The Hike Up to Vesuvius (The Gran Cono Trail) This section up until the volcano rim is the harder part of the hike. It's only 800m in distance, but you'll gain a little bit of elevation meaning that you'll definitely feel it in your legs!

The hike to the "Gran Cono" (the main crater) of Mt. Vesuvius is a relatively short but steep walk of approximately 800 to 1,000 meters (about 0.6 miles) each way from the upper parking area/shuttle drop-off point. In 2026, visitors are shuttled to the 1,000-meter mark, leaving an elevation gain of about 140 to 170 meters to reach the rim. The path is made of loose volcanic gravel and ash, which can be slippery and requires sturdy shoes. The average person takes about 20 to 30 minutes to reach the top. Once you reach the rim, there is an additional flat path of about 800 meters that allows you to walk along part of the crater's edge for panoramic views of the Bay of Naples and Pompeii. In total, the round-trip walk is about 3.5 to 4 kilometers and requires a moderate level of fitness due to the 14% average incline and the high-altitude sun exposure.