Official Vesuvius Crater Trail (Grand Cono)

The Grand Cono Trail is the official route to the Mount Vesuvius crater, offering an accessible yet thrilling climb to the volcano’s rim.

Start point: Vesuvius ticket gate (near small stalls selling water and snacks)
Distance: 4 km round trip
Duration: 2 hours (approx.)
Difficulty level: Easy

The first 800 meters are the steepest, expect loose gravel and winding switchbacks, but each turn rewards you with wider views of the Bay of Naples and the Sorrentine Peninsula below.

After about 20–30 minutes, take a breather near the souvenir shop and the Vesuvius guide office, where you can join an optional guided tour to learn about the volcano’s history and eruptions. The second stretch is gentler, leading you up to the crater edge, where steaming vents and panoramic views remind you that this is still an active volcano.

⚠️ Note: The trail is not a loop, and walking around the entire rim is prohibited for safety reasons. Stay on marked paths and follow park regulations.

Tickets, entry rules & guided options

Pre-book online: Vesuvius tickets must be booked in advance; no sales at the gate.
Timed entry: Arrive within 30 minutes of your scheduled slot to avoid missing your entry.
What’s included: Standard tickets grant access only to the Grand Cono crater trail. Other trails in the park may require separate permits.
Extras: Some tickets can include access to guided tours, shuttle transfers, or combined Pompeii/Vesuvius packages.

Book Mt Vesuvius tickets online

Guided tours:

Led by volcanology experts or local guides.
Offer in-depth storytelling, historical context, and geological insights.
Provide extra safety and tips while on the trail.

Self-guided & audio guides:

Explore at your own pace with a smartphone or downloaded audio guide.
Ideal for those who prefer flexibility and a quieter hike.
Requires extra preparation—check park maps, trail signs, and safety updates.

Tip: Many visitors pair their Vesuvius visit with Pompeii or Herculaneum for a seamless, guided day without transport or ticket hassles.

Join guided tours

Alternative trails to Mount Vesuvius

tourists on valley of hell hike, mount vesuvius

The Valley of Hell

Start point: Ottaviano
Duration: 7 hours
Distance: 12 km

Difficulty level: High

This challenging route immerses you in the rugged beauty of Mount Vesuvius's landscape as you navigate through dense woods and scrubland. The path offers dramatic views of Mount Somma’s caldera and showcases the park’s rich flora and fauna.

Along the Cognoli

Start point: Ottaviano village
Duration: 6 hours
Distance: 11 km
Difficulty level: Moderate

Experience some of the most beautiful and wild scenery of the Somma-Vesuvius area on this trail. It leads through varied environments, from lush forests to open, rugged landscapes.

Mount Somma

Start point: Somma Vesuviana
Duration: 5.5 hours
Distance: 9 km
Difficulty level: High

This circular hike takes you towards Punta Nasone, the highest peak of Mount Somma at 1,132 meters. The trail offers panoramic views of the Bay of Naples and impressive lava flows from the 1944 eruption.

Tirone Reserve

Start point: Ercolano entrance
Duration: 6 hours
Distance: 11 km
Difficulty level: Moderate
Located within the Tirone-Alto Vesuvius Forest Reserve, this trail winds through a tranquil pine forest, an area revitalized by reforestation efforts.

Matrone Road

Start point: Via Boscotrecase
Duration: 7 hours
Distance: 14 km
Difficulty level: Moderate

Follow the ancient Matrone Road trail, once used by the Matrone brothers to return the Gran Cono. This historic trail offers scenic views and a glimpse into the area's rich past.

tourists on hiking tour at mount vesuvius

Profica Valley

Start point: San Giuseppe Vesuviano
Duration: 3 hours
Distance: 4.5 km
Difficulty level: Moderate

Known as the “agricultural path,” this trail traverses lesser-known slopes of Mount Somma. It passes through areas producing the famed pomodorini a piennolo (cherry tomatoes).

The Rack Railway

Start point: San Sebastiano
Duration: 1.5 hours
Distance: 3 km
Difficulty level: Low

This historic route follows the old rack railway used for ascending Mount Vesuvius. It offers a unique historical perspective and scenic views along the way.

The River of Lava

Start point: Vesuvius Observatory
Duration: 1 hour
Distance: 1 km
Difficulty level: Low

Perfect for families and beginners, this trail provides a chance to walk over ancient lava flows and explore a unique, almost lunar landscape. it also includes a visit to the museum, where you can learn about the volcanic activity and history of the region.

Know before you go on a Mount Vesuvius hike

Best seasons: Spring and fall are the best seasons to hike Mount Vesuvius, offering moderate temperatures and thinner crowds. Summer tends to be hot and busy, while winter can bring cold, wet, and windy conditions. Hikes during early mornings or late afternoons provide cooler weather and softer natural light for photos.
Duration: Depends on the trail, the popular Grand Cono Trail takes about 1.5 to 2 hours to complete over 4 km, while alternative routes range from one hour (e.g., The Lava Flow) to up to 8 hours (e.g., Mount Somma).
Weather conditions and your walking pace will influence your total time, so allow extra for breaks and sightseeing. For current weather updates, it’s helpful to check reliable forecasts before your trip.

Check complete Vesuvius schedule

Mount Vesuvius is easy to reach by car, public transport, or official shuttle services.

By car: The nearest parking is at Quota 1000, close to the Grand Cono trailhead. Parking is limited and paid, so arriving early is recommended.
Tip: Combining a shuttle or guided tour with your tickets is often the easiest way to avoid parking challenges, streamline entry, and enjoy a stress-free visit.
Official shuttles: Convenient services run from Ercolano, Pompeii, and other nearby towns, helping you skip traffic and parking stress. Booking in advance is highly recommended, especially during peak seasons.
Public transport: Regional buses and trains connect Naples, Ercolano, and Pompeii. Check schedules carefully, as last-mile transport to the park entrance may require additional planning.

Reaching Mount Vesuvius

Bring at least 1.5 liters of water; hydration is crucial on volcanic gravel paths with limited shade.
Pack snacks that provide quick energy—nuts, bars, or dried fruit are ideal.
Apply high-SPF sunblock and wear a wide-brimmed hat; volcanic landscapes reflect sunlight intensely.
A lightweight windbreaker or rain jacket is essential as temperatures drop rapidly near the crater rim.
Sturdy, closed walking shoes with good grip tailored for loose gravel and rocky surfaces are a must—sandals or open shoes are unsafe.
Carry some cash in small bills for trail stalls, souvenirs, or toilet fees; card machines may not be available.
Optional but helpful: rent or bring a walking stick for balance on uneven terrain, binoculars for bird or landscape viewing, and a phone power bank to stay connected and capture photos.

Plan your visit

Mount Vesuvius offers some accessible options:

Terzigno Pine Forest Trail: This is a wheelchair-accessible trail, offering a flat and easy walk through pine forests.

Note: Most trails, including the Grand Cono Trail, involve uneven terrain and are not fully accessible. Be sure to check the latest accessibility updates and facilities before your visit.

Always stay on designated, marked trails; volcanic terrain can be unstable and dangerous off-path.
Avoid hiking during fog, rain, or strong wind—visibility drops and paths get slippery.
Check current volcanic activity alerts and weather updates before visiting through official park or geological services.
Do NOT attempt to climb into the crater or restricted zones, no matter how tempting.
Respect all instructions and guidance from park staff and rangers who understand current safety levels.
Carry a fully charged phone with emergency numbers, but note signal may be spotty near the summit.

Choose shorter, less strenuous trails like the Grand Cono or River of Lava for younger children or seniors.
Bring ample water and light snacks, and encourage frequent hydration and small breaks.
Avoid hiking during the hottest hours (roughly 11 a.m. to 3 p.m.) to prevent heat exhaustion.
Use designated rest points and shaded areas relaxing and recover energy.
Keep a close eye on children near steep drop-offs and rocks, especially near the summit trail.

Visitor tips

The first section of the main trail is the steepest; pace yourself slowly to conserve energy and avoid early fatigue.
Portable toilets are only available near the trail entrance; no facilities exist along or at the crater rim itself.
Wooden walking sticks are rentable near the start and can greatly aid stability on the loose terrain, especially on descent.
Stop frequently at crater rim viewpoints for stunning panoramic photos of the Bay of Naples, Amalfi Coast, and islands like Capri and Ischia in the distance.
Visit nearby sites like the historical Vesuvius Observatory or L’Antiquarium museum (in Ercolano) to enrich your understanding of the volcano’s natural and cultural history.
Combine your hike with visits to Pompeii and Herculaneum on the same day for a comprehensive exploration of the region’s volcanic legacy.
Bring your own picnic or snacks if you plan a longer visit; food options at the crater summit are very limited, and prices at stalls tend to be high.
Weather on Vesuvius can shift quickly, particularly near the top — dress in layers and be prepared for cooler, windy conditions.
Download offline trail maps and guides since mobile signals can be intermittent near the summit and along more remote paths.