Paestum Campania, Italy Travel Guide
If you have a short visit, focus on Paestum's core attractions. Arrive at Paestum train station in the morning (9:00 AM). Walk to the Paestum Archaeological Park and spend 3-4 hours exploring the magnificent temples and ancient city layout. Take your time to walk around each temple and appreciate its scale.
Enjoy lunch at a traditional trattoria near the park (1:00 PM). In the afternoon (2:00 PM), visit the Paestum National Archaeological Museum, allowing 1.5-2 hours for the "Tomb of the Diver" and other significant artifacts. In the late afternoon (4:00 PM), take a short taxi or walk to a nearby buffalo mozzarella dairy for a quick tour and tasting. Depart from Paestum by train in the evening.
Tailor your itinerary to your specific interests, focusing on what you appreciate most.
Day 1: Paestum Archaeological Park & Museum. Dedicate ample time exploring every corner.
Day 2: Day trip to Pompeii & Herculaneum. Experience these preserved Roman cities.
Day 3: Day trip to Velia (Elea) and Certosa di Padula. Explore another ancient Greek site and a grand Carthusian monastery.
Day 4: Explore Naples' historic center and the Naples National Archaeological Museum, home to many artifacts from Pompeii and Herculaneum.
Day 1: Paestum: Dedicate the day to mozzarella farm tours and tastings. Enjoy dinner at a local trattoria emphasizing fresh, seasonal produce.
Day 2: Explore local markets in Capaccio Scalo. Taste various local cheeses, cured meats, and wines. Look for a casual cooking experience focusing on regional dishes.
Day 3: Day trip to Naples for an authentic pizza-making class and a street food tour through the city's lively neighborhoods.
Day 1: Paestum: Enjoy cycling around the archaeological park and to nearby buffalo farms. Spend the afternoon relaxing at the beach, perhaps trying pedal boating.
Day 2: Cilento National Park: Dedicate the day to hiking in the mountains or along coastal trails, choosing a route suitable for your fitness level.
Day 3: Consider a kayaking or boat tour along the Cilento Coast, perhaps from Agropoli or Palinuro, to explore sea caves and hidden coves.
Day 1: Paestum: Explore the archaeological park (perhaps a less intense exploration for younger kids). Visit a buffalo farm for an interactive experience. Enjoy beach time in the late afternoon.
Day 2: Full beach day at Paestum, enjoying the hotel pool and the lidos. Consider a pedal boat rental.
Day 3: A day trip to Pompeii can fascinate older kids. Alternatively, visit a local water park in the wider area for a fun, active day.
Beyond history and food, tailor your journey to artistic interests, spirituality, or even long-term living.
Focus on Greek temples, Naples' museums (Capodimonte, National Archaeological), and Salerno's historic center.
Engage in reflective walks at ancient temples, beach relaxation, yoga, and nature contemplation in Cilento National Park.
Rent an apartment or holiday home for a relaxed immersion, self-catering, and connection with local life.
Tailor your trip to your financial comfort, from economical to luxurious.
For a budget-conscious trip, stay at budget B&Bs, hostels, or campsites. Cook some meals from supermarket groceries and opt for street food and simple pizzerias. Rely on regional trains for all inter-city travel and walk as much as possible within towns. Focus on free attractions like walking around Paestum town and enjoying the public beaches. Utilize combined tickets for main sites like the archaeological park.
As a mid-range traveler, you might stay at comfortable B&Bs or 3-star hotels. Dine at traditional trattorias and pizzerias for most meals, and enjoy a few culinary experiences like a mozzarella tasting. Mix train travel with occasional taxis for convenience. Include guided tours for specific sites or participate in a culinary experience like a cooking class.
For a luxury trip, stay at 4-5 star hotels or rent a private villa with amenities. Indulge in fine dining experiences at top-tier restaurants and arrange private culinary tours and exclusive tastings. Utilize private transfers for seamless travel and consider renting a high-end car. Arrange private guided tours of archaeological sites and custom culinary tours. Enjoy boat excursions along the coast or private wine tastings.
Travel during spring or autumn for a good balance of pleasant weather and lower prices on accommodation and flights. Pack a Reusable water bottle to refill tap water and avoid purchasing bottled water. Look for "menu fisso" (fixed-price menus) at restaurants, especially for lunch, as they offer good value. Use regional trains for transportation savings. Consider a Campania Artecard if visiting multiple major attractions. Take advantage of early bird or online booking discounts for attractions and high-speed train tickets.
A weekend offers a dive into Paestum and a taste of the surrounding area.
Day 1: Paestum Immersion: Arrive, check into accommodation. Explore Paestum Archaeological Park and National Archaeological Museum. Consider hiring a local guide. Dinner at a local restaurant.
Day 2: Mozzarella & Coast: Morning visit to a buffalo mozzarella dairy for a tour and tasting. Afternoon relaxation at Paestum's beaches (Licinella or Laura) or a trip to Agropoli's medieval village and castle. Enjoy fresh seafood for dinner.
Day 3: Cilento or Salerno: Choose between a trip into Cilento National Park (e.g., Castellabate) or exploring Salerno's historic center. Return to Paestum for departure.
A week allows exploration of Paestum, major Campania highlights, and some natural beauty.
Days 1-2: Paestum & Local Flavors: Follow the weekend getaway plan, allowing for a relaxed pace and perhaps a cooking demonstration at an agriturismo.
Days 3-4: Amalfi Coast Exploration: Take day trips from Salerno (easily reachable from Paestum by train) to Vietri sul Mare, Amalfi, Ravello, and Positano. Use ferries or buses to navigate the coast.
Day 5: Pompeii & Vesuvius: Dedicate a full day to exploring the ruins of Pompeii. Combine this with a hike up Mount Vesuvius. This can be done as a day trip from Paestum (via train to Pompeii Scavi) or from Naples.
Day 6: Cilento Further Exploration: Dive deeper into Cilento National Park, exploring more remote villages, hiking trails, or coastal areas like Palinuro or Marina di Camerota.
Day 7: Departure: Depart from Naples or Rome, depending on your flight schedule.
Each season offers unique opportunities for your Paestum trip.
Beaches and coastal activities are prime. Long daylight hours are good for sightseeing, but be aware of intense heat. Often, the "Paestum by Night" special evening openings at the park allow you to see the illuminated temples.
Winter offers a quieter experience with fewer crowds and pleasant conditions for exploring the ruins without the summer heat. Christmas lights in Salerno ("Luci d'Artista") represent a major regional attraction worth a day trip.
Traveling during the off-season (shoulder seasons like spring or autumn, or deep winter) offers benefits like lower prices, fewer crowds, and more authentic local interaction. Consider renting a car for flexibility, as some public transport routes or services might be reduced. Be prepared for cooler weather and potential rain, especially in winter; pack appropriate layers.
Spring (April-May): The Artichoke Festival in Paestum is a highlight.
Check local tourist information for specific dates of Sagre (food festivals) throughout the year in the Cilento region. These often celebrate local produce, wine, or traditional dishes.
For a two-week trip, combine the one-week itinerary with deeper dives into each region or the addition of new destinations.
More time in Cilento: Explore more remote villages, hiking trails, and beautiful coastal areas like Palinuro or Marina di Camerota, known for their sea caves.
Islands: Add a day trip or an overnight stay on the island of Capri or Ischia, accessible from Naples.
Caserta: Visit the magnificent Royal Palace of Caserta, a UNESCO site north of Naples, often called Italy's Versailles.
Rome or other major cities: Extend to include Florence or Rome if not already visited, leveraging Italy's efficient high-speed train network.
For peak season travel, booking accommodations, tours (especially those via GetYourGuide), and popular restaurants well in advance is highly advisable.
Weather conditions or local events might impact outdoor activities or specific site access, so maintaining a degree of flexibility in your plans is beneficial.
