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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!

Postcard from Naples
The Vesuvius has become a symbol of Naples, no matter what!

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!

Steep trail to get to the crater
As you can see the trail to get to Mount Vesuvius creater is pretty steep

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 FuniculΓ¬ FuniculΓ  (β€œJamme, jamme ‘ncoppa, jamme jΓ !”: 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;
  • 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!

Religious images on Mount Vesuvius
Neapolitan’s life insurance: putting religious items in the Vesuvius’ crater!

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.

The indide of Mount Vesuvius Crater
The view once you reach the crater is particularly impressive

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
hiking to the Vesuvius crater, debris and stones on the trail
The trail to the crater is steep and bumpy: wear your hiking boots!

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 seen from Naples (Italy)
Mt. Vesuvius looms over the city of Naples in Italy

Mount Vesuvius Hiking trails

The whole trail system in place at Mt. Vesuvius N. P. is undergoing maintenance in 2024.Β 
Some trails might thus be unsafe to climb or have no signs/markings.Β 

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. 

Mt. Vesuvius hiking trail
Is it safe to climb Mount Vesuvius? Absolutely yes!

How hard is it to climb to the crater?

In many articles I read that hiking Mount Vesuvius to the main crater is β€œvery 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!

Smoke from Vesuvius summit
Sometimes there’s smoke coming out of Mt. Vesuvius crater

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 Γ¨ 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!

Ruins in Pompeii archaeological site (Italy)
Mt. Vesuvius destroyed Pompeii and many other cities in the area

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 β€œdoable” to β€œeasy”, 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 β€œnormal”.
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 β€œlike 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: IOSAndroid

Vineyards on Mount Vesuvius (Italy)
There are many vineyards on Mt. Vesuvius – Lacryma Christi is only one of the many great wines they produce

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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The best 45 things to do in Naples
How to spend one day in Naples
Naples cafes and how to drink espresso
Is Naples really dangerous?
Pompeii travel guide from a local
Riding the art metro in NaplesΒ 
Hiking Mount Vesuvius – how to get there

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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.

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56 Comments

  1. Janine Thomas says:

    We hired a car and drove around the Amalfi Coast over Easter. The traffic was crazy, the roads were narrow and it was an interesting experience. I completely understand what you mean by narrow roads.

    What a horrible experience you had on the climb with your asthma. Certainly having asthma is not your fault. It sounds terrifying. You have some great tips for hiking that you have clearly learnt from experience.

    1. During certain holidays the Amalfi Coast can be indeed a nightmare. As a local I can say we tend to stay away!

  2. Oh, I love when people think they can climb mountains in flip-flops… no I don’t!! It happens a dozen of times every year here in Croatia that Croatian Mountain Rescue Service have to save irresponsible individuals trying to climb mount Velebit or Biokovo in flip-flops and without the water. Such a lack of respect and knowledge towards the nature. Anyhow, I want to go to Napoli so badly (I visited once as an art history student, and we were mainly going around sightseeing ruins)- I would love to climb mount Vesuvius, responsibly. Also, I’d love to try the Lacryma Christi wine- coming from that fertile volcanic soil, I can imagine how good it is. πŸ™‚
    Sorry about what happened to you on your hike with a group of bloggers- normally, when my husband and I hike with our friends, we try to adjust the pace to the slowest person in the group, hiking is not a race, and I love to stop every now and then to soak in the scenery, as that’s what it’s all about:)
    I wish you happy and safe hiking adventures in the future!

    1. I had no idea this happens on a regular basis in Croatia and it sounds horrible! From what I understand things are pretty serious if the Mountain Rescue Service has to be involved! Which is another reason why it’s important to be prepared and find trusted sources online where you can find tips about the trail!
      Also I’m sure that you’d love another visit to Napoli, there’s so much to see and do here, especially if you like art history! What you do while hiking is very nice, and the best thing to do when you hike with a group!!!

  3. This is a very comprehensive guide. I’ve heard a lot about Mt. Vesuvius and I think you are absolutely right. Hike at your own pace. Travel at your own pace. And never underestimate a challenge!

  4. I am not a hiking expert but if I was this looks like an amazing place to go on one!

  5. Great tips! I’m so happy to have reached your article, as Naples is a place I want to visit someday soon. And a hike to the famous volcano would also be something to remember, I’m sure.
    I grew up listening to the Funiculi-Funicula Song, but never knew it;s history until now:)

    1. Oh wow do you have Italian relatives that used to listen to Funiculi-Funicula? Here it’s very famous!
      As for the trip… I will keep my fingers crossed that you vet to visit soon!

  6. Delisa Zak says:

    I love this post and I LOVE volcanoes. I like easy hikes and am not very good with hills… and this one sounds like it’s not as easy as a super-fit person would have you believe! This is very good information to put out there, especially as summer tourist season is revving up.

    1. I think the point is that if you are fit sometimes you tend to underestimate a trail, but you should always be aware that people who aren’t fit or who have health issues might be reading you! So yeah… if you aren’t good with hills, this one is very steep. I have the same difficulty but if I climb it slowly and I stop to take pictures, I can do it!

  7. Marcus and Mel says:

    A very detailed post and it’s perfect timing as there a good chance we are visiting at the end of May. Glad to see it’s warm but not too hot to hike. Shame about the state and lack of management of the National Park.

    1. How amazing that you’re visiting!!! The weather is changing a lot these days, but by the end of May we should finally say goodbye to the clouds and welcome the famous Naples sun! πŸ™‚ Have a safe trip!

  8. You have cleared several misconceptions about climb to Mt Vesuvius. One has to be extremely careful with medical conditions. Glad you could calm down soon enough without severe emergencies.

    1. Oh definitely, wherever you hike if you have a medical condition you have to be extra careful!

  9. This post is great, in detail and gives all the information I will need then I climb Mount Vesuvius. Reading your post I realized it is a harder hike than I thought and that proper preparation is really important. Thank you.

  10. Oh wow! Very in depth piece, Dany. I never knew it could be hiked. Interesting. San Gennaro is the patron saint of Naples? I did not know that! We have the Feast of San Gennaro every October in NYC to coincide with Columbus Day and Italian-American Heritage Day. Does it mean that most of the immigrants to the area were Napoli? Hmmn…also, people wear sandals and HIGH HEELS to hike?? What is wrong with people?? Sigh.

    1. You can hike it to the crater, only you can’t go inside as the scientists are still studying this volcano. πŸ™‚ And yes there were lots and lots of immigrants in NYC from Naples! I myself have a few relatives who moved to Brooklyn many years ago! When we visited Little Italy in New York we basically felt at home! πŸ˜€

  11. Jenn and Ed Coleman says:

    I used to be quite the hiker when I was in shape. I did the rim-rim-rim day hike in the Grand Canyon (50 mile , 13 kft gain). If I did that now I think I would need to have a medivac. It’s very important to know your limit and, perhaps more importantly, your pace. When I lived in Tucson (Az) I had a couple that would regularly hike with me (back when I was in beast mode). They weren’t in as good as shape by a long shot, but they knew their pace. We had any number of backpacking adventures together that they were we all enjoyed. If you have asthma or artificial knees (like Jenn), you can still do amazing hikes but you have to be in control of your own self. Don’t let anybody push you faster than you are comfortable with. (also, wear good shoes πŸ™‚ )

    1. Oh wow that hike is particularly tough, I could never make it, kudos to you! I think it’s very important to know your pace and not overdo it. Now I know that pushing myself too hard is a bad thing to do, I learned it the hard way but it’s a lesson one doesn’t forget! πŸ˜€

  12. Debbzie Leksono says:

    I’ve been wanting to visit Pompeii for a very long time. And until just now I didn’t know that I can also hike mount Vesuvius. Thank you so much for sharing such detailed and honest review about how to hike it. I also have asthma so I understand that it can get overwhelming sometimes when it restrict me to do something. I really appreciate that even though it’s not easy for you to open up, you still want to share it with us πŸ™‚

    1. If you want to plan a thorough visit of Pompeii, you can’t do both in the same day… also because in my opinion hiking to the top of the Vesuvius is hard and Pompeii is so big (they keep discovering new things!) that it’d be a pity not to visit everything! Especially if you have asthma, take your time if you decide to hike Mount Vesuvius!

  13. Lorial Elizabeth Roballo says:

    This is the best article I’ve seen for hiking Mt. Vesuvius. I will definitely bookmark this article and come back to it when I visit this area! Thanks for a good read.

    1. Oh thank you very much Lorial! I’ve tried to offer my honest opinion and useful info, I’m glad you like it!

  14. Christina Holthuis says:

    Mount Vesuvius seems to be an interesting place for a hiking venture. I love to visit beautiful places around the world and this one seems to offer a lot of picturesque moments to capture. Thanks for the awesome share!

  15. Lauren Pears says:

    That path really does look like a bit of a challenge! I love to hike though, so I’ll definitely be doing this some day. Thanks for posting πŸ™‚