Our morning and afternoon was spent witnessing the fascinating ruins of Pompeii, once a green and happy Italian city. And then it was time to settle down for a quick lunch. While we waited, there right in front of us was Mount Vesuvius, the reason for the destruction. Moreover this deadliest volcanic mountain in Europe is still active and can explode again anytime, without warning. Come along for a hike to Mount Vesuvius with us after our short lunch break.
Mount Vesuvius explosion
On that fateful afternoon of August 24, A.D 79, the cities of Pompeii and Herculaneum were rocked by a massive volcanic eruption. Mount Vesuvius, with around fifty minor eruptions before erupted again after being dormant for long. The explosion sent pumice stones, volcanic ash, super heated rocks and poisonous gas almost ten miles high in the air. And the strong breeze that flowed towards Pompeii thereafter buried the city under millions of tonnes of debris. As a result an estimated 16000 residents staying in and around Pompeii were killed in one of the worst natural calamities.
What was Pompeii like on that day?
It was celebration time in Pompeii. The city was in high spirits with two major events. First in honor of emperor Augustus, the first emperor of the Roman empire who had just been declared as God. And the second was Vulcanalia, the festival of the God Vulcan also known as the God of fire & volcanoes. The streets of Pompeii were filled with musicians, performers, fortune tellers and athletes many of whom had come from outside Pompeii to participate. And also visitors and tourists who came to see them. It was precisely then that the mighty mountain struck.
How to reach Mount Vesuvius
The best way to reach Mount Vesuvius National Park is by availing one of the buses that leave from Pompeii or Herculaneum. However you could also travel by your own car but then that would mean your hike would be a little longer, as cars are allowed to park only in the lower parking lot. And an upward hike of an hour instead of the normal 30 mins that it otherwise takes from the upper parking lot. The hike though is not too difficult if you are reasonably fit.
We though had availed of a conducted day tour of Pompeii with guide and Mount Vesuvius with both entry tickets included in the price. Moreover you too could do that and there are many options available. You could book your tour here on Viator.com or check out the options below on GetYourGuide and book the best available offer.
Hike to Mount Vesuvius
The journey starts
A Photo stop halfway
And the views around
The last leg
As we reach the top
Views of the Crater
Clicking memories
Some mementos, some beer
Then the journey down
Some last views
Amazing Amalfi Coast
Enjoy these lovely views as we travel back to Sorrento, the charming lemon town.
A tryst with Mount Vesuvius. An amazing experience.
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I love how you said Mount Vesuvius could erupt anytime and then you proceeded to hike it! But I’m glad to hear it’s only about a half hour hike. You could enjoy the views and return to safety!!
Yes Tami after visiting Pompeii one is always curious to see how Vesuvius is like.
Your travelogs brings back so many memories, Subhashish! We visited the Amalfi Coast in April 2004, after an unforgettable week in Rome. We drove down to Sorrento, which was our base for the Amalfi Coast including a memorable day trip to the island of Capri. On the way back, we stayed in a farm on the slopes of the sleeping volcano and did the trek up to the crater on the following morning! It was really misty and we couldn’t see the crater as clearly as it is in your picture. After lunch we visited Pompeii before driving up to Naples for the final stop in our holiday!
Yes Rajat I remember you mentioning about your visit. Truly Amalfi including Sorrento, Pompeii, Mount Vesuvius and Capri one of the most beautiful places on earth.
I didn’t know Mount Vesuvius is still active. I have been to Pompeii and the thought of that total destruction happening again is scary. Looks like a great hike
Yes Sherianne it was a great hike. And the dark clouds added to the mystery.
I’m glad you took me on a virtual tour of Mount Vesuvius. We visited Pompeii many years ago, but didn’t have time to go atop the Vesuvius. It’s amazing to see the views of the entire area from up there. It’s hard to imagine though what a devastation this apparently innocent mountain has produced some two thousand years ago!
Thanks Anda. Happy you enjoyed the hike with us.
I would take the chance too! But might be a bit scary to know that it could erupt at any time. I bet the views are incredible and also to say you’ve hiked an active volcano is not something everyone can say.
Yes Renee once you are so close one cannot stay away from doing the hike to what looks such an innocent mountain.
A very exciting post on Mount Vesuvius and definitely it’s a bonus attraction after your overwhelming visit to the historic Pompeii ruins. Mount Vesuvius looks so serene and calm from a distance, deceptively beautiful and hard to imagine it exploded years ago shattering the city.
Thanks Puloma. So happy you liked reading.
We were sure glad we went high on Mt Vesuvius for the views. We had a much clearer view than you did. But still good to get a look at the crater. A great day trip with Pompeii. Good tip about taking a bus to shorten the walk.
Yes Linda we were lucky it didn’t rain that day with dark clouds all around. But we did manage to get a good look at the crater.
The hike is definitely interesting and seems pretty easy too. The views look lovely but the one thing that I think I would like to combine with this hike is a visit to Pompeii ruins. I have heard so much about that. And of course, Amalfi cannot be missed.
Yes Ami we did Pompeii in the morning and then moved to Mount Vesuvius after our late lunch.
Even though I live here, I haven’t yet visited Vesuvius! You had a great hike and clearly a memorable experience.
Yes Lisa truly a memorable trip for us. And you too should certainly visit being so close.
I was not aware that the hike up to Mount Vesuvius is only 30 minutes to 1 hour. I visited Pompei years ago and we had planned to hike Mt Vesuvius as well, but could not go, due to strong winds. I seems the weather is bad quite often in the area. Thanks for your interesting post!
Thanks Natascha. So happy you liked.