Visit Naples Italy

Italy has many volcanoes that are more active and can be more exciting then Vesuvius. However no volcano is more famous then Vesuvius due to its history of burying the now famous towns of Pompeii and Herculaneum. This volcano provides a great backdrop to many of the pictures you will see around the bay of Naples. It is very hard to miss when you visit as its ominous presence seems to hover around the area still as a stark reminder of its violent and destructive past.

Although now dormant Veuvuus is still an active volcano and it is certainly not extinct by any means. You need to keep this in mind if you are visiting the area as your plans could suddenly change if this hunk of rock should become active again. The most recent activity for this beast has been in 1944 when the volcano again changed shape as it went through another violent cycle of destruction. Unlike the calm eruptions of Mount Etna Vesuvus eruptions tend to be very violent and destructive like Mount St. Helens in America.

However for right now this mountain is lying still and that makes it an ideal hiking ground. If you are hoping to have this mountain to yourself you better think again as many tourists also choose to hike up its peak to view the bay of Naples from a vantage point not seen everyday. This is not an easy walk either as the peak of the volcano is 4700 feet up and is sure to tax even the most fittest of tourists. Be sure to be prepared when visiting this volcano and wear appropriate shoes. It always amazes me how many times I have seen people injured just because of the poor selection of their footwear when hiking or walking around a city.

The best times to visit this site is actually in May and June as the weather is best this time of year. However you are sure to be one of the many tourists that also choose to walk up the slope of Vesuvius so it will not be a solitary visit for sure. Speaking of weather this mountain does close for bad weather and fog as I am sure that the city of Naples wants to keep the site as safe as possible.

You can take an organized tour of the volcano from the town of Naples. They usually leave by bus and are advertised in many of the English papers in the area. Also be sure to speak to your hotel staff as to which is the best tour group to take as I am sure they are well aware of the many scammers that tend to crop up when any tourist groups show up.