Vesuvius is the active volcano on the Bay of Naples that buried Pompeii in AD 79. A visit means a timed ticket, a drive or shuttle up to about 1,000 metres, then a walk on a gravel path to the crater rim at 1,281 metres. Pompeii and Herculaneum are separate sites.
From the upper car park, the Gran Cono trail switchbacks up loose volcanic gravel to a viewpoint on the rim, where you can see into the crater and out over the bay.
On a clear day the summit looks over Naples, Sorrento, Capri and the whole curve of the coast.
The Roman towns destroyed by Vesuvius sit at its foot. Herculaneum, at Ercolano, is smaller and better preserved; Pompeii is vast. Both are separate tickets.
The crater path requires a timed ticket booked online in advance. The trail closes in high wind, storms or adverse volcanic conditions, sometimes at short notice. It is not accessible for wheelchairs or strollers. Confirm on the Vesuvius National Park ticketing site.
Entry is capped and timed. Turning up without a reservation often means being turned away, especially in summer.
The summit is exposed and the path can shut with little warning. Have a flexible day and a backup plan.
Vesuvius plus Herculaneum is a comfortable day. Vesuvius plus all of Pompeii is a rush. Pick one Roman site to pair with the volcano.
Do I need to book Vesuvius tickets in advance?
Yes. Entry to the crater path is by timed ticket sold online, with a daily limit.
How hard is the walk to the crater?
It is a steady 25 to 30 minute climb on loose gravel, gaining about 150 metres. Most reasonably fit visitors manage it; it is dusty and exposed.
Can the trail be closed?
Yes, for high wind, thunderstorms or volcanic activity. Closures can happen on the day, so check before travelling up.
Is Pompeii included?
No. Pompeii and Herculaneum are separate archaeological parks with their own tickets and entrances.
Mount Vesuvius is a stratovolcano on the Gulf of Naples, best known for the AD 79 eruption that buried Pompeii, Herculaneum and Stabiae. It last erupted in 1944 and is closely monitored as one of the most dangerous volcanoes in the world because of the dense population around it.
The upper cone lies within Vesuvius National Park, and visitors can walk a path to the crater rim. The Roman sites destroyed by the volcano are managed separately.
This page is an independent guide for visitors. It is not affiliated with Vesuvius National Park or the archaeological parks.
