account Hiking Mount Vesuvius: Useful Tips!
Hiking Mount Vesuvius: How to Get There and When to Go
Have you just arrived in the city of Naples, but are already thinking about exploring the famous volcano that overlooks the most iconic gulf in Campania?
Perfect! In this article, we’ve gathered all the information and tips you need to plan your excursion to Mount Vesuvius.
Vesuvius is one of only two active volcanoes in continental Europe and part of the Somma-Vesuvius volcanic complex. It rises approximately 1,232 meters, and since it lies within a caldera about 4 km in diameter, it is a rare example of an encircled volcano. The eruption of 79 A.D. that covered Pompeii and Herculaneum with ash and pumice is the most famous and gave the volcano global notoriety. It's precisely this fascinating history and mysterious aura that attract thousands of people each year, eager to hike and explore the mountain. Although the last eruption was in 1944, Vesuvius has been active for more than 39,000 years. According to the Vesuvius Observatory, the volcano is currently in a phase of active rest due to minor seismic tremors and fumaroles along its slopes.
Vesuvius National Park
Vesuvius National Park currently offers 11 trails covering a total of 54 km. The most popular path to see the volcano’s crater is the one leading to the Gran Cono of Vesuvius. Trail No. 5, called The Gran Cono, starts from Piazzale at 1,000 meters in the municipality of Ercolano and follows the lower rim of the crater. This 4 km walk at a maximum altitude of 1,175 meters offers an unforgettable view of Mount Somma, the Valley of the Giant adorned with blooming broom flowers, and the entire Gulf of Naples with its islands.
How to Get to Vesuvius
The distance between Naples and Vesuvius can be covered by car, public transport, the Vesuvio TramVia, or the Circumvesuviana railway.
- By car: Take the A3 motorway, from either north or south, and exit at Ercolano or Torre del Greco. Once you reach 800 meters altitude, you'll find a parking area, and from there you can take the shuttle bus to the ticket office.
- By public transport: The public company EAV, more affordable than private operators, offers buses from Piazza Piedigrotta.
- By Circumvesuviana train: Get on at Naples Central Station and get off at Ercolano Scavi or Pompeii Villa dei Misteri. In front of the Pompeii station, the Vesuvio TramVia departs and takes you directly to your destination.
When to Visit Vesuvius
Spring and autumn are the best seasons for a hike on Mount Vesuvius. Besides the vibrant colors typical of the landscape, there are fewer people and the temperature is pleasant enough for a comfortable walk. Due to unfavorable weather, we recommend avoiding most of the winter season. Whatever time of year you go, always check the weather because in case of bad conditions, civil protection authorities may close the trails without notice.
Opening hours for visits to Vesuvius:
- January, February, November, December: every day from 9:00 AM to 3:00 PM.
- March and October: every day from 9:00 AM to 4:00 PM.
- April, May, June, September: every day from 9:00 AM to 5:00 PM.
The hike isn’t particularly strenuous: it’s suitable for everyone and doesn’t require any special preparation. Our only advice is to start early in the morning to avoid the hottest hours of the day. If you finish your hike by lunchtime, a great idea is to head to Pompeii for a meal at a local restaurant, continue your Vesuvius-themed day with a visit to the Pompeii Ruins, and end it with an overnight stay at B&B Hotel Napoli.