Campania, and the whole of the foot of Italy, are richly planted with ancient Roman ruins, but the ruins Paestum is famous for are even older, they’re ancient Greek, dating from the 6th century BC. Paestum has three of the world’s best preserved ancient Greek temples, plus other Greek and Roman remnants around them, and a wonderful showcase of a museum, all sat peacefully beside the contemporary town of Paestum. And the town has quite a number of very good hotels for our Gurus to pick out the best places to stay in Paestum from. And some very good restaurants too. Our choices are all convenient for visiting the city, and for a peaceful stay: we've discovered a converted farmhouse, a hilltop hotel with panoramic views of Paestum, and a romantic hideaway in the hills.

The whole of the Paestum site is World Heritage Listed, but the three best known sights are the huge Doric temples, the Basilica of Hera, the Temple of Ceres and the Temple of Neptune. The Romans overran the city in 273BC, and contributed a lot of architecture to the city too. Today you can find an impressive amphitheatre, a forum, and a number of beautiful tombs, decorated with millennia-old frescoes. While many visitors only make time for a day trip, we recommend staying at least one night in one of the best places to stay in Paestum, to make sure you can see the city at dusk and dawn. It’s open from 0830 to 1930 each day.

Not all of Paestum has been excavated, and the ruins merge gently into farmland around the edges. Ancient Paestum was apparently famed for its roses, and the ruins are still fragrant with them. The site sprawls amongst meadows, but it does have a street running along the fence, where you can find plenty of cafes, bars and restaurants, plus souvenir shops. And if you base your self in one of the best places to stay in Paestum you can easily take day trips to other ancient sites nearby: the Heraion by the river Sele, the Certose at Padula, and the Greek city of Elea, are our Gurus top picks. When you’ve had enough walking around the site head to the beach to read up on what you’ve just seen!

The Best Places to Stay in Paestum

Closest to the Ancient Site

• Il Granaio dei Casabella has been converted from an old barn, right beside one of the ancient city’s gates, making it the best pick for arriving at the site early and leaving late. Its 14 rooms and suites are simply and traditionally decorated, with dark wood, tiled floors and spacious en suites, and the communal spaces are cosy and welcoming, with comfy sofas, open fireplaces and wonderful views. We love the shady gardens, and the Mediterranean cuisine. Great for a longer stay, and affordable too.

For a Retreat

• Il Cannito makes an ideal retreat, a beautifully converted farmhouse in the hills above Paestum, with just four rooms, and an excellent restaurant only open to hotel guests. Expect exposed stone, whitewashed walls, tiled floors and elegantly designed furniture, plus private terraces and a deck with a view and a swimming pool. Romantic and unspoiled.

For Great Value

• Borgo la Pietraia is a 12 room hotel, perched on a hilltop overlooking the valley of Paestum, and the ocean beyond. The decor is unfussy, and the rooms are airy and light, with panoramic views. There are lots of terraces to find the perfect view from, a large pool, and a restaurant specialising in classical Cilentan cooking. An easy walk from the ancient site, and a wonderful place to relax.

Prefer a Private Apartment or Villa?

• If you'd prefer the privacy of a self-catering option then browse through the wide variety available online with our partner, Booking.com.

Travel Information

• Paestum’s closest international airport is Naples Airport, which is around an hour and twenty minutes away by car, or just over two hours away by train. The train goes via Salerno, which is about half an hour from Paestum, and a good transport hub to head for if you’re travelling from elsewhere in Italy. Salerno’s ferry port means you can also arrive by ferry from other towns and cities on the Amalfi Coast.
• If you want to hire a car we recommend you visit our online partner, Rentalcars.
• The Amalfi Coast tourist season traditionally begins at Easter, and runs through until the first week of November. The warmest summer months are the busiest time for visitors, but if you’re not restricted on when you travel, and you’re interested in seeing this region’s historic treasures, like Paestum, Pompeii and Herculaneum, as well as its beautiful beaches, then it might be more enjoyable to visit between April and mid-June, or September through mid-October? Even during winter Paestum still gets close to eight hours of sunshine a day, and is open between 0830 and 1930 each day, so you can really visit at any time of year. Plus, ticket prices halve between December and February.

Still not sure where to stay?

• You could expand your search to include all the best places to stay in Campania
• Or base yourself in one of the best places to stay in Naples or neighbour, Pompeii
• Or even one of the best places to stay on the Amalfi Coast
• Alternatively, you could contact one of our friendly Gurus for personalised advice.