Pompei

Walking through Pompeii feels genuinely unlike anything else in the ancient world. Buried under volcanic ash when Vesuvius erupted in 79 AD, the city was preserved in extraordinary detail — streets, bakeries, brothels, private homes, and public baths all frozen mid-moment. It is enormous, covering roughly 66 hectares, and even after a full day you will feel like you have only scratched the surface.

The plaster casts of victims, displayed in glass cases around the site, are quietly devastating in a way no photograph fully prepares you for.

The scale is both the wonder and the challenge. Come early — the site opens at 9am and the main entrance at Porta Marina fills quickly by mid-morning, especially in summer when tour groups arrive in waves. Wear comfortable shoes without question; the ancient basalt cobblestones are uneven and the distances are significant. Sun protection is essential between June and August, as shade is sparse across much of the site.

A map or audio guide is worth the few euros — without one, it is easy to miss highlights like the Villa of the Mysteries or the Forum Baths tucked along the outer grid.

Getting here from Naples is straightforward. The Circumvesuviana train from Napoli Centrale runs regularly and drops you at Pompei Scavi station, directly beside the main entrance. The journey takes about 35 minutes. Tickets to the site cost around 18 euros for adults, or you can bundle entry with Herculaneum on a combined pass.

Booking online in advance saves time at the gate, particularly in spring and summer when queues can stretch considerably.

Visit on a weekday in April, October, or early November for manageable crowds and pleasant walking temperatures.