Guide to hiking Mount Vesuvius in 2024 by a local!
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Discover everything you need to know about visiting and hiking Mount Vesuvius in Naples (Italy) with useful tips from a local! There’s no need to book an expensive guided tour. You can plan everything on your own and visit on a budget from the cities of Naples or Sorrento. Let’s see how!
As you probably already know, Mt. Vesuvius is the volcano responsible for destroying the cities of Pompeii, Herculaneum, Stabiae and Oplonti in 79 ad. Us Neapolitans have gotten used to living near an active volcano, to the point that it has become part of the “perfect Naples postcard“. A symbol that makes our city recognizable in the whole world. If you are visiting Naples for a few days, I highly suggest you add hiking Mount Vesuvius to your itinerary. Visiting Pompeii archaeological site will be impressive. Yet only climbing Mount Vesuvius you’ll understand the enormity of what happened! Let a local guide show you the ropes, with info updated to 2024!
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Things to know before visiting Mount Vesuvius
- Mount Vesuvius is the only active volcano on mainland Europe (Mount Etna, in fact, is located in Sicily which is an Italian island);
- In 2013 the height of the cone was 4203 feet (1281 meters), but it changes considerably after each eruption;
- Mount Vesuvius rose from the insides of Mount Somma, destroying half of the older volcano. Today Mount Somma has a half-moon shape;
- Between Mount Vesuvius and Mount Somma there’s Valle del Gigante (Giant’s valley);
- More than two million people live near the Vesuvius and on its lower slopes;
- The slopes of Vesuvius are covered with vineyard and orchards. They produce a particularly famous (and a bit expensive) Italian red wine called “Lacryma Christi“, the Latin name means “tear of Christ“);
- The last eruption was in 1944, but in October 1999 a series of earthquakes terrified those living in the area;
- The super famous Neapolitan song Funiculì Funiculà (“Jamme, jamme ‘ncoppa, jamme jà!”: did I mention already that Neapolitan dialect is a completely different language?) was written to celebrate the opening of the first funicular cable car that reached the top of Mount Vesuvius. Unfortunately the funicular represented a huge financial disaster and was closed only a few years later;
- If you’re visiting Naples in winter you might not be able to hike Mount Vesuvius due to adverse weather conditions;
- You can clearly see Mount Vesuvius from a few of the towns on the Amalfi Coast and from the bay of Naples;
- Some tourists think they can steal rocks on Mount Vesuvius: please don’t do it! You can find here a list of Italian souvenirs that won’t put you in trouble!
Worried you’ll need a bit of help?
Download the FREE Italian Travel Phrasebook here! It includes the correct Italian pronunciation and lots of useful sentences that you’ll be able to use on your trip to Italy!
How to get to Mount Vesuvius
Many people are sure that getting to Mount Vesuvius National Park is expensive or complicated.
As a Neapolitan I beg to differ.
A Mount Vesuvius hike represents the perfect day trip from Naples if you like the great outdoors and the uncommon destinations.
Tourists that visit Naples in fact all go for the usual suspects: Pompeii, the Amalfi Coast, Capri or the other islands.
But what about the sleeping giant that has shaped our history? The same one that represents the perfect background for every picture tourists take in most of the amazing places to see in Naples?
To be honest, I think you can fit a trip to Mt. Vesuvius even in a short 10 days Italy itinerary: let’s see how!
Getting to Mt Vesuvius by car
If you have rented a car, take the A3 toll highway Napoli-Salerno.
In Italy we know toll highways as Autostrade.
Exit at Torre del Greco or Ercolano.
Once you’re there, just follow the easy-to-see directions to Mt. Vesuvius.
Visiting Vesuvius by public transport
Those who have planned a self-guided trip can easily reach “il Vesuvio” by using public transport.
Regione Campania in fact offers EAV buses for locals and tourists to the Vesuvius National Park.
Tickets are only 2.70€ and you can buy them on the bus!
Hop on a Circumvesuviana train from any of the metro stations in Naples.
You’ll need the Napoli-Sorrento line.
Yes you can get the local Circumvesuviana train also from the main Piazza Garibaldi station!
Once you reach the Ercolano or Pompei Scavi station, hop off.
You’ll find EAV buses already there.
The bus will take you to the ticket office by the entrance of the main trail.
The one that will lead you to the summit of Mount Vesuvius.
As Neapolitans we’re definitely used to narrow lanes.
Yet sometimes tourists are super terrified when they ride our local buses.
Sometimes there are two buses on two narrow lanes.
Let me offer a word of advice: do not sit by the window. Or do not look out. Especially if you’re scared of heights!
It feels as if you’re hanging on a cliff.
Same as riding a bus on the Amalfi Coast.
Our drivers are used to it, but people who don’t live here tend to get a bit scared!
Every day there are 16 EAV bus runs to get to Vesuvius.
The first one starts at 8:30 am from Pompeii. The last one leaves the main Vesuvio parking lot at 6:30 pm.
Usually there’s also a stop at the Vesuvius Observatory.
Next to the n. 9 trailhead, known as “Il fiume di Lava“.
Please be aware that you CAN’T visit Pompeii AND climb Mount Vesuvius in one day or you won’t be able to enjoy the archaeological site.
Knowledgeable guide to Mount Vesuvius National Park
In the summer of 2017 a big chunk of the Vesuvius National Park burned down because of a huge fire. It was terrifying and many people had to leave their homes.
Unfortunately you might still see the scars left from the huge fire.
Here things are sadly very slow, and it always takes a lot of time to fix everything, especially National Parks!
Mount Vesuvius National Park was born in 1995 to protect this part of land.
Scientists and biologists still make new discoveries almost on a daily basis.
Mount Vesuvius is like a canva on which Mother Nature and the people who used to live here before us left a lot of information and we are using it to understand what happened.
Not only with the 79 ad eruption that destroyed Pompeii, Herculaneum and Stabia.
Entry tickets and opening times
Tickets to Mount Vesuvius National Park will cost you 10€.
You can get a reduced entry ticket at 8€ if you live in one of the 13 cities included inside the National Park. Or if you are under 25 years old.
Disabled visitors and children under 6 can visit for free.
To get a reduced ticket or the right to enter for free you will need an ID (also for children) or a medical certificate stating you are disabled.
The park is open every day of the year.
The ticket office and trail n. 5 (the main one for climbing Vesuvius to the top) will be closed in case Italian Protezione Civile issues a weather warning.
Starting from warning level “Yellow“.
You can only buy tickets online.
It is now mandatory to book entrance to hike to the crater. With that I mean the n. 5 trail.
To buy your ticket you will thus need a credit card.
Tickets are named.
When you buy, you will need name, surname and address for each member of your party.
Make sure you get to the entrance on time: you will be booking day and time of the hike. If you’re late, you won’t be reimbursed!
Mt. Vesuvius and top of the crater opening times
- January, February, November and December: 9:00 am to 3:00 pm
- March and October: 9:00 am to 4:00 pm
- April, May, June, September: 9:00 am to 5:00 pm
- July and August: 9:00 am to 6:00 pm
Climbing Mount Vesuvius
Hiking Mt. Vesuvius can be an amazing experience, provided that you know what you are doing and your limits.
Something you should be aware of is that often at the entrance there’s a man offering wooden sticks.
They claim that it helps climbing Mount Vesuvius.
Truth is you don’t need the stick.
Also they will ask for money – some kind of rental fee.
Yet this person is not a member of the park staff! Do not offer money and just reply with “No, grazie” (No, thanks).
Some guided tour to Pompeii and Mount Vesuvius also claim you can hike to the crater. Implying you can go “inside“.
It’s not true!
Mount Vesuvius is still considered an active volcano.
While safe to hike, you can only reach the summit.
The area inside the rater is off limits for obvious limits.
Yet you can definitely see what’s inside thanks to a small panoramic terrace.
While climbing to the top, look around you: the view across the bay of Naples is amazing.
Bring your camera!
Mount Vesuvius Hiking trails
The whole trail system in place at Mt. Vesuvius N. P. is undergoing maintenance in 2024.
Some trails might thus be unsafe to climb or have no signs/markings.
Stick to the main ones or check out the official park website for news (sadly it’s not updated very often).
Usually if you book a guided tour from Naples, it should include the trail n. 5 to the summit.
Trail n. 1 Valle dell’inferno
It leads you through a protected area known as Valle dell’Inferno.
Trail n. 2 Lungo i cognoli
You’ll climb along Monte Somma and Vesuvius.
Beware: part of this trail is currently undergoing maintenance.
Trail n. 3 Il Monte Somma
Loop trail that will led you to Punta Nasone, the highest peak on Monte Somma.
Beware: part of this trail is currently undergoing maintenance.
Trail n. 4 Attraverso la Riserva Tirone
Visitors will be able to climb through Riserva Forestale Tirone-Alto Vesuvio, a mountain reservoir.
Trail n. 5 Il Gran Cono
This is the main trail that leads to the summit.
The trailhead is in Ercolano, by the end of Strada Provinciale Ercolano-Vesuvio.
You will find a large panoramic area that is managed by the National Park.
Parking is not allowed and there are no toilets.
The parking areas are all located in Ercolano.
The Park suggests to buy the tickets to climb Mount Vesuvius and book the parking only when you’re sure you can visit.
Make sure to bring your camera because from this panoramic terrace, that we know as “Piazzale“, the view is absolutely gorgeous!
On one side you’ll see Monte Somma and Punta Nasone. On the other, the “Sterminator Vesevo” will loom over your head, showing you part of the trail.
As you keep climbing, you’ll get a lovely view on the Naples coastline. The metropolis will look tiny, and yet you will be surprised to know how far the lava flow could get!
While there are a few (small) viewpoints, the trail is considered moderately difficult due to the uneven terrain.
Aside from the gorgeous views and the other hikers, there aren’t facilities.
When you’re almost at the summit, you will finally find a small house.
We know it as “Capannuccia“.
While there still aren’t toilets, the tiny shop sells water, pricey souvenirs and snacks.
My suggestion is to bring your own water and snacks. It’ll be way cheaper!
In the summertime we usually stop for a bit at the Capannuccia as there’s some shadow, before we hike the last part of the trail, to the very top.
Trail n. 6 La Strada Matrone
A trail that follows the footsteps of brothers Matrone, who found their own way to reach the summit.
Trail n. 7 Il Vallone della Profica
The trail climbs up Monte Somma off the beaten track.
It is very unlikely to find crowds – more often than not you’ll be climbing all alone!
Trail n. 8 Il Trenino a Cremagliera
The trailhead is in San Sebastiano, a city inside the national park.
Beware: this trail is currently undergoing maintenance and closed at the time of writing.
Trail n. 9 Il fiume di lava
You will climb following the ancient lava flow, to the top of the volcano.
Trail n. 10 L’Olivella
A trail that starts from Sant’Anastasia, a small town inside the national park.
It follows a narrow road known as Olivella, climbs Monte Somma and reaches the bottom of the volcano.
Trail n. 11 La Pineta di Terzigno
We have explored this trail also on horseback and it’s very nice, especially in summer when it’s super hot!
The whole trail is on flat terrain, through the mountain trees.
How hard is it to climb to the crater?
In many articles I read that hiking Mount Vesuvius to the main crater is “very easy”.
Yet this trail has a medium-hard difficulty.
It is steep (14% gradient) and very uneven, as you can see from my pictures.
Also I should mention the fact that summer in Naples is not a good season to attempt this kind of trip.
Hiking Mount Vesuvius can be like walking into a furnace if you go when it’s very hot and the humidity rate is through the roof.
The trail is about 2 km (1.2 miles) long, so it’s a total of 4 km (2.4 miles) round trip.
Remember to bring at least 1 bottle of water per person, because you’re going to need it.
Some claim it took them a bit more than one hour to get to the top and back to the parking lot, but I don’t particularly like this kind of assessment.
Everyone climbs at a different pace, and you might want to stop to take a few pictures or shoot a video of the gulf of Naples, why hurry?
To be on the safe side, consider that a trip to Mount Vesuvius could take you a half a day, maybe a little more.
Some visit Mount Vesuvius from Rome.
If that’s the case, maybe you will have to hurry this hike!
When you reach the summit, don’t be surprised to find a lot of religious images.
Neapolitans are particularly superstitious and San Gennaro is the patron saint of Naples.
So they have left there many sacred images and items in a niche. Basically… it’s a Neapolitan life insurance, so San Gennaro can keep Mount Vesuvius under control and save Naples!
What gear do you need to climb the Vesuvius?
It is important to wear a good pair of hiking boots.
On the floor there’s a lot of debris and pumice stones, so it’s easy to slip.
I prefer to wear hiking boots that protect my ankles, because I feel way safer, and I do so also when it’s very warm.
In case it’s way too hot, I carry them in my backpack, wear them at the entrance, and when I’m done again I change into a nice pair of comfortable sandals.
I do so wherever I go, also at the amazing Plitvice Lakes National Park, because it’s very important to use the right footwear if you’re planning to hike!
Please do not attempt to hike in a pair of flip-flops or even worse, wearing high heels.
You’re bound to get hurt.
Aside from a solid pair of hiking boots, I like to bring with me a foldable raincoat.
Not because I’m afraid of the rain but because, especially if you’re hiking in months like March, April, October or November, on the top it will be a bit cold.
I have seen tourists wearing Birkenstock sandals, cute shorts. Upon climbing down from the top, they had blueish skin, and were trembling because of the cold. They were baffled: isn’t Naples always very warm?
Well yes, generally, but with a height of almost 1300 meters, it’s only natural that the air is a bit more chilly!
Especially if you’re planning to visit the Vesuvius during the winter.
A foldable raincoat is easy to carry and lightweight.
You can just keep it in your backpack.
Good for you if you won’t need it. Yet in this case, better safe than sorry.
Wear an UV hat because there’s no shade, anywhere on the path, until you get to the Capannuccia.
The sun here in Southern Italy can be brutal.
Consider bringing a reusable bottle with you.
It means less plastic and being able to visit on a budget.
Everything is overpriced – including water – especially at la Capannuccia!
When is the best time of the year to visit Mount Vesuvio?
Provided that January and February are rainy months, we say that “Marzo è pazzo” (March is insane).
It’s one of those months when it can be super sunny or it can rain 24/7. Be prepared for anything!
April and May can be good months, because the air is still nicly warm and it won’t be too hot (so if you have planned a spring trip to Italy it will be ideal!).
June is a bit warmer, and still a good time to visit, but it’s more crowded because of the many cruising ships docking into our port.
So many companies offer a visit to Mount Vesuvius in their day trips catalog so be prepared to hike with more people.
My personal opinion is that you should avoid the warmer months.
July and August, even the first part of September are going to be a nightmare.
The air is too warm, there’s too much sun, too many people, and the humidity rate is so high that it feels like you’re breathing warm water.
Not the nicest feeling at all!
If you want to visit Mt. Vesuvius in autumn, then the second part of September, October and the first part of November should be fine!
Climbing with a medical condition and my experience
Hiking Mt. Vesuvius can be hard if you suffer from a medical condition.
While for some the trail can be from “doable” to “easy”, according to how much they exercise, there are some things to consider if you aren’t overly fit or if you have health issues.
The very first thing I want you to be aware of is that once you are on the trail, which is particularly steep especially in the first part, there’s no bench where you can sit to rest for a while.
You won’t even find some shadow.
Italian food is full of options for you to choose. Bring a snack or a quick lunch with you to make sure your energy levels won’t drop too much.
Yet you will have to eat standing. Under the sun.
If we really want to think of the worst case scenario, in case you feel unwell, you might have to wait at least half an hour for an ambulance to get there.
And you will also have to wait for the doctors to hike the trail to pick you up.
My suggestion, before to plan your Mount Vesuvius hike, is to ask your doctor if you can do it.
Bring with you any emergency medication you might need and don’t climb on your own.
And, of course, know your limits.
I unfortunately know quite well what might happen, because I have asthma.
While I don’t let it stop me from exploring or hiking, I still find it difficult to open up to someone enough to speak of my condition.
I have this issue where I feel almost like it’s my fault, or that I should be ashamed of it, because it’s not “normal”.
So I keep it to myself.
When I hike with my husband, I feel way more relaxed, because I know that, should anything happen, he’ll know what to do.
Yet one day I was ready to hike Vesuvius with a group of bloggers and journalists.
Aldo wasn’t with me and I stubbornly told myself that I could hike to the summit “like a normal person”.
No one in the group knew of my condition, and a few of them were also quite fit.
They started hiking the trail on a particularly fast pace (they had never been there).
I was left behind within moments, and I felt the usual shame gnawing at my guts. Why couldn’t I keep up?
I stupidly pushed myself way too hard, and I felt even worse because I didn’t want to use my inhaler with so many people around.
They always look at me weirdly and I hate it.
Well, I was scared for my life, due to a sudden asthma attack.
I silently cried and cursed myself for being stupid.
Because dudes, I was stupid.
Underestimating a hike to the Vesuvius is not something you should do.
So please, if you suffer from a medical condition, take it into account and take preventive steps.
Know your limits and don’t push them.
It has to be a lovely trip, not a race: don’t be as irresponsible as I’ve been!
Using the official app with its hiking routes
The Vesuvius National Park has lately released an official app you can use while climbing.
Among the main features, you’ll find the chances to see where are you along the trail.
You’ll also get notified of upcoming points of interest.
Those climbing trail n. 5 might also listen to audioguides (not for every language, sadly), and get useful information about the park.
You can download the app for free: IOS – Android
Getting there with a guided tour
Do you feel like you need a bit of help?
I’ve got you!
There are a couple of good guided tours you can use (both tested), that should be perfect for every kind of traveler.
Pompeii and Mount Vesuvius with Pizza or Wine Tasting
This tour will take care of everything!
Skip-the-line tickets to Pompeii and Mt. Vesuvius, round trip transportation, pick up from your hotel, audioguide, water, and even a delicious pizza lunch!
The best thing ever?
You can cancel up to 24 hours in advance for a full refund!
Click here to get the updated rates and availability.
Naples and Pompeii and Mount Vesuvius from Rome
In case you’re spending a few days in Rome and you still want to visit, your day trip might be longer. But it’s still doable.
There’s a tour from Rome that includes transport in air-conditioned bus, entry tickets to Pompeii and Vesuvius N. P., as well as the help of a super funny Neapolitan guide.
The tour also offers the chance to spend some time in Naples. Or Positano, according to when you’re visiting.
This is another tour that includes free cancellation up to 24 hours in advance. Yet meals and water are on you.
Click here to get the updated rates and availability.
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Travelling Dany – Danila Caputo
Danila Caputo is a bilingual travel writer living in between Naples and the Amalfi Coast (Italy), graduating from the University of Naples Suor Orsola Benincasa in Foreign Languages and Literature. She travels and works with her husband Aldo, photographer and videographer. Their blog chronicles their adventures around the world, their love for the USA (where they have family), Italian/European culture and tips on how to be responsible travelers. You can find out more about their latest trips and their life on Youtube, Instagram and Facebook.
Do you come down the trail the same way you came up. In case you got half way up and decided that was as far as you can go. Or do you have to go all the way up to come back down another trail
Hi Michelle! You come down the trail to Mount Vesuvius crater the same way you came up. So absolutely yes, you can get to say the “second shop”, almost at the crater, stop to drink an espresso and then climb down without reaching the summit. Or even lower if you feel like it!
My family will be visiting around December 13th/14th and would love to hike up. Is this too late in the season? I’m worried it will already be closed!
I think it’ll be too cold and rainy to hike up to the crater. Unfortunately it’s usually windy up there and the climb up is steep and narrow. I don’t think December is a good month to hike Mount Vesuvius, sorry!
Thanks for the information! My husband and I are planning a trip to Italy in May. We will be arriving by plane in Naples around 13:00 and then plan to rent a car and drive to Mt. Vesuvius. Would you recommend driving and parking in the parking lot in the park or driving to one of the train stations where we can catch a bus to the top of the volcano? Thanks again for your help in planning our trip!
Ciao Cindy! I’m so glad this blog was useful, I always aim to provide the best insider tips to visit Italy and Naples! As for your question, I’d actually just drive to Mt. Vesuvius since you’re renting a car anyway!
I definitely need to get to Mount Vesuvius , it is all where Pompeii saga started. The hike does not seem too difficult and it does seem well marked. I guess, it would be a good to get a view from up there. I can see that it is quite picturesque too.
I found the hike to be pretty hard but if you train regularly, then no, I suppose it’s not too difficult. Especially if you’re wearing the right shoes 🙂
Checking out Mt Vesuvius was already on my bucket list but this post has definitely pushed it higher up my list. Along with checking or Pompeii.
The path does look a fair bit challenging but I think it would be worth it!
It is worth it! And I think also okey if you have the proper gear and know your hiking pace 🙂
Great article with lots of great information on Mount Vesuvius. I was in Naples many years ago but didn’t get to hike it. Then again, i did get to visit Sorrento and Capri on a 5 day trip so I can’t really complain too much!
You were lucky indeed, Capri is so amazing!
Why is Capri amazing? We are in Naples now and will be touring southern Italty for the next 10 days. Should we include it on our intinerary.
Capri has a unique style. Here you can read my article about it. I think it’s up to you and your itinerary, really! If you haven’t considered it, maybe also exploring the Amalfi Coast would be a good idea?
I live that you’ve been brutally honest about what is great and was it not-so-great. I think it is really important to let people know that this is not just a nice stroll in the park, and that you need proper gear. I always forget a hat so the reminder is good lol. I visited Sorrento as a child and didn’t get to climb Vesuvius. I really hope to in the future, and this guide had certainly prepared me for it.
I always try to be very honest, even if people might not like what I write! I think it’s important to inform people on what they should expect!
I would love to do this – I wonder if I’m fit enough for it, though. I’ve been to Ercolano and Pompeii and I saw this majestic volcano from the Capodimonte, so hiking up there would make this complete. And I’d arrange my life insurance up there as well 😉
Thanx for this very complete guide, it really makes me longing for going back to Napoli and take a hike….
Fingers crossed that you get to visit again then!!!
This is such detailed and helpful information. I’ve always wanted to climb Mount Vesuvius since it sounds like an amazing hike and a trip through time. I had no idea it is the only active volcano in Europe though!
There’s Mount Etna (Italy) but that’s in Sicily which is an island. I was talking of mainland 🙂
Vesuvius is already on my list 🙂 This is such a comprehensive account that I am going to save it. I hope I won’t be terrified of the narrow road. I have seen enough of them here in India 🙂 🙂
I’m glad it was useful and I wish you a lovely hike to the top of Mount Vesuvius! 🙂
You shouldn’t be ashamed of your condition. you are normal and many people are suffering from many things. It is good to let other people around you know the situation. I am glad to see you were fine at the end, but if the situation would have got worse, someone should have known and helped you. please please don’t risk it next time.
I am fit but it happens to go for a hike with other people who are not or even suffering from some conditions. I really don’t mind to slow down, because the main purpose is to know others better and have fun all together
Thank you very much for your kind words! You’re absolutely right, it was dangerous and I’ve learned my lesson! But I still prefer to hike with my husband because he always makes me feel so peaceful and he knows what to do, just in case! 🙂
I had no idea that only Vesuvius was the active volcano on mainland Europe, I just assumed there were more! I definitely want to go and visit, but the thought of climbing a volcano in the summer does not appeal! Spring and Autumn sound like a much better time to go. I’ve hiked a volcano in Guatemala so would love to do it in Europe too!
There’s Mount Etna but Sicily is an island (still in Italy tho!). While Vesuvius is active but sleeping, Mount Etna erupts now and then!