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.
Vesuvius National Park, established in 1995, surrounds the iconic Mount Vesuvius, one of the world's most famous and closely monitored volcanoes. The park's main attraction is the Gran Cono, the crater of Vesuvius, offering visitors a unique opportunity to walk along the rim of an active volcano. The park encompasses a diverse landscape of volcanic formations, rich flora and fauna, and historical sites, offering a blend of natural beauty and cultural significance. The climb to the crater is a moderately challenging hike, approximately 4 km round trip with a 140-meter elevation gain. The trail offers breathtaking views of the Bay of Naples, the Tyrrhenian Sea, and the surrounding towns, including the ruins of Pompeii and Herculaneum, which were destroyed by Vesuvius's eruption in 79 AD. From the summit, you can peer into the crater, observe fumaroles emitting steam, and learn about the volcano's geological history and ongoing monitoring efforts. The park also features a network of trails that wind through different ecosystems, from forests of oak and chestnut to volcanic scrubland. These trails offer opportunities for birdwatching, nature photography, and exploring the unique biodiversity of the Vesuvius area. Visiting Vesuvius requires pre-booked tickets and is subject to time slot entry to manage visitor numbers. Knowledgeable guides accompany groups along the crater path, providing insights into the volcano's history, geology, and the surrounding environment.
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.
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
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.
