This section is dedicated to take away all your "I wish someone had told me that before I went!" experiences. This way, you are better prepared for what to expect, what not to expect and can spend less time settling in, and more time making new friends in your chosen hostel. We share our insider knowledge of tips, tricks and important things to look out for in Ercolano. To help you make friends with Ercolano before you visit, we've included a few helpful and fun things you should know about the area. Enjoy!
Ercolano is a town in Italy that is known for its many ruins and rich history. It is smaller than its neighbor, Pompeii, but it is still a fascinating place to visit. The city and surrounding sights are affordable, considering the wealth of information available. If you are in the area, stay in a hostel near the ruins of Herculaneum, which is the best place to start your exploration.
These ruins cover five different sites, all of which have their own stories. You can buy a ticket to all five for twenty euros, which is rather reasonable. This ticket allows you to visit other places like Pompeii and Stabia within three days of buying it. This is useful if you are traveling from place to place quickly.
At Herculaneum, be sure to pay your respects at the boat sheds, where the remains of citizens are preserved to this day. A short distance away is the Terrace of Marcus Nonio Balbo, a tribute to a local boy who performed well as a politician before the eruption of Vesuvius.
After settling in at your hostel, walk through the narrow streets of Ercolano until you get to the Archaeological Museum, located near the entrance of Herculaneum. If you are feeling hungry on the way here, stop at one of the many cafés lining the streets. Tour guides are present here, although you will not need one if you use a tour book. The Museum has interactive portions on the tour, including data on the volcanic eruption and what the city looked like before it.
A short distance from this site is the Golden Mile, an area with a number of villas. If you want to explore this part as well, you should look for a hostel in-between the two sites. Walk down the Golden Mile and check out the Villa Campolieto, which dates back to the Bourbon era. Walk around in the garden at the back of the villa and admire the interior design here.
Written by local enthusiast for Ercolano hostels
Jakob Lombardi
