Porta Vesuvio Naples
Explore the ancient Roman city of Pompeii, frozen in time by the catastrophic 79 AD eruption of Mount Vesuvius, and hike to the crater of this iconic ...

Highlights
Must-see attractions

Social
From TikTok & Reddit
Best Time
Pleasant weather, fewer crowds
Porta Vesuvio Naples
Best Time
Pleasant weather, fewer crowds

Highlights
Must-see attractions
Explore the ancient Roman city of Pompeii, frozen in time by the catastrophic 79 AD eruption of Mount Vesuvius, and hike to the crater of this iconic volcano.
"A hauntingly beautiful journey through history, where the past is preserved in ash and stone."
👟 Wear Sturdy Shoes
The paths to the crater are uneven and rocky. Comfortable walking shoes are a must for exploring Pompeii and Vesuvius.
💧 Bring Water & Snacks
There are limited facilities on the volcano. Stay hydrated and fueled for your exploration.
Highlights
Discover the most iconic attractions and experiences
The Vesuvius Crater
Summit
Stand at the edge of the active volcano that famously buried Pompeii. Witness the steaming fumaroles and panoramic views.
Pompeii's Frozen History
Pompeii Archaeological Park
Explore the remarkably preserved ancient Roman city, frozen in time by the 79 AD eruption. See homes, streets, and haunting plaster casts.

Plaster Casts of Victims
Pompeii Archaeological Park
See the poignant plaster casts of individuals caught in the eruption, offering a powerful glimpse into the human tragedy.
Plans like a pro.
Thinks like you
Planning Your Visit
Timing Your Vesuvius Visit
Getting to the Summit
Best Times
Insider Tips
from TikTok, Instagram & Reddit
👟 Wear Sturdy Shoes
The paths to the crater are uneven and rocky. Comfortable walking shoes are a must for exploring Pompeii and Vesuvius.
💧 Bring Water & Snacks
There are limited facilities on the volcano. Stay hydrated and fueled for your exploration.
☀️ Sun Protection
The summit offers little shade. Pack sunscreen, a hat, and sunglasses, especially during warmer months.
🎟️ Book Tickets Online
Secure your entry to Pompeii and Vesuvius in advance to avoid disappointment and long queues.
Tips
from all over the internet
👟 Wear Sturdy Shoes
The paths to the crater are uneven and rocky. Comfortable walking shoes are a must for exploring Pompeii and Vesuvius.
💧 Bring Water & Snacks
There are limited facilities on the volcano. Stay hydrated and fueled for your exploration.
☀️ Sun Protection
The summit offers little shade. Pack sunscreen, a hat, and sunglasses, especially during warmer months.
🎟️ Book Tickets Online
Secure your entry to Pompeii and Vesuvius in advance to avoid disappointment and long queues.
📸 Capture the Views
The panoramic vistas from Vesuvius are breathtaking. Don't forget your camera or phone for stunning photos.
What Travellers Say
Reviews Summary
Visitors find Pompeii and Vesuvius to be incredibly impressive and historically significant sites, offering a unique glimpse into the past. However, some reviewers mention issues with rude staff at entry points and the general upkeep of certain areas. The sheer scale and preservation are consistently praised.
"We arrived 3 mins before "last entrance" and guards lagged at us and wouldn't let us in. Rude staff."
Latasha Peltz
"Super cool place to go"
Cony Ming-Shen Ho
"Great place"
Pavlo Maslennikov
What People Like
What People Dislike
Frequently Asked Questions
🚇 🗺️ Getting There
The most common way is to take a Circumvesuviana train from Naples to Pompeii Scavi or Ercolano Scavi station. From there, you can catch an EAV bus that goes directly up Mount Vesuvius. Alternatively, consider organized tours from Naples that include transportation.
Yes, the Circumvesuviana train line connects Naples (Garibaldi station) directly to Pompeii Scavi station in about 40 minutes. It's a very popular and straightforward route.
From Pompeii, you can take the EAV bus service which runs regularly to the Vesuvius National Park. Check the latest schedules online as they can vary.
You can drive to a parking area partway up the volcano, from where you'll need to walk the rest of the way to the crater. Parking can be limited during busy periods.
While taxis are available in Naples and Pompeii, they can be expensive for the journey to Vesuvius. Ride-sharing services may have limited availability in the more remote areas.
🎫 🎫 Tickets & Entry
It is highly recommended to book your Vesuvius National Park tickets online in advance, especially during peak season, to guarantee entry and avoid long queues.
Ticket prices for Pompeii can vary, but typically range from €16-€20 for adults. It's best to check the official website for the most current pricing and any special offers.
Opening hours differ for Pompeii and Vesuvius and can change seasonally. Generally, Pompeii is open from morning until late afternoon, and Vesuvius has specific hours for access to the crater path. Always check the official websites before your visit.
While it might be possible to buy tickets on the day for Vesuvius, it's not guaranteed, and you may face significant wait times. For Pompeii, booking ahead is strongly advised.
Sometimes combined tickets or passes are available, offering a slight discount. Research options from official tourism sites or tour operators.
🎫 🧭 Onsite Experience
The walk from the bus drop-off point to the crater rim takes approximately 20-30 minutes. The path is well-maintained but can be steep in places.
At the summit, you can walk around the crater rim, observe the fumaroles emitting steam, and enjoy spectacular panoramic views of the Bay of Naples and surrounding areas.
Pompeii is a vast archaeological site with uneven terrain, cobblestone streets, and some stairs. Comfortable walking shoes are essential for exploring the ruins.
Many houses and buildings in Pompeii are accessible, allowing you to see the layout, frescoes, and mosaics. Some areas may be closed for restoration.
Wear comfortable, sturdy walking shoes. Layers are advisable as the weather can change, and bring sun protection.
📸 📸 Photography
The crater rim offers incredible views of the caldera and the surrounding landscape. Look for vantage points along the path for wider shots of the Bay of Naples.
Yes, photography is generally allowed in Pompeii, but tripods and professional lighting equipment may be restricted in certain areas. Always be respectful of the site.
Drone usage is typically prohibited in national parks and archaeological sites to protect the environment and historical integrity. Check specific regulations before flying.
Early morning or late afternoon light provides softer, more dramatic lighting for both Vesuvius and Pompeii, reducing harsh shadows and heat.
The haunting plaster casts in Pompeii offer powerful and unique photographic subjects. The contrast between the ancient ruins and the modern landscape from Vesuvius is also striking.
For Different Travelers
Tailored advice for your travel style
👨👩👧 Families with Kids
For Mount Vesuvius, the hike to the crater might be challenging for very young children due to the terrain and incline. If you do go, ensure they have appropriate footwear and plenty of water. The panoramic views can be a great reward. Alternatively, exploring the National Archaeological Museum of Naples, which houses many artifacts from Pompeii, might be a more manageable and equally informative option for families.
🚶 Budget Travelers
Look for accommodation slightly outside the main tourist hubs in Naples, or consider hostels. Many local eateries offer delicious and reasonably priced pizza and pasta dishes, a quintessential Neapolitan experience. Walking is the best way to explore the sites themselves, so comfortable shoes are your most important investment.
📸 Photography Enthusiasts
Experiment with different perspectives: wide-angle lenses for the vastness of the ruins and the volcanic landscape, and telephoto lenses to isolate details or capture distant views. Be mindful of crowds and try to find unique angles that tell a story. The contrast between the ancient and the modern, the life and the aftermath, is a recurring theme that can be explored visually.
Deep Dives
In-depth insights and expert knowledge
The Eruption of Mount Vesuvius
This tragic event, while devastating for the inhabitants, created an unparalleled archaeological treasure. The volcanic material acted as a preservative, protecting buildings, streets, mosaics, frescoes, and even the final moments of the people. Modern research continues to uncover new details about daily life, social structures, and the human stories behind the disaster, offering a unique window into the ancient Roman world.
While Pompeii is the most famous site, other nearby areas were also affected. TikTok creators have highlighted that Pompeii isn't the only city buried by volcanic activity, mentioning phenomena like 'bradisismo' (ground subsidence) near Naples that caused areas to sink below sea level.
Exploring Pompeii: A City Frozen in Time
Key areas to explore include the Forum, the heart of public life; the Amphitheatre, one of the oldest surviving Roman amphitheatres; and the various villas, such as the Villa of the Mysteries, known for its stunning frescoes. The famous plaster casts of victims, created by filling the voids left by decomposed bodies, offer a somber yet powerful connection to the past.
Visitors often remark on the eerie yet fascinating atmosphere of Pompeii. It’s a place where you can truly feel the presence of history, imagining the daily lives of its inhabitants. The sheer scale and preservation of the site make it one of the most significant archaeological discoveries in the world.
The Majesty and Danger of Mount Vesuvius
The hike to the summit is moderately challenging, with a well-maintained path leading to the crater. From the top, the views are spectacular, encompassing the city of Naples, the coastline, and the shimmering Mediterranean Sea. You can peer into the crater and observe the fumaroles, which release volcanic gases and steam, indicating the ongoing geothermal activity beneath the surface.
It's crucial to remember that Vesuvius is an active volcano, and safety is paramount. Visitors are advised to check current conditions and heed any warnings from park authorities. The experience of standing on the edge of such a powerful natural force is both awe-inspiring and humbling.
Social
from TikTok, Instagram & Reddit