Vesuvius Guide. Everything you should know to hike the crater

L’escursione sul Vesuvio che ti porterà a vedere il cratere di uno dei vulcani più famosi del mondo, può essere fatta seguendo un itinerario della durata di circa 2 ore e 3 chilometri di distanza. Il punto di partenza e di arrivo è il parcheggio di quota 1000 metri e la città più vicina è quella di Napoli.

The excursion on Vesuvius that will take you to see the crater of one of the most famous volcanoes in the world, can be done following an itinerary lasting about 2 hours and 3 kilometers of hiking. The point of departure and arrival is the parking lot at an altitude of 1000 meters and the closest city is that of Naples.

What is the best time to do this excursion?

The excursion to the Vesuvius volcano is an excursion that can be throughout the year, but we would like to advise you to avoid the hottest summer months such as June, July and August. You can opt for spring when you can also enjoy the flowering of wild flowers and winter which, however offering mild climates, allows you to have and enjoy unforgettable sceneries thanks to clear skies.

How to start the itinerary?

As we told you at the beginning of the article, the closest city to the itinerary is Naples. From the city center, we advise you to take the Circumvesuviana railway line (which connects Naples with Sorrento and which leaves every 20 minutes and is active every day from 7 to 22) and to get off either at the Pompeii or Herculaneum station. .

From Pompeii to the parking lot at an altitude of 1000m

If you decide to reach the parking at an altitude of 1000m starting from Pompeii, you will have only two bus rides available. Departure at 8.25 and 12.45 and return at 14.40 and 17.25. The journey takes about 90 minutes, the ticket can be purchased on board and costs € 7.80. The stop is located in Via Panoramica (a few tens of meters from the train station where you get off). N.B. when planning your trip double check these timetables and info directly with the transport agencies as they may have changed since the date of writing this guide.

From Herculaneum to the parking at an altitude of 1000m

If you decide to reach the parking lot at an altitude of 1000m starting from Herculaneum, you can opt for one of the 8 daily trips offered by the Vesuviana Mobilità that start from Piazza Anfiteatro. The rides become 10 in summer, the journey is 60 minutes one way and the cost is € 8.90 for a return ticket.

What to expect from the itinerary?

From the car park at an altitude of 1000 meters, you follow a path that winds up to a bend after a couple of hundred meters. From here, the itinerary begins a steep climb (consider a slope of around 15%) which will take you in just under a kilometer and after about 30 minutes to the rim of the crater where you will find some wooden structures that sell drinks (not so economic), as well as small reminders of the experience.

The path, which will allow you to admire the crater for half of its circumference, is well marked, as well as very popular during all hours of the day and months of the year. Try to admire everything you will see because they are unique scenarios in the world, especially when the air is clear, you can “stretch your gaze” towards breathtaking views, also glimpsing the Gulf of Naples.