Bucket list experience:
The eruption of Mount Vesuvius in AD 79 famously smothered the thriving Roman town of Pompeii with molten lava and choking volcanic ash.
Today, you can stroll along Pompeii’s streets and see the town as it was that day in extraordinarily vivid detail – right down to ruts in the roads caused by chariot wheels. Peer into perfectly preserved homes and shops, and wander round the Forum and Roman Baths.
Read Pliny the Younger’s account of the eruption to experience the horror of the disaster. Or try Mary Beard’s Pompeii: The Life of a Roman Town or Robert Harris’s Pompeii.
Nearby Herculaneum (easy to reach on the Circumvesuviana railway) was also destroyed by the AD 79 eruption of Mount Vesuvius. Only partially excavated (a large part of the ancient town still lies under modern Ercolano) it is much smaller but better preserved than Pompeii so in many ways more vivid.
Afterwards, be sure to visit Naples’ National Archaeological Museum to see all the artifacts gathered from Pompeii, Herculaneum and Villa Oplontis – including mosaic floors, statuary, cooking utensils and jewellery.
Google Maps and Street View cover Pompeii’s ruins just as they do any other city, so you can understand the layout before you go.
It’s possible to hire a guide but you should book one before you arrive, rather than trying to hire one at the site. There are excellent audio tours available from the ticket office, allowing you to wander the site at will – it’s worth working out what you want to see before you arrive.
You won’t need a taxi; regular Circumvesuviana trains run to Pompeii from Naples’ central station.
There are food stalls at the site, but they’re expensive and quality is poor – use in emergencies only. Eat in Naples before or after your visit.
Arrive early before the crowds and take yourself to the furthest point you’d like to explore. Work backwards from there, thus avoiding bottlenecks at the earlier sites.
The site is exposed to the elements and there’s no shelter. Take the usual precautions if visiting on a hot or wet day.
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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]
Climb to the summit of one of the world’s most famous active volcanoes for sweeping views of Naples.
Best for ages: 8+ | £8 | 2 hours
Campania, Italy[14.2 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
Naples, Campania, Italy[24.1 miles]
Ancient Naples and Pompeii really come to life at one of the world’s greatest archaeological museums.
Best for ages: 18+ | £8
Other worthwhile experiences near this experience if you have time or interest..
Naples, Campania, Italy[14.3 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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