Mount Vesuvius
Explore the crater of the infamous volcano, take in panoramic views of the Bay of Naples, and discover nearby Pompeii and Herculaneum on Mount Vesuvius tours. Don't miss the chance to savor local wines and cuisine in the nearby villages of Vesuvius National Park.
Bestseller
Top Experiences
Pro tips to help you make a pick
Book round trip-transfers from Pompeii, Naples or Rome for a hassle-free visit to and from Vesuvius. Ride in a comfortable AC coach and benefit from a volcanological guide who will lend insights into the volcano's activity.
Check the meteorological forecast before your visit as Mount Vesuvius is still an active volcano, and it's better to be prepared before you undertake your excursion.
Try the Lachryma Christi, a local wine that's produced with the grapes grown in the volcanic soil.
The hike to the crater rim is not advised for people with mobility issues, pregnant people, etc.
Headout's Top Recommendations
Top things to do in Naples
About Mount Vesuvius
Former residents of Pompeii and Herculaneum were blissfully unaware that they lived in the shadow of an active volcano, Mount Vesuvius. When it erupted in 79 AD, they were not prepared to see their civilization come to an end. Even today, scores of visitors throng to Mount Vesuvius to behold its majesty and maleficence.
Mount Vesuvius isn't just a single peak; it rests within the vast caldera of an ancient volcano called Monte Somma. Vesuvius itself emerged within this caldera after a massive collapse around 17,000 years ago.
During eruptions, the friction between ash particles and volcanic gases can create an electrical phenomenon called volcanic lightning. This isn't your typical lightning, but rather bursts of electrical energy that illuminate the ash plume with an eerie glow.
While Pompeii is the most famous city buried by Vesuvius, it wasn't alone. Herculaneum, another Roman city, suffered a different fate. A pyroclastic flow, a superheated avalanche of ash and gas, engulfed Herculaneum, perfectly preserving its wooden structures and even some organic materials.
The eruption of 79 AD wasn't a complete surprise. Accounts from the time, including those by Pliny the Younger, describe earthquakes and other unusual activity in the days leading up to the eruption.
Why visit Mount Vesuvius?
Highlights
The crater
The biggest draw of Mount Vesuvius is the crater at its summit, called 'Gran Cono'. It's about 1000 feet deep and 2000 feet wide. Hikers can climb up to the crater rim and peer into its depths.
Flora and fauna
The unique geological and geographic nature of Mount Vesuvius invites diverse flora and fauna to populate its slopes, including rare orchids, birches, edible frogs and vineyards. It is also a bird-watcher's paradise; you can spot high-fliers like kestrels and peregrine falcons.
Vesuvius Observatory
The first of its kind to be established to study volcanic activity, the observatory is used to study and track volcanic activity. It also hosts the exhibition 'Vesuvius: 2000 years of observation' that showcases pictures, films and other media that trace the life and development of the volcano.
Medieval village Casamale
This is the only village within the perimeter of the Vesuvius National Park. This isolated village is popular for its oil lamp festival that takes place every four years. It also has a Collegiate Church within its boundary.
Plan your visit
The volcano can also be closed to visitors during periods of high volcanic activity or bad weather.
Browse by themes
Millions love heading out with us
Thomas
Mousseaux
Philipp
David
Roisin
D.m.g.
Luis
Nearby cities to explore
World at your tap.
Get the Headout app to get tickets on your phone and access app-only deals. Talk about win-win.
