Hiking Mount Vesuvius Volcano in Naples, Italy
Updated: Jul 16
When planning the itinerary for our Italian adventure, we knew we we were going to stay over in Naples and Pompei, but wanted to find a way to stop at the Vesuvius National Park on route and (hopefully) climb to the crater of the volcano. There is something about staring in the mouth of a volcano that makes you feel alive.
Hiking Mount Vesuvius: How to get to Vesuvius National Park:
The Vesuvius National Park (Parco Nazionale del Vesuvio) lands squarely in between the Naples city center and Pompei (the city, which is comprised largely of Pompeii, the archeological site), a short thirty minute drive either direction.
One can arrive at the park by car and park in the available "parking lot", but this means having to hike an extra thirty minutes (at least) to the main entrance of the park. One can book a group tour on a bus, which will drive past the parking lot and directly up to the main entrance, or one can book a private tour with a guide who will drive you up to the main entrance. Regardless of how you choose to arrive, you must purchase a ticket in advance (online only), you can no longer purchase a ticket at the gate.
In order to ensure everyone's safety on the hike and at the crater level, groups of only fifty people are allowed access every ten minutes, which means each ticket purchased has a specific entrance time that is strictly adhered to. Individuals are given a leeway of thirty minutes prior and ninety minutes after their selected entrance time, but latecomers will not be accepted nor refunded.
Renting a car proved too complicated and problematic, so we opted to hire a driver to pick us up at our hotel in Naples and bring us to our hotel in Pompei, stopping at Mount Vesuvius on the way. My Day Trip is a car-for-hire service by local drivers, that allows guests to add on a stop at nearby attractions/sites, with the flexibility to decide how much time to allocate to each. We used their services a few times on this trip and it was great.
Hiking Mount Vesuvius: How to Book a Ticket:
Our research indicated that the hike from the main entrance should take approximately thirty to forty-five minutes to the craters edge, so we opted for a two and a half hour stop to allow us the opportunity to take our time and take as many photos as possible. Knowing the drive from the Naples city center would take approximately thirty minutes, we booked our tickets to the Vesuvius National Park through Viva Ticket (costing only 11 Euro per ticket plus service fee) and selected an appropriate date and entrance time (allowing for the possibility of traffic).
Note: The tickets are e-tickets and appear as a link. Be sure to make note of the link and/or print/download the tickets immediately as they will not be emailed to you.
The charming Ciro picked us up at the Bourbon House in Naples and whisked us off in his comfortable Jaguar FX. Within forty-five minutes we had reached the base of the Vesuvius National Park. Switchback after tight switchback, Ciro rounded the corners with precision, passing those hikers who opted to park along the way.
The main entrance has a very small (and tight) area for cars to park, which is why no cars are allowed to stay for longer than it takes for guests to disembark. Ciro dropped us off and headed back down the winding path, set to return in a few hours. The rocky driveway is made even tighter with the presence of three souvenir stands selling trinkets to tourists. There is only one other building, a small variety store/café that allows patrons use of their small shaded patio and only bathroom if they purchase something. We enjoyed a small bag of chips and an espresso in the shade, while we waited for our entrance window.
When it was time, we lined up and showed our tickets to the guard at the gate, prepping ourselves for what lay ahead. By now, it was just after 11am and we would be hiking during the hottest part of the day. As we crossed the entrance building, we climbed a few steps up to the welcome sign, the path on the right, a spectacular view on the left.
Hiking Mount Vesuvius: What to wear for the Hike:
The incline is deceivingly steep and the rocky terrain sometimes slippery. The rocks are loose in sections, so proper footing is crucial if you want to avoid slipping. The hikers were of all ages and fitness levels, everyone walking at their own pace. Some work hiking boots, some sneakers and some flip flops. It all depends on what you're comfortable with, but we would recommend a good pair of sneakers with some grip. If it is a sunny day in the spring or summer months, a hat is a must.
The walking path is quite wide, but there is no easy area to stop if you need a rest. Most are able to hike each path and rest when it levels off to switchback (and like us, enjoy the view and take some photos), but for some the heat and the incline is too much. Some hikers (including myself) used the posts of the railing to lean on or propel themselves forward.
Along the way, we snapped photos of the path ahead, the path behind, the panoramic and the view beyond the drop. The panorama is breathtaking, but it was fascinating to see areas of the climb where the National Park has added reinforcements.
It took us (both in average physical shape) about forty-five minutes to reach the top (or at least what we first thought was the top). At the top of the last challenging hill was a little shop, where one can purchase snacks, souvenirs and drinks (including alcohol). There are also local "guides" offering an information walk (at a cost), but when we were there, most were resting in the shade and enjoying a cigarette.
We purchased two bottles of cold water and enjoyed the shade for a few minutes before continuing past the little shop. From here, the walking path continues to the mouth of the crater. There is less of an incline but the terrain is just a rocky. The view is indescribable.
To the right, a breathtaking view of the city below from 4,000 ft. To the left the mouth of one of the most famous volcanoes in the world.
Most peer inside and take a selfie, then wander off. We stood there for what seemed to be hours, examining the different layers and talking about how small it seemed compared to how large it was.
Want to see a video of the view from the crater? Click Here.
Hiking Mount Vesuvius: What NOT to do on the Hike:
We also talked about how ridiculous some people can be. A few days prior, an American tourist and his family did not have tickets when they arrived at the National Park, but instead of leaving, they climbed a restricted area and found themselves at the edge of the crater.
Attempting to take a selfie, the young American dropped his phone and watched it slide into the gaping hole before him. He then (you guessed it) bent forward and reached into the crater of Mt. Vesuvius and tried to reach it. He (of course) then slipped in himself and slid down into the crater. Tour guides witness this and ran to his aide and rescued him before he fell deeper. He was later taken by helicopter for medical attention and charged. You can read the full story here.
Pulling ourselves away from the crater, we continued to walk the path around it, climbing up to an even higher level with the help of some seemingly unstable stairs. We walked as far around as we were allowed, stopping at the final lookout, where a little hut stands with a sign warning guests not to travel beyond.
The hike down was admittingly much easier, but not much faster. The rocky terrain can be very slippery due to the loose material, so best to take your time and watch where you're stepping. Some tried to walk quickly or even run down the path (presumably to get out of the heat) and many lost their balance and slipped. We were in a hurry to get back to Ciro on time, but in no hurry to injure ourselves.
Is the Hiking Mount Vesuvius worth it?
Hiking Mount Vesuvius is worth any pain or exhaustion you may feel afterwards. Wear proper footwear, light clothing and a hat so you are protected from the elements. Most importantly, be sure to take your time, bring plenty of water (or money to buy one from the shop) and your camera to capture the phenomenal views.