One of the best things to do in the Naples area is hiking up Mount Vesuvius to the crater. Here are a few facts and a guide to get you up on Mt. Vesuvius for some fantastic views over Naples Bay.
Facts about Mt. Vesuvius
Where is Mount Vesuvius?
Mount Vesuvius is located on the western coast of Italy, south of Rome, and overlooking Naples Bay.
What is Mount Vesuvius famous for?
Mount Vesuvius is most famous for the eruption in 79 AD. At that time, the Vesuvius completely destroyed and buried the Roman cities of Pompeii, Herculaneum, Oplontis, and Stabiae. Before the eruption, Mt.Vesuvius had a single tall cone, probably 1000 meters higher than the current height of about 1281 meters. Even now, it dominates the Bay of Naples, reminding the 3 million residents in the area of the permanent danger.
Is Mt. Vesuvius an Active Volcano?
Vesuvius is actually the only volcano on the European mainland that has erupted in the last century (during World War 2). That was the last eruption in 1944. However, Mount Vesuvius IS an active volcano, and it will probably erupt again.
Mount Vesuvius is considered one of the most dangerous volcanoes in the world. Considering its history and population density in its vicinity, I’m sure that’s accurate.
How to get to Mount Vesuvius
From Ercolano
As you exit the train station in Ercolano, you will see a sign with Vesuvio Express to your left. The shuttle will take you to the parking lot at 1000 meters altitude. It takes about 20 minutes to get there, and you will have 90 minutes to walk the trail to the crater, take in the views and walk back. The ticket is 10€, and the entrance to Vesuvius Park is another 10€. Make sure to buy both tickets, if you only pay for the ride at the station, you will have to go back from the parking place for a couple hundred meters to pay the entrance fee.
From Pompeii
From Pompeii Scavi-Villa dei Misteri train station there is a shuttle service called Busvia del Vesuvio. The ticket costs 22€, and it takes 3 hours for the whole trip. They also have a tour option which includes a Lacryma Christi wine tasting, for 40€.
There is another cheaper option, the EAV Bus from the train station. The ride takes about 50 minutes, and the ticket is 2.70€ each way. You get off at the ticket office on the mountain, where you also pay the entrance fee.
What to expect
The trail starts in the parking lot at an altitude of about 1000 meters. It is not very difficult, but it still takes 20-35 minutes to walk to the crater with a few steep slopes. If it’s a sunny day, don’t forget sunscreen, a bottle of water, and a hat. There is no shadow on the trail, and the black lava doesn’t help with the heat.
In theory, the entrance ticket to the crater includes a guide, but I haven’t really seen anyone guiding any group.
A view from above Vesuvius
Once you reach the crater, you will have amazing views of Naples Bay and the Campanian Plain. Once you reach the crater, you will have amazing views of Naples Bay and the Campanian Plain. You will find a souvenir shop and a bar on the trail. Also, a lot of picture-perfect views.
For the rest of the day, read my suggestions for a trip to the lost Roman cities: Herculaneum or Pompeii.
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This would have made the visit to Pompeii even better.
Yes, they make the perfect trip together.
When I visited sorrento and Pompeii, I didn’t know visiting Vesuvius was an option! Thanks for outlining this. I’m definitely going up there next time!
🙂 I’m happy to hear that, Lannie!
You were brave to go up Vesuvius, my father-in-law always warns me to stay away! This is a great guide, and good tips too!
Thank you, Lisa!
This one brings me back. We LOVED our visit to Vesuvius! It’s a must when in the Rome/Amalfi Coast area. We even visited a nearby vineyard with that rich volcanic soil.
Would love to go there one day and walk to the top!
I was supposed to be doing this climb on my visit to Pompeii last month but that was a non runner. At least I have a good guide now for next year, when nothing is going to stop me. Bookmarked
I really want to explore this part of Italy. We love it there and want to see the islands, Naples, and sites like Herculaneum.
The Vesuv is on my bucketlist. Thank you for describing the public transport options!