Hiking Mt. Vesuvius from Naples, Naples

Discover the incredible landscape of Mount Vesuvius National Park and hike the famous volcano’s epic crater while enjoying the views of the Gulf of Naples. Learn about Pompeii and how this mountain significantly altered the area.

Mount Vesuvius is one of only two active volcanoes in Continental Europe and stands about 4,200 feet (1,281 m) tall. Mount Vesuvius National Park is a UNESCO Biosphere Reserve, composed of the caldera of Mt. Somma and the Grand Cone of Mt. Vesuvius. It’s famous for its deadly eruption in 79 CE, the deadliest in recent history, although its last explosion took place in 1944, in the middle of WWII. Today, professionals classify it as a dormant volcano. 

On your way to the National Park’s entrance, enjoy the beautiful and productive region, dotted with small farms and wineries planted with heirloom varietals. You’ll reach over 3,000 feet (1,000 m) high! Stretch your legs and prepare for your slightly demanding hike to the crater. The trek only takes about 25 minutes, but you’ll follow some steep ascents. Your efforts are rewarded, as the view from the top is truly breathtaking. 

The eruption of Vesuvius profoundly changed the morphology of the volcano and the surrounding territories. It destroyed the nearby cities of Herculaneum, Pompeii, Oplontis, and Stabia, burying them under layers of pumice. These thick layers preserved some of the villages, and archeologists began to discover their ruins in the 18th century. 

After your hike, you can opt to extend the day with lunch and/or a visit to Pompeii or Herculaneum. Both offer impressive archaeological ruins easy to explore on your own.

Read more about unique and interesting activities in Naples and active experiences in Italy.