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
(513)
•Moderate
•2.1 mi
A pleasant round trip around the Gran Cono up to the Capannuccia. Please note that there is an entrance fee to walk this trail and it needs to be purchased previously on the Vesuvio Park official website. Parking is often difficult to find. There is a bus that takes visitors up to the trailhead. Parts of the crater may be closed with only a few hiking options open. While this hike is short, many people who choose to park further down the road will end up walking up the road back to the...
2
(88)
•Moderate
•8.0 mi
•Est. 4h 9m
A walk around the main crater of Vesuvius. Starting from a parking lot near the Lower Funicular, where there is also a panoramic point. The route proceeds in the first stretch on the road passing by the remains of lava from the 1944 eruption. The path continues until it reaches the Vesuvius refuge (1000 m). From here you return to the path up to the ticket office to walk the path that leads to the panoramic point on the main crater.
To complete this route it is necessary to purchase the...
3
(52)
•Hard
•10.0 mi
This hike starts at the end of the paved road in Ottaviano. During the first section it follows Path 1 which is called Valle dell'Inferno. It is marked with yellow signs and is easy to find and follow. The route climbs gently over black volcanic pumice and during the first few hours takes place in a beautiful forest. The yellow trail ends where it intersects with the paved road called Strada Matrone, until it reaches the bus parking area. From here it is necessary to purchase a ticket online...
4
(54)
•Moderate
•8.6 mi
•Est. 4h 33m
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...
5
(28)
•Moderate
•5.8 mi
•Est. 2h 53m
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.
6
(10)
•Moderate
•2.7 mi
•Est. 1h 32m
A beautiful excursion around the Gran Cono del Vesuvio (1000m). The route takes place in an anti-clockwise loop, starting from the car park near the Vesuvius Refuge.
To make this itinerary it is necessary to buy a ticket. Furthermore, the parking lot at the top fills up quickly, but it is possible to take the bus service that reaches the starting point.
7
(17)
•Hard
•14.6 mi
A pleasant excursion in the Vesuvius Natural Park, starting from the Valle delle Delizia. The round trip begins on a dirt road and reaches the Piazzale della Legalità where several paths join up. From here the itinerary follows Path 1 The Valle dell'Inferno, the Strada Matrone until it reaches the Gran Cono. To be able to make the last stretch around the top it is necessary to buy a ticket.
8
(17)
•Moderate
•2.9 mi
•Est. 1h 38m
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.
9
(22)
•Moderate
•6.7 mi
•Est. 4h 5m
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...
10
(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.
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
Hike up Mt Vesuvius to see the caldera and down to Pompeii . Pompei was further in the distance than expected. Hard and hot hike but worth it for the views from the top.
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
First to review
Great trail if you’re looking to climb Vesuvius from bottom to top, instead of just the last few hundred metres from the tourist entry. The trail begins with a gentle slope in the forest, but shortly you’ll be climbing steeply up volcanic sand which is quite a difficult section, I’d recommend hiking poles for this. Once you get to the top of the sand slope to the seating area you’ll again be walking on relatively flat ground through lovely flowers and bushes seeing some interesting volcanic rock formations. You need a ticket to get past the tourist entry near the end, but the views at the top are worth it, looking into the crater and across at Naples and Pompeii
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 The Gran Cono (Trail 5) - The Capannuccia, which has a 4.5 star rating from 513 reviews. This trail is 2.1 mi long with an elevation gain of 597 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 898 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, 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) - Il Gran Cono (Sentiero 5) with an average 4.6 star rating from 52 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 Rifugio Imbò via Sentiero il Gran Cono, Valle dell'Inferno (Sentiero 1) - Il Gran Cono (Sentiero 5), Valle dell'Inferno (Sentiero 1), Osservatorio Vesuviano - Colle Umberto, and Valle delle Delizie - Il Gran Cono.
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) - Il Gran Cono (Sentiero 5), Valle dell'Inferno (Sentiero 1), Along the Cognoli (Path 2), Vallone del Fico - Grande Cono, and Terrazze Due Golfi - Spacca della Lava.
Are there any trails with picnic areas in Vesuvius National Park?
Yes, there are 7 trails with picnic areas in Vesuvius National Park, including Valle dell'Inferno (Sentiero 1) - Il Gran Cono (Sentiero 5), Valle dell'Inferno (Sentiero 1), Valle delle Delizie - Il Gran Cono, Along the Cognoli (Path 2), and Vallone del Fico - Grande Cono.
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, Rifugio Imbò via Sentiero il Gran Cono, Valle dell'Inferno (Sentiero 1) - Il Gran Cono (Sentiero 5), Il Gran Cono (Trail 5), and Valle delle Delizie - Il Gran Cono.
Are there any trails with castles in Vesuvius National Park?
Yes, there are 2 trails with castles in Vesuvius National Park, including Valle delle Delizie - Il Gran Cono and Vesuvio via Croce Pasella.
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) - Il Gran Cono (Sentiero 5), Valle dell'Inferno (Sentiero 1), Along the Cognoli (Path 2), Vallone del Fico - Grande Cono, and Terrazze Due Golfi - Spacca della Lava.
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).