Instead of Going to Greece, Go to Paestum

Second Temple of Hera

When voyaging to the Campania region of Italy (Naples, Amalfi Coast, etc), why not take in a bit of ancient Greek culture as well? You can head south from Salerno to Paestum Archeological Park. It's located in the part of southern Italy known as Magna Graecia, which settled settled by the Greeks long before the Roman Empire. The ruins of Paestum are famous for their three Greek temples with massive, intact Doric columns dating from about 600 to 450 BC. All structures are built from the local bedrock--travertine. Also intact are the foundation walls of many parts of the ancient city, an amphitheater and paved roads as well preserved as the Appian Way in Rome.

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Temple of Athena

First Temple of Hera

Return of the Warrior

Don't Forget the Museum

The National Archaeological Museum of Paestum is located across from the archeological site, and houses artifacts from excavations of the ancient Greek city of Poseidonia (Paestum), allowing visitors to explore the history of the Greek, Lucanian, and Roman periods.

It includes Greek vases, pottery, sculptures, and architectural fragments, with notable exhibits like the Tomb of the Diver. 

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Tomb of the Diver

Want More Than Greek Temples?
Add Some Beach Time and a Chic Hotel.

When planning a Voyage to Campania and a visit to the amazing archeological site of Paestum, the fact that the town of Paestum is full of chic, boutique hotels and white sand beaches is often overlooked. There are many Paestum hotels costing between $100-200, most with 4 and 5 star ratings, stylish rooms, luxurious pools and some even have their own lido (beach club) complete with lounge chairs, umbrellas and table service--right on the white sand beach! And most offer fine and casual dining with very elegant offerings at moderate prices. It might be worth taking a day or two after soaking in all that Greek history and chilling poolside or taking a dip in the Tyrrhenian Sea.

Most of these hotels (along with beach clubs, campgrounds and beach resorts) are within a 5 minute drive from Paestum Archeological Park. 

(Link to Paestum Hotels)


Many make Paestum a day trip from the Amalfi Coast, but as you can see it might be worth a longer visit. We suggest at least a two day stay here. A morning (afternoons are hot) visiting the temples and the museum, followed by lunch and a rest back at your hotel--a complete day. In the evening after dinner, you can take a stroll on the beach or an evening dip in the cool water. Another option would be to return to the Paestum site to see the temples lit up as the sun sets. You might even split a week with a four day stay on the Amalfi Coast, then another three days in Paestum. And if you're a beach lover, keep in mind, you won't find white sand beaches along the Amalfi Coast!

Whatever you decide, enjoy the history, the sea and the food. 

Buonviaggio!

--Jerry Finzi

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