Best trails in Vesuvius National Park

The beginning of this route is 4 kilometers from the center of Ottaviano, along the road that leads from the town to Monte Somma. Moving away from the village, the splendid Palazzo Medici can be admired on the left, which, dating back to the Middle Ages, underwent successive restorations until it became the current Renaissance noble residence, which today houses the headquarters of the Vesuvius National Park and an Environmental Education Center. The route follows path 1 called the Valle...

A round trip walk in the Vesuvius Natural Park, starting from the parking lot south of the Vesuvius Observatory. The itinerary follows the provincial road until it reaches Colle Umberto (886m) and the Atrio del Cavallo. For those who wish, it is possible to continue towards the Gran Cono following path no. 5.

A pleasant excursion in the Valle dell'Inferno inside the Vesuvius Natural Park, an active volcano but currently in a state of rest. The round trip starts from the ticket office and follows the Strada Matrone until it reaches the Capannuccia in the Gran Cono. This route is also suitable for children and can also be done with a guide, who can explain the history of the eruptions. It is advisable to purchase tickets in advance through the web page to avoid delays at the ticket office.

A pleasant excursion in the Vesuvius National Park following Path 6 La Strada Matrone. The path retraces the ancient road traced by the Matrone brothers to go up to the Gran Cono from the Boscotrecase slope. The route starts from the parking lot near the Forestry Department and reaches the Rifugio delle Guide at the beginning of Path 5 il Gran Cono. Be careful because there is a gate at the entrance that closes at 4:30 pm.

A challenging hike that can be done done hiking or by bicycle, starting from a parking lot near the Direttissima Alta. The route begins by entering the Vesuvius National Park, and at the first crossroads, it follows the Sentiero dell'Indiano up to Cognoli di Ottaviano (1112m). This last uphill section is challenging but is rewarded by the beautiful panorama of the majestic volcano that can be seen from the top. From here, the return begins following Path 2, called Lungo i Cognoli, until it...

A beautiful excursion in the Vesuvius National Park. The itinerary takes place in a loop and starts from a parking lot on the main road coming from the town of Ottaviano. The route continues on the path and after a few hairpin bends it arrives at Largo Angelo Prisco. From here the trail continues counterclockwise on Path 2, also called "Lungo i Cognoli" reaching Cognoli di Ottaviano (1112m), from here it is possible to admire a beautiful view of the Gran Cono. Subsequently the itinerary...

A pleasant excursion that takes place in a loop, in the Vesuvius National Park. The route follows the Path 3 called Monte Somma and proceeds clockwise until it reaches Punta Nasone (1131m), the highest peak of Monte Somma. From here the path continues towards Cognoli di Sant'Anastasia (1086m) and Cognoli di Trocchia (961m).

A short but pleasant walk that follows Path 9 called the Lava River. The route is perfect for school groups and allows to experience the thrill of walking on an old lava flow surrounded by an almost lunar landscape. It starts from the Vesuvius Observatory and it is possible to combine the walk with a visit to the museum on the fascinating world of volcanoes.

A pleasant excursion along Path 7 called Il Vallone della Profica. This partly agricultural route climbs the the eastern slopes of Monte Somma, starting from the Church of Santa Maria alla Scala. The itinerary ends at the forest hut at the crossroads with Trail 2. This route proceeds gently uphill in a diverse rural environment and it is possible to admire a great variety of birds.

A pleasant walk along Path 11 called La Pineta di Terzigno. The route takes place in a loop on a wooden platform and is an ideal destination for hiking or training surrounded by the typical vegetation of the Vesuvius Natural Park. The path is mostly flat and was also designed and adapted for people with reduced mobility or visual disability.