Travel to Pompeii is easy by car from Naples, and definitely worth a visit. Mount Vesuvius last erupted on 17 March 1944. However, the famous eruption which was catastrophic for Pompeii was in 79 A.D. The ash preserved a lot of the destroyed city, including the forms of inhabitants. Walking around the UNESCO Heritage site allows you to see what a city would have looked like during that time period. It is a huge area, so be prepared to walk on uneven surfaces. Also on the way to the site, look out for Mount Vesuvius in the beautiful landscape.
Highlights
- View of Mount Vesuvius
- Pompéi ruins
- Mosaics
- Old Roman roads
- Ancient Shops
- Remains of people and objects preserved by ashes from the eruption
- Amphitheatre
- Temples
- Excavated objects
Before you go
- You will need a few hours to visit the site
- Wear good shoes for walking as the path can be rocky and uneven
- Book tickets in advance
- Summertime can be very hot so bring water, a hat, and sunscreen
- Vesuvius last erupted on 17 March 1944
- The official website has updated information and maps
Transport
- The closest airport is Naples, about 20 minutes away by car with no traffic
- From there the easiest way to visit Pompéii is by hiring a car, although there is a possibility by public transport if you have time
Accommodation
- We didn’t stay in Pompeii as we visited on the way from the Amalfi coast back to Naples
- As usual I recommend checking reviews on Booking.com or using AirBnB
FAQs
Q: Do I need a tour guide?
A: No, but it might be useful if you would like to know more of the history
Q: Do people speak English?
A: Yes, at the tourist site people can speak English
Q: Is it a walkable city?
A: Yes, but bring good shoes because there is a lot of walking on uneven ground
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