The Best Tips for Exploring Pompeii in a Half Day

Turn a travel day into a touring day or take a day trip from Sorrento

Mount Vesuvius has unleashed its volcanic fury many times, but its eruption in 79 AD gets the most notice because it destroyed the ancient Roman cities of Pompeii and Herculaneum burying them under nearly 20 feet of ash. The archeologic ruins of Pompeii are a UNESCO World Heritage Site and one of Italy’s most visited tourist destinations. If you are in the Campania region of Italy or passing through, consider a trip to Pompeii to soak in some of this haunting history. Here are some essential tips to help guide you while you explore Pompeii.

How to Get There

If you are driving, take Motorway A3 Napoli-Salerno (exit at Castellammare di Stabia), continue along SS145 (exit Garegnano) and via Passeggiata archeological.  It is convenient to park in Pompeii Parking Zeus for ten Euros.

If you choose to go by train, there is a train station right near the Pompeii entry gates. From Sorrento take the regular Circumvesuviana to Pompeii Scavi. Trains run twice an hour, the ride is 30 minutes, and tickets are inexpensive. You could also get to Pompeii easily by train from Naples. Click here for more train and driving information.

Where to Stay

We chose to visit Pompeii on our drive from Florence towards Sorrento, but you could also do a side trip from Sorrento to Pompeii.  Naples is even closer to Pompeii than Sorrento, so that is a solid option. For us Sorrento seemed like a better fit than the intensity of Naples even if it meant forgoing Neapolitan pizza. Sorrento is considered the gateway to the Amalfi coast so by staying there you can fit Pompeii and the Amalfi coast into your itinerary.

Which Gate to Choose

Pompeii has three entry gates: Porta Marina, Piazza Esedra and Piazza Anfiteatro. Porta Marina is the best option if arriving by train or car and parking in the Zeus lot because it is an easy walk to this gate.  There are a few restaurants outside these gates, and you will find restrooms and tourist services once you have entered via Porta Marina to get you started. These gates are closest to the Temples of Venus and Apollo.

Tour Guide or Go Solo

Pompeii covers roughly 150 acres, and the signage once inside is limited, so you need to have a plan. You can bring or download a detailed map, book an audio tour or an official guided tour. The official tours last about two hours and can be a great way to start after which you can take an hour to walk around on your own. We chose to explore on our own with the help of our Lonely Planet guidebook on our iPad and a printed map. I really enjoyed setting our own pace rather than being captive to a tour group although the tour groups we encountered along the way seemed good. My favorite moment was simply sitting in the amphitheater and soaking it all in.

When to Go

Pompeii is an extremely popular site and can get crowded, so shoulder seasons tend to be a great time of year to visit.  In mid-September we found the weather to be hot and sunny but not stifling and the site wasn’t overcrowded. 

Many tours arrive mid-morning, and, therefore, the crowds tend to thin out in the afternoon. However, the hours vary according to the time of year so check online ahead of time for specific hours of entry.

How Much Time to Spend

We hiked around and explored for roughly 3 hours, and that was enough for us, but there is certainly enough to see to spend a longer time here. We felt satisfied that we had experienced and learned a lot about Pompeii in that amount of time.

Highlights

Pompeii surprised me; I thought it would be rougher and rockier. Nearly two-thirds of the city has been excavated and you get an excellent idea of what this elegant, vibrant ancient city was like. You can see the roads designed to accommodate chariots and the small city dwellings and shops in addition to more grandiose residences, buildings, and temples.  Mount Vesuvius looms over the city and you can get some incredible pictures of this ominous volcano. I especially enjoyed the Theaters and imagining the people who came and gathered there long ago. The enormous Amphitheater towards the far end of Pompeii is impressive. It’s the oldest surviving Roman amphitheater (dating from 80 BC) and seated 12,000 spectators. I also enjoyed the art exhibits in the elegant setting of Palestra Grande.

Plaster casts of human remains are scattered throughout various locations in Pompeii, and many come to look at them. I found these molds of peoples’ final moments as Mt. Vesuvius erupted to be haunting especially as we stood near this still active volcano. 

Other Add-ons in the Area

If we had more time, we would have loved to hike along the Mt. Vesuvius crater rim trail.  I think this adventure would complement a trip to Pompeii nicely. Additionally, I would like to visit the archeologic city of Herculaneum whose excavations are considered better and are less visited than Pompeii.

Helpful Info

• If food concessions aren’t your thing, consider eating something before entering and then just bring water and snacks with you. We heard someone getting reprimanded for eating inside one of the excavated houses, so best to eat or drink when you aren’t inside a structure.
• The area around Pompeii isn’t great so don’t hang around there after the park closes.
• Dress according to the weather knowing that it still can be quite hot in September. Wear plenty of sunblock and a hat. This is my favorite visor from Amazon.
• The terrain is uneven in Pompeii with lots of big cobblestones plus you will be walking a lot so plan to wear good shoes like these hiking sandals by Chaco’s or sneakers.
• Once you are in the excavated areas of Pompeii it could be a ten-minute walk from restrooms, so plan accordingly and don’t wait to go to the facilities until the last minute.
• Pickpockets are fond of well-touristed areas and train platforms so be mindful of your valuables. I swear by this Pac Safe convertible backpack; they have a variety of other options as well.
• Beware of scammers trying to sell you more expensive Pompeii entry tickets outside of the park.  Either buy your tickets online or at the official gates.

***For more side trips from Sorrento click on the following links: Queen’s Baths, Capri, Positano/Amalfi, and make sure to subscribe to my blog in the upper right-hand corner so you don’t miss any future posts. I welcome your feedback.