Hiking Vesuvius: everything to know before you go

Europe's most famous volcano is waiting. Which trail to choose, what to pack, the best times and the view over the bay: a full guide to climbing Vesuvius.

Vesuvius is much more than a volcano. It's a symbol, an icon, a character looming over the Bay of Naples with a silhouette you can't mistake. Climbing it gets you one of the most spectacular views in Italy, but also a close-up look at the power of geology, the story of the eruption of AD 79 and the strange silence of the crater.

The trails

Contrary to what many people think, there isn't just one way to the top. The most common route starts from the car park at 1,000 metres, but there are tougher variants that start lower down and cross the old lava flows.

The main routes:

Gran Cono (the official path): about 2 hours there and back from the car park
Via Matrone: the historic route, starting from Ercolano, 4-5 hours
Sentiero Tirone: through areas of old lava, less busy and wilder
Volcanology route: with a certified guide who explains the volcano's geology

When to go: seasons and times

The Vesuvius National Park is open all year, but the best times are spring (April-June) and autumn (September-October). In summer the heat can be intense and the queues at the car park long. In winter the path may close in bad weather.

What to put in your rucksack

The essentials:

Hiking shoes with sturdy soles (the lava ground is uneven)
At least 1.5 litres of water per person
A windproof jacket (it's always windy at the top)
Hat and sun cream
Energy snacks
Walking poles (optional but useful)

The view from the crater

Reaching the rim of the crater is hard to put into words. Below you, the crater is about 500 metres across and nearly 300 deep. Steam from the fumaroles reminds you the volcano is still active: the last eruption was in 1944. All around, the view takes in the Bay of Naples and the islands of Capri, Ischia and Procida.

“Standing on the rim of Vesuvius is like standing on the border between the world of people and the world of the earth. A place that makes you feel small in the best possible way.”

Practical information

Good to know before you set off:

Gran Cono entry: paid ticket, book online at busy times
A certified guide is compulsory for the advanced routes
Getting there: bus from Ercolano (the Circumvesuviana station, on the local train line from Naples)
Average time: 4 hours with a guide, 2 hours for the Gran Cono alone
Dogs allowed on a lead