Walking Routes at Pompeii and Vesuvius
Pompeii is a walking destination from the first step. The ancient city has a street grid you can follow on foot, and there are two longer walks close by: the burial road to the Villa dei Misteri and the guided path up Vesuvius. Prices are in euros.
Walking inside the ancient city
The streets are paved with uneven basalt, and most of the site has no shade. Wear shoes with good grip, carry water and a hat, and allow a half day at minimum. Only small bags are allowed, up to 30 x 30 x 15 cm, with free luggage storage at the entrances. The main entrances are Porta Marina, Piazza Esedra and Piazza Anfiteatro.
A simple loop begins at the Forum, passes the Temple of Jupiter, the Basilica and the Macellum, then turns into the residential streets where the open houses are. From 15 August 2026 these include the House of Menander, the House of Octavius Quartio, the House of the Tragic Poet and the House of Pansa. Check the park timetable page for what is open that day.
Thematic itineraries
The park runs guided thematic walks called Civic Pompeii and Daily Pompeii. Each lasts about 1.5 hours and costs EUR 8 on top of the entry ticket. Children under 10 go free. They suit visitors who want a structured route and a guide to explain what they are looking at.
Via dei Sepolcri to the Villa dei Misteri
Start from the Porta Ercolano and Via dei Sepolcri entrance. This road runs outside the city walls and leads to the Villa dei Misteri, known for its fresco frieze. Because it is a burial road, keep the pace slow and the mood quiet. The suburban villas route is included in Pompeii+ at EUR 25, or can be added to a EUR 20 Pompeii Express ticket for EUR 8, paid by card only.
The guided walk up Vesuvius
The Gran Cono walk on Path No. 5 starts at Piazzale Quota 1000, at the end of the road from Ercolano. The short route takes up to 2 hours return and the loop to Rifugio Imbo up to 3 hours. Tickets cost EUR 10 and are sold online only through the authorised seller , in 10 minute slots. A guide from the Presidio Permanente Vulcano Vesuvio accompanies each group above 1,000 m. Walks close automatically when Campania Civil Protection issues an orange weather alert or higher.
Vesuvius and the Campi Flegrei are monitored active volcanoes, and Italian emergency plans cover both. Check the FCDO and US State Department travel pages before you go.
Reaching the entrances on foot
The Circumvesuviana station Pompei Scavi-Villa dei Misteri is beside Porta Marina. Pompei Santuario and the Trenitalia station Pompei are in the modern town, about 15 to 20 minutes on foot from Piazza Anfiteatro. For small group walking tours that include the ancient city, compare listings on GetYourGuide .
Read more: attraction tours in Pompei explains the park’s guided options in more detail.