Useful Information

Lost in Translation

When in Italy, do like Italians!

Latte: The word “latte” in Italian simply means “milk.” So if you’re ordering a latte, you’ll be served a glass of milk.

Caffe’ vs Espresso: for Italians, the only coffee (caffe’) is espresso. Therefore if you want something different, you need to expressly ask for “Caffe’ Americano”

Al Fresco: It translates in Italian as “in fresh air”. Therefore in the summer, if you ask for an “al fresco” table, you’ll be likely end up indoor by the AC.

Paninis: Panini is already a plural word. If you wish to have just one sandwich, simply use the word “panino”

Use of Cards and Credit Cards

In Italy, the use of cards for payments has become increasingly common and widespread over the years.

However, it’s important to note that while cards are widely accepted, there may still be some instances where cash is preferred or even required. For example, smaller businesses, street vendors, or some local markets might prefer cash payments. Additionally, in certain rural areas or smaller towns, the availability of card payment terminals may be limited.

For small purchases, like coffees and similar, only cash is accepted.

Safety in Italy

Pickpocketing: although Italy is generally a safe country, pickpocketing could be an issue in major cities, like Milan, Rome and Naples.
Always keep your belongings close to you, bags zipped, and avoid displaying valuable items. If in cars, never keep valuable belonging on the seats close to the car window. Always keep your car windows closed.

Crossing the streets: while there are designated crosswalks, they don’t always guarantee priority. Italians believe in the concept of “right of passage,” meaning that if you confidently step onto the road, drivers will usually yield to you. If you are not used to this, cross at the stoplight but make sure all cars have already stopped. This does not always happen even if the light is red

General Information

Santa Maria di Castellabate. Click to read more about the town we will be staying.

Before travelling check:

your passport has more than 6 months of validity
you have the right plug adaptor
you have portable chargers
you secured the best phone deal for roaming
check rooms facilities & policies and all working to avoid later charges

Emergency numbers in Italy:

The number 112 is the universal emergency , and it will connect you to the appropriate emergency service/Police: 113; Medical Emergencies and Ambulance: Call 118 /Fire Brigade: Call 115 /Coast Guard: Call 1530 /Night Medical Assistance: contact the hotel concierge

A Little Bit More about Italian Food:

Pasta – being a complex carbohydrate – is served “al dente” (undercooked) for healthy reasons: it preserves fibers and results in lower glycemic response.
Cappuccino: it’s served at breakfast for its high nutrient and fats content; therefore it’s consumed only once a day away from the main meals.
Primi & Secondi: Italians consider pasta dishes as “primi” (the first dish) and main dishes as “secondi”, the second meal after the pasta. These are always eaten in succession.
“Ch”- the combination of these two letters is always a “hard sound” like “Chianti”. Therefore “bruschetta” is pronounced ” brusketta”; “pistacchio:” is pronounced “pistakkio”