It’s easy to forget that once — before the times of Roman Emperors, bickering Senate members and the rhythmic marching of row upon row of legionaries — southern Italy was decidedly Greek. So Greek, in fact, that it was referred to as Magna Graecia or “Great Greece”.

People from across the Hellenic world settled in the area, bringing with them their culture, stories and their gods. A day trip to Paestum from Salerno presents the opportunity to explore one such settlement — discovering more about the people who walked these fabled lands before the Romans.

Here's all you need to know about Paestum, one of the most exciting day trips from Salerno.

How to get to Paestum from Salerno?

Paestum are the ruins of an ancient Greek city, situated on the Tyrrhenian Sea just south of Salerno.

From Salerno to Paestum by car

It’s fairly easy to travel to Paestum from Salerno by car, and you simply need to head southwards while hugging the coast. It’s best to take the SP175 all the way down the shore until you arrive at Paestum. The drive is 40 kilometers long and will take around 45 minutes to complete.

From Salerno to Paestum by public transport

To travel to Paestum from Salerno by bus, board the Cilento Bus from Salerno Piazza Montpellier. The journey will take around 1 hour to complete.

Guided tour to Paestum from Salerno

Paestum is the perfect destination for a guided tour and a knowledgeable guide will prove invaluable when exploring these ruins. While some tours may not offer transport, they still provide incredible insight into this wonder just a stone's throw from Salerno.

How much does the entrance ticket to Paestum cost?

Most tours to Paestum already include your entrance tickets, granting you skip-the-line access to these fascinating ruins. However, if you are traveling to Paestum on your own, you’ll need to purchase tickets online or at the gate.

Tickets are valid for 3 days and grant you access to both Paestum and Velia.

December to February

Adults: €6
EU citizens (ages 18-25): €2
Family (2 adults + one or more children): €10
Children (under 18): Free

March to November

Adults: €12
EU citizens (ages 18-25): €2
Family (2 adults + one or more children): €20
Children (under 18): Free

Relevant proof, like a student card, will be needed to qualify for discounted prices.

What is the typical itinerary?

There are a variety of different tours traveling from Salerno to Paestum and your itinerary will differ accordingly. Some tours will start with a pickup from your hotel in Salerno. However, it should be noted that tours that feature a local expert guide, typically an artist or archeologist, will start at the Paestum Archaeological Park.

From here you’ll typically head direct to Paestum where you’ll enjoy a guided tour of the Archeological Park — whereafter you’ll have a chance to walk through the museum for an even more complete picture.

Your guide will answer any lingering questions you may have before journeying to the next part of your tour. Usually, this will be at a local restaurant for a delicious lunch.

What kinds of tours are available to go to Paestum?

Tours to Paestum range from a laid-back stroll through the Archaeological sites to an in-depth exploration with an accompanying archeologist. Several of the guided tours will start and end in Paestum, and travelers will need to arrange their own transport to and from the town.

Paestum tour with an expert archeologist from Salerno

Not much can beat local knowledge — especially if the local in question is an archeologist who’ll meet you at Paestum Archaeological Park to delve into the treasures of the past.

As this is a small group tour, your guide will also accompany you while you work your way through the museum exhibitions — leaving you with a clear impression of what life was like a couple of millennia ago.

Paestum full-day private tour from Salerno

You are firmly in the driving seat during this private tour — and you’ll be able to tell your guide where you want to go and how long you want to stay.

After exploring the ruins of Paestum, head into the country to try some of the Mozzarella that this part of the world is famous for — making it the ideal stop to enjoy lunch before journeying to other attractions in the region.

How much does a day trip to Paestum from Salerno cost?

Day trips from Salerno to Paestum typically cost between €40 and €400 per person, depending on the type of tour and your guide.

A Paestum small-group tour with an expert archeologist will cost around €200 for two people, but if the number increases to the maximum of 15 participants, each person will only have to pay €40. However, transport is not included in this tour.

A Paestum full-day private tour will cost €200 per person, with a maximum of eight people — meaning the larger your group, the lower your overall fee. The cost also includes transport.

What will you see and do?

Paestum

Paestum is home to some of the best-preserved Greek ruins in all of the world, providing visitors with a fascinating glimpse into Pre-Roman Italy. The site is famous for its three temples, dating from around 500 to 450 B.C., dedicated to Poseidon, Hera and Athena.

Salerno

Travelers docking at Salerno’s port sometimes overlook the treasures at their very feet — as the city of Salerno offers an authentic taste of southern Italy, with far fewer tourist traps. You can spend the day exploring its streets, learning about its Norman history as well as the role it played during WWII.

What are the opening times?

The Paestum Archeological Park is open every day of the week, right through the year, except for Christmas and New Year’s Day. The Park typically opens at 8:30 AM and closes at 7:30 PM, but the times may change depending on the season. It's best to check ahead of your visit.

When is the best time to visit Paestum?

The best time to visit Paestum in terms of weather is spring (March to May) and autumn (September to November). These seasons offer mild temperatures and fewer crowds, making it ideal for exploring the ruins at a leisurely pace.

However, if you want to take advantage of lower ticket prices, plan your visit for the winter months (December to February).

Are there any tours to Paestum from other cities in Italy?

Yes, there are tours departing from other cities in Italy:

Travel tips

Sunscreen, water, hats, and snacks are essentials especially if you're visiting in the hot months. There aren't many amenities once you're inside the archaeological zone.
Don't skip the Paestum Museum. It provides valuable context to the ruins and houses artifacts that have been recovered from the site.
Remember to respect the rules surrounding photography.
The site is large and contains multiple temples, a Roman forum, and a museum. Allocate enough time to see everything without rushing.
These are ancient sites with immense historical value. Follow all guidelines, and don't touch, climb or deface any of the ruins.
Don’t miss the local cuisine, especially buffalo mozzarella which the Campania region is famous for.

Paestum: Day Trips and Tours from Salerno