Paestum, Seliunte, Segesta or Agrigento - how to pick a Greek temple ruins site?

Selinunte and Agrigento contain very large archeological zones, Paestum and Segesta are more compact. Segesta is, in my opinion, in a more beautiful mountain setting than the other sights. Paestum has a great collection of temples and other finds, with a very good museum and a beach about one kilometer from the ruins. Paestum can be done in a day (including travel), Segesta is about a half-day (including travel from Palermo). Agrigento and Selinunte would take more time if you want to really walk through the sites.

Try bestofsicily.com, or google images for each of the sites and see what gets your attention.

Paestum is far removed from the other 3 sites, all of which are in southwest Sicily. Paestum is up on the mainland's west coast just south of Salerno.

With a car, you could see Agrigento, Selinunte, and Segesta in a single day - if you started early. Agrigento and Segesta are about 150 Km apart, and Selinunte is in between. The roads between them all are good.

If you want to see just one of these sites, Paestum probably makes the most sense just from a geographic point of view.

Zoe's description of each site is right on the money. If you do go to Segesta, be sure to climb up the hill to see the amphitheater, which has a truly spectacular setting.

Much as I enjoyed Paestum, I'd eliminate it first from your consideration because of its isolation. I'd put Agrigento at the top of the list. Not only is the Valley of Temples a superb site; but the city, itself, has other attractions, like the historic center and the regional archaeological museum. I'm surprised that you couldn't find much information on the places listed. Try either the Michelin or Cadogan guides for Sicily.

Just some clarification: I'll be already near Paestum to visit other sites (Amalfi Coast, Pompeii). Then I'll drive to Tropea or Scilla and then go to Sicily.

Tropea is famous for its sweet red onions, enjoy them on practically everything. And go to the Duomo to see the two WWII artillery shells inside the entrance doors.

Paestum is a great choice, especially if you're driving south from Amalfi already, you can even do it on the way!

Paestum definitely. Its not just the temples but also the remains of the Roman town and the lovely Museum. Segesta is a fabulous setting but the temple is unfinished and a shell. The theatre is spectacular! The valley of temples at Agrigento is fabulous but you really need a hire a guide to get the full benefit. Would like to have done more of the other sites but didn't have time. The same with Selinute - but by the time we reached the site, we were templed out and we didn't see the rest of the site - it's large and remains largely unexcavated. Super setting by the sea. Really depends on your tolerence for Greek temples as to which one you visit. I like Paestum and have been there three times.

It appears visiting Paestum and Agrigento would be good combination then. Maybe that are enough Magna Grecia stuff.

Now, some logistics questions if we settle on that plan above:

1. Is it practical to visit Paestum and drive the Amalfi Coast route on the same day?

2. Is it practical fo visit Paestum as a day-trip from Cefelù, Ragusa or Palermo?

We will have a rental car for the whole trip.

Paestum is on the mainland, so not a daytrip from the cities in Sicily.

Zoe, I'll be visiting Pompeii and the Amalfi Coast before driving south to Sicily.

1. yes.
   
2. no.

Now I realize my error.

My second question is whether is it feasible to visit Agrigento (not Paestum) as a day-trip from Cefalu, Palermo or Ragusa.

Agrigento from Palermo would be most direct, a long daytrip. Or you could overnight between Selinunte and Agrigento if you decide to visit both.