On Foot at Pompeii and Vesuvius
Walks around Pompeii range from a guided hour and a half to a mountain route of up to three hours. This page arranges them from shortest to longest, with the practical details each one needs. Amounts are in euros.
About 1.5 hours: a park itinerary
The park’s thematic itineraries, Civic Pompeii and Daily Pompeii, are guided walks of about 1.5 hours. You pay EUR 8 on top of your entry ticket, and children under 10 are not charged. Pick one if you want the city explained without committing a whole day.
A half day: a walk on your own
Plan a half day at the very least. Start at the Forum and the Temple of Jupiter, continue past the Basilica and the Macellum, then follow the residential streets. Among the houses now open are Menander, Octavius Quartio, the Tragic Poet and Pansa, along with the Fullonica of Stephanus, from 09:15 to 18:20 each day. The streets are made of uneven basalt and shade is rare, so wear shoes with grip, bring water and cover your head. Bags may be no larger than 30 x 30 x 15 cm, and the entrances provide free luggage storage.
The gates are Porta Marina, Piazza Esedra and Piazza Anfiteatro. Trains on the Sorrento line stop at Pompei Scavi-Villa dei Misteri, right by Porta Marina. If you arrive at Pompei Santuario or the Trenitalia station Pompei, allow about 15 to 20 minutes on foot to reach Piazza Anfiteatro.
Two to three hours: the villas outside the walls
Via dei Sepolcri leaves the ancient city from the Porta Ercolano entrance. It is a road of tombs, so walk it quietly. At its end stands the Villa dei Misteri, known for its fresco frieze. You need Pompeii+ at EUR 25, or the EUR 8 add-on to the EUR 20 Express ticket, paid by card at that entrance.
Up to 3 hours: Vesuvius Path No. 5
The Gran Cono trail starts at Piazzale Quota 1000, where the road from Ercolano finishes. It is a guided walk, with a guide from the Presidio Permanente Vulcano Vesuvio leading each group above 1,000 m. Count on up to 2 hours there and back on the short route, and up to 3 hours on the loop via Rifugio Imbo. The very top of the crater is off limits. Entry costs EUR 10, or EUR 11.68 after fees, and only the authorised online seller issues tickets. Slots last 10 minutes. The path closes automatically when Civil Protection raises an orange weather alert, and the park page carries closure notices and hours by month.
Scientists monitor both Vesuvius and the Campi Flegrei, and Italy has emergency plans covering both areas. The FCDO and US State Department sites give current travel advice.
Where to find guided walks
For group walking tours that include the ancient city, search Viator and check what ticket the price covers. Park hours and ticket rules are on pompeiisites.org .
Read more: attraction tours in Pompei explains guides and the shuttle, and the 4 day Naples itinerary fits walking days into a longer plan.