Paestum Travel Guide

Your ultimate travel guide to Paestum, Italy, covering everything from places to visit, food and drink scene, where to stay, local culture and customs, transportation options, and nearby destinations and excursions.


Introduction to Paestum

Paestum, located in the Salerno province of Campania in Southern Italy, is a historical city that boasts of ancient ruins, beautiful beaches, and a rich food culture. Visitors come to Paestum to see the ancient Greek temples, to explore the nearby nature reserves, and to enjoy the delicious local cuisine. With so much to see and do, Paestum is the perfect destination for nature lovers and history enthusiasts.

List of Places to Visit in Paestum

Culturally Important Attractions: Museums and Historical Places

The main attraction of Paestum is undoubtedly the ancient Greek temples that are over 2,500 years old. There are three temples that are well-preserved and open to visitors: the Temple of Hera, the Temple of Neptune, and the Basilica. In addition to these temples, visitors can also explore the Paestum Archaeological Museum, which houses a collection of artifacts from the Greek and Roman periods.

Natural Attractions of Paestum: Outdoor Adventures and Scenic Views

Paestum is known for its stunning natural beauty, and visitors can explore the Cilento and Vallo di Diano National Park, which is a UNESCO World Heritage Site. The park features hiking trails, mountain biking routes, and scenic drives that offer breathtaking views of the surrounding area. Visitors can also enjoy the beautiful beaches that are just a short drive from the ancient ruins.

Hiking/Biking Routes of Paestum

The Cilento and Vallo di Diano National Park offers several hiking and biking routes that allow visitors to explore the beautiful landscape of Paestum. One of the popular hiking trails is the Sentiero degli Dei, or the Pathway of the Gods, which offers stunning views of the Amalfi Coast. Cyclists can take the Salerno-Reggio Calabria National Road, which passes through the national park and offers amazing vistas of the surrounding mountains.

Best Things to Do in Paestum: Activities and Tours

Visitors can take part in various activities and tours that highlight the best of Paestum. One of the popular tours is the Paestum Temple Tour, which takes visitors on a guided tour of the ancient Greek temples and the Paestum Archaeological Museum. Alternatively, visitors can explore the national park with a guided hiking or biking tour. Those interested in the local cuisine can take a cooking class and learn to make traditional dishes.

Week-Long Itinerary for Paestum

Day 1: Visit the ancient Greek temples and the Paestum Archaeological Museum. Day 2: Explore the Cilento and Vallo di Diano National Park with a guided hiking or biking tour. Day 3: Relax on the beach and swim in the crystal-clear waters. Day 4: Attend a cooking class and learn to make traditional dishes. Day 5: Take a scenic drive to nearby towns, such as Agropoli and Castellabate. Day 6: Visit the stunning Certosa di San Lorenzo, a medieval Carthusian monastery in Padula. Day 7: Enjoy a final day in Paestum, relaxing on the beach or exploring the local markets for souvenirs.

Food and Drink Scene of Paestum

Must-Try Dishes

Paestum is known for its delicious cuisine, which is based on fresh, local ingredients. Some of the must-try dishes include:

  • Mozzarella di Bufala: Fresh buffalo mozzarella cheese.
  • Pizza di Scarola: A savory pie made with escarole.
  • Spaghetti alle Vongole: Spaghetti with clams.
  • Baccalà alla Caprese: Salt cod with tomatoes, olives, and capers.
  • Pollo alla Cacciatora: Hunter-style chicken with tomato sauce and olives.

Local Beverages

Paestum is renowned for its wines, which are produced in the nearby hills. Some of the must-try wines include:

  • Aglianico del Cilento: A full-bodied red wine.
  • Fiano di Avellino: A dry white wine.
  • Greco di Tufo: A medium-bodied white wine.

Where to Stay in Paestum: Hotels, Hostels, and Guesthouses

Paestum offers a range of accommodations to suit all budgets and preferences. Some of the popular options include:

  • Savoy Beach Hotel: A luxury beachfront hotel with a spa and swimming pool.
  • Hotel dei Templi: A mid-range hotel within walking distance of the ancient Greek temples.
  • Il Granaio dei Casabella: A charming bed-and-breakfast in the countryside.
  • Osteria San Francesco: A budget-friendly guesthouse in the heart of Paestum.

What to Buy in Paestum: Souvenirs and Local Products to Bring Home

Visitors to Paestum can take home various souvenirs and local products, including:

  • Ceramics: The nearby town of Vietri sul Mare is famous for its handmade ceramics.
  • Honey: The Cilento National Park produces some of the best honey in Italy.
  • Olive oil: Paestum is surrounded by olive groves, and visitors can buy high-quality olive oil.
  • Buffalo mozzarella: Visitors can buy fresh buffalo mozzarella cheese at the local markets.

Local Culture and Customs of Paestum

Paestum has a rich culture that is deeply rooted in its history and traditions. Visitors should be aware of the following customs:

  • Dress modestly when visiting religious sites.
  • Learn a few basic Italian phrases to communicate with the locals.
  • Respect the local customs and traditions, especially during festivals and celebrations.

Best Time to Visit Paestum

The best time to visit Paestum is in the spring (March to May) and fall (September to November), when the weather is pleasant, and the crowds are smaller. Summer (June to August) is the busiest season, with high temperatures and crowded beaches. Winter (December to February) can be cold and rainy, but visitors can still enjoy the cultural attractions without the crowds.

Do’s and Don’ts of Paestum

Do:

  • Visit the ancient Greek temples early in the morning to avoid the crowds.
  • Try the local cuisine, which is based on fresh, local ingredients.
  • Take a guided tour to learn more about the history and culture of the area.

Don’t:

  • Visit the ancient Greek temples during the midday heat.
  • Wear revealing clothing when visiting religious sites.
  • Litter or damage the natural environment in the national park.

Safety and Health

Safety in Paestum

Paestum is a safe destination for tourists, and visitors should take the usual precautions when traveling. However, visitors should be aware of pickpockets in crowded areas and never leave their belongings unattended.

Health in Paestum

Paestum has excellent medical facilities, and visitors can access healthcare services if needed. It is recommended that travelers purchase travel insurance before their trip to cover any unexpected medical expenses.

Getting to Paestum: Transportation Options and Logistics

Airports Near Paestum

The closest airport to Paestum is Naples International Airport, which is approximately 90 minutes away by car. Visitors can fly to Naples from major cities in Europe and other parts of the world.

Bus Stations Near Paestum

Paestum has a bus station that is well-connected to nearby cities, such as Salerno and Naples. Visitors can take a bus to Paestum from these cities, or they can rent a car and drive themselves.

Other Options

Visitors can also take a train to Paestum, which is connected to major cities in Italy. The nearest train station is Paestum Station, which is located a few kilometers from the ancient Greek temples.

How to Get Around in Paestum

Visitors can easily explore Paestum on foot or by bike. Alternatively, they can rent a car to explore the surrounding area, including the national park and nearby towns.

Where to Go Next from Paestum: Nearby Destinations and Excursions

Visitors to Paestum can explore the nearby towns and cities, such as:

  • Salerno: A charming port town with a beautiful historical center.
  • Amalfi Coast: A stunning coastal area with picturesque villages and beautiful beaches.
  • Naples: A bustling city with a rich history and culture, as well as some of the best pizza in the world.

Conclusion

Paestum is a unique destination that offers a fascinating mix of ancient history and natural beauty. Visitors can explore the ancient Greek temples, hike in the national park, and enjoy the delicious local cuisine. With its stunning scenery and rich cultural heritage, Paestum is the perfect destination for a memorable Italian vacation.

Aerial view of Paestum looking northwest Aerial view of Paestum looking northwest Paestum train station; archaeological site about 10-min walk west through the old city gate. Paestum train station; archaeological site about 10-min walk west through the old city gate. Archaelogical Museum; tickets to the archaeological area may be bought here Archaelogical Museum; tickets to the archaeological area may be bought here National Archaeological Museumː Sele metopes (top right) is best viewed from the balcony (top center) National Archaeological Museumː Sele metopes (top right) is best viewed from the balcony (top center) Temple of Hera II (c 450 BC) at night Temple of Hera II (c 450 BC) at night