Under $100: Puglia, Italy

Puglia has everything you’re looking for in an Italian getaway — ancient towns, charming hilltop villages, elaborate churches, beautiful coastlines and food equal to any in Italy. Situated at the tip of the heel of Italy’s boot, the city itself has so much to offer, but its surrounding areas are particularly charming, and there is plenty to do, see and eat at an affordable price throughout.

For some free historical excursions, visit Otranto Cathedral, complete with elaborate mosaics, skulls, crypts and biblical imagery. Built by the Normans in the 11^th century, the cathedral beautifully incorporates Romanesque, Byzantine and early Christian styles.

Another must-visit is the Basilica di San Nicola — one of the first Norman churches built in southern Italy. Dating back to the 12^th century, the Basilica is a beautiful example of Puglian-Romanesque architecture, originally constructed to house the relics of St. Nicholas, better known as Father Christmas. Today, it is an important place of pilgrimage for Catholics and Orthodox Christians.

For only €8, you can visit Castel del Monte, which sits high atop a hill, viewable for miles. The strange, octagonal-shaped castle is one of southern Italy’s most talked about landmarks and a UNESCO World Heritage Site. The purpose of its construction is a mystery, but it’s well worth a visit. If you’re not renting a car, you can visit the site by taking the Ferrovia Bari-Nord train from Bari to Andria, then bus No. 6 to the castle.

Puglia is one of Italy’s poorest regions, so many people live off the land, and thanks to its porous, mineral-rich limestone soil and its proximity to the sea and hot summers, this is where some of Italy’s most delicious food is produced.

Because it’s so hot in Puglia in the summer, the best place to be come lunchtime is on the beach. Visit Porto Ghiacciolo near Santo Stefano beach, and enjoy a heaping bowl of spaghetti or clams and mussels with a beer for less than €10. Lunches are smaller in this region of Italy, but you can always find a remarkably fresh Caprese salad with a square of focaccia or a cheese plate, accompanied by a glass of cold Prosecco or the local specialty — lemon soda with a sprig of mint — for only a few euro.

Da Pino e Vincenzo in Savelletri is a small sea-urchin shop on the harbor, offering three fresh urchins for €1.

The region is known for its quality meat, especially lamb, often cooked in communal village ovens. Visit La Fontana for simple, delicious meat dishes, followed by Caffe Ronchi Striccoli, a historic café and bar serving delicious baked goods, coffee, homemade bread, beer and wine.

Puglia has a decent network of cheap public transportation, but some of Puglia’s smallest towns are its largest treasures. To see many of these towns and villages, you’ll need to drive, but car rentals are readily available and affordable.