Mount Vesuvius

Hike in Naples

Mount Vesuvius, one of just two active volcanoes on the European continent, rises to a height of approximately 1,281 meters. It features a symmetrical central cone and steep wooded slopes. The entirety of Mount Vesuvius National Park is not only picturesque but also productive, peppered with quaint farms and vineyards that cultivate ancient grape varieties unique to the region’s soil. A visit to the crater is essential, attracting tourists globally who ascend the trail annually to gaze into its depths.

Since the 1600s, the allure of Mount Vesuvius has drawn the curious to its slopes. During the Grand Tour era, it was regarded as an “exotic” destination, particularly for Northern European tourists who had never witnessed a volcano. The accidental discovery of the Pompeii ruins between the 18th and 19th centuries made the Pompeii-Vesuvius area a cultural magnet. Visitors fascinated by the unearthed city were equally eager to explore the volcano responsible for its ancient demise, making excursions up the mountain highly popular.

From the 18th century onward, climbing Mount Vesuvius remains a favored local activity. The establishment of the Volcanological Observatory in 1841 and the official Mountain Guide Association in 1855 ensures that knowledgeable guides are available to assist tourists on the upper mountain trails.

Today, the most frequented path is the one leading to the crater’s rim, accessible to all without requiring any hiking experience. This 4-kilometer round trip features an elevation gain of about 140 meters and an average slope of 14%, reaching up to 1,170 meters above sea level.

Visiting Mount Vesuvius

Visiting Mount Vesuvius by car: If you’re driving, take the A3 Napoli-Salerno highway and exit at Torre del Greco or Herculaneum, then follow the signs to Vesuvio. You’ll find a Parcheggio Vesuvio at 800 meters above sea level, which charges EUR 5 for the entire day. There is no way to pay for parking at the top and there is no Internet connection either. It is essential to book your Vesuvius parking in advance and you have to do it on this website. You will need to ceate an account and add your License Plate. You will get a numbered parking place, which is often ignored! From this parking lot, shuttles are available to the ticket office, which is about 2km away, for EUR 2 round trip.

Visiting Mount Vesuvius by Bus from Ercolano: You can take a bus or shuttle from Circumvesuviana Pompei – Villa dei Misteri station or the Circumvesuviana Ercolano Scavi station (the archeological site of Herculaneum). Vesuvio Express offers From Ercolano: Vesuvio Park Entry Ticket and Roundtrip Bus, the cost is around €35.00 for a round trip, which includes park entrance fees. These are private companies not public transport. These services drop you off approximately 200 meters below the crater trailhead.

Visiting Mount Vesuvius by Bus from Pompeii: Additionally, Around Vesuvio buses operate between Pompeii and Mount Vesuvius approximately every 50 minutes, offering convenient access for visitors. This costs €39.00 takes about 3 houtts and includes entry to Vesuvius.

Bus from Naples to Vesuvius: You can also travel to Mt Vesuvius from Naples by bus. Departures are from near Piazza Garibaldi and the central station in Naples, where tickets can be booked for €45.00. These buses typically allow for approximately one and a half hous of free time at the summit of the volcano.

Buying tickets to see Mount Vesuvius

You MUST purchase Mt Vesuvius entrance tickets on the official website before you go, there is no ticket office at the top. The tickets often sell out for specific time spots, especially in the morning when it is cooler, so if your schedule isn’t flexible, it’s best to book at least a few days in advance. If your specific time is not available then it is worth checking with a tour company, as they seem to have access to more tickets times.

As mentioned earlier there is no internet connection on the mountain, so it is important to take screenshots or print your tickets in advance.

When is Mt Vesuvius open?

January – February: 9 am – 3 pm.
March: 9 am – 4 pm.
April, May & June: 9 am – 5 pm.
July – August: 9 am – 6 pm.
September: 9 am – 5 pm.
October: 9 am – 4 pm.
November – December: 9 am – 3 pm.

Tips for visitng Mount Vesuvius

Visiting Mt. Vesuvius can be an exhilarating experience, offering breathtaking views and a unique glimpse into geological history. Here are some tips to help you make the most of your visit:

Use bathroom before setting out: At the moment, there are no public bathrooms at the top.
Wear Comfortable Shoes: The terrain around Mt. Vesuvius is rugged and can be steep in places. Wear sturdy, comfortable footwear suitable for hiking.
Check the Weather: The weather on the mountain can change quickly. Check the forecast and be prepared for cooler temperatures and potential rain, even if it’s sunny at lower elevations.
Buy Tickets in Advance: Especially during peak tourist seasons, it’s a good idea to purchase your entrance tickets or tour packages in advance to avoid long lines and ensure your spot.
Stay Hydrated: Carry enough water, especially since there are limited facilities once you start the hike up to the crater.
Use Sun Protection: The sun can be quite strong, even on cooler days. Wear a hat, sunglasses, and sunscreen.
Consider Transportation Options: If you’re not driving, look into shuttle buses or organized tours from nearby cities like Naples, Pompeii, or Herculaneum. These often include round-trip transport and entrance fees.
Respect the Environment: Stick to marked paths and respect all safety barriers and signs. Taking rocks or other natural souvenirs is prohibited.
Plan Your Time: If you take a bus or shuttle, you’ll usually have about 2 hours at the site. Plan your hike to make sure you have enough time to enjoy the views without rushing.
Educate Yourself Before Visiting: Knowing a bit about the history and geology of the volcano can enrich your experience. Consider reading up or hiring a guide who can provide insights during your visit.
Pack Snacks: There are few services available at the top, so bring some snacks if you think you’ll get hungry during your excursion.

By following these tips, you’ll be better prepared to enjoy a safe and memorable visit to Mt. Vesuvius.

I hope you enjoyed this guide to visitng Mount Vesuvius.

The Mount Vesuvius appears in our Complete Guide to Visiting Naples!

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Visiting Mount Vesuvius

Hours:

January – February: 9 am – 3 pm.

March: 9 am – 4 pm.

April, May & June: 9 am – 5 pm.

July – August: 9 am – 6 pm.

September: 9 am – 5 pm.

October: 9 am – 4 pm.

November – December: 9 am – 3 pm.

Address: Mount Vesuvius, Ottaviano, Metropolitan City of Naples, Italy

Duration: 2 hours