate from Naples, Capri, and other coastal towns to the port of Sorrento.

Sorrento has a range of transportation options. The Circumvesuviana train connects Sorrento to Naples and other towns along the coast. Local buses operated by SITA cover routes to nearby attractions like Amalfi, Positano, and Pompeii. Taxis are available but can be expensive. Walking is a great way to explore the town center, and renting a scooter or car is an option for those looking to venture further.

The official currency in Sorrento is the Euro (EUR). Credit and debit cards are widely accepted in hotels, restaurants, and shops. However, it is advisable to carry some cash, especially for small purchases, local markets, and in more remote areas. ATMs are readily available throughout the town.

Sorrento is generally a safe destination for tourists. However, as with any tourist area, it is important to stay vigilant. Avoid leaving valuables unattended, and be cautious in crowded places to prevent pickpocketing. Certain areas near the port and train station can be busier and more prone to petty crime, so stay alert.

In case of emergency, dial 112 for immediate assistance. Sorrento has a local police station (Polizia di Stato) and medical facilities including the Ospedale Santa Maria della Misericordia. Pharmacies are available for minor health issues. It is recommended to have travel insurance that covers medical emergencies.

Fashion: Do dress smart casual, especially when dining out. Avoid overly revealing clothing. Religion: Do respect local customs, especially when visiting churches. Cover shoulders and knees when entering religious sites. Public Transport: Do validate your ticket before boarding trains and buses. Don't eat or drink on public transport. Greetings: Do greet people with a 'Buongiorno' (Good morning) or 'Buonasera' (Good evening). A handshake is common. Eating & Drinking: Do try local dishes like gnocchi alla sorrentina and limoncello. Don't rush your meals; dining is a leisurely activity.

To experience Sorrento like a local, visit the Marina Grande for fresh seafood and a less touristy atmosphere. Enjoy a passeggiata (evening stroll) along Corso Italia. Take part in local festivals such as the Feast of Sant'Antonino. Engage with locals, who are often friendly and willing to share stories and tips about the area.