A visit to Mount Vesuvius is a must in Naples. At 1,281 m high, its silhouette has become one of the symbols of southern Italy. It is all the more mythical for being one of only three active volcanoes in Europe.
But it's above all its history that makes it so famous, since it was one of its eruptions that buried Pompeii and Herculaneum in lava. More precisely, it was on the night of October 24, 79, that Vesuvius erupted, freezing these Roman villages forever. Today, it's possible to visit Pompeii, the better-known of the two, as well as Herculaneum, and admire Roman villages almost as if they were still inhabited. The lava and ashes have preserved the houses and roads very well, and you can still admire traces of horse-drawn carriages and even petrified bodies.
Since then, Vesuvius has erupted several times, to the point of being the only European volcano to erupt in the last century. The last eruption took place on March 29, 1944, and its lava flows, now petrified, are still clearly visible on the volcano's flanks.
Today, Vesuvius and its surroundings are protected by the Vesuvius National Park, which has also been recognized as a UNESCO Biosphere Reserve since 1997. The archaeological sites of Pompeii, Herculaneum and Torre Anunziata are also UNESCO World Heritage Sites.
Walking along the volcano's walls offers spectacular views of the Bay of Naples and islands such as Capri and Procida, among Italy's most beautiful landscapes.
How does a visit to Vesuvius work?
If you'd like to visit Mount Vesuvius, you'll discover it in two stages. First, you'll need to get to the start of the hike, before beginning the ascent. Here's how to make the most of this colossus, one of the world's most impressive volcanoes.
How do I get to Vesuvius from Naples?
There are several ways to visit Mount Vesuvius from Naples:
- By car, taking the A1 freeway, then the " Torre del Greco " exit and following the signs for " Vesuvio ".
- By train, from Naples central station, aboard the Circumvesuviana, a railroad line that circles the volcano. After about 20 minutes, get off at Ercolano, i.e. Herculaneum, the other village destroyed by lava. From here, frequent buses take you to the heights of the volcano, giving you only half an hour's climb to the summit.
By bus, take the EAV Napoli-Vesuvio, a 1.5-hour bus service from Piazza Piedigrotta to the volcano. There are two departures each day at 9 a.m. and 10.15 a.m., and two returns at 12.30 p.m. and 2 p.m.
What to see and do when visiting Vesuvius?
Although the volcano is 1,281 m high, don't imagine that you'll have to climb that much. In fact, the ticket office is located almost at the summit, and you'll only have to walk for half an hour. Count on 1 h 30 in total, including the stop at the summit and the descent. While it's possible to climb the entire volcano, as a trail runs through it, this would be of little interest, as the first part is neither very scenic nor very beautiful, and would represent a substantial hike.
The hike is mainly open country, as these volcanic landscapes are almost treeless, but rather lunar landscapes dotted only with volcanic rock and petrified lava flows. If you're traveling in summer, remember to protect yourself from the sun with a cap and sunglasses, in addition to good hiking boots.
Once you've climbed to the top, you'll have a breathtaking view of the entire Neapolitan bay, provided you've chosen a day with clear skies. There's also a path that allows you to get as close as possible to the crater and admire the lava. It doesn't take you all the way around the crater, but it does allow you to walk on one half of it.
What are the different options for climbing Mount Vesuvius?
To visit Vesuvius, you need to buy an entrance ticket, which entitles you not only to access, but also to a guided tour of the volcano's summit. This measure limits the number of visitors on the volcano at any one time, thus protecting it from erosion.
Please note: online booking is now compulsory. Don't count on buying your ticket online from your mobile once you're on site, as the internet connection on the volcano is very weak. Tickets can be purchased up to 30 days in advance.
Expect to pay €10 per person for tickets on the official website, which offers the cheapest prices, and €8 for discounted tickets. On the site, buy the " visita guidata al gran cono del Vesuvio ".
Another option is to hire a tour operator who will take care of you for the entire tour. This is the simplest option, but the most expensive, as a guide will pick you up at your hotel, take you to Vesuvius, arrange the tickets, guide you around the site and then take you back to your hotel. This is an excellent option if you're only staying two or three days in Naples, as you'll save yourself the stress of transport and tickets.
Practical information you need to know before visiting Vesuvius
Make sure you plan your visit to Mount Vesuvius well in advance, as some days may be fully booked!
What are Vesuvius' opening times?
Opening times for visiting Mount Vesuvius depend on the season:
- November to February: 9 a.m. to 3 p.m,
- March and October: 9 a.m. to 4 p.m,
- April to June and September: 9 a.m. to 5 p.m,
- July and August: 9 a.m. to 6 p.m.
What's the best time of year to visit Vesuvius?
Visiting Naples in spring is the best time to climb Vesuvius, as temperatures are still mild and the weather sunny. Choose a clear day, because if the top of the volcano is fogged in, as is often the case, you won't be able to enjoy the view from the summit. Autumn is also a good season, provided it's not raining, as you won't be sheltered from the rain.
In summer, temperatures are often too high, especially as the hike to the summit includes virtually no shade. However, a visit to Mount Vesuvius is one of Italy's must-sees, and well worth braving the heat, provided you protect yourself with sunglasses, a cap, sunscreen and water (necessary in all seasons).
Can I visit Vesuvius without a guide?
Your entrance ticket includes a guided tour, but you are free not to take it.
A ticket office is located just a few dozen metres from the summit. From this point onwards, a ticket is obligatory, including a guided tour. The lower part of the volcano, on the other hand, is neither ticketed nor guided, but is also much less interesting, especially as the concrete path is less attractive.
What is the official website for buying tickets to Vesuvius?
The only official site for buying tickets to visit Mount Vesuvius is https://vesuviopark.vivaticket.it/. A number of partner sites also offer tickets for sale, but at higher prices, since these sites receive a commission on the sale. The cheapest prices are on the previous site.
