CityBuddy
Mount Vesuvius
Best time to visit
Early morning or late afternoon provides cooler temperatures and softer light, perfect for photography and a more peaceful hike. Avoid midday heat and crowds for a better experience.
Budget tips
Entry costs around €10; look for combined tickets that include Pompeii for savings. Visiting during low season or on free museum days in Naples can reduce costs.
Recommended for
Adventure seekers, Nature lovers, Photography enthusiasts, History buffs
Plan your visit
2-3 hours
About
Quick facts: One of the only active volcanoes in Europe, its last major eruption in AD 79 buried the cities of Pompeii and Herculaneum under ash and pumice. Standing nearly 4,203 feet tall, it offers panoramic views over the Bay of Naples and beyond.
Highlights: Climbing the crater's rim reveals striking sulfur vents and volcanic landscapes that contrast with the lush greenery below. The startling colors of the ash, red earth, and blue sky create a surreal, almost otherworldly atmosphere unique to such a historic volcano.
Insider tips
- Wear sturdy hiking shoes as the terrain is rocky and uneven.
- Bring water and sunscreen because of limited shade and strong sun exposure.
- Capture photos of the crater at sunrise or sunset for magical light and fewer tourists.
- Skip the crowded lower trails and opt for the trail up to the summit for better perspectives and fewer visitors.
Practical info
Have you heard of free walking tours?
After traveling to 30+ countries, there's one thing I wish someone had told me from day one, and it completely changed how I experience new cities.
Free walking tours. Yes, actually free. No credit card needed. No catch.
Local guide, 2-3 hours
Major sights, hidden gems, local stories
100% tip-based
Guides earn only tips, so they give their absolute best
You tip what feels right
At the end, just tip whatever you feel is right
I've done these in dozens of cities and they've been the highlight of almost every trip. If you're visiting Naples, Italy, do this on your first day. You'll thank me later.
