During the other half of the year the site opens from 9am ? 5.30pm. Visitors planning to go during the afternoon should take note that the last entrance is at 3.30pm (two hours before closing time). On the first Sunday of every month entrance to Pompeii is free.

Yes, visiting Pompeii in the afternoon is actually one of the best-kept secrets for avoiding crowds in 2026. While the site opens at 9:00 AM, the massive tour bus groups from cruise ships and Rome typically arrive between 10:30 AM and 1:00 PM. By 3:30 PM, the majority of these large groups have departed, leaving the ancient city significantly quieter and more atmospheric for photography. During the summer months, the site often stays open until 7:00 PM or 7:30 PM (with the last entry around 5:30 PM), allowing you to experience the "Golden Hour" light hitting the ruins of the Forum. However, you must be prepared for the intense Mediterranean heat, as there is very little shade in the archaeological park. If you go in the afternoon, carry plenty of water and wear a hat. You won't be able to see the entire 170-acre site in just a few hours, but you can comfortably see the main highlights—like the Lupanar, the Large Theatre, and the Villa of the Mysteries—without the shoulder-to-shoulder congestion of the morning rush.