POMPEII, HERCULANEUM & MOUNT VESUVIUS
This region is a dramatic testament to the raw power of nature and the fragility of human existence. It stands as a vivid, singular moment frozen in time by the catastrophic eruption of Mount Vesuvius.
Explore the world’s most famous archaeological parks, where Roman daily life is perfectly preserved. It offers a profound, unforgettable journey into a city untouched since the first century A.D.
Most Popular Attractions
The Ancient Cities (Pompeii)
- Pompeii Archaeological Park: The massive, primary site offering a complete vision of an ancient Roman city, covering a large area.
- Forum (Foro): The heart of Pompeii’s public life, politics, and commerce, surrounded by major public buildings.
- Temple of Jupiter (Tempio di Giove): A majestic temple dominating the northern end of the Forum.
- Basilica: The city’s main law court and center for business transactions, located in the Forum.
- Stabian Baths (Terme Stabiane): One of the oldest bath complexes, showcasing the Roman daily ritual of bathing and socializing.
- House of the Vettii (Casa dei Vettii): A recently restored domus famous for its intricate frescoes and beautiful peristyle.
- Villa dei Misteri (Villa of the Mysteries): Located outside the city walls, famed for its extraordinary frescoes depicting Dionysian rites.
- Amphitheatre (Anfiteatro): The oldest surviving Roman amphitheater, a model for the Colosseum, used for gladiatorial contests.
- Grand Palaestra (Grande Palestra): A large open space used for athletic exercises and military training.
- Lupanare (Brothel): One of the most visited sites, offering a stark look at the city’s social life with erotic frescoes.
- Street of Abundance (Via dell’Abbondanza): A major street lined with shops, bars (thermopolia), and houses, showing daily Roman commerce.
- Plaster Casts (Orto dei Fuggiaschi): Poignant remains of victims who perished in the eruption, displayed in their final moments.
The Ancient Cities (Herculaneum)
- Herculaneum Archaeological Park (Ercolano): A smaller, better-preserved site, buried deeper and offering a different view of Roman life, particularly of the wealthier class.
- House of the Bicentenary (Casa del Bicentenario): A grand house with unique frescoes, often temporarily closed but notable for its scale.
- College of the Augustales (Collegio degli Augustali): A well-preserved building associated with the cult of the Emperor Augustus.
- Skeletal Remains (Fornici): The location by the ancient waterfront where hundreds of skeletons were found, offering a tragic human dimension to the catastrophe.
- House of the Deer (Casa dei Cervi): A luxurious seaside villa with a marble-clad garden and statues of deer.
- Thermal Baths (Terme Suburbane): Exceptionally preserved public baths with intact heating systems and decoration.
Natural & Panoramic Sites
- Mount Vesuvius National Park (Parco Nazionale del Vesuvio): The area encompassing the volcano, with trails leading to the crater.
- The Crater: The current active cone of Mount Vesuvius, accessible via a winding path, offering panoramic views of the Bay of Naples.
- Vesuvius Walk (Sentiero del Gran Cono): The main trail that allows visitors to walk around the edge of the crater.
- Museo Vesuviano dell’Osservatorio: A museum near the volcano’s observatory detailing the history of the volcano and its eruptions.
Activities & Experiences
Walk the Ancient Streets of Pompeii: Spend a full day exploring the vast and haunting ruins of Pompeii, seeing the Forum, the Amphitheatre, the Stabian Baths, and the preserved villas.
Hike to the Crater of Mount Vesuvius: Ascend to the rim of the volcano that destroyed the ancient cities for unparalleled views of the crater and the Bay of Naples.
Explore the Better-Preserved Herculaneum: Visit the smaller, more intimate archaeological site of Herculaneum (Ercolano) to see remarkably preserved materials like wood and frescoes, thanks to the different burial process.
See the Plaster Casts: Locate the famous plaster casts of the victims within the Pompeii site, a moving and tragic testament to the human cost of the eruption.
Visit the Villa of the Mysteries (Pompeii): Explore this magnificent villa known for its stunning, large-scale frescoes depicting the initiation rites of a Greco-Roman mystery cult.
Tour a Vineyard on Vesuvius: Experience a wine tasting and lunch at a winery on the slopes of Mount Vesuvius, sampling local specialties like Lacryma Christi wine, produced from the volcano’s fertile soil.
Explore the National Archaeological Museum of Naples (MANN): Dedicate a day to visit the museum in Naples where many of the best mosaics, statues, and everyday objects excavated from Pompeii and Herculaneum are exhibited.
Discover Oplontis (Villa Poppaea): Take a short trip to the lesser-visited UNESCO site of Oplontis to explore the luxurious Roman villa believed to have belonged to Poppaea Sabina, Emperor Nero’s second wife.
Attend a Performance in the Grand Theatre (Pompeii): Check the local schedule for summer performances or concerts that are sometimes held in the beautifully restored ancient Grand Theatre of Pompeii.
Immerse Yourself at the Virtual Archaeological Museum (MAV): Visit the MAV in Ercolano for an interactive, multimedia experience that virtually reconstructs the life and the catastrophic eruption of the ancient cities.
Wander the Necropolis of Porta Ercolano: Walk outside the ancient city walls of Pompeii to see the monumental Roman tombs and mausoleums lining the road, showcasing the status of the city’s wealthiest families.
Local Tips & Transport
Circumvesuviana Train is Key: The easiest and most affordable way to travel between Naples, Herculaneum (Ercolano Scavi station), Pompeii (Pompei Scavi – Villa Dei Misteri station), and Sorrento is the Circumvesuviana regional train. Be prepared for crowded, non-air-conditioned trains that run frequently.
Beware of Pickpockets: On the Circumvesuviana, especially during peak season, remain highly vigilant. Keep valuables secured and bags close to you, as the train is a known hotspot for opportunistic pickpockets.
Getting to Vesuvius:
- From Ercolano: The Vesuvio Express shuttle bus departs from outside the Ercolano Scavi Circumvesuviana station and offers a direct, round-trip service to the top parking lot of the volcano.
- From Pompeii: The local EAV bus from the Pompei Scavi – Villa dei Misteri station also provides service to the Vesuvius trail head, generally offering the cheapest option.
Naples Base: Naples is the most common and convenient base, as it is connected by high-speed rail to the rest of Italy and serves as the starting point for the Circumvesuviana line.
Pompeii vs. Herculaneum:
- Pompeii is vast and provides a comprehensive view of a Roman city with grand public spaces. A full day is recommended.
- Herculaneum is smaller but much better preserved, often offering a more intimate experience with intact wooden structures, frescoes, and mosaics. It can be easily explored in a half-day.
Early Bird Gets the Shade (and Space): Start your visit right at the opening time (9:00 AM) to avoid the major tour groups, secure cooler temperatures, and benefit from less crowded conditions.
Footwear and Preparation: The ancient streets of both sites are made of rough, uneven cobblestones. Comfortable, sturdy shoes are a must. There is very little shade, so bring plenty of water (refillable at ancient fountains), a hat, and sunscreen, especially from May to September when the heat can be intense.
Bags and Closures: Large bags (over 30x30x15 cm) are not permitted in the archaeological parks. There are cloakrooms available to store them. Also, many houses within Pompeii may be randomly closed for restoration; accept this as part of visiting an active archaeological site.
Official Tickets and Guides: Always purchase your entrance tickets directly from the official ticket office or the official website. Be wary of unauthorized “guides” offering services outside the Circumvesuviana stations; look for licensed, badged professionals or book an official tour in advance.
Hidden Culinary Gem: Don’t miss a chance to try Neapolitan Pizza, the authentic, wood-fired variety, often considered the best in the world. The area is also famous for its fresh seafood and Mozzarella di Bufala Campana.
Top Restaurants
Pizzeria Trammiere [$15-$25] – Widely considered to serve the best authentic Neapolitan pizza in Pompei, this is a local institution known for its soft, crispy-crusted wood-fired pizzas and excellent value.
Na Pasta [$10-$20] – A fantastic, inexpensive spot in Pompei, close to the center, specializing in large, delicious bowls of freshly cooked, authentic Neapolitan pasta dishes.
Mercato Pompeiano Restaurant [$20-$30] – Located near the archaeological area in Pompei, this intimate eatery has stone walls and serves traditional Italian meat, seafood, and pasta dishes, often with gourmet sandwiches and a good beer and wine selection.
Trattoria Da Vincenzo [$20-$30] – A family-run trattoria in Pompei with a history of over 50 years, serving traditional Italian and regional Campanian cuisine to both locals and visitors.
Pizzeria La Bruna [$15-$25] – Located in Ercolano (Herculaneum), this local favorite is praised for its delicious Neapolitan pizza, with a pleasant atmosphere and often a private garden for dining.
Viva Lo Re [$25-$40] – Situated in Ercolano near the archaeological site, this enoteca (wine bar) offers good food with a focus on local wine, often recommended for its authenticity and location on the “Golden Mile” of 18th-century villas.
La Fornacella [$25-$40] – A busy restaurant and pizzeria in Ercolano near the Circumvesuviana station, drawing on local recipes with seasonal favorites like pasta e fagioli in winter and seafood schiaffoni (pasta).
Trattoria Nannì [$20-$35] – An excellent seafood spot known for its very good quality-to-price ratio, offering typical Neapolitan seafood plates and a local atmosphere, not far from the Herculaneum area.
Il Veliero [$25-$40] – Located in nearby Torre del Greco, this traditional spot is a recipient of a Slow Food recommendation, suggesting a focus on local, authentic, and high-quality Campanian cuisine.
Ristorante e Pizzeria Da Peppino Di G. Fornito [$15-$25] – A local favorite in Torre del Greco, famous for its excellent pizza, often sold al metro (by the meter), a typical Neapolitan way to enjoy pizza in a group.
El Morisco [$30-$40] – Found in Torre Del Greco, this restaurant is known for its local traditional foods and often features a good value tasting menu, providing an authentic Campanian dining experience.
O’ Pignatiello [$20-$35] – Located in Torre Annunziata, this traditional restaurant is praised for its quality and value, offering cuisine that varies depending on what is fresh and in season.
La Locanda di Alfonso [$25-$40] – Situated in Boscoreale, this restaurant has been recognized by the Slow Food guide, highlighting its dedication to regional, traditional, and sustainable Campanian cooking.
Pizzeria Francesco e Salvatore Salvo [$15-$30] – Located in San Giorgio a Cremano, north of Ercolano/Portici, this pizzeria is highly regarded and has been recommended by Slow Food, indicating top-tier Neapolitan pizza.
La Bettola Del Gusto [$35-$55] – A stylish restaurant in Pompei offering creative, seasonal cuisine with a strong emphasis on fresh seafood and a good wine list, blending tradition with modern flair.
Stuzzico By Lucius [$35-$50] – This restaurant in Pompei offers a creative seasonal menu focusing on local produce, with a stylish atmosphere and a pleasant outdoor terrace.
Garum Pompei – Ristorante – Enoteca [$35-$55] – Offering a sophisticated atmosphere and a focus on traditional Italian cuisine and local wines, this Pompei spot often features a rooftop terrace with views.
I matti [$25-$40] – A trendy spot in the modern part of Pompei, known for its Mediterranean menu that offers a variety of dishes including pizza, pasta, and seafood, with a good selection of local wines.
Capasanta [$40-$60] – A modern restaurant in Pompei that offers a sensory journey focused on the sea, with innovative seafood dishes and an elegant, well-designed ambience.
Antichi Sapori [$30-$50] – Located in the hills of the Sorrento Peninsula (Vico Equense, near the area), this seafood restaurant is highly praised for its excellent quality and lively atmosphere often filled with locals.
President [$60-$100] – A high-end restaurant in Pompei that reinterprets ancient Roman cuisine using modern techniques, providing a unique and refined dining experience.
Il Principe [$60-$90] – Located in Pompei, this high-end restaurant is known for its elegant ambiance and refined Campanian cuisine, making it a spot for a special meal.
Caupona [$50-$80] – While high-end, this Pompei restaurant provides a unique experience by offering ancient Roman-inspired dishes in a themed venue with vivid frescoes, aiming for authenticity in a refined setting.
Ristorante Pernice Salvatore [$50-$80] – A slightly more upscale restaurant in Torre Del Greco known for its quality seafood dishes.
Pasticceria De Vivo [$5-$15] – Since 1955, this is the go-to spot in Pompei for traditional Campanian pastries, sweets, and artisanal gelato, highly recommended for a dessert or coffee break.
Varnelli [$15-$30] – Located near the archaeological site in Pompei, this restaurant is a safe choice for good pizza and cocktails, providing a relaxed, convivial atmosphere.
Gioelia [$5-$10] – A popular gelateria in Pompei’s main square, known for its authentic, high-quality gelato and tiramisu.
Tripperia del Corso [$15-$25] – Located in Torre Annunziata, this spot is recommended for its focus on traditional offal dishes (tripe, etc.), which are a local, authentic culinary niche.
Chiarina A’Mmare [$20-$35] – An inexpensive seafood place in Torre del Greco that is popular with locals, suggesting fresh and simple preparations by the sea.
Top Cocktail Bars and Clubs
The Roof (at Habita79 Pompeii): A modern and stylish rooftop lounge & restaurant located in the heart of Pompei, near the archaeological entrance. It offers a splendid panorama of Mount Vesuvius and a menu of crafted signature and classic cocktails, often accompanied by local and international DJ sets during “aperitivi.”
FOUR BASE: A vibrant bar experience in the heart of Pompei, known for its lively atmosphere and diverse selection of beverages. It’s a central hub for socializing and offers an extensive drink menu including local wines, craft beers, and expertly mixed cocktails, with regular live music and themed nights.
Piazza Vanvitelli – Cocktail Bar And Restaurant: Located in Castellammare di Stabia, a short drive from the main sites, this establishment offers an “Experimental Bar” concept with a refined setting. It’s known for its excellent, artful cocktails and a selection of food, making it a perfect spot for an aperitivo or dinner.
Ludyloop: Situated in the modern town of Pompei, this venue offers a contemporary setting and is listed as a cocktail bar and restaurant, often featuring local Campanian cuisine and drinks in a casual atmosphere.
Bistrot Fratelli Cannavacciuolo: Found in Pompei, this refined spot combines high-quality Italian cuisine with a focus on wine and cocktails, perfect for a sophisticated pre- or post-dinner drink.
Sofì Restaurant DjBar: Located in Pompei, this venue combines dining with a lively bar atmosphere and a DJ, suggesting a focus on both food and a modern lounge experience with good cocktails.
La Bussola – Yacht Club Marina di Stabia: Positioned right on the water in Castellammare di Stabia, this yacht club offers a refined setting where you can enjoy Mediterranean cuisine and drinks, likely including classic cocktails, with a view of the Gulf of Naples.
Magmarè: Found on the Lungomare (seaside promenade) in Torre Annunziata, this restaurant and bar offers a scenic waterfront location. It’s an excellent place to enjoy a drink with a view of the sea, often focused on local Campanian drinks and seafood.
C POMPEI Restaurant & Drink: Located in Pompei, this spot focuses on combining a restaurant with a strong drink offering, providing an excellent setting for an evening meal followed by a leisurely cocktail.
Fola Lounge Bar: A dedicated lounge bar in Pompei, this place is designed for a relaxed yet stylish evening, likely featuring a full selection of classic and signature cocktails.
Vision Cocktail lab: Although located a short distance away in Sant’Antonio Abate, this bar is close enough to the Pompeii area to be a notable mention. Its name suggests a focus on innovative mixology and expertly crafted cocktails.
Kimiya Taste Hub: Located in Pompei, this “Taste Hub” is likely to combine an emphasis on food with a thoughtful selection of drinks, including cocktails, for a modern dining and drinking experience.
Delirum: A bar in Pompei known for its vibrant and casual atmosphere, serving a variety of drinks and popular with both locals and tourists looking for a straightforward, fun night out.
Pub27: Situated in Pompei, this location leans towards a pub environment but serves a variety of drinks and can be a good spot for a casual cocktail or a beer in a friendly setting.
Varnelli Pizzeria Bistrot Ristorante: While focused on pizza and dining, this Pompei venue also includes a “Bistrot” and “Ristorante” component, ensuring a quality bar service and possibly a small selection of classic cocktails to accompany a meal.