Best trails in Vesuvius National Park
Vesuvius National Park is located on the Bay of Naples in Campania, Italy. It is best known for Mount Vesuvius, a stratovolcano that once erupted and completely buried several nearby towns. Today you can visit some of these ancient Roman cities that have remained intact as a photograph in the state of when the volcano struck them. Vesuvius is still considered a dangerous active volcano today.
Top trails
1
(55)
•Moderate
•8.6 mi
•Est. 4.5–5 hr
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...
2
(28)
•Moderate
•5.8 mi
•Est. 3–3.5 hr
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.
3
(18)
•Moderate
•2.9 mi
•Est. 1.5–2 hr
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.
4
(22)
•Moderate
•6.7 mi
•Est. 4–4.5 hr
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...
5
(18)
•Moderate
•8.7 mi
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.
6
(14)
•Moderate
•8.0 mi
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...
7
(11)
•Moderate
•6.7 mi
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).
8
(10)
•Moderate
•1.0 mi
•Est. 0.5–1 hr
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.
9
(6)
•Hard
•3.5 mi
•Est. 3–3.5 hr
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.
10
(7)
•Moderate
•2.5 mi
•Est. 1.5–2 hr
A walk in the Vesuvius National Park, starting from the car park near the Vesum restaurant and the Vesuvius Observatory. The route takes place in a loop and follows the Sentiero delle Capre. The path arrives at L'Affaccio and continues on the I Cognoli path. To return to the starting point, the itinerary proceeds on the road passing by the Vesuvian Observatory.
Showing results 1–10 of 26
Visitor info
Hours
Open 7 days a week
Passes & fees
Fee required
General park hours
Vesuvius National Park generally does not charge a fee, but some trails do require a ticket, such as the trail up to the Gran Cono. Please consult the park website for detailed information on which trails require a fee and which do not.
Get details from the park
Trail reviews for Vesuvius National Park
Easy walk up to the crater of Vesuvius and then you can walk half way around the crater itself. Great views over the surrounding cities.
The Gran Cono (Trail 5) - The Capannuccia [CLOSED]
Purchased a 9:10am entry ticket. Cooler than last week when we had an 11am entry. Also less people with a 9:10am start. In fact, our parking spot was number 6 of the blue rectangles. Make sure you get your tickets beforehand. We ran into some people who were hoping to get tickets at the entry but even though the site says that tickets will be released regularly, there was no WiFi and no way for those people to get them! As you see, we like doing Vesuvius. Always a good, easy hike with great views!
Parking: Entry fee, Paid, Large lot
Mt Vesuvius, always good!
Parking: Permit required, Entry fee, Paid, Large lot
The trail is very easy until you get to the top of Mount Somma, that section can be dangerous and I highly recommend checking for wind gusts in that area. The section at the top is very exposed but the view of Vesuvius is worth it. The descent presence sandy areas, without proper shoes can be dangerous.
This text has been translated.
Parking: Free, Small lot
Cognoli di Ottaviano - Sentiero dell'Indiano
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Frequently asked questions
Where is the best place to hike in Vesuvius National Park?
According to users from AllTrails.com, the best place to hike in Vesuvius National Park is Valle dell'Inferno (Sentiero 1), which has a 4.5 star rating from 55 reviews. This trail is 8.6 mi long with an elevation gain of 1,994 ft.
What is the longest trail in Vesuvius National Park?
According to AllTrails.com, the longest trail in Vesuvius National Park is Vesuvio via Croce Pasella. This trail is estimated to be 24.7 mi long.
How many trails are in Vesuvius National Park?
There are 26 trails in Vesuvius National Park. These trails have an average 3.9-star rating from 918 AllTrails community reviews.
Which trail has the most elevation gain in Vesuvius National Park?
If you're looking for elevation gain, Vesuvius National Park has you covered. Punta del Nasone - Cognoli di Sant’Anastasia boasts the most elevation gain with 5,311 ft of total ascent. The park's runner-up is Valle delle Delizie - Il Gran Cono [CLOSED], which will get you 3,661 ft of elevation gain.
Are there camping trails available in Vesuvius National Park?
According to AllTrails.com, there is 1 camping trail in Vesuvius National Park which is Monte Somma (Path 3) with an average 4.0 star rating from 11 community reviews.
Are there running trails available in Vesuvius National Park?
According to AllTrails.com, there is 1 running trail in Vesuvius National Park which is The Pinewood of Terzigno (Path 11) with an average 3.7 star rating from 4 community reviews.
Are there biking trails available in Vesuvius National Park?
According to AllTrails.com, there are 11 biking trails in Vesuvius National Park and the most popular is Valle dell'Inferno (Sentiero 1) with an average 4.5 star rating from 55 community reviews.
Are there any trails with scenic mountain peak views in Vesuvius National Park?
Yes, there are 13 trails with scenic mountain peak views in Vesuvius National Park, including Valle dell'Inferno (Sentiero 1), Osservatorio Vesuviano - Colle Umberto, Cognoli di Ottaviano - Sentiero dell'Indiano, Along the Cognoli (Path 2), and Monte Somma (Path 3).
Are there any trails with scenic viewpoints in Vesuvius National Park?
Yes, there are 5 trails with scenic viewpoints in Vesuvius National Park, including Valle dell'Inferno (Sentiero 1), Along the Cognoli (Path 2), Terrazze Due Golfi - Spacca della Lava, Valle dell'Inferno (Sentiero 1) - Il Gran Cono (Sentiero 5) [CLOSED], and Vallone del Fico - Grande Cono [CLOSED].
Are there any trails with volcano viewpoints in Vesuvius National Park?
Yes, there are 6 trails with volcano viewpoints in Vesuvius National Park, including The Gran Cono (Trail 5) - The Capannuccia [CLOSED], Rifugio Imbò via Sentiero il Gran Cono [CLOSED], Valle dell'Inferno (Sentiero 1) - Il Gran Cono (Sentiero 5) [CLOSED], Il Gran Cono (Trail 5) [CLOSED], and Valle delle Delizie - Il Gran Cono [CLOSED].
Are there any trails with castles in Vesuvius National Park?
Yes, there are 2 trails with castles in Vesuvius National Park, including Vesuvio via Croce Pasella and Valle delle Delizie - Il Gran Cono [CLOSED].
Are there any trails with springs in Vesuvius National Park?
Yes, there is one trail with a spring in Vesuvius National Park: The Olivella Trail 10.
Are there any trails with caves in Vesuvius National Park?
Yes, there are 5 trails with caves in Vesuvius National Park, including Valle dell'Inferno (Sentiero 1), Along the Cognoli (Path 2), Terrazze Due Golfi - Spacca della Lava, Valle dell'Inferno (Sentiero 1) - Il Gran Cono (Sentiero 5) [CLOSED], and Vallone del Fico - Grande Cono [CLOSED].
Are there any trails with huts in Vesuvius National Park?
Yes, there are 2 trails with huts in Vesuvius National Park, including Terrazze Due Golfi - Spacca della Lava and Attraverso la Riserva del Tirone (Sentiero 4).