The Mt Vesuvius hike: the Gran Cono trail
The Vesuvius hike follows trail number 5, called Il Gran Cono, up the main cone. It is the only path to the crater rim for visitors and is a separate trail from the other routes in the national park. You walk to the areas that are open. The high northern and eastern rim is closed, so you cannot walk a full circle around the crater, and you cannot go inside it.
The walk, the park entry, the shuttle and a guide are separate services. You need the entry ticket for a time slot, which is EUR 11.68 for adults and EUR 9.55 reduced in 2026. Guides and transfers come on top of that.
Our picks: guided Vesuvius hikes
Pick the guided tour from Pompeii for a short climb with a guide, the full day for Pompeii plus a 1.5-hour hike, or the alpine-guide option for a guide at the crater.
Hand-picked tours, booked through GetYourGuide and Viator. Prices are indicative starting prices in euros (as of October 2026). Tap a tour for live availability and the current price in your currency.
Pompeii and Vesuvius with an alpine guide at the crater
- Alpine guide for the crater
- Vesuvius park entry
- Pizza lunch
A full day with an authorised guide in Pompeii and an alpine guide for the crater visit. The Pompeii and park entries (€11.68) are included.
Check availability →
Pompeii and Vesuvius full-day tour with crater hike
- Priority entry to both sites
- 2.5-hour Pompeii tour
- 1.5-hour Vesuvius hike
Transfers from Naples or Sorrento, a guided tour of Pompeii and a hike up and down Vesuvius. The Vesuvius entry (€11.68) is part of the price.
Check availability →Vesuvius guided tour from Pompeii with transfer
- Tour guide
- Fast-track Vesuvius ticket
- Transport during the tour
A guide leads you up from the entrance, a steep climb of about 30 minutes. Transport and the Vesuvius ticket are part of the price.
Check availability →Guided Mount Vesuvius hikes and tours
Guided ascents from Pompeii and Naples, plus day tours that include the crater walk.
Mount Vesuvius hike difficulty
Short, but steep and exposed.
The hike is not long, but it climbs steadily. Sun, dust and wind make it harder than the numbers suggest. Walk at an easy pace and stop when you need to. Bring sturdy shoes, water and a layer for the wind, which can be strong at the top.
Weather can close the trail on the day, so check the opening hours and closures before you travel.
How long does the Vesuvius hike take?
Plan around 2 to 2.5 hours.
The walk up and back takes 2 to 2.5 hours, depending on which route rule applies in 2026. Add time for photo stops and the transfer. Entry starts at 9:00 a.m., and the last entry depends on the month. All times are on the opening hours page.
Climb Mount Vesuvius: what you can and cannot do
Know the limits before you go.
You can
Walk trail 5 to the open areas near the crater and look into the cone from the permitted places. You can do it on your own with a ticket or with a guide.
You cannot
Walk the full rim, climb the closed northern and eastern edge or enter the crater. A guide or a transfer ticket does not lift the barriers.
The rules of the day apply
The current park rule counts, not a tour's advertising. Wind and weather can suspend the trail at short notice.
Guided hike or on your own?
A guide changes the walk, not the trail.
| Option | Who walks with you | Good for |
|---|---|---|
| Ticket on your own | Nobody; some offers add an audio or digital guide | Independent walkers who drive or take the bus |
| Half day from Pompeii | A guide, with transport and entry | A short, supported walk |
| Full day with Pompeii | A guide for the ruins; the crater walk depends on the option you pick | One long day for both |
For most first-time visitors who want company, a guided half day from Pompeii is a good fit. If you drive, the entry alone is enough. Read the includes of a full-day tour, since the crater part may be guided or free depending on the trail option.
Other trails on the mountain
The crater is not the only walk.
The national park has more paths, including the Hell Valley route. Its entry is not the same as the crater ticket. Read about it on the Vesuvius National Park page, and see the ticket page for the crater entry.
Mount Vesuvius hike: frequently asked questions
How hard is the Mount Vesuvius hike?
It is short but steep, with sun, dust and wind. Sturdy shoes and water help, and an easy pace with stops is fine.
How long does the hike take?
Plan about 2 to 2.5 hours for the walk up and back, plus extra time for stops and the start.
Can I walk around the crater rim?
No. Only the open part of the trail can be walked. The northern and eastern rim is closed.
Do I need a guide?
No. You can walk with a ticket alone. A guide adds company and explanations, not a different route.
What should I bring?
Sturdy shoes, water, sun protection and a windproof layer. Check the weather and the park's current notice on the day.