Paestum Holidays – Temples, Coast & Cilento

Just south of Salerno, Paestum is a rare place where ancient history and coastal tranquillity coexist. Three extraordinary Greek temples rise amid meadows and buffalo pastures, while golden beaches and family-run dairies stretch towards the Cilento National Park.

How you experience Paestum and the Cilento depends on your journey.

Travellers arriving by train from Naples or Salerno can enjoy Paestum as a car-free day trip — exploring the temples, a local mozzarella farm, or a nearby vineyard, all within easy reach of the station.

Those planning a holiday in the Cilento often collect their hire car at Naples Airport, using Paestum as a natural first or last stop.

And for visitors on a longer self-drive itinerary, Paestum fits seamlessly between the Amalfi Coast, Matera, or southern Puglia — a pause of light, space, and authenticity.

With ExpertoItaly, every route is tailored to your style of travel:

whether you prefer car-free simplicity or the independence of driving, we’ll arrange the connections, stays, and experiences that bring this part of southern Italy to life.

👉 Plan your Paestum and Cilento holiday with ExpertoItaly.

Aerial view of the Paestum coastline showing the vast pine forest meeting the turquoise Tyrrhenian Sea under a clear blue sky — A view over the ancient pine forest of Paestum, where green canopies roll towards the turquoise horizon of the Tyrrhenian Sea.

Hilltop village of Capaccio above Paestum, overlooking the Cilento plains — The village of Capaccio, perched above Paestum, where terracotta rooftops and olive groves look out over the plains that once framed the ancient Greek city.

The Allure of Paestum

Aerial view of Paestum Beach with rows of yellow umbrellas and calm blue waters along the Cilento coast — The golden sands of Paestum Beach — a tranquil stretch of the Cilento coast where pine forests meet the Tyrrhenian Sea.

Few places in Italy balance ancient grandeur and unspoilt nature quite like Paestum. Founded by Greek settlers nearly three millennia ago, the site still feels suspended in time — cows graze near fallen columns, the air hums with cicadas, and the pace is wonderfully unhurried.

Its setting is part of the magic — close enough to Pompeii and the Amalfi Coast for day trips, yet immersed in the slow rhythm of the Cilento. This is southern Italy at its most genuine, where ancient columns share the horizon with fields, sea, and silence.

Ancient Heritage – The Temples & Museum

Step Into the Classical World

Aerial view of the Temple of Neptune and the Basilica at Paestum — The twin Doric temples of Paestum — Neptune and the so-called Basilica — capture the calm strength of Greek architecture, standing proud above the Cilento plain.

Paestum’s three temples — Hera, Athena, and Neptune — are among the best-preserved Doric monuments in the world, older even than the Parthenon. Walking through the archaeological park, you move from open fields into the stone geometry of the ancient city. At sunset, when the light turns honey-gold and the grass rustles softly, the atmosphere is quietly spellbinding.

The National Archaeological Museum, beside the site, completes the journey with exquisite frescoes and the celebrated Tomb of the Diver — a rare glimpse into Greek painting from the fifth century BC.

To truly experience the magic of Paestum, stay nearby and visit early or late in the day, when the temples glow and the crowds are gone. ExpertoItaly can combine your visit with private guiding, local tastings, or a short break that lets you enjoy the site at your own pace.

Temple of Hera at Paestum framed by cypress trees at sunset — Evening light filters through the cypress trees of Paestum, softening the Doric columns of the Temple of Hera and revealing the stillness of ancient Greece in Campania.

Visitors walking inside the ancient Temple of Neptune at Paestum — Inside the Temple of Neptune at Paestum — walking among Doric columns that have stood for over two millennia, bathed in afternoon light and Mediterranean calm.

The Tomb of the Diver fresco from Paestum, depicting a man diving into water — The Tomb of the Diver, Paestum’s most iconic fresco, symbolises the soul’s passage from life to eternity — a rare masterpiece of ancient Greek art in Italy.

Visitors walking through the ruins of the Paestum Archaeological Park surrounded by summer flowers — An evening stroll among Paestum’s ancient ruins — where history, nature and the golden light of Cilento create an atmosphere of quiet discovery.

Beach Life – The Coast of Paestum

Golden Sand, Pine Forests, and Easy Seaside Days

Aerial view of Paestum’s coastline and pine forest stretching along the Cilento shore — The vast pine forest of Paestum borders miles of golden beach — a serene natural barrier between the sea and the ancient temples.

Stretching for miles south of Salerno, Paestum’s coastline is one of Campania’s longest and most natural. Behind the dunes rise rows of fragrant pines, and beyond them, the sea unfolds in shades of turquoise and deep blue. The atmosphere is refreshingly low-key — this is a coast made for gentle swims, long walks, and leisurely lunches by the water.

Between Capaccio and Agropoli, you’ll find open stretches of sand and discreet lidi (beach clubs) where everything — from the parasols to the pace — feels pleasingly unhurried.

Beach Club 93 – Comfort by the Shore

Just a few minutes from the temples, Beach Club 93 offers a refined but relaxed setting with private gazebos, attentive service, and an elegant restaurant overlooking the waves. Guests can rent bicycles to explore the coastal paths or linger over an evening aperitivo as the horizon glows pink.

And if you prefer exploring to reclining, the nearby Cilento coast reveals quieter coves and the lively marina of Agropoli — perfect for a boat trip or a coastal walk between fishing villages.

Colourful beach huts along the Paestum coast framed by agave plants and sea views — A playful touch of colour along Paestum’s coastline — striped beach huts standing against the calm blue of the Tyrrhenian Sea.

Aerial view of Paestum’s long sandy coastline with pine forest and the Gulf of Salerno in the distance — The vast golden shoreline of Paestum stretches beneath the Cilento hills — a tranquil, unspoilt alternative to the crowded Amalfi Coast.

Elegant white cabanas at Beach Club 93 in Paestum overlooking the Tyrrhenian Sea — Elegant cabanas at Beach Club 93 in Paestum — where design, comfort and sea breeze come together for a refined Mediterranean escape.

Taste of the Land – Buffalo Mozzarella & Local Flavours

Where the Campanian Plain Meets Culinary Tradition

Plate of buffalo mozzarella, tomatoes, and bread at Tenuta Vannulo dairy near Paestum — A simple plate of buffalo mozzarella, tomatoes, and bread at Tenuta Vannulo — where Paestum’s most authentic flavours are enjoyed just steps from the source.

No visit to Paestum is complete without tasting fresh buffalo mozzarella, still warm from the dairy. The fertile plain surrounding the temples is home to herds of black buffalo whose milk gives this delicacy its creamy, elastic perfection.

The most renowned producer is Tenuta Vannullo, an organic family farm where every step — from milking to tasting — takes place on site. Visits are intimate and genuine: gleaming barns, eco-friendly methods, and a café serving mozzarella, yoghurt, and gelato made from the same milk.

Tenuta Vannullo – A Taste of Perfection

Watch the cheese pulled and shaped before your eyes, then taste it still warm, paired with local wine or silky buffalo-milk gelato. The on-site shop tempts with every form imaginable — bring a cool bag if you plan to take some home.

Beyond mozzarella, the Cilento table celebrates simplicity: hand-rolled pasta scented with wild fennel, seafood from Agropoli, and sun-filled wines such as Aglianico and Fiano. A short drive inland, the Azienda Agricola San Giovanni welcomes guests for tastings among its vineyards — an authentic glimpse of Cilento’s wine culture, where every bottle reflects the rhythm of the land. Honest, generous cooking and winemaking that speak the same language of place.

Azienda Agricola San Giovanni – Wine Tasting Among the Vines

Located in the hills above Paestum, Azienda Agricola San Giovanni is a family estate producing elegant organic wines from native grapes such as Fiano and Aglianico. Tastings are held on a panoramic terrace overlooking the vineyards, often paired with local cheeses and olive oil from the same farm.

In Cilento, eating well isn’t a trend — it’s just how things are done.

Mediterranean buffalo at Tenuta Vannulo dairy being brushed in the milking area — Contented Mediterranean buffalo at Tenuta Vannulo — their calm routine and care are at the heart of Paestum’s celebrated mozzarella di bufala.

Exhibition room at the Tenuta Vannulo Museum displaying vintage farming and cheesemaking tools — Inside the Tenuta Vannulo Museum — a fascinating collection of vintage farm tools and dairy equipment celebrating the rural traditions behind Paestum’s buffalo mozzarella.

Vineyard of Azienda Agricola San Giovanni overlooking the Cilento coast and Tyrrhenian Sea — Sunlit vines at Azienda Agricola San Giovanni, where organic winemaking meets the sea breeze of the Cilento coast.

Outdoor tasting terrace at Azienda Agricola San Giovanni with sea views over the Cilento coast — The tasting terrace at Azienda Agricola San Giovanni — where guests enjoy organic wines with sweeping views of the Cilento coast and distant Capri.

Experiences Around Paestum

Ancient Wonders, Scenic Thrills, and Slow-Travel Charm

Paestum rewards those who stay a little longer. Its position makes it ideal for day trips across Campania — by train, private driver, or leisurely boat ride.

🚞 Pompeii & the Amalfi Coast

From Paestum station, trains connect directly to Pompeii, Salerno, and the Amalfi Coast. Spend a morning among Roman ruins or take a ferry from Salerno to Amalfi or Positano. ExpertoItaly can coordinate timings, transfers, and tickets — all seamlessly car-free.

🪂 Cilento in Volo – Zipline Adventure

Soar above the Cilento landscape on the Cilento in Volo zipline, gliding between Trentinara and Castelcivita. It’s an unforgettable way to see the park from above — suspended between mountain air and the distant shimmer of the sea.

🎈 Paestum Balloon Festival

Each autumn, the skies above Paestum fill with colour during the Balloon Festival, one of Italy’s most photogenic events. Flights lift off from fields beside the temples, offering a perspective few travellers ever see.

ExpertoItaly Tip

Combine Paestum with a few nights in the Cilento National Park or on the Amalfi Coast for a perfect balance of history, coastline, and countryside. We’ll tailor your route and connections — no stress, no guesswork.

Crew preparing hot air balloons for flight at the Paestum Hot Air Balloon Festival — Moments before lift-off — crews prepare their vibrant balloons for an early evening flight across the Paestum plain.

Hot air balloon flying over the ancient ruins of Paestum in southern Italy — A breathtaking view of Paestum’s ancient ruins from above — where the modern spectacle of flight meets 2,500 years of history.

Stay in Style – Hand-Picked Hotels

Borgo La Pietraia is our chosen retreat in Paestum — a place that distils the spirit of the Cilento: authenticity, tranquillity, and a strong connection to the land. Perched above the plain and overlooking the sea, it’s both close to the temples and perfectly placed for exploring the coast and hinterland.

The property blends contemporary architecture with traditional materials. Every room opens onto a private terrace, and the infinity pool seems to merge with the horizon. The on-site restaurant, Chef Paolo Barbieri’s Terracotta, showcases local ingredients with a creative, modern touch — olive oil from the family estate, vegetables from the garden, and wines from nearby producers such as Azienda Agricola San Giovanni.

Borgo La Pietraia – Between Temples and Sea

🌿 Location: On the hills above Capaccio Paestum, 10 minutes from the archaeological park
🍷 Highlight: Restaurant Terracotta – a refined take on Cilento cuisine, with panoramic sea views
🏊 Facilities: Infinity pool, gardens, and private terraces overlooking the coast
🚗 Access: Private transfers or car hire can be arranged through ExpertoItaly

Why book with ExpertoItaly? We secure the best room category and curate your stay with experiences that complement the setting — from visits to Tenuta Vannullo and San Giovanni Winery to guided walks through the Cilento hills.

At Borgo La Pietraia, days move at a slower rhythm: mornings by the pool, afternoons exploring Paestum’s temples or the coastline, and evenings lingering over a glass of local wine as the sun drops behind the sea. It’s the perfect base for those who value quiet luxury and genuine connection.

Family & Active Holidays

Space to Breathe, Room to Explore

With safe beaches, open countryside, and fascinating ruins, Paestum suits families and active travellers alike. Children love the sense of discovery among the ancient temples, while adults can unwind on endless stretches of sand or explore the Cilento hills by foot or e-bike.

Quiet lanes weave through pine forests and farmland, perfect for gentle rides and scenic walks — a slower, more intimate way to see the coast.

Is Paestum Family-Friendly?

Absolutely. The beaches are long and shallow, restaurants welcoming, and day trips to Pompeii or the Amalfi Coast easily arranged. ExpertoItaly creates itineraries that balance discovery with downtime — mornings exploring, afternoons by the sea.

Two children standing beside a classic Fiat 500 at Paestum Beach, looking towards the turquoise Tyrrhenian Sea — A timeless Italian summer — children, a Fiat 500, and the shimmering Tyrrhenian Sea at Paestum Beach.

Plan Your Paestum Holiday with ExpertoItaly

Tailor-Made, Car-Free, and Full of Character

Ready to Discover Paestum?

Let ExpertoItaly craft your ideal holiday — from temple visits and mozzarella tastings to relaxing days by the beach. We’ll coordinate trains, transfers, and charming hotels, so your journey flows seamlessly from arrival to departure.

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