Retire Early Lifestyle
Retirement; like your parents, but way cooler

In 1991 Billy and Akaisha Kaderli retired at the age of 38. Now, into their 4th decade of this financially independent lifestyle, they invite you to take advantage of their wisdom and experience.

Stunning Sorrento, Italy

Billy and Akaisha Kaderli

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We are staying in Naples in a decent apartment.

But the weather has been dreary, and Big City Life isn't really for us.

So, we decided to go to a beach paradise, just an hour train ride from our location.

Purchasing our tickets at the Napoli Centrale train station the day before, we utilized the Circumvesuvia line to get to our destination.

For a one-way ticket per person, we spent $4.20 Euros.

The Train Station in Sorrento

 Because this commuter train is the same one that goes to Pompeii, it was absolutely JAM-PACKED with tourists.

It wasn't until people got off at the Pompeii stop that we even had a chance to find a seat for the rest of the trip.

Note:  The trick is to walk up to the front of where the train pulls in, getting into the front cars. You'll have a better chance at having a seat.

This little train station in Sorrento was almost "cute" compared to the huge station in Naples.

Pastel colored Italian motorbike

We arrived in Sorrento, and it was beautiful.

It was just what we needed to calm us down from being smushed around in a grey concrete city.

We loved the quaintness of this place. Look at the beautiful pastel-colored Vespa!

The view from the center of town

When we arrived, we immediately purchased a Gelato which was fabulous.

This view is from the center of town looking from the cliffs down into the sea and harbor below.

We had spectacular weather and the sea breeze was a balm.

Outdoor restaurant seating

Sorrento seemed so cheery and CLEAN.

The streets were not littered and it felt civilized.

A kitchen store

Not only are there serving platters and large painted planters for sale, you can see that this store offers cooking classes daily.

There are also bottles of olive oil and Limoncello as well.

Lemoncella is a liqueur made from the famous Sorrento Lemons.

View from the cliffs to the harbor below

There are two sections to Sorrento.

The town above and the harbor, restaurants, ferries and beaches below.

There are two Hydro-ferries available. One goes to Naples and the other goes to the Island of Capri.

The path on the right leads down to the beach area.

A closer look at the sunbathing area

It's a different style of beach than what we have seen in the US, Mexico, Dominican Republic or Vietnam.

Here, the beaches are much smaller, sometimes rocky, and sunbathing areas are manmade on piers.

The view looking the other way

Here you see more stunning cliffs that rise directly from the sea.

Cabanas to change your clothing and lounges and large sun umbrellas are below.

You can rent a kayak or a small boat to paddle around, too.

Billy and Akaisha at Sorrento

Here we are at a peaceful beach with stunning sea cliff views.

As this is more our style, we're home once again!

Panoramic views of Sorrento

Here you see what it looks like from high on the cliffs looking down.

On the left is a little park with creamy pastel-colored buildings.

On the right is another small park with restaurants and outdoor seating.

From the sidewalk on the left, if you were to walk straight ahead you'll find a pathway down to the beach.

The switchback pathway to the beach

This is the pathway one takes to get down to the beach and dock area.

As you can see, it's plenty wide for tourists coming and  going.

We found out later that there is a very small elevator for those who don't want to walk this far or if they have dogs, use wheelchairs or if they are using strollers.

Carved angel with sword

Not all angels are peaceful. Some are warriors, like this one.

They serve as instruments of God and are considered protectors and guardians. Angels are sometimes seen as participants in spiritual warfare against evil forces and demons and their sword is a weapon used to combat evil.

 Local hotel growing some of Sorrento's famous lemons

The climate in the Sorrento region is well-suited for lemon cultivation. With warm, sunny days and mild winters, it's the perfect conditions for lemon trees to thrive.

Lemons have been cultivated here for centuries and these "Sorrento lemons" are prized for their unique flavor and aroma.

Fragrant, tart, but not overly sour, this makes them ideal for various uses in cooking.

Examples of this are limoncello, lemon-infused olive oil, lemon gelato, marmalade, and various savory and sweet dishes, including pasta and desserts.

They are sought after by chefs, bakers, and food producers around the world.

Chalk board restaurant menu

Here you see the famous "fried pizza" being advertised.

Notice that the take away is cheaper because you don't have to pay the "coperto" or cover charge for sitting at a table.

Novelty store

There is a walking street that runs through the center of Sorrento.

All along this street are restaurants and shops.

This one shows all sorts of items for sale, mostly with a lemon theme; teas, soaps, oils, creams, children's clothing, pastas, souvenirs and more.

Tiny pedestrian street

There are many pleasant streets to wander off and enjoy the surprises that come up.

Here is an old stone church with painted frescos and arched doorways. Restaurants and shops are on the other side of this alleyway.

Bicycles parked along the wall

These might be rented bicycles which is a great way to see the town.

Parked along side a lemon-yellow wall, it makes for a fun photo.

Walking street

This is the main walking street that goes through town.

It goes quite a distance in both directions where you can wander, have a cafe, a meal or go shopping.

With weather like we experienced here in Sorrento, it was a very charming way to visit through town.

Notice the white and blue streamers supporting Naples soccer team. This was a recurring theme all though this region.

Outside cafe tables

You could have your choice to sit inside or outside in these restaurant cafes.

It was wonderful in the shade, but if the sun shifts too far, you may find yourself cooking!

Salumerias are very common in Italy. You can purchase all sorts of food items like handmade cheeses, meats, salamis, Prosciuttos, oils, cookies and more.

Sunning yourself in Sorrento

What a beautiful, relaxing place to chill out.

These little tub boats seem enchanting as you drift along looking at the blue skies above.

There's a convenient ladder to use to climb back up to sit under an umbrella and have a refreshing drink or a snack.

Another sundeck area

This is another area where people can sunbathe.

As you can see, the water is clear and inviting, perfect for snorkeling.

Looking up from the sundeck to the cliffs above

This is the view from that same sundeck in the previous photo.

Notice the cabanas on the left for changing clothes.

Atop the cliffs are historical buildings and private homes. The town itself is just beyond these buildings.

View of pathway and sheer cliff

Looking straight up this cliff from the sundeck below.

The man in the red hat is standing on part of the pathway that we took that leads down to the sea.

From this photo, the elevator is to the right.

Pebbly beach and docks

As you can see here, there's a portion of the beach in Sorrento that is full of pebbles, not sand.

However, people still enjoy the impressive views that this location offers.

With the gentle waves, it's perfect for families or for swimming laps.

Peter Beach

Peter Beach is enjoyed by tourists who want a laid back beach experience.

The beaches are clean and the water is crystal clear.

Vistas are gorgeous and memorable.

Woman in a sun hat

Nature is not the only beauty we can observe here in Sorrento.

The "beautiful people" come out to play at one of Italy's favored tourist destinations.

Catch the ferry here

One can catch the hydro-ferries here at the Marina Piccola.

One ferry goes to the Island of Capri and the other one goes to Naples.

You can also take other excursions down the Amalfi Coast or to the nearby island of Ischia. Visitors can find various boat rental services, including traditional wooden fishing boats and larger vessels for day trips.

Panoramic view of Marina Piccola

This panoramic shot shows you how beautiful Sorrento's small harbor is.

The water is cerulean blue and the skies present cloud art.

The whole area is super clean and inviting.

One could easily spend days of their vacation here enjoying all that Sorrento offers.

We would certainly recommend a visit here!

Retire Early Lifestyle appeals to a different kind of person – the person who prizes their independence, values their time, and who doesn’t want to mindlessly follow the crowd.

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