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Bucket list experience:

Last updated: 19 April, 2022
Expert travel writer: Nicky Swallow

It may look pretty innocuous but Vesuvius, the background to many a painting of Naples, is an active volcano and still commands respect and fear. Now a UNESCO Biosphere Reserve, it’s possible to walk all the way up to the cone and experience fabulous views of Naples from the top.

Along the way, take time to marvel at the wonderfully rich diversity of plants thrown up by the volcanic soil.

Price from: £8
Minimum age: Any
Age suitable: 8+
When: All year around
Duration: 2 hours

Getting there & doing it

There are plenty of good local tour operators who will escort you to the summit, as they tell you some of the region’s fascinating history, and will pick you up from your hotel.

However, this is one volcano climb walk that can also be done independently. Take a taxi or hop on one of the shuttle buses departing from outside Ercolano station (on the Circumvesuviana line from Naples), then walk the final 500m (approx 30mins) to the crater up a fairly steep, zigzagging path.

There are nine trails through the reserve (detailed on the website), and each offers a different experience. Signs are colour-coded and offer (in Italian) information on the geology and history. Plan on about two hours in total – to reach the summit, walk around and come back down.

It’s all dust and loose stone underfoot, so wear stout shoes. It can be pretty cool at the summit, especially during autumn and winter, so bring a sweater as well as a sunhat and cream.

There are also a number of companies that will take you on a helicopter flight over the summit, as well as over Pompeii and Herculaneum.

When to do it

Climbing is possible throughout the year though trips up to the volcano can be suspended in bad weather or when the fog rolls in. Spring and autumn are the best months to visit – the weather is mild, fresh and mist-free.

Our selection of the best Viator tours of this attraction or activity

Pompeii, Herculaneum And Vesuvius - Group Tour

Pompeii, Herculaneum And Vesuvius - Group Tour

Naples

A full immersion in the archaeological history of Naples. You will walk the streets of the ancient towns of Pompeii and Herculaneum and clim...

€85 | Rating 4.63 / 5 [178 ratings]

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Private Tour: Day Trip Excursion to Mt. Vesuvius, Herculaneum and Pompeii

Private Tour: Day Trip Excursion to Mt. Vesuvius, Herculaneum and Pompeii

Pompeii

Guilty of decimating Pompeii and Herculaneum in AD 79, Mt Vesuvius looms over the Bay of Naples like a beautiful, silent menace. Stopped in...

€89 | Rating 4.91 / 5 [133 ratings]

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Mt. Vesuvius and Pompeii Day Trip from Naples all inclusive

Mt. Vesuvius and Pompeii Day Trip from Naples all inclusive

Naples

Experience legendary Pompeii and Mt Vesuvius, the only active volcano in continental Europe, on this fully guided day trip from Naples. Visi...

€100 | Rating 4.21 / 5 [2428 ratings]

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Day Trip to Pompeii Ruins & Mt. Vesuvius from Naples

Day Trip to Pompeii Ruins & Mt. Vesuvius from Naples

Naples

A fascinating tour from Naples that will give you the opportunity to visit an ancient roman town like Pompeii, explained by a professional g...

€104 | Rating 4.59 / 5 [142 ratings]

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Our writer’s recommendations of other bucket list experiences our writer says you must do in this destination, closest first

Pompeii

Naples, Campania, Italy[10.2 miles]

The remarkably-preserved ruins of a thriving Roman town famously smothered in choking volcanic ash. Stroll Pompeii’s streets and see the town as it was that day in extraordinary detail – right down to ruts in the roads caused by chariot wheels.

Best for ages: 13+ | £13

Positano and Amalfi Coast from Sentiero degli Dei - The Path of the Gods hike, showing rugged cliffs on blue Mediterranean Sea
Experience

Path of the Gods

Campania, Italy[23.7 miles]

The Sentiero degli Dei, a 4- to 5-hour hike, lives up to its name as it traverses the Mediterranean’s most spectacular stretch of coastline, south of Naples. This narrow path hugs the precipitous cliffs and slopes of the Lattari Mountains, which plunge straight into the Mediterranean far below.

Best for ages: 13+ | Free | 2-4 hours

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Other worthwhile experiences near this experience if you have time or interest..

ruined street at the ruins of Herculaneum, Naples
Experience

Herculaneum

Naples, Campania, Italy[6.8 miles]

Pompeii‘s less famous neighbour, the Roman town of Herculaneum was also destroyed by the AD 79 AD eruption. Only partially excavated (a large part of the ancient town still lies under modern Ercolano) it is much smaller but better preserved than Pompeii, and in many ways more vivid. Short suburban train from Naples.

Best for ages: 18+ | £12

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Round-ups that include this experience

24 Unforgettable short walks (< 1 day)

Multiple countries

From traversing sand dunes, to walking on glaciers, through canyons, up mountains and along ancient city walls, here’s our round-up of the world’s best walks. Each walk can be tackled in a day or less with a moderate level of fitness and no technical ability.

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