Hiking to the crater
After the entrance, the hike to the crater begins on a wide path with scenic hairpin turns. As you ascend, you'll enjoy views of Mount Somma, the Valle del Gigante, and the Gulf of Naples. You'll also see lava from the 1944 eruption, now covered in silver lichen. The hike offers expanding views of the surrounding nature reserve and the Umberto Hill. Popular trails include the Mt Somma and Tirone Reserve and the Matrone Road.
Guided hikes
If you prefer a more informative experience, consider joining a guided hike offered at the park. Guides provide insights into the volcano's history, eruptions, and the surrounding landscape. You'll find the ticket office at 1,118 meters up. This is where the guided tour starts. After paying the fee, you’ll walk along a broad path that provides stunning views of Vesuvius's crater. The upper rim, reserved for researchers, is also visible from the trail.