Paestum

Culture, History. Adventure. Nature. Spirituality.

Explore Paestum

Paestum, between Greek Temples and the Archaeological Park.

Paestum is a place of grandeur and silence.

In the heart of the Sele Plain, just a short distance from the Cilento coast, Paestum is home to one of the best-preserved Greek temple complexes in the world, an Archaeological Park recognized as a Paestum UNESCO site. Here, history rises toward the sky in the form of majestic Doric columns bathed in southern light.

Walking among Paestum’s temples feels almost mystical: the wind through the columns, the scent of grass, the changing sky. It’s a place that invites you to slow down and truly feel the beauty of time.

It is also important to know, before entering the site, a few simple rules: walking paths must be respected, climbing on ruins is forbidden, and picnics are not allowed inside the archaeological area.

Paestum is perfect for travelers seeking culture, open landscapes, and authenticity, and it’s also ideal for combining archaeology with sea and nature.

To the question, “Why discover Paestum?”

I’ll try to answer by describing Paestum and its Archaeological Park, where the Greek temples and ruins tell the story of ancient civilization.

Power of the temples
Paestum’s Greek temples are among the best preserved in the world.
Ancient Magna Graecia
The soul of Greek civilization in Italy still lives here.
Extraordinary armony between history and nature
Millennia-old ruins meet open fields and endless sky.
Striking silence
Walking among the temples brings a sense of peace and awe.
Testimony of the past
Every column tells a story that spans centuries.
Unique and timeless
Paestum is a place you won’t find anywhere else.
Mediterranean sea nearby
Just a short distance from the temples, the Cilento coast completes the experience.

When to visit Paestum

Paestum is open all year, but spring and early autumn are the best seasons to experience the Paestum Archaeological Park at its best.

Here’s why:

Ideal weather for walking among the temples.
Vibrant landscapes, with green fields and clear skies enhancing the ruins.
A calmer atmosphere, making the visit more immersive.
Fewer tourists, for a more authentic experience.

In summer Paestum is busier because of the nearby beaches, while winter can be atmospheric but sometimes windy or rainy.
Along with choosing the best season, remember that Paestum is mostly outdoors: comfortable shoes and sun protection make a real difference, especially in warmer months.

How to reach Paestum

If you’re wondering how to get to Paestum, the site is well connected to Campania and Southern Italy.

By car, take the A2 Mediterranean motorway and exit at Paestum, just a few minutes from the archaeological area.
By train, Paestum station is within walking distance of the temples and has direct connections from Naples, Salerno, and the Cilento Coast.
Regional buses are also available, but the train is the easiest and most direct way to reach the site.

Once inside the Archaeological Park, keep your ticket with you at all times: it’s valid for three days and may be checked by staff during your visit.

Practical tips & FAQ for visiting the Paestum Temples

Do I have to keep my ticket during the whole visit?
Yes. Tickets for the Paestum Archaeological Park are valid for multiple days and include one entry to both the archaeological site and the museum; you must keep your ticket during the entire visit as staff may request to see it at any time.
Are guided tours available inside the park?
No. The Archaeological Parks of Paestum and Velia do not offer an internal guided tour service; if you want a guide, you must book a licensed guide independently through external contacts listed by the park.
Can I bring pets or animals into the archaeological area?
Animals on a leash (with muzzle if appropriate) are permitted within the archaeological area of Paestum. There are rules about where pets can be and what behaviour is required (e.g., cleaning up after them).
Can I visit for free?
Yes. In adherence with Domenica al Museo, the park offers free admission on selected days (e.g., first Sunday of specific months) as part of a national cultural initiative. It’s recommended to check dates in advance.
Are there specific rules for accessibility?
The site provides services for people with limited mobility and special needs, including accessible paths and experiences tailored for visitors who are visually impaired, hearing impaired, or on the autism spectrum. Assistance dogs are allowed.
Am I allowed to eat or drink inside the site?
No, like many archaeological parks, eating and drinking on the ruins or inside the archaeological area is prohibited to protect the site.
Can I take photos or videos?
Yes, personal photography and video recording is allowed. However, professional or commercial photography may require special permission from park authorities.
Are bicycles allowed inside the archaeological park?
The main routes through the Archaeological Park of Paestum are walking paths among ancient ruins, bicycles are generally not permitted on the core archaeological area itself for safety and preservation reasons.
How long is my ticket valid?
Tickets to the Archaeological Parks of Paestum and Velia are valid for three days, allowing one entry to the museum and one to the archaeological site within that period.
What should I wear for the visit?
Even though official regulation pages do not mandate specific clothing, comfortable walking shoes and sun protection are essential, as you’ll be walking outdoors over uneven terrain.
Are there special rules for school groups?
School groups may enter for free if the list of names (students and accompanying teachers) is presented on official institution letterhead at the ticket office.
Can parts of the site be temporarily closed?
Yes, individual monuments, sections of the museum, or areas within the archaeological park can be temporarily closed for maintenance or restoration. Always check updates on the official site before your visit.
Are there annual memberships or passes?
Yes, the park offers an annual subscription that allows unlimited access to Paestum and Velia for 365 days, including exhibitions and events that do not require an extra ticket.
What are the opening hours?
The archaeological park typically opens from 08:30 to 19:30, with the ticket office and last admission generally up to 18:30. Opening times can vary slightly by season, so check closer to your visit.
Any specific behaviour rules I should know?
- Avoid touching or climbing on the ruins.
- Respect barriers and signs around temples and monuments.
- Smoking and picnics are prohibited within the archaeological area.
- Follow direction of park staff and signage at all times.