Mt. Vesuvius (Monte Vesuvio) Tours and Tickets

Plan to spend at least 3–4 hours visiting Mt. Vesuvius, including the hike to the crater rim. The trail to the crater, called Il Gran Cono, is about 2.2 miles (3.6 kilometers) and takes about 1–2 hours to complete. Generally, you can visit Mt. Vesuvius and Pompeii in one day.

Yes, hiking Mt. Vesuvius is worth it. The roughly 2.2-mile (3.6-kilometer) hike to the summit along the Il Gran Cono trail is relatively short. The payoff is a chance to peer into the volcano's active crater and catch marvelous views of Sorrento and the Gulf of Naples.

No, you don't need to join a tour to visit Mt. Vesuvius—anyone with Mt. Vesuvius (Monte Vesuvio) tickets (admission starts at €40) can hike to the summit. Travelers visiting on their own can reach Mt. Vesuvius National Park by bus from Pompeii or the Vesuvio Express shuttle from Herculaneum. Visitors who are driving can park off the Strada Provinciale 114.

Mount Vesuvius National Park’s opening hours vary by season. In the summer it’s usually open from 9am to 5pm. In the winter it’s typically open from 9am to 3pm. Expect it to open at 9am and close by 4pm during the shoulder season months of March and October.

Weather-wise, spring and fall are the best time of year to visit Mount Vesuvius. Summer is hot and crowded, and winter can be uncomfortably cold. While the trail to the crater is open year-round, it will close due to inclement weather.

What you wear to climb Mt. Vesuvius depends on the time of year. Generally, you should wear clothing you're comfortable walking in, hiking boots or athletic shoes, sunscreen, and a hat. It's also good to dress in layers as the temperature can suddenly change, and consider taking a walking stick.

It’s generally cooler on top of Mt. Vesuvius, which is about 4,200 feet (1,280 meters) above sea level, than it is at the base or surrounding towns and Naples. While it can be windy, it doesn't get truly cold until late fall and winter when snowfall is possible.