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The first thing you’ll do when you arrive is figure out how adventurous you're feeling. Vesuvius National Park has 11 different trails, stretching across 54 kilometers. Some are short, others are long and wild. You’ll see signs, maybe chat with a ranger, and decide: do you want an easy loop with views or something steeper and more dramatic? It’s like choosing your own volcano-themed adventure.
Most trails in the park include a bit of uphill walking, though nothing too demanding unless your guide leads you on a more challenging route. If you choose a day trip, the pace will be relaxed and tailored to the group — your guide makes sure no one is rushed and offers tips or quick breaks along the way. The terrain can be rocky or uneven at times, so good shoes are a must. You'll climb to about 1,200 meters (3,900 feet) above sea level, and you’ll notice the landscape shifting: fewer trees, broader views, and cooler air as you gain elevation.
Along the way, there are spots that make you stop— a sudden clearing, a ridge that feels like the top of the world, or a peaceful stretch of trail. These little pauses aren’t marked or planned, they just happen naturally, and they’re some of the best parts of the whole hike.
Even though you’re walking on volcanic terrain, the park is full of life and home to 28 species of mammals including foxes, dormice, hares, and beech martens. If you’re quiet and lucky, you might spot some along the trail or hear them rustling in the undergrowth. The geography is a mix of dry, rocky slopes and greener zones, with patches of pine forest and low shrubs depending on the elevation and trail.
At the crater’s rim, you’ll come face-to-face with the Great Cone, the immense volcanic formation that once changed the course of history. Here, you can spot rising steam vents and jagged rock layers that reveal the mountain’s fiery past.
Heading back down feels totally different. Your legs are tired after the 1.5 to 2 hours trip, but your brain is still buzzing. Whether you retrace your steps or take a new trail down, everything feels calmer and more familiar now. You’ve walked through a landscape shaped by eruptions, seen the world from a volcano’s shoulders, and felt what it’s like to be that close to the Earth’s raw core. Pretty unforgettable.
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Thousands of travellers choose to book their Mount Vesuvius tickets here because:
✅ Everything’s in one place: tickets, transfers, combos, and guides
✅ No guesswork, just instant confirmation, skip-the-line access, and free cancellation
✅ Trusted by travellers from 60+ countries, from solo hikers to tour groups
To reach the iconic crater of Mount Vesuvius, you’ll need to hike the Gran Cono Trail (Trail No. 5). This moderately challenging route offers breathtaking views and brings you up close to the volcano’s rim.
The trail begins at the Piazzale in Ercolano, 1,000 meters above sea level. It’s a well-maintained path that winds through volcanic terrain, rewarding hikers with panoramic views of the Bay of Naples and the dramatic crater rim. While Vesuvius has other trails offering unique perspectives, the Gran Cono Trail is the most direct and popular route to the summit.
Access the trailhead via the Ercolano-Vesuvio Provincial Road. Parking is available along the road, managed by the Municipality of Ercolano. Make sure to purchase your trail tickets before reserving parking at www.parkingsuvio.it.
No, tickets cannot be bought at the entrance, so it is best to book online.
You’ll be dropped off at the 1,000-meter mark — the highest point vehicles can go. From there, it’s a short uphill walk to the crater.
A guided tour lets you explore Vesuvius with an expert volcanological guide who brings the landscape to life — explaining the volcano’s history, eruptions, and ongoing activity. It’s a great way to get deeper insight while making the most of your time at the crater.
Mount Vesuvius may be closed or have restricted access due to adverse weather or volcanic activity. Always check the latest updates from the Vesuvius National Park Authority before your visit and be prepared for possible changes.
Yes, audio guides are available for some tours and can be a good option if you prefer exploring at your own pace. They are typically offered in multiple languages.
The hike to Mount Vesuvius crater is considered moderately difficult. It involves a steady uphill climb on a well-marked trail and can take about 30 to 60 minutes to reach the summit. Reasonable physical fitness is required, and sturdy footwear is recommended.
No public restrooms are available at the Piazzale where the trail begins. It is advisable to use facilities before starting the hike.
The trail can be challenging and slippery. While children and elderly visitors can reach the crater, it's important to consider their fitness levels and ensure they are supervised closely.
In case of an emergency, contact the info point at +39 081 2395653. Emergency services, including ambulances and rescue vehicles, are stationed at the trailhead.
Your Vesuvius hike is just the beginning. Combine it with a guided trip to Pompeii or Herculaneum. These cities are right at the volcano’s base, and most travelers visit both together. The hike shows you the source of the eruption, while the cities reveal its impact—two sides of the same story.
Timed entry to Mount Vesuvius with the freedom to explore the crater at your own pace.
Inclusions
Access to Mount Vesuvius
Access to the Great Cone of Vesuvius
90-min Vesuvius climb
Digital downloadable audio guide in Italian, English, French, German & Spanish (as per option selected)
1 guidebook for every 2 guests (as per option selected)
Round trip transfers from Naples and an English-speaking volcanological guide (as per option selected)
Round trip transfers from Pompeii and an English-speaking volcanological guide (as per option selected)
Enjoy convenient round-trip transfers from Pompeii to one of the most dangerous volcanoes in the world.
Inclusions
Access to Vesuvius National Park
Drop-off at an altitude of 1000 meters
Access to the Great Cone of Vesuvius
90-min Mt. Vesuvius climb
English-speaking volcanological guide (when available)
Pick up from Pompeii
Round-trip AC minibus transfers
Expert alpine guide with sunset climb (as per option selected)
Audio guide in English, French, German, Italian & Spanish (as per option selected)
Reach Mount Vesuvius effortlessly with scenic round-trip transfers from Naples.
An easy day trip from Naples that takes you straight to Mount Vesuvius and the city of Pompeii or Herculaneum, or both.
Inclusions
Full-day trip around Mount Vesuvius and Herculaneum/Pompeii (as per option selected)
Pick up from Naples city center or port (as per option selected)
Round-trip AC coach transfers
Access to Mount Vesuvius
Skip-the-line entry to Herculaneum (if selected)
Skip-the-line entry to Pompeii (if selected)
See an ancient active volcano and the ruins of the city it destroyed—all in one day trip from Pompeii.
Inclusions
Exclusions
Inclusions
Guided bike tour
Assistance of qualified instructors of the Italian Cycling Federation
Entrance ticket to the crater
Hotel transfers
E-bike rental
Helmet rental
Water
You can cancel these tickets up to 24 hours before the experience begins and get a full refund.
Book now without paying anything. Cancel for free if your plans change.
You can cancel these tickets up to 24 hours before the experience begins and get a full refund.
Book now without paying anything. Cancel for free if your plans change.
You can cancel these tickets up to 24 hours before the experience begins and get a full refund.
Book now without paying anything. Cancel for free if your plans change.
You can cancel these tickets up to 24 hours before the experience begins and get a full refund.
Book now without paying anything. Cancel for free if your plans change.
You can cancel these tickets up to 24 hours before the experience begins and get a full refund.
Book now without paying anything. Cancel for free if your plans change.
You can cancel these tickets up to 24 hours before the experience begins and get a full refund.
Book now without paying anything. Cancel for free if your plans change.
