Climbing Mount Vesuvius Italy: Everything You Need to Know
Nestled in the heart of Italy, near the cities of Pompeii and Naples, lies the iconic Mount Vesuvius. If you’re looking to break away from typical activities like lounging at the beach or exploring urban centers, dedicating a day to hiking this famous volcano is a great choice. In this guide, you’ll find everything you need to know about climbing Mount Vesuvius in Italy!
Tickets Are Essential
You won’t be able to access Mount Vesuvius without a valid and downloaded ticket. We purchased ours via the official Vesuvius website. It’s crucial to download your ticket beforehand, as there’s minimal cellular reception at the entrance. Unfortunately, we made the mistake of relying on a screenshot, which wasn’t accepted. We were turned away without hesitation! Thankfully, a helpful local near the entrance assisted us.
For those who attempt the hike without a ticket, it’s a wasted effort: you’ll be sent back at the gate. Keep in mind that tickets include a time slot, so you’ll need to plan your visit accordingly. We booked our tickets three days in advance during peak season and still had several time slots to choose from.
Parking Your Car
If you’re driving to Mount Vesuvius, you’ll end up at a roadside parking area, located at about 1,000 meters above sea level. This means that most of the elevation gain has already been covered by the time you start the hike. Parking costs around €5, and space is usually available.
Starting the Climb
From the parking area, you can either take a shuttle service to the entrance or walk. We opted for the 20-minute walk along the road, but the shuttle is a convenient alternative if you’re willing to pay a few extra euros. The shuttle drops you off right at the ticket gate.
Walking Along the Crater
Once you’ve passed the ticket check, you’ll begin the walk along the crater’s edge. It’s important to note that you can’t make a complete circuit around the crater. The official Vesuvius website lists a few designated hiking routes. The trail we followed was straightforward, and most people with basic mobility should have no trouble completing it. If the weather cooperates, you’ll be rewarded with breathtaking views into the crater and sweeping vistas of Naples and the surrounding region.
What to Bring for the Hike
Although the hike itself isn’t particularly challenging, there are a few essentials to ensure a comfortable experience:
- Plenty of water: Especially during the summer months, when the heat can be intense. Check out the water bottle of water-to-go. With the code wetraveloutdoor you’ll receive a 15% discount.
- Sturdy footwear: The gravel path can be slippery in spots.
- Protection from the elements: The summit is exposed, so it can be windy even on warm days.
- Your ticket: Make sure it’s downloaded or printed!
What to visit next? Check out our road trip Italy or our free Google Maps travel guide Italy.
