Vesuvio — Gran Cono
Ercolano
FamousVolcanoes
The story
The last stretch climbs on foot over the scree to the rim of the crater, where the warm breath of the earth mixes with the view of the whole Gulf of Naples.
Access
€ 10, online booking COMPULSORY (vesuviopark.vivaticket.it)
The story
Vesuvius is the volcano that dominates the Gulf of Naples and that in AD 79 buried Pompeii and Herculaneum. It is in fact a double volcano: the present Great Cone (Gran Cono) grew inside the caldera of the older Monte Somma. Today it is quiescent — the last eruption dates to 1944 — but it remains one of the most closely watched volcanoes in the world, for the density of population around it.
What to see
The goal is the Great Cone: a path leads up to the rim of the crater, from which the smoking chasm opens out and an immense panorama over the gulf spreads, from Capri to the Sorrento peninsula. Around it, the Vesuvius National Park protects a unique environment, among broom and vineyards on the slopes.
Tips
Access to the crater is regulated: check hours, ticket and conditions on the Park's official site (in bad weather or strong wind the path can close). Trekking shoes and something warmer at altitude are needed, even in summer. You go up by car or shuttle to the car park, then on foot.
Frequently asked questions
Can you climb up to the crater of Vesuvius?
Yes, a regulated path leads to the rim of the Great Cone; access is by ticket and can be suspended in bad weather. Check hours and conditions on the site of the Vesuvius National Park.
When was the last eruption of Vesuvius?
In 1944. The volcano is today considered quiescent, but remains constantly monitored.
What is Monte Somma?
The older volcano inside whose caldera the present Great Cone grew: together they form the Somma-Vesuvius complex.
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