The Gran Cono path is one of the eleven paths on Vesuvius mount, that can be visited once the volcano is reached. It starts at an altitude of 1000 metres in the municipality of Ercolano and corresponds to Nature Trail No. 5.
The path, initially consisting of a splendid broom plantation, becomes earthy and gravelly as it climbs, due to the presence of ash, lapilli and small lava flows from the last eruption in 1944.
Nevertheless, it can be said that the ascent to the Great Cone is not particularly difficult. Only the last part of the route becomes slightly more impassable, but not dangerous. Thanks to the securing of the entire route by the Vesuvius National Park by installing special wooden fences.
It takes about 2 hours (round trip) to reach the summit of the Great Cone. The route consists of a series of panoramic hairpin bends, allowing you to admire not only Mount Somma bordering Vesuvius, but also the valley of the Giant.
As you ascend, the view opens up more and more over the Gulf of Naples. And on days when the air is particularly clear and free of mist, you can see Capri and the beautiful Sorrento Peninsula.
The route to the Great Cone ends at an altitude of 1,175 metres above sea level. Before beginning the descent, you can admire the crater of Vesuvius, which has undergone many changes as a result of the various eruptions that have taken place throughout history. Currently has an elliptical shape with a diameter of 580 metres.
Along the walls of the crater of Vesuvius, one can see small fumaroles. That is fissures in the ground from which gas and water vapour escape at very high temperatures.
Although in quiescence, Vesuvius is still an active volcano.
