Herculaneum

Culture, History. Nature. Beauty. Vesuvius.

Holiday in Herculaneum

Herculaneum is a place that impresses not by its size, but by its depth.
Nestled between Mount Vesuvius and the sea, just a few kilometers from Naples, Herculaneum preserves one of the most extraordinary archaeological treasures in the world, incredibly intimate and real. Here you don’t walk among distant ruins: you step inside houses, rooms, and kitchens of an ancient Roman city frozen in time.

Unlike Pompeii, Herculaneum was buried by a thick flow of mud and volcanic material that preserved wood, doors, staircases, fabrics, and even food. This makes the visit something truly rare: you don’t just see structures, you feel life.

It is the perfect destination for travelers looking for authentic history, emotion, and wonder, and at the same time an ideal base to explore Mount Vesuvius, Naples, and the Bay of Naples.

To the question, “Why choose Herculaneum?”

I will try to answer by trying to describe Herculaneum to you. What does Herculaneum have?

Hidden Roman treasure: Herculaneum is a lesser-known but incredibly rich Roman city.
Enduring heritage: Its houses and objects have survived for centuries, keeping everyday Roman life alive.
Real ancient life: Here you see ruins, but kitchens, staircases, doors, and rooms where people truly lived.
Conserved by the volcano: The volcanic flow sealed and protected furniture, making the site unique..
Under the Vesuvius: The city lies at the foot of the volcano that shaped its destiny and dominates its skyline..
Living spaces: In Herculaneum you walk inside homes, creating a close connection with the past.
Art and details: Mosaics, frescoes, and furnishings reveal the elegance of Roman daily life.

Narration through time: Every building is a page of history still speaking to those who know how to look.

Extraordinary preservation: Few archaeological sites in the world feel this real and complete.

Unique experience: Herculaneum offers an intimate and immersive journey into ancient life.

Memory of a lost city: A place where the past has not vanished, but waits quietly to be discovered.

When to visit Herculaneum

Herculaneum can be visited in every season, but spring and autumn are the best times to enjoy it fully.
Here’s why:

Mild temperatures, perfect for walking through houses and streets.
Fewer crowds compared to summer.
Ideal light that enhances frescoes and mosaics.
A more intimate atmosphere, making the experience deeper and calmer.

In summer the site is busier, but still less crowded and easier to explore than Pompeii.

How to reach Herculaneum

Herculaneum is easy to reach thanks to its strategic location between Naples and Pompeii.

If you are traveling by car, take the A3 Naples–Salerno motorway and exit at Ercolano. This is a good option if you plan to combine the visit with Mount Vesuvius or the coast.

The easiest way is the Circumvesuviana train, which connects Naples, Sorrento, and Pompeii. The stop “Ercolano Scavi” is just a short walk from the archaeological entrance.

Regional buses are also available, but the train remains the fastest and most convenient option.

In the summer months, you can also arrive by sea, landing at one of the ports of the Bay of Naples and continuing to Herculaneum by train or private transfer.