{"id":11474,"date":"2022-05-10T13:18:16","date_gmt":"2022-05-10T11:18:16","guid":{"rendered":"https:\/\/www.campiflegreiactive.com\/cratere-degli-astroni\/"},"modified":"2026-06-16T11:05:15","modified_gmt":"2026-06-16T09:05:15","slug":"the-astroni-crater","status":"publish","type":"post","link":"https:\/\/www.campiflegreiactive.com\/en\/the-astroni-crater\/","title":{"rendered":"Astroni Crater"},"content":{"rendered":"

[vc_row][vc_column][vc_column_text css=””]<\/p>\n

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Astroni Crater: The Green Gateway to the Campi Flegrei<\/strong><\/h2>\n

The Astroni Crater<\/strong> is an ancient volcanic crater formed about 3,700 years ago, now protected as a
\nState Nature Reserve<\/strong> and WWF Oasis<\/strong>.
\nA vast oasis of untouched nature just a few steps from the urban areas of Naples and Pozzuoli.<\/p>\n

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<\/p>\n

History and Legend<\/h2>\n

The origin of the name “Astroni” is uncertain: some link it to the myth of the Cyclops Steropes<\/strong>,
\nothers to the Stironi<\/strong> (sorcerers) who performed magical rites here.
\nIn the Middle Ages and during the Bourbon era, the crater became a Royal Hunting Reserve<\/strong>, populated with game and enriched with trails like the Bourbon Path<\/strong> and the Vaccheria<\/strong>, an ancient hunting lodge.<\/p>\n

Vegetation Inversion<\/h2>\n

The height of the rims and the presence of three internal lakes<\/strong> create a cold and humid microclimate, generating the phenomenon of vegetation inversion<\/strong>: <\/p>\n

    \n
  • Mountain species (such as the pedunculate oak) grow at the bottom of the crater.<\/li>\n
  • The Mediterranean scrub<\/strong>, on the other hand, develops higher up.<\/li>\n<\/ul>\n
    \n

    <\/p>\n

    The WWF Oasis and the Hike into the Volcano<\/h2>\n

    Today, the site is managed by WWF Italy<\/strong> and is a refuge for a wealth of wildlife.
    \nAccess is via a trail with about 160 steps and an 80-meter elevation gain<\/strong> that descends into the extinct volcano.
    \nThe hike is not recommended for people with reduced mobility or heart conditions.
    \nIn case of bad weather or weather alerts, the Oasis remains closed.<\/p>\n<\/div>\n

    <\/p>\n

    \n

    \"Astroni<\/p>\n

    Astroni Crater, WWF Oasis of the Campi Flegrei<\/p>\n<\/div>\n

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    <\/i> Info and Costs<\/h2>\n

    Full price:<\/strong> \u20ac6.00<\/p>\n

    Reduced (ages 6-14, over 65):<\/strong> \u20ac4.00<\/p>\n

    Free:<\/strong> children under 6, WWF members, and people with disabilities.<\/p>\n<\/div>\n

    <\/p>\n

    \n

    <\/i> Opening Hours<\/h2>\n

    Opening hours:<\/strong> Saturdays, Sundays, and holidays only.<\/p>\n

    Online booking:<\/strong> mandatory for access, even without a guide.<\/p>\n

    Check times and availability on the official WWF website.<\/em><\/p>\n<\/div>\n

    <\/p>\n

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    <\/i> How to Get There and Map<\/h2>\n

    <\/i> By car<\/h3>\n
      \n
    • Naples Bypass (Tangenziale) \u2013 Agnano exit \u2192 follow signs for Agnano\/Pianura \u2192 Via Agnano agli Astroni, 468 (main entrance).<\/li>\n
    • Please note:<\/strong> do not search for “Riserva Naturale Cratere degli Astroni” on your GPS; use the exact address instead.<\/li>\n<\/ul>\n