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Vesuvius

Our Ultimate Guide to Visiting Mount Vesuvius from Naples

By Warren GeorgeDecember 31st, 2024No Comments

Mount Vesuvius is everything to Naples and Campania. Without it, this region would be very different, and Naples might not exist at all. Ironic right, considering the volcano is active and there could be an eruption which destroys Naples and the surrounding area!

View of Mount Vesuvius from Sorrento with a ferry crossing the bay
Vesuvius is the dominant landmark no matter where you are in the Naples area

Everything you need to know about climbing Mount Vesuvius

Mount Vesuvius is probably the most (in)famous volcano in the world and alongside Mount Etna and Stromboli in Sicily, Vesuvius is one of Italy’s most active volcanoes.

Vesuvius’ impact on Campania and Italy cannot be underestimated. Through explosive volcanic eruptions it has deposited mineral rich material on the surrounding environment for thousands of years which boosts the productivity of the land. This natural gift has blessed Campania with the most fertile soil in southern Italy, creating by extension some of Italy’s most iconic foods.

A brief history of Mount Vesuvius

It is widely agreed that Vesuvius officially formed approximately 25000 years ago, but the wider area has been subject to volcanic activity for much longer.

Vesuvius is part of a much larger volcanic system in Italy, which features several volcanic outlets both on land and underwater, as well as a number of now extinct volcanoes.

Between its formation and the eruption of 79 CE Vesuvius erupted numerous times, as well as constantly causing small earthquakes and minor earth tremors, and the shape of the volcano evolved into a distinct cone according to ancient sources and references.

vesuvius fresco close up in naples archeological museum
This fresco from Pompeii (now in the MANN) depicts the god Bacchus next to what is possibly Vesuvius, where the conical shape of the mountain is clearly evident

The explosive eruptions that buried Pompeii causing its destruction were so powerful that it permanently altered the form of the volcano, with its main cone obliterated and replaced with the shape we know today.

The combination of the lava flows, pyroclastic flows and hot ash completely changed the land around Vesuvius as well.

view of vesuvius from pompeii edited vesuvius pic with original cone theorised
Using Photoshop we can imagine what Vesuvius may have looked like these days had the eruption of 79 CE not been so violent

Since that major eruption there have been numerous smaller eruptions and Vesuvius is considered one of the world’s most active volcanoes. The last large eruption of Mount Vesuvius was in 1944 in when superstitious locals in Naples considered that the eruption was a sign of God’s displeasure with Italy’s role in World War II.

Is visiting Mount Vesuvius worth it?

Yes, particularly if you want to understand more about why Naples, and Campania, is the way it is.

Without the nutrients provided by Vesuvius, Campania would not be as fertile and would not produce the same delicious goods we enjoy now.

Without this boosted fertility, it’s possible that the ancient Greeks would have not founded Naples and the ancient Roman elite may not have favored this region, meaning towns like Pompeii and Herculaneum would have been very different.

Not only is visiting Mount Vesuvius worth it from a historical and cultural perspective, but the natural beauty of the national park makes any visit a real pleasure.

If you enjoy historical fiction and want to travel back to Vesuvius prior to the eruption that destroyed Pompeii and Herculaneum in 79 CE, I recommended reading Shadows in Bronze: A Marcus Didius Falco Mystery by Lindsey Davis 👍

Curious to know more, or want to share your own tips? Leave a comment!

Vesuvius visit information

How to get to the top of Mount Vesuvius

The easiest way to visit Mount Vesuvius is by getting a bus from the Circumvesuviana train stations for either Herculaneum or Pompeii which will take you most of the way to the top. Some of these are more tourist-focused and include the cost of the ticket to the crater, but if you take a local bus, you will need a separate crater ticket.

Alternatively you can take a taxi, but you may well find limited availability for the return journey.

As the volcano and slopes are part of a national park, there are limited roads on and all traffic is stopped at a car park near the crater. From here, everyone must walk the final stretch up to the crater.

No hiking experience is required, but the path is loose gravel so it’s important to wear appropriate footwear. The walk takes around 30 minutes but is well worth it!

crater of mount vesuvius
Volcanoes as active as Vesuvius are often not as easily visited, which makes this a must-see for anyone interested in geology or the wider culture and history of Campania

Tickets for Mount Vesuvius

While access to the national park of Vesuvius is free, you will need a ticket to visit the crater.

This can be purchased in advance here via the official website, or through a legitimate partner such as Tiqets.

For the latest pricing and opening hours, refer to the official website.

Practical visit information

As you can imagine, visiting Mount Vesuvius is very weather dependent so be sure to plan ahead.

The first time we visited Vesuvius a local told us to look at the volcano the morning of our trip. They said if there was cloud obscuring the peak, there was no point visiting as you wouldn’t see much through the haze and cloud and the views of the Bay of Naples and beyond are part of the appeal!

You should allow around two hours for a visit including the journeys both up and back from the crater.

Admission to the crater and path is controlled to ensure no overcrowding, but if you are looking to visit Vesuvius in as much peace as possible, I’d recommend getting there when it first opens, and/or visiting in the winter.

upward view of people walking to the crater of mount vesuvius
The walk up to the crater of Vesuvius is via naturally-worn paths which feature a lot of loose stones – be sure to wear good shoes!

You will need practical footwear for visiting the top of Vesuvius as the paths leading to the crater are uneven and untreated. You’ll find loose rocks and volcanic debris underfoot the entire time you are walking.

Be sure also to pack a jacket or sweater for when you are the crater as the air up there is a lot fresher compared to down in the bay – you are 1281 meters/4203 feet above sea level after all!

Unfortunately visiting Vesuvius will be difficult for anyone with mobility challenges. The surface of the paths are covered in volcanic material which can make walking tricky at times. This should also be a consideration for anyone wanting to visit Vesuvius with young children.

At the top of the volcano you’ll find a handful of vendors offering souvenirs and basic refreshments. I’d recommend bringing water and snacks to avoid queuing at these stalls or being limited to what they have on offer that day.

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How to get to Mount Vesuvius from Naples

Getting to Mount Vesuvius from Naples couldn’t be easier!

The most direct route is to start from Napoli Centrale train station and take the Circumvesuviana train line to Pompei Scavi station.

The ticket booth and platforms for this line can be found under the main entrance of Napoli Centrale. Head underground and follow the signs labelled ‘Circumvesuviana’ or ‘Linee Vesuviane’. At the ticket desk buy a return ticket, and then head to your platform.

Unfortunately the signage at this point can be unclear, so if you are not sure which is the correct platform, ask a member of staff – they will speak enough English to help you.

circumvesuviana train station sign
Look out for these signs in Napoli Centrale and don’t be afraid to ask for help if you need it

Once on the train the journey time to Pompei Scavi is around 30 minutes.

On arrival, follow the signs for the Vesuvius buses. There are several options to choose from, so go for the one that best suits you. Get yourself a return ticket (the default, but specify to be sure) and wait to depart.

Most buses will take you to a car park approximately from where the crater is a 20-30 minute walk up the paths.

If you’re visiting Herculaneum, you can also take a bus from that train station, but the Circumvesuviana train does not stop as often there as it does at Pompeii, so I’d only recommend going this way if you’re already at Herculaneum.

If you’re staying in Sorrento, simply take the train towards Naples for the Pompeii stop.

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Can you take a tour of Vesuvius?

Taking a tour to Mount Vesuvius is a great way to visit this incredible natural wonder; guides will often be from the local area and will share with you not only the history of the volcano but also their own insider tips for the area.

While it’s possible to book tours for just Vesuvius, if you are thinking about joining a group or hiring a guide, why not combine your trip with a visit to a local vineyard or restaurant to enhance your understanding of Vesuvius’ impact on the local cuisine?

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Combining your visit with Pompeii and Herculaneum

Are you planning to visit Vesuvius alongside Pompeii and/or Herculaneum? It is possible to visit all three sites in a single day, but we would recommend spreading out your experience if time allows.

As mentioned previously, my recommended approach to visiting Vesuvius independently is to take a bus from the Pompeii Scavi train station. Therefore, start your day here and get yourself return bus tickets for the first trip of that day (providing you can see the volcano’s summit at the start of your day!).

For Pompeii

Once you’ve returned to Pompeii Scavi after ascending Mount Vesuvius, grab something quick to eat from the cafes/restaurants outside the entrance to the ancient ruins of Pompeii (as inside the park there is just one bistro which always has huge queues!) and then head into the site.

You should allow at least three hours to explore Pompeii and its on-site museum.

Once you’ve finished your visit to Pompeii head back to Pompeii Scavi train station.

For Herculaneum

From Pompeii Scavi train station, get on the next train that is going to Ercolano – you can use Google Maps to check the timetable, or ask a staff member at the station.

On arrival at Ercolano train station, following the signs (and other visitors most likely!) for Herculaneum. The site is a short downhill walk headed towards the coast.

If you’ve opted to see all three sites in a single day you should have a couple of hours remaining before Herculaneum closes. This should be more than enough to explore the site.

From here, retrace your footsteps back to Ercolano train station where you can return to Naples easily.

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pompeii ancient streets with mount vesuvius in the background
Vesuvius still looms large over Pompeii to this day
herculaneum frescoes
The level of ancient preservation at Herculaneum is unrivalled

Where to stay near Vesuvius

Unless you are driving while visiting Campania, I would recommend staying in Naples or Sorrento for a visit to Vesuvius.

In either of these bases you’ll have easy access to Vesuvius as well as the added benefit of having endless options for additional sights to see and fantastic places to eat and drink at.

You can follow the same recommendation to visit Vesuvius via Pompeii if coming from Sorrento, just allow a little more travel time to arrive there.

If you have access to a car during your trip, consider looking for an agroturismo or rental closer to Vesuvius itself to get a greater understanding of the volcano and its impact on the Campania countryside.

Where to eat and drink near Vesuvius

If you follow my recommendation of getting to Vesuvius via Pompeii, you will find numerous places to eat and drink close to the train station.

All of these spots offer classic menus and are reasonably priced given they are right outside the entrance to Pompeii. You should not expect a memorable meal or experience here, as these establishments cater to the ‘grab and go’ tourist and large tour groups, but they are fine for a quick lunch or snack.

An alternative option is to opt for a tour of Vesuvius which includes a visit to a local restaurant or vineyard. These experiences are a fantastic way of expanding your visit to Mount Vesuvius and enhance your understanding of the local area.

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To sum up…

Going up to the top of Mount Vesuvius is a great thing to do during your trip. You’ll get fantastic views and a different perspective of the long history of this area.

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