Start: Ottaviano | Length: 11.5 km (7.1 mi) ↔
The most rugged and scenic route. It runs along the eastern slopes of Mount Somma, passing the ancient volcanic ridges (Cognoli di Ottaviano and Cognoli di Levante).

From Largo, path no. 1 splits off to the left; the route continues to the right, gently ascending through a chestnut forest.
After about 1,200 m, there is a barrier: to the right, a trail leads to the road between Santa Maria di Castello and Punta Nasone (currently blocked by a landslide). Our route continues to the left through a pine forest, emerging into a gorse-covered scrub with Bourbon-era dry stone walls.
After a few more switchbacks, at a fork, take the right path, which leads to a panoramic square, the intermediate destination.

Start: Ercolano | Length: 9 km (5.6 mi) ↔
The trail passes the peaks of Trocchia and Sant’Anastasia and continues to Punta Nasone, the highest point of the ancient caldera.

This intriguing ring pathtakesyou to Punta Nasone, the highest point of Mount Somma at 1,132 meters.

In the initial section of the route, you can follow the historical road of Via Traversa, designed for the use of blind and disabled individuals for 800 metres. A rope handrail alongside the gentle trail helps demarcate distances to the touch throughtactile markers positioned every 100 metres. Throughout the journey, you can observe various species of broom thickets.

Start: Ercolano | Length: 11.2 km (6.9 mi) ↔
Runs through the Tirone–Alto Vesuvio forest reserve. Offers panoramic views of the Bay of Naples and Mount Vesuvius.

The trail is situatedin the Tirone-Alto Vesuvius Forest Reserve, which spansroughly 1,000 hectares.

Uponpassingthrough the entrance gate, you promptlyfindyourselfin a pine forest, created through reforestation efforts by the State Forestry Corps to stabilize the precarious slopes of Vesuvius.

On the arid lava stone walls alongside the trail, one can easily identify the navelwort, a herbaceous plant named for its distinctivefleshy, round leaves that resemble navels due to their central indentation. In spring, various types of wild orchids blossom in the underbrush, the most stunning of which are Orchis Serapias cordera, featuring crimson red blooms, and Orchis morio, whose flowers range from white to purple. The dense underbrush contains the spindle and smilax as well as other varieties characteristic of Mediterranean vegetation, such as the mastic tree, myrtle, bay tree, Phillyrea, and rosemary. The holm oak, a native evergreen oak, dominates the pine forest of the reserve.

The most popular hike along the crater rim. Unforgettable views of Mount Somma, the Valley of the Giants, and the bay.

Conquer the Summit: Trail No. 5 'Gran Cono'

If you have time for just one hike, make it this one! The Mount Vesuvius Gran Cono Trail starts at 1,000 meters and winds its way up a continuously ascending serpentine path to the summit. As you climb, the scenery shifts dramatically: fragrant Mediterranean scrub gives way to dark red volcanic rocks, and the sharp scent of sulfurous gases rising from the crater fills the air.

At the crater rim, you can peer straight into the 300-meter-deep crater, where steep walls reveal the volcano’s violent past. This is exactly where, in 79 AD, ash and lava surged toward Pompeii. Under your feet, the crackling volcanic stones and steaming fumaroles are constant reminders that you’re standing on a sleeping but very much active giant. From the summit, enjoy panoramic views of the Bay of Naples, offering a unique perspective on the centuries-old, tense relationship between humans and this mighty volcano.

In the Piazzale, which is managed by the Vesuvius National Park, parking is not allowed, and public toilets are not available at the moment.Visitors arriving by car can park in the designated parking area and walk up the hillside to the trailhead.

Start: Trecase | Length: 14 km (8.7 mi) ↔
This hiking path guides you through the beautiful region of Strada Matrone, providing breathtaking scenery and intriguing landmarks throughout. This trail spans 9.488 kilometers and has an elevation increase of 462 meters, making it challenging and suitable for seasoned hikers.
Halfway through the hike, you'll encounter picnic areas and quick dining options for a refreshing break and recharge. Make sure to carry enough water and review the weather report prior to starting this difficult trek. Moreover, there are seats positioned along the path for times of rest and enjoying the beautiful views.
The Matrone Road (Strada Matrone) ticket center is a key access point for hiking the Gran Cono (Path 5) of Mount Vesuvius in Italy. It is located at the top of the Matrone Road.

Start: San Giuseppe Vesuviano | Length: 4 km (2.5 mi) ↔
A varied landscape with farmland, deciduous forests, and pine woods. One of the most evocative hikes, accessible from Ottaviano. It crosses ancient lava flows and shaded woodlands. Perfect for those seeking silence and unspoiled nature.
At both forks along the route (about 400 and 700 m from the starting point of the trail, respectively), keep left.

Start: San Sebastiano al Vesuvio | Length: 2 km (1.2 mi) ↔
Follows the route of the old railway leading to the lower station of the famous funicular celebrated in the song “Funiculì, Funiculà.”

Start: Ercolano | Length: 1 km (0.6 mi) ↔
A short but striking walk where you can experience walking across a lava flow in a nearly lunar landscape.
The Lava River (Trail 9) in Vesuvius National Park is a popular, moderate-level hiking trail that allows visitors to walk across lava flows from the 1944 eruption. It is often described as a "lunar landscape" covered in gray-silver lichen (Stereocaulon vesuvianum).

Start: Sant’Anastasia | Length: 3 km (1.8 mi) ↔
The routefollows the Olivella trail,ascending through the countryside of Sant'Anastasia and reaching the springs of the samename, which emerge at 382 meters above sea level. The occurrence of spring water is anespeciallyuncommonphenomenonwithin the park'sarea;dueto the porouscharacteristics of the volcanic rocks, rainfall directly permeates the layer,notgivingriseto any springs.

The suggestedpathbeginsat the center of Sant'Anastasia and goes along a slim road on the right of the old Santa Maria la Nova church, but onecan also optfor the Olivella route by entering the alley from Piazza S. Antonio and taking a left at the initial intersection. During the journey, you can observe the religious symbols that indicate the Stations of the Cross.

You proceed to ascend lightly through characteristically rural scenes primarily featuring vineyards and orchards. The apricot reigns supreme in the region, and due to unique pedoclimatic conditions, it flourishes on the slopes of Mount Vesuvius with over 80 cultivars, many of which are native. Aromas, tastes, and fragrances of exceptional quality set apart the renowned Vesuvius varieties of the crisommola, in the Neapolitan dialect (derived from the Greek crysus / golden and melon / fruit, meaning “golden fruit”).

Start: Terzigno | Length: 1.5 km (0.9 mi) ↔
A trail through a fragrant pine forest. Important: this route is accessible and suitable for visitors with reduced mobility.