Pompeii Travel Resources. Apps, Maps, Emergency Contacts

Digital Resources: Essential Online Tools

Essential Apps for the Destination

My Pompeii:
The official archaeological park app. It features interactive maps, detailed information about points of interest, and suggested itineraries within the vast site. It is invaluable for self-guided exploration.
Google Maps:
A fundamental app for navigation (walking, driving, public transport), finding restaurants, and locating points of interest. Download offline maps of the Naples/Pompeii region for use without an internet connection.
Google Translate:
Offers real-time translation for text, voice, and even images (e.g., translating menus). Download the Italian language pack for offline use.
Trenitalia / Italo Treno:
Official apps for Italy's national high-speed train services. Useful for checking schedules, booking tickets, and managing reservations for travel within Italy (e.g., Rome to Naples).
EAV:
The local transport company app for Circumvesuviana train schedules. While sometimes less user-friendly than national rail apps, it delivers direct local information.

Useful Websites for Additional Planning

Pompeii.it:
The official site of the Pompeii Archaeological Park. This is the most reliable source for current opening hours, ticket prices, accessible routes ("Pompei for All"), temporary closures, and any special exhibitions.
Italia.it:
The official tourism website of Italy. Has general travel information, destination guides, and cultural insights across the country.
Campaniartecard.it:
For detailed information on the Campania ArteCard, including prices, included sites, and validity periods. This information aids your determination if the pass suits your itinerary.
EAV Campania (eavsrl.it):
For official Circumvesuviana train schedules and regional bus routes.
Trenitalia (trenitalia.com) / Italo Treno (italotreno.it):
For booking national train tickets.

Print Resources: Guidebooks and Books

Recommended Guidebooks and Maps

A general guidebook for Italy or Southern Italy/Campania (e.g., Michelin Green Guide Naples, Pompeii, Amalfi Coast) for broader regional context. A dedicated guidebook for Pompeii (e.g., Rick Steves' Pocket Pompeii) includes detailed maps.

Detailed maps of Pompeii archaeological park are typically at the site entrance.

Books about the Destination History, Culture, Fiction

Reading about Pompeii before your visit deepens the experience. "Pompeii: The Life of a Roman Town" by Mary Beard (available on Amazon) details an accessible account of daily life. "Pompeii" by Robert Harris (available on Amazon) is a historical novel vividly portraying the eruption.

For families, a children's book on Pompeii (e.g., Who Was Pompeii? By Yona Zeldis McDonough) history more engaging.

Local Publications

Look for free local tourist maps or brochures at visitor information centers or your accommodation. These often contain local event listings, restaurant recommendations, and transport maps.

Emergency & Medical Information: Being Prepared

Emergency Numbers and Contacts

General Emergency: 112 (Universal European emergency number).
Police (Carabinieri): 112 (or 113 for State Police, "Polizia di Stato").
Ambulance (Emergenza Sanitaria): 118.
Fire Brigade (Vigili del Fuoco): 115.

Hospital and Clinic Locations

Hospitals are in larger nearby towns.
Nearest major hospital to Pompeii is Ospedale San Leonardo in Castellammare di Stabia.
In Naples, several large public hospitals.
For minor issues, local pharmacies are a good first point of contact.

Planning & Readiness

Travel Essentials Overview

Passport & Visa Checks

Confirm passport validity (3 months beyond departure from Schengen Area).
Research visa requirements for your nationality.
Begin application process if a Schengen visa is needed.
Have physical and digital copies of all important documents.

Flight & Accommodation Bookings

Book international and any domestic flights well in advance.
Secure hotels, B&Bs, or vacation rentals for your entire stay.
Confirm all reservations before travel.
Consider private transfers for convenience.

Insurance & Financial Readiness

Purchase comprehensive travel insurance.
Notify your bank and credit card companies of travel dates.
Order some Euros or plan to withdraw upon arrival.
Carry a mix of payment methods.

Arrival Insights

First Steps Upon Arrival

Activate your local SIM card (if purchased) or confirm international roaming.
Locate the nearest ATM ("Bancomat") to withdraw some Euros.
Grab a physical map from the airport or train station.

Orientation & Initial Purchases

Have your accommodation address handy, written in Italian.
For Pompeii, remember "Pompei Scavi - Villa dei Misteri" for the train.
Purchase your Circumvesuviana train ticket, water, and perhaps some initial snacks.

Departure Insights

Souvenirs & VAT

Plan for souvenir purchases, keeping your luggage allowance in mind.
Research postal services or courier for shipping larger items.
For non-EU residents, VAT refunds are possible on eligible purchases; keep receipts and forms.

Timing & Final Checks

Airport: Allow ample time (2-3 hours before flight) for check-in and security.
Train/Bus: Arrive at least 15-20 minutes before departure.
Reconfirm return flights or tickets 24-48 hours before. Perform a final check of your room for forgotten items.

Planning Phases

Phased Preparations Early

3 Months Before: Check passport validity, research visa requirements, book international flights, purchase travel insurance.
1-2 Months Before: Book accommodations, plan a rough itinerary, obtain International Driving Permit if driving, consult doctor for vaccinations.
2-4 Weeks Before: Book advance tickets for tours/trains, notify banks of travel, download essential travel apps, order some Euros.

Phased Preparations Late

1 Week Before: Confirm all bookings, start packing, assemble documents, charge electronics.
Day Before Departure: Reconfirm transfers, pack carry-on essentials, perform final checks of documents and wallet.
Home Preparation: Arrange mail, pet care, inform trusted contact, secure home.

Important Safety Notes

Health & Hydration

Carry plenty of water, use sun protection (hat, sunscreen), and seek shade frequently, especially during summer visits to Pompeii.

Awareness & Security

Be aware of your surroundings, especially in crowded areas. Avoid walking alone in poorly lit areas at night. Inform someone of your itinerary and secure valuables.

Local Rules & Customs

Always validate your train tickets before boarding and dress modestly when visiting religious sites. Follow all park regulations and local laws.

Urgent Contact Information

Store these numbers in your phone: General Emergency: 112. Police: 112/113. Ambulance: 118. Fire Brigade: 115. Keep your country's embassy or consulate contact readily available.

Pompeii Travel Resources