If you are thinking of traveling to Naples or the Amalfi Coast, one of the essential places to visit is Mount Vesuvius. It is famous due to its eruption in 79 AD when it completely buried the cities of Pompeii and Herculaneum. Currently, it is a still active volcano and its last eruption dates back to 1944.
Its summit, at 1,281 meters above sea level, has spectacular views of the Bay of Naples and the Amalfi Coast. It is one of the most beautiful excursions to do and you have several options to visit it. You can take an organized tour, go on your own, go trekking...
In this post I explain how to climb Mount Vesuvius, the options you have for organized excursions and some tips.
HOW TO CLIMB MOUNT VESUVIUS, ITALY
1. Take a trip to Mount Vesuvius from Naples
The most comfortable way to visit Mount Vesuvius is to book a guided tour from Naples. They include transportation from the door of the hotel or from a central area (depending on the area where you stay in Naples), you also have included the entrance to the Vesuvius National Park, food and a guide in Spanish.
There is also the option of combining Mount Vesuvius with other destinations such as a guided tour of Naples, a visit to Pompeii... The option of combining several destinations is perfect if you have little time in the city and want to make the most of it. I add all the available excursion options:
2. How to get to Mount Vesuvius by car
If you have a rental car you can organize the route to suit you. In one day you can combine a visit to Pompeii with Vesuvius, or Heraculus with Vesuvius...
You must take the A3 motorway to the Torre del Greco or Herculano exit. (There is a toll that costs 2 euros). From there, the path to the volcano is perfectly signposted. It will take just under an hour to get there from Naples. The Vesuvius car park costs 6 euros and is one kilometer from the crater. In the same parking lot there is a visitor center where you can buy the ticket, which costs 10 euros per person.
The climb to the crater is of medium difficulty, but uphill, it is signposted and you just have to take into account wearing comfortable shoes.
3. How to get to Mount Vesuvius by public transport
There is the option of reaching Mount Vesuvius by public transport, but for this option you must first reach Pompeii. Since there is no direct option from Naples. Once in Pompeii you will have to transfer to go up to the top of the volcano.
If you decide on this option, it is best to combine Pompeii in the morning and Vesuvius in the afternoon.
3.1. How to get to Pompeii from Naples
The easiest and cheapest way to get to Pompeii is from Naples. You must take the Circumvesuviano train from the central station. It is line 1 that connects Naples with Sorrento. In around 40 minutes you will reach the Pompei Scavi – Villa dei Misteri stop. The ticket costs 2.80 euros each way.
Once you exit the station in Pompeii, about 100 meters to the left you will find the entrance to the ruins of the city.
3.2. How to go from Pompeii to Mount Vesuvius
From the same train station you have 2 options to get to Mount Vesuvius:
Public bus to go from Pompeii to Vesuvius
You will have to take the EAV bus. It is the most economical option. It costs 2.70 euros each way and you can pay it in advance at the train station or to the driver. The journey takes about 50 minutes and will leave you at an altitude of 1000 meters. In high season the buses are usually full and there is not much influx of schedules.
Once up, you will have to buy the entrance to the enclosure that costs 10 euros. Children who measure less than 1.20m enter free. You have to walk about 20 minutes to the crater.
Organized transport with guide
Right in front of the train station you will find a small stand of the Busvia del Vesuvio company. They organize the transfer to Vesuvius with entrance included. The price of the excursion to Vesuvius from Pompeii is 22 euros per person. They have much more flexibility of schedules and availability. There is an excursion approximately every 30 minutes.
You will do the first stretch by bus to the base of the volcano. It will take about 30 minutes. Then you will change to some off-road buses that will take you to the top. The last part until reaching the crater must be done on foot. (There is no option to arrive with vehicles).
Upon entering the park, a guide will explain a few facts and curiosities about the volcano and then you will have free time to visit it on your own.
4. Tips for climbing Mount Vesuvius
The section that you have to walk up to the crater is steep. It's not complicated, but it gets heavy and you may have to stop to catch your breath at some point. Still, it is a medium stretch and without difficulties on the way. It is all the way prepared for this purpose.
Comfortable clothing and shoes are recommended. Remember to bring bottled water (if it is from a reusable bottle, it is better) because there you have no option to buy. Also do not forget the sun cream and cap.
The visit to the crater is quick and you will not need all day. That is why it is advisable to combine the visit with Pompeii.
POSTS FROM NAPLES AND THE AMALFI COAST
PLAN YOUR TRIP STEP BY STEP
I hope you enjoy your trip to Naples and surroundings and that this article has been useful to you. You can continue reading many more related articles on the blog.
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A hug and see you soon!