Has anyone done the hike up Vesuvius in November? We were thinking of taking the bus from Pompeii up to Vesuvius, but weren't sure what to expect that time of year. I know it can be rainy, so we likely wouldn't do it in really bad weather but is it miserable if it's cold? Is it even open?
Thanks for any insight/experience.
Joy, I haven't done it but since you're still waiting for a response, this is translated info from the park's website:
http://www.parconazionaledelvesuvio.it/grancono/index.asp#orari
"No reservation is required for visits to the crater.
Ticket service is open all year round including holidays except for security reasons in days affected by any adverse weather events."
Opening hours (All days including holidays):
January-February-November-December: 09:00 - 15:00
March to October: 09:00 - 16:00
April-May-June-September: 09:00 - 17:00
July-August: 09:00 - 18:00
I would suspect that it'll be quite chilly and possibly very windy and wet up there in November but people do it (see Nov. reviews on TripAdvisor) and seem to have positive things to say about late fall visits.
Joy,
You may need to play this one out when you get there.
Due to the fires on Vesuvius last month, there is concern that when the rains do finally come there could be serious mud slides due to all the trees and foliage being burned leaving areas bare of vegetation.
I don't remember what month it was but it was quite cold up there. However there was a lovely lady selling nice hot coffee to the shivering mob. By the way, I wouldn't exactly call it a hike. The ground is uneven though, and we admired the glamorous Italian woman ahead of us in her stiletto heels, who never faltered.
