Bucket list experience:
Naples, Campania, Italy
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.
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.
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
Naples
€85 | Rating 4.63 / 5 [178 ratings]
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Pompeii
€89 | Rating 4.91 / 5 [133 ratings]
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Naples
€100 | Rating 4.21 / 5 [2428 ratings]
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Naples
€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
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
Naples, Campania, Italy[15.3 miles]
Ancient Naples and Pompeii really come to life at one of the world’s greatest archaeological museums.
Best for ages: 18+ | £8
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
Other worthwhile experiences near this experience if you have time or interest..
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
Round-ups that include this experience
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.
