Hiking Mount Vesuvius is one of the most iconic things you can do in Italy, but how hard is it really? The trail is short, steep, and covered in loose volcanic gravel, but you don’t need to be an athlete to reach the top. This guide breaks down the difficulty, what to expect, and how to prepare so you can enjoy the experience without surprises.
Contents
- What is the Mount Vesuvius Hike Really Like?
- Is the Mount Vesuvius Hike Safe for a Solo Female Hiker?
- Is Hiking Mount Vesuvius Worth It?
- What Should I Bring to Mount Vesuvius?
- How Do I Get to the Trailhead?
- How Much Does it Cost to Hike Mount Vesuvius?
- Key Points
- Important Links
What is the Mount Vesuvius Hike Really Like?
Mount Vesuvius is 4203 feet (1281 m) tall, but luckily, you don’t have to start from the bottom. Shuttle buses and tours drop you near the upper parking area, leaving you with about a mile walk to the crater.
In total, this hike took me 1 hour, and I ended up hiking a little over 2 miles (3.2 km) round trip. The total elevation gain was 674 feet (205 m). As someone who gets very out of breath hiking, I didn’t find it overly challenging as I could always see the top, which kept me motivated. It was steep basically the entire time, but since it is so short, it wasn’t bad. Just take it at a slow and steady pace!
If you are someone who has moderate fitness or walks regularly, you should have no problem!
Is the Mount Vesuvius Hike Safe for a Solo Female Hiker?
As a solo female hiker, I felt completely safe on this trail! It was very open with no trees around, and you could see everything around. The trail was also packed, and I felt comfort in knowing that there were people around if anything went wrong.
If this is your first time hiking solo, this is a great trail, as you never feel truly alone! For all of the solo travelers out there, make sure to check out my blog, “How to Prepare for Your First International Solo Trip!”
Is Hiking Mount Vesuvius Worth It?
This hike is absolutely worth it! The rewards majorly outweigh the slight challenge, as you are met with panoramic views of Naples and a close-up look at the crater at the top. It was unreal being so close to such a memorable piece of history.
What Should I Bring to Mount Vesuvius?
- Sturdy shoes (avoid sandals due to the loose gravel that covers the path)
- Water
- A light jacket (it’s often windy at the top)
- Sun protection (hat, sunscreen, sunglasses)
- Cash for small shops near the crater and for the bus fare
How Do I Get to the Trailhead?
There are three ways to reach the trailhead for Mount Vesuvius. You can take a bus from Pompeii or Naples, go on a guided tour, or drive to the upper parking area. Personally, I took the bus from Pompeii, but check out this guided tour from Naples if that is more your speed.
The line 808 bus is the cheapest way to get there. It takes around an hour and costs approximately 5 Euros for a one-way ticket. From the drop‑off point, you’ll walk to the ticket checkpoint and then begin the ascent.
How Much Does it Cost to Hike Mount Vesuvius?
You do need a ticket to enter the park. You can book them in advance on the official site for 10 Euros per person. These do sell out, so make sure to book tickets ahead of time, especially if you are visiting during the peak season!
Key Points
- The hike is a little over 2 miles (3.2 km) and takes approximately 2 hours to complete. If you have moderate fitness or walk regularly, you should have no problem! It’s steep, but short.
- The Mount Vesuvius hike is completely safe for solo female travelers. You are surrounded by people, and it’s easy to see everything.
- The hike is a must, as you are rewarded with stunning views of Naples at the top!
- Make sure to bring sturdy shoes, water, a light jacket, sun protection, and cash.
- The cheapest way to get to the trailhead is by taking the line 808 bus.
- It costs 10 euros to access the Mount Vesuvius park, and you can buy tickets in advance on the official site.
Leave a Reply