Vesuvius National Park: A Journey to the Crater's Edge
Hike to the crater of Mount Vesuvius for stunning views, geological wonders, and a glimpse into history near Pompeii and Naples.
Hike to the summit of Mount Vesuvius, an active volcano that dominates the Bay of Naples. Peer into the crater, learn about its history, and enjoy panoramic views of the surrounding landscape, including Pompeii and the Mediterranean Sea.
A brief summary to Vesuvius National Park
- Sentiero del Gran Cono, Ercolano, Metropolitan City of Naples, 80056, IT
- +390818653911
- Visit website
- Monday 9 am-6 pm
- Tuesday 9 am-6 pm
- Wednesday 9 am-6 pm
- Thursday 9 am-6 pm
- Friday 9 am-6 pm
- Saturday 9 am-6 pm
- Sunday 9 am-6 pm
Local tips
- Book tickets online in advance, especially during peak season, to secure your preferred time slot and avoid disappointment.
- Wear sturdy shoes suitable for hiking on uneven, gravelly terrain.
- Bring water, sunscreen, and a hat, as there is limited shade on the trail.
- Check the weather forecast before your visit, as the crater may be closed in inclement weather.
- Allow ample time for your visit, including travel to the park, the hike to the crater, and time to enjoy the views.
Getting There
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Public Transport
From Naples, take the Circumvesuviana train towards Sorrento and get off at either Ercolano Scavi or Pompei Villa dei Misteri. From Ercolano, buses or Vesuvio Express shuttles will take you to the park entrance. From Pompeii, take the EAV bus to Vesuvius. A round trip shuttle/bus ticket including the park entrance fee is around EUR 22. Train tickets from Naples to Ercolano or Pompeii are approximately EUR 5 round trip.
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Car
Take the A3 Napoli-Salerno highway to the Torre del Greco or Ercolano exit and follow the signs for Vesuvio. Parking is available at 800 meters above sea level for EUR 5 per day. From the parking area, you can take a shuttle to the ticket office for EUR 2 round trip, or walk approximately 30 minutes uphill. Booking parking online in advance is required.
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Walking
From the ticket office, the trail to the crater is a 0.7-mile (1.1 kilometer) hike uphill with an elevation gain of 505 feet (154 meters). The hike takes approximately 30 minutes. The entrance fee to the crater is EUR 10 for adults and EUR 8 for students.
Discover more about Vesuvius National Park
Iconic landmarks you can’t miss
Vesuvio
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Hercules War
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Ercolano Scavi
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Discover South - Tour Operator Campania
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B&B HERCULANEUM RUINS
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Piazza Luigi Palomba
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Herculaneum home
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Basilica di Santa Croce
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monumento alle pezze di via Pugliano
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Burger Vi.P.
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Ruins B&B
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Herculaneum Hotel & Maison
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Ruins Vesuvius
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Sacello degli Augustali
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House of the Black Salon
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Unmissable attractions to see
Vesuvius National Park
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Vesuvius National Park Visitor center
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Piazzale di Quota 1000
0.2 km
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Mount Vesuvius
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Associazione Vesuvio Natura da Esplorare
2.0 km
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Valle dell'Inferno and Lungo i Cognoli path
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Azienda Agricola Fuocomuorto Di Oliviero Gennaro
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Azienda Vinicola Sorrentino
5.3 km
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Cantina Del Vesuvio Winery Russo Family since 1930
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Valle dell'Orso
5.8 km
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Donadio Corals and Cameos
6.1 km
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APA Torre del Greco (since 1848)
6.3 km
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Villa Ruggiero
6.6 km
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Church of Saint Mary 'del Pilar'
6.7 km
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MAV - Virtual Archaeological Museum
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Essential places to dine
Ristorante Douce Atmosphere
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Ristorante Vesum
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Kona
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Terrazza Due Golfi
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Hotel Il Sentiero
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La Roccia Al Vesuvio
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La Casa di Amelia
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Agriturismo Antico Ricupo
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Cratere
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I Giardini di Cesare
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Dante Osteria
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Masseria Guida
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Bistrot De Paris Ercolano
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Josè Restaurant - Tenuta Villa Guerra
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La Fornacella
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Markets, malls and hidden boutiques
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Gelateria Cioccolateria
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Essential bars & hidden hideouts
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IQOS PREMIUM PARTNER ERCOLANO - Caffè Don Peppe
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The Shire Pub
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Caffetteria Carmiusina
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Civico 33
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Bar Olimpiade
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Viva Lo Re
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Bar Nunzia
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Hercvlanevm Snack Bar
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Bar Sandwich Herculaneum Cafè
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Herculaneum Bar Dei Papiri
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Speakeasy Cocktail & Food
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Red
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Malafronte Giuseppe
9.6 km
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