Mount Vesuvius

Vesuvio

The only active volcano on the European mainland. Hike 30 minutes from the parking area to the crater rim for views over the Bay of Naples and Pompeii.

Mount Vesuvius rises to 1,281 meters. Its great eruption in AD 79 destroyed Pompeii and Herculaneum, and its most recent eruption was in 1944. It remains the only active volcano on the European mainland. It is closely monitored, and about 600,000 people live in the surrounding “red zone.” A national park was established in 1995. Visitors can walk from the parking area at 1,000 meters along a gravel road for about 30 minutes (a climb of 200 meters) to reach the crater rim. A path around the rim allows you to walk half of the way around, looking into the crater, which is 500 meters across and 300 meters deep, and at its fissures that still emit steam. On the other side, you overlook the Bay of Naples, Capri and the Sorrento Peninsula. On clear days, you can see the entire Campanian Plain. Tickets cost €12 (including a free guided commentary). They must be booked online in advance for a specific time slot, and no tickets are sold on site. Opening hours are 09:00–16:00 in March and October, 09:00–17:00 in April–June and September, 09:00–18:00 in July and August, and 09:00–15:00 in November–February. The last entry is 1 hour and 45 minutes before closing. Getting there: from the Pompei Scavi station, take the Busvia del Vesuvio or EAV bus, about 40–50 minutes to the parking area (about €10–15 round trip; some routes include admission). Shuttle buses also run from Ercolano station. If you drive, you can go up to the parking area (fee applies). Pompeii and Vesuvius make a classic day trip: spend 3–4 hours at Pompeii in the morning and climb the volcano for 2 hours in the afternoon. Note: the summit is windy with large temperature swings, so bring a jacket, non-slip shoes and water. The path is loose volcanic gravel. The site closes during heavy rain, strong winds or eruption warnings. The vineyards on the mountainside produce Lacryma Christi (“Tears of Christ”) wine, which you can sample on the way.

Mount Vesuvius

Opening hours

Nearby sights

Places to eat nearby