Hiking Mt. Vesuvius from Naples, Naples

Overview

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.

Itineraries with Hiking Mt. Vesuvius from Naples

Rome, Naples, & the Amalfi Coast - 8 Days

This fast-paced trip combines the highlights of Rome with the bustling cultural hub of Naples, capping off your visit with some relaxing time on the Amalfi Coast. Explore the famous monuments and historic sites in Italy's capital city before venturing down south the birthplace of pizza. Stroll along the harbor and take in the views of Mount Vesuvius in the distance. Finish off your trip with a visit to the Amalfi Coast, where turquoise waters and colorful villages perched on cliffsides await. 

Hiking in Naples and the Amalfi Coast - 7 Days

Stretch your legs around the beauty of the Amalfi Coast in this 7-day tour, starting in the vibrant city of Naples. Explore the monuments and sites of your city hub and explore the nearby island of Capri and the ruins of Pompeii, plus hike around the crater of Mt. Vesuvius. Then move on to the scenic Amalfi coast where Agerola will be your hub, allowing you easy access to breathtaking hikes leading to the villages of Ravello, Positano and Antrani.

Hiking Amalfi Coast & Naples - 11 Days

Explore Italy's spectacular Amalfi Coast with an 11-day trip that combines hiking, boating, leisure time and sightseeing. This hiking-centric itinerary revisits those old walking trails, including the legendary, rugged Sentiero degli Dei path, and includes stops on the islands of Capri and Ischia. Every turn along the Amalfi Coast road and pathways is like a postcard, with perfect scenes of bougainvillea, lemon trees, terraced vineyards, and that dazzling blue water beyond—and it's best explored on foot!