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Climbing Through History: the Ancient Beauty of Mount Vesuvius
Published by Denise Beresford
Country: Italy 
The Experience
Mount Vesuvius is one of the most famous volcanoes in the world, and it is located in one of the most beautiful countries in the world. Situated in Naples, Italy, Mount Vesuvius is well known for the volcanic eruption on August 24, 79 AD, which blanketed three towns in the vicinity, including Pompeii, with volcanic lava, resulting in thousands of lives lost. Although this was a tragic event in history, the eruption of Mount Vesuvius did cause an entire city to be preserved, capturing a moment in time that was only discovered many centuries later in 1748. Despite its destructive past, Mount Vesuvius is thought of fondly by the people of Naples, and when you visit, you will certainly see why.
The eruption that caused so much devastation resulted in a crater that has become an iconic tourist attraction. Stand on the rim and peer into the 200-metre drop down to the fuming depths below, and it is easy to see why Mount Vesuvius is such a draw. But it is not just the depths below that will amaze you. Look out beyond the volcano rim’s 12-kilometre circumference and, on a clear day, Mount Vesuvius offers incomparable views out to the Bay of Naples and beyond.
Aside from the fumes and the glorious panoramic views (clouds permitting), Mount Vesuvius also offers the chance to see up close the impact of volcanic activity. On the way up and around the rim of the crater, you will see the various colours of lava stones as well as the dramatic landscape, which was scarred from lava streams in the 1950s.
Although you are on holiday, when you start your Mount Vesuvius tour, you should switch your sandals for hiking boots (or other comfortable shoes) with a sturdy grip to navigate the rocky and pebbly path. It may be wise to take a walking stick or two if you think you’ll need some assistance, and you should probably “pack” your patience. During peak times (summer and weekends), the hiking trail will have visitors of all fitness levels, some of whom will be considerably slower than others. Consequently, the last stretch can become quite congested. Use it as a chance to catch your own breath and ready yourself for the sights at the summit. If you have the energy and are up for the challenge, try the 6-kilometre hike. You’ll need to take the public bus part way and hike the rest of the way up winding roads.
Once you’ve reached the top and taken in the sights, you will find no shortage of purchasing opportunities if you’re looking for a memento of your trip to Mount Vesuvius. However, treat with suspicion any claims that stones are rare originals, and, as usual, bear in mind that items on sale at the bottom of the mountain are usually cheaper than those at the top.
Whilst there is a plethora of souvenirs atop Mount Vesuvius, the same cannot be said of eating establishments. Except for a bunch of snack and cold drink stalls, you should either fill up before you go (but not too much—remember the hike) or bring your own. What could be nicer than a crater-side picnic on a Mount Vesuvius tour?
A word of warning: Mount Vesuvius volcano is still active, and its current inactivity is its longest period of calm in around 500 years. Some believe this may result in its next eruption being more explosive than in the past. It is under close observation by volcanologists and seismologists, and there will be warnings if it becomes too dangerous to visit. So, heed advice from the local authorities before heading out on your Mount Vesuvius tour, but above all, don’t miss your opportunity to appreciate this wonder of nature so close up.
The eruption that caused so much devastation resulted in a crater that has become an iconic tourist attraction. Stand on the rim and peer into the 200-metre drop down to the fuming depths below, and it is easy to see why Mount Vesuvius is such a draw. But it is not just the depths below that will amaze you. Look out beyond the volcano rim’s 12-kilometre circumference and, on a clear day, Mount Vesuvius offers incomparable views out to the Bay of Naples and beyond.
Aside from the fumes and the glorious panoramic views (clouds permitting), Mount Vesuvius also offers the chance to see up close the impact of volcanic activity. On the way up and around the rim of the crater, you will see the various colours of lava stones as well as the dramatic landscape, which was scarred from lava streams in the 1950s.
Although you are on holiday, when you start your Mount Vesuvius tour, you should switch your sandals for hiking boots (or other comfortable shoes) with a sturdy grip to navigate the rocky and pebbly path. It may be wise to take a walking stick or two if you think you’ll need some assistance, and you should probably “pack” your patience. During peak times (summer and weekends), the hiking trail will have visitors of all fitness levels, some of whom will be considerably slower than others. Consequently, the last stretch can become quite congested. Use it as a chance to catch your own breath and ready yourself for the sights at the summit. If you have the energy and are up for the challenge, try the 6-kilometre hike. You’ll need to take the public bus part way and hike the rest of the way up winding roads.
Once you’ve reached the top and taken in the sights, you will find no shortage of purchasing opportunities if you’re looking for a memento of your trip to Mount Vesuvius. However, treat with suspicion any claims that stones are rare originals, and, as usual, bear in mind that items on sale at the bottom of the mountain are usually cheaper than those at the top.
Whilst there is a plethora of souvenirs atop Mount Vesuvius, the same cannot be said of eating establishments. Except for a bunch of snack and cold drink stalls, you should either fill up before you go (but not too much—remember the hike) or bring your own. What could be nicer than a crater-side picnic on a Mount Vesuvius tour?
A word of warning: Mount Vesuvius volcano is still active, and its current inactivity is its longest period of calm in around 500 years. Some believe this may result in its next eruption being more explosive than in the past. It is under close observation by volcanologists and seismologists, and there will be warnings if it becomes too dangerous to visit. So, heed advice from the local authorities before heading out on your Mount Vesuvius tour, but above all, don’t miss your opportunity to appreciate this wonder of nature so close up.
When to Go to Mout Vesuvius
To get to the top of Mount Vesuvius, you can start your trip by bus or train from the neighbouring towns of Pompeii or Herculaneum. Once you reach the volcano, you can choose between a local bus or taxi to take you towards the summit. But, be prepared, as your transport will only drop you in the car park at the base of the mountain. After that, you have to reach the summit on your own steam, which is an 800-metre hike entirely uphill until you reach the 1,170-metre mark. Even if you’ve taken your own car and manage to get a spot in the upper car park, you’ll still have to finish 500 metres of the uphill hike on foot.
It is best to stay in the larger cities of Naples or Sorrento and drive into Pompeii or Herculaneum. The spring season offers great weather to enjoy the views from atop Mount Vesuvius. Although it's not peak tourist season, it can be quite busy so be sure to book your Naples hotel ahead of time.
It is best to stay in the larger cities of Naples or Sorrento and drive into Pompeii or Herculaneum. The spring season offers great weather to enjoy the views from atop Mount Vesuvius. Although it's not peak tourist season, it can be quite busy so be sure to book your Naples hotel ahead of time.
Odds n' Ends
No uphill attraction would be complete without a funicular railway. Unfortunately, this one stopped functioning in 1944 with Mount Vesuvius’s last major eruption (hence the need to hike to the top), but it is worth admiring it anyway.
For wine connoisseurs, you may not have expected this trip to include an opportunity to indulge, but grapes are grown on the lower slopes of the volcano resulting in Lacryma Christi wine. Be sure to try some.
For wine connoisseurs, you may not have expected this trip to include an opportunity to indulge, but grapes are grown on the lower slopes of the volcano resulting in Lacryma Christi wine. Be sure to try some.
Places to Stay Nearby
Search over 900,000 global hotel deals from over 30 merchants. Book via Expedia, Travelocity, Hotels.com, Booking.com, Priceline and the websites of popular hotel chains.
Palazzo Rosenthal sets in the green slopes of Vesuvius, just in the middle of the Gulf of Naples, where you can admire a wonderful view ... 3 miles away
$80 EUR+
A few minutes from Naples - Hotel Sakura is immersed in a large pinewood at the foot of Vesuvius. The Hotel has been completely renovated, ... 3 miles away
$58 EUR+
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More Experiences Nearby
- If You Want to Eat Real Pizza, Go to Naples
- Let me describe to you what real pizza is like. The crust is thin and surprisingly soft: foldable. The sauce is delicious. Cheese, buffalo mozzarella, is an afterthought; maybe just two or three thin discs on a whole pie. I’m mentioning this because there seems to be some confusion. I’ve been to NYC, so I thought I’d seen the top, but now I know that to find a real pie, you have to go to Napoli. Napoli/Naples is renowned for three things: Pompeii, thievery, and pizza. Walking into the sunshine from the train station you will immediately encounter cold-eyed street ...10 miles away.
While You're There - Tours and Trips Nearby
By taking a private tour, you have the option to spend as little or as much time as possible in the picturesque towns of Sorrento, ...9.58 miles away via Naples.
$54+
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Carpe Diem! Book to do this experience now!
Your guided tour of Pompeii (approximately two hours) takes you to the Forum, the Thermal Baths, Vetti's House and the Lupanare brothel, buried ...
Starting from $112.46 per person.
Starting from $112.46 per person.
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