For everyone · 2 hours

Horse riding on Vesuvius: one hour on the old lava trails

An hour in the saddle on the old lava trails of Vesuvius, at a walking pace, with a guide who talks you through the eruptions and the civilisations the volcano left its mark on. The horses follow ancient tracks between vineyards growing on volcanic soil, and every bend opens up a view of the bay. This isn’t a ride for anyone who wants to gallop: it’s about spending time with the animals and taking in the scenery. Two hours in total, with helmet, water and a shuttle from Pompei Scavi included.

4.9(150 reviews on Viator) Vesuvius, from Pompei Scavi

Horse riding on Vesuvius: one hour on the old lava trails — Photo: Horcrux, CC BY-SA 4.0 · credits

Duration

2 hours

Group

up to 10

Languages

English, Spanish

Cancellation

Free cancellation up to 24 hours before

Days

every day

Start

Vesuvius, from Pompei Scavi

What you’ll do

You set off from Pompei Scavi on the shuttle that climbs to the starting point on the slopes of the volcano. There you’re matched with your horse, put on a helmet and get the basic instructions. The pace stays at a walk the whole way: if you’re after speed you’ll be disappointed, if you want to look around you’re in the right place.

The route follows the old lava trails, through vineyards and open stretches with views over the bay and the countryside below. The guide, in English or Spanish, explains how the eruptions shaped the landscape and what happened to the towns at the foot of the volcano. There are stops for photos, and plenty of viewpoints to choose from.

The ride itself lasts about an hour; with the shuttle, getting ready and heading back, it comes to two hours. Groups are capped at 10 people and water is included. You finish where you started, and the shuttle takes you back to Pompei Scavi.

Who it’s for

For anyone who wants to see Vesuvius without hiking up to the crater, and for animal lovers: the pace is slow and the focus is on the landscape. Good for families with older kids and for couples. Not for adrenaline seekers or anyone who wants to gallop; the guide speaks English or Spanish, not Italian.

Local tip

Long trousers and closed shoes, no sandals: you need them in the saddle and on the lava. Bring a hat and sunscreen, as there’s little shade on the volcano. Pair it with the ruins of Pompeii, since the shuttle leaves from there: ruins in the morning, horses in the afternoon, or the other way round. Book early in the warmer months, as groups are ten people at most.

What’s included

Helmet + water + shuttle from Pompeii.

Price, availability and details come straight from Viator and are kept up to date. If you book through us, we get a small commission; it costs you nothing extra.

Frequently asked questions

How long does it last and where does it start?

About 2 hours in total, around one of them in the saddle. You start from Pompei Scavi with the included shuttle, which drives up the slopes of Vesuvius and brings you back at the end. Groups are capped at 10 people.

What’s included?

The helmet, water, the shuttle to and from Pompei Scavi, the horse and the guide who leads the group along the lava trails. Nothing else is included: bring what you need for the sun and to be comfortable in the saddle.

Do we gallop? What language does the guide speak?

No. The ride is at a walk, designed for spending time with the horses and enjoying the view, not for going fast. The guide speaks English and Spanish. Cancellation is free up to 24 hours before the start.

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from€69Free cancellation up to 24 hours before

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