Sorrento: The Jewel of the Amalfi Coast

• HelloCiao
  [chow]
• GoodbyeArrivederci
  [ah-ree-veh-dehr-chee]
• YesSì
  [see]
• NoNo
  [no]
• Please/You're welcomePer favore/Prego
  [pehr fah-voh-reh/preh-goh]
• Thank youGrazie
  [grah-tsyeh]
• Excuse me/SorryScusa/Scusami
  [skoo-sah/skoo-sah-mee]
• 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
  [non kah-pee-skoh]

• I'd like to see the menu, pleaseVorrei vedere il menù, 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!Vattene!
  [vaht-teh-neh]
• 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-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-no leh dee-eh-chee eh meh-tzah]
• MorningMattina
  [mah-tee-nah]
• AfternoonPomeriggio
  [poh-meh-ree-joh]
• EveningSera
  [seh-rah]
• YesterdayIeri
  [yeh-ree]
• TodayOggi
  [oh-jee]
• TomorrowDomani
  [doh-mah-nee]
• 1Uno
  [oo-no]
• 2Due
  [doo-eh]
• 3Tre
  [treh]
• 4Quattro
  [kwah-troh]
• 5Cinque
  [cheen-kweh]
• 6Sei
  [say]
• 7Sette
  [seh-tteh]
• 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-tssoh]
• Can you show me (on the map)?Puoi mostrarmi (sulla mappa)?
  [pwah-ee mohs-trahr-mee (sool-lah mahp-pah)]
• When's the next (bus)?Quando è il prossimo (autobus)?
  [kwahn-doh eh eel prohs-sih-moh (ow-toh-boos)]
• A ticket (to ....)Un biglietto (per ....)
  [oon beel-lyet-toh (pehr)]

Sorrento, known as Surrentum in ancient times, boasts a history that dates back to the Greek and Roman periods. The city was a significant hub in the ancient world due to its strategic position overlooking the Bay of Naples. Sorrento was particularly famous for its production of wine and olive oil, commodities that were highly prized by the Romans.

During the Roman era, Sorrento flourished as a luxurious resort destination for the Roman elite. The city's villas, adorned with intricate mosaics and frescoes, were renowned for their opulence. Notable Roman figures, including the famed poet Virgil, are said to have been inspired by the stunning landscapes of Sorrento.

In the medieval period, Sorrento became a battleground for various powers vying for control of the region. The city was part of the Duchy of Amalfi and later came under the influence of the Normans, Swabians, and Angevins. During this time, Sorrento's defensive walls and fortifications were strengthened to protect against frequent pirate raids.

The Renaissance and Baroque periods saw a resurgence of art and culture in Sorrento. The city became a center for intellectual and artistic activity, with many churches and palaces being built or renovated in the Baroque style. Notable architectural examples include the Sorrento Cathedral and the Church of San Francesco.

In the 19th century, Sorrento became a popular destination for European aristocrats undertaking the Grand Tour. The city's picturesque beauty and mild climate attracted writers, artists, and composers. Notable figures such as Lord Byron, Johann Wolfgang von Goethe, and Richard Wagner visited Sorrento, leaving behind a legacy of literary and artistic works inspired by their stay.

Today, Sorrento is a renowned tourist destination, celebrated for its stunning coastal views, historic sites, and vibrant culture. The city's economy thrives on tourism, and it continues to draw visitors from around the world who come to experience its rich history, delicious cuisine, and welcoming atmosphere.

Sorrento is accessible by several means of transportation. The nearest major airport is Naples International Airport (Aeroporto di Napoli-Capodichino), approximately 50 kilometers away. From Naples, you can take a direct train from Napoli Centrale to Sorrento via the Circumvesuviana line, which takes about an hour. Alternatively, there are ferry services from Naples to Sorrento, offering a scenic view of the Bay of Naples. For those driving, Sorrento is connected by the A3 motorway, followed by the SS145 state road.

Sorrento is relatively compact, making it easy to explore on foot. For local transportation, the Circumvesuviana train line connects Sorrento with nearby towns such as Pompeii, Herculaneum, and Naples. Buses operated by EAV and SITA Sud provide services within Sorrento and to the Amalfi Coast. Taxis are available but can be more expensive. Car rentals are an option, but parking can be challenging and costly in the town center.

The official currency in Sorrento, like the rest of Italy, 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 and markets. ATMs are plentiful throughout Sorrento, and currency exchange services are available at banks and exchange offices.

Sorrento is generally considered safe for tourists. However, standard precautions should be taken, especially in crowded areas where pickpocketing can occur. Be cautious with your belongings and avoid displaying valuables. The town center and main tourist areas are safe, but it's wise to stay vigilant, particularly at night. There are no specific high-crime neighborhoods targeting tourists, but always exercise common sense.

In case of emergency, dial 112 for police, 118 for medical emergencies, and 115 for fire services. The local hospital, Ospedale Santa Maria della Misericordia, is equipped to handle medical emergencies. Pharmacies are available for minor health issues, and many staff speak English. It is highly recommended to have travel insurance that covers medical emergencies.

Fashion: Do dress smartly, especially in the evening. Avoid overly casual or beachwear when dining out. Religion: Do respect local customs, especially when visiting churches. Cover your shoulders and knees. Public Transport: Do validate your ticket before boarding trains and buses. Don't forget to carry cash for bus tickets. Greetings: Do greet people with a 'Buongiorno' (Good morning) or 'Buonasera' (Good evening). A handshake is common. Eating & Drinking: Do try local specialties like Gnocchi alla Sorrentina and Limoncello. Don’t rush meals; dining is a leisurely experience.

To experience Sorrento like a local, visit the weekly market held every Tuesday in Via San Renato for fresh produce and local goods. Try the local gelato from smaller, family-run gelaterias. Engage with locals; they are friendly and often happy to share tips and stories. Don’t miss the sunset views from the Villa Comunale Park. For a unique experience, take a boat tour to explore the nearby islands of Capri and Ischia.