Mount Vesuvius – Europe’s Most Famous Volcano

Mount Vesuvius, towering at 1,281 meters, is Europe’s most famous volcano, situated near the city of Naples in Italy. It is notorious for its devastating eruption in 79 CE, which obliterated the ancient cities of Pompeii, Herculaneum, and Stabiae.

Despite being an active volcano—its last eruption occurred in 1944—Mount Vesuvius is a popular tourist destination. Visitors flock here to witness the power of nature and to enjoy breathtaking views of the Bay of Naples from its summit. A trip to Mount Vesuvius is an unforgettable experience and an essential stop for any traveler in the Campania region.

Climbing Mount Vesuvius isn’t technically difficult, but it does require advance planning and consideration of several logistical factors.

Ways to Reach Mount Vesuvius

There are several options for reaching Mount Vesuvius:

Direct Bus from Naples

• Cost: €13.50 one way
• Travel time: About 1.5 hours
• Advantages: Convenient, no need to change transport
• Disadvantages: No stops along the route

Direct buses leave from Naples’ central train station (Porta Nolana), making this a great choice for those wanting a straightforward journey.

Train to Ercolano + Vesuvio Express Bus

• Cost: Train – €2.20 + Bus – €10 (round trip) + €10 for crater entrance
• Total time: 40 minutes by train + 20 minutes by bus
• Advantages: Opportunity to visit the city of Ercolano and its archaeological site

This is the most recommended option for many travelers. Take a train from Porta Nolana station in Naples toward Sorrento and disembark at Ercolano-Scavi station. After exiting the station, walk straight to the Vesuvio Express office to purchase a combined ticket that includes bus transportation and crater entrance.

Tip: Arrive early in the morning (between 9:00 and 10:00) to secure a spot on the bus and avoid the heat and crowds. This timing also allows you to visit Pompeii later in the day.

Car/Scooter Rental

Cost:

• Scooter – €15-20 per day
• Car – €20-30 per day + parking (€6)

Advantages: Complete flexibility, with opportunities to stop at additional viewpoints

Disadvantages: Narrow, winding, and busy roads can make driving challenging

If you’re comfortable driving on Italian roads, renting a scooter or car offers maximum flexibility. Take Via Vesuvio road (SP114) and follow the signs to the Mount Vesuvius parking lot.

Important Note: The roads leading to the mountain are narrow and winding, with two-way traffic in areas where there is barely enough space for a single car. Therefore, driving in this region requires great caution and attention from local drivers.

Combined Organized Tours

• Cost: Starting from €40 per person (varies by company and route)
• Advantages: Maximum convenience, direct transportation, professional guidance, and the addition of extra sites
• Disadvantages: Less flexibility and higher costs

Many companies offer organized tours that combine visits to Mount Vesuvius and Pompeii. This option is perfect for those who prefer a hassle-free vacation with the benefit of professional guidance.

Schedule, Costs, and Tickets

Opening Hours

Mount Vesuvius National Park (Parco Nazionale del Vesuvio) is typically open from 9:00 AM to 5:00 PM, with the last entry at 3:30 PM. However, operating hours may vary based on the season and weather conditions. It is advisable to check the updated hours on the official website.

Costs

• Crater entrance ticket: €11.68 for adults, €9.55 for young people aged 18-25
• Parking: €6 per car
• Shuttle from parking to starting point: €3 per person (round trip)
• Vesuvio Express bus from Ercolano: €10 (round trip)
• Walking stick rental: €1 per stick

Important Tip: Buy tickets in advance online! There are no ticket offices in the mountain area, and cell reception is often weak. Purchasing tickets in advance will save you time and frustration.

Climbing Mount Vesuvius

The Climbing Route to the Summit of Mount Vesuvius

After arriving at the starting point (via shuttle from the parking lot or bus from Ercolano), you will need to climb approximately 900 meters up a gravel and dirt path to reach the crater. The slope of the path is about 40-45 degrees, presenting a moderate physical challenge.

• Path Length: About 900 meters from the starting point to the crater
• Ascent Time: Approximately 20 to 30 minutes at a moderate pace
• Difficulty Level: Moderate, suitable for most people in reasonable physical condition

Along the path, you’ll find several stopping and resting stations, as well as small shops selling water, drinks, and souvenirs. The trail is well-marked and does not require any previous mountain climbing experience.

Tip: At the start of the path, there is someone renting out walking sticks for one euro each. While this may seem like a tourist gimmick, the sticks can assist with both the ascent and notably with the descent, making it a worthwhile investment for just one euro.

What You’ll See on the Way and at the Summit

During your climb, you can enjoy stunning views of:

• Naples and the Bay of Naples
• The islands of Capri and Ischia
• The Amalfi Coast
• The cities of Ercolano and Pompeii

At the summit, you’ll arrive at the crater, which measures approximately 700-750 meters in diameter. While you won’t see any lava, you can observe steam rising from various points within the crater, a sign of ongoing volcanic activity.

You can walk around part of the crater; roughly half of it is accessible to visitors, while the remaining section is reserved for researchers and scientists.

Important Tips for Travelers

What to Wear and What to Take

• Shoes: Wear closed hiking shoes with good soles or sports shoes. Avoid sandals and open-toed footwear.
• Clothing: Dress in layers appropriate for the season, including sun protection during summer, as wind can be strong at the summit even on warm days.
• Sun Protection: Bring a hat, sunglasses, and sunscreen; the sun can be intense in the summer, and shade is limited.
• Water: Carry at least one liter of water per person, especially on hot days.
• Light Food: Pack energy bars or a sandwich for a picnic at the summit.

Important Note: Prices for water and food in the shops at the summit are significantly higher. A bottle of water that costs 50 cents in Naples may cost 2-3 euros on the mountain.

Conclusion: Is Climbing Mount Vesuvius Worth the Effort?

Absolutely. Despite the logistical challenges and associated costs, climbing Mount Vesuvius provides a unique experience that combines history, geology, and breathtaking scenery.

Is the Visit Suitable for Everyone?

Most individuals with basic physical fitness can climb relatively easily. However, those with limited mobility, families with strollers, or individuals with breathing issues may find it challenging.

Final recommendation: If you’re visiting the Naples area and have one free day, consider exploring the combination of Mount Vesuvius and Pompeii. This offers one of Italy’s richest cultural and scenic experiences, blending nature, history, and human experience in a way that will leave a lasting impression.