One of Porto Cesáreo's most valuable treasures is undoubtedly the Riserva Naturale Orientata Regionale Palude del Conte e Duna Costiera - Bosco dell'Arneo. This vast protected area is a true paradise for nature lovers and those seeking peace and quiet away from the tourist crowds. The reserve offers an extraordinary experience that won't strain a traveler's budget.

As you wander the paths of the reserve, you can enjoy the unique ecosystems of the coast, including marshes, dunes and pine forests. This is the perfect place for a day trip with family or friends. Admission to the reserve is free, making it an excellent option for thrifty tourists. It's worth bringing a camera to capture the beauty of the wildlife, including the pink flamingos that can often be seen here.

Reviews by tourists highlight the extraordinary beauty of the beaches within the reserve. As one visitor wrote: 'Beautiful beach - very spacious and relaxing. And there are no flies. Mozzie, horse flies, wasps or annoying flies. Nice. This proves that you can find a quiet place to relax here, away from the crowded commercial beaches.

In contrast, the Parco naturale regionale Porto Selvaggio, located a little further south, is also worth a visit. This park offers a slightly different experience, but equally fascinating from a nature lover's point of view. Here you'll find picturesque pine forests and a rocky coastline that make for a remarkable setting for walks and picnics.

The Porto Selvaggio Park has earned an impressive 4.7 rating among visitors, a testament to its high attractiveness. One tourist shared his opinion: 'A good place for a walk in the woods. Interesting vegetation and beautiful views of the coast. There is also a beach with free access. The beach is rocky and on the shore there is a flat rock. You can rest there or next to it under the trees in the shade.'

It is worth noting that both of these places offer not only beautiful views, but also the possibility of active recreation without spending money. This is ideal for travelers on a budget who want to fully experience the natural beauty of the Porto Cesáreo region.

For frugal travelers who want to enjoy the delights of Porto Cesáreo without straining their wallets, campgrounds are an excellent alternative to expensive hotels. Two particularly notable sites are Porto Cesareo Camping and Camping Torre Castiglione.

Porto Cesareo Camping, with a 4.0 rating, offers comfortable conditions at an affordable price. This campsite is distinguished by its great location - just 500 meters from a small cove with crystal clear water. Guests praise the new and functional bungalows and the transfer to Punta Prosciutto beach. One visitor shared his opinion: 'There were 3 of us in a bungalow and we enjoyed ourselves very much. Perhaps a little too expensive for the end of August, cleaning was not thoroughly done upon arrival. But in any case the bungalow was new and functional.''

It is worth noting a few aspects that may affect the comfort of the stay. Some guests pointed out problems with Wi-Fi and the fact that the grocery store at the campground is not well stocked and has somewhat high prices. But overall, Porto Cesareo Camping offers good value for money, especially for families with children.

Camping Torre Castiglione, on the other hand, despite a lower rating of 3.2, also has its advantages. This campsite stands out for its direct access to the sea, which, according to guest reviews, is 'beautiful on days with a north wind'. One of the main advantages is the location - just a 2-minute walk from the beach with fine, soft sand.

One guest shared a detailed review: 'The pitches are spacious, well-maintained, level and well shaded by bedding and trees. Bathrooms are well cleaned several times a day, the market is well stocked, the bar and restaurant are excellent for appetizers and meals (very good fish). However, it's worth bearing in mind that you have to pay extra for hot showers, and some guests complained about loud music on the beach.

Both campsites have their strengths and weaknesses. Porto Cesareo Camping seems to be a better choice for families with children, offering more amenities and better infrastructure. Camping Torre Castiglione, on the other hand, may appeal to those who appreciate proximity to the sea and don't mind a more basic standard.

For those looking for an even cheaper option, consider the public Spiaggia Libera beach. This free beach, with a rating of 4.4, offers 'stunning' views and crystal clear water. One visitor described it as 'A beautiful FREE beach. It's a shame that as soon as the sun comes up, there are already people showing up to reserve a spot. It's worth arriving early in the morning to find a good spot.

When planning a budget stay in Porto Cesáreo, it's worth focusing on taking advantage of the region's natural attractions and finding affordable lodging options. Here are some practical tips to help you save while vacationing in this charming corner of Italy.

First, consider staying at one of the campgrounds. Porto Cesareo Camping and Camping Torre Castiglione offer affordable rates, especially during the off-peak season. By choosing a campground, you can significantly reduce the cost of lodging compared to hotels. In addition, campgrounds often offer amenities such as communal kitchens, allowing you to prepare your own meals and save further.

If you opt for Porto Cesareo Camping, take advantage of the free shuttle service to Punta Prosciutto beach. This is a great opportunity to see one of the most beautiful beaches in the area without additional transportation costs. On the other hand, if you choose Camping Torre Castiglione, you will appreciate the proximity to the beach, which eliminates the need for transportation.

Using free beaches, such as Spiaggia Libera, is another way to save money. Instead of paying for loungers and umbrellas at private beaches, it's worth investing in your own beach gear to last your entire stay. However, remember to come early in the morning to find a good spot.

Visiting nature reserves, such as the Riserva Naturale Orientata Regionale Palude del Conte e Duna Costiera - Bosco dell'Arneo or Parco naturale regionale Porto Selvaggio, is a great way to spend a day without spending money. These places offer beautiful views, the opportunity to commune with nature and ideal conditions for picnicking. It's worth taking provisions with you and spending a full day exploring these remarkable areas.

As for food, consider shopping at local markets and preparing your own meals. Not only are Italian regional products delicious, but they are often less expensive than eating in restaurants. An occasional trip to a restaurant can be treated as a special occasion rather than an everyday occurrence.

Traveling during the off-peak season is another way to save money. Prices for accommodations and services are much lower then, plus you can avoid crowds of tourists. September or May are great months to visit Porto Cesáreo - the weather is still pleasant and prices are more affordable.

You should also consider using local transportation or renting a bicycle instead of renting a car. Porto Cesáreo and the surrounding area are ideal for exploration on two wheels, which will not only save you money, but also allow you to get to know the region better and enjoy its charms in a more eco-friendly way.

Keep in mind that traveling on a budget doesn't mean giving up the experience. Porto Cesáreo offers plenty of free or inexpensive attractions that will allow you to fully enjoy your Italian vacation without straining your wallet. The key is to plan well, take advantage of local resources and enjoy the simple pleasures this beautiful region of Puglia has to offer.