When talking about Tuscany, we immediately think of marvelous Renaissance art, gorgeous beaches, and delicious wine. But did you know that this region is also renowned for its many hot springs and thermal baths? There are so many options to choose from that it can sometimes be overwhelming to decide which one to visit, especially if you don’t speak Italian and are unsure how to find reliable information. This is why we created this list, so you can check out the best Tuscany hot springs and thermal baths.
Best Tuscany Hot Springs to Visit
The Saturnia Hot Springs in Tuscany is by far the most renowned thermal bath site in Italy; however, most foreigners don’t know that this region has a variety of hot springs that can be accessed all year long and are completely free. While some are quite popular, others are hidden gems where you will find only locals. Here are some of the best Tuscany hot springs to choose from.
Cascate del Mulino
The Cascate del Mulino, which can be translated as ‘Mill Waterfalls,’ are probably Tuscany’s most renowned hot springs. The name is inspired by the ancient mill located near the waterfalls, which will make your photos even more enchanting.
This natural site is located about two miles southwest of Saturnia, about 36 miles from Grosseto. The sulfur water in this area has a temperature of about 100 °F, making it the ideal place to let go of all the stress accumulated throughout the year. The site has several natural waterfalls and tiny pools where you can spend your day fully relaxing.
According to legends, The Cascate del Mulino was created by a lightning bolt thrown by Saturn to stop men from fighting against each other by giving them this stunning site, bringing peace and prosperity to the human race.
San Filippo Hot Springs
These hot springs are less popular than the Cascate del Mulino and can be a good option for those looking for more privacy. Located just outside the small town of Bagni San Filippo in Val D’Orcia, these hot springs are immersed in nature. Luckily, there is a path leading to this site, so no need to worry about crazy hikes.
Also known as ‘White Whale’ due to the massive calcium formation found here, the San Filippo Hot Springs can be accessed all year and are completely free. Their waters are warmer than those in the Cascate del Mulino, with temperatures reaching 118 °F. Nearby, you will also find a spa where you can refresh yourself with a shower before heading out for dinner for a fee.
Petriolo Hot Springs
Located between the Val di Merse and the Maremma, the Petriolo hot springs are another great free alternative to soak in hot water and enjoy a day of relaxation. These hot springs have been known since Roman times and have been visited by important figures, including Cicero, Pope Pius II, and members of the Medici family.
The water here has a temperature of about 111 °F and is rich in salts. Similarly to San Filippo Hot Springs, this place is not crowded with tourists, meaning it can be a good spot for those wanting to spend some time away from the crowds of tourists typical of Florence and Pisa.
Bagno Vignoni Hot Springs
Known in Italy as ‘Ancient Free Roman Baths,’ this site is one of Tuscany’s hidden gems and off-the-beaten-path destinations. Bagno Vignoni is an ancient town renowned for the 49-meter long and 29-meter wide pool present in its historical center. While bathing here is not allowed for obvious reasons, tourists can head to the nearby Parco dei Mulini for a free hot bath.
This site is located near the famous Via Francigena, an ancient road connecting the town of Canterbury in England to the South of Italy, and has served for centuries as a breakpoint for many pilgrims traveling to Rome.
San Casciano Hot Springs
San Cascino Hot Springs is another good alternative for those wanting to relax in hot water for free. This site was already known in Roman times and its warm, sulfurous water has a temperature of 106 °F. Several archaeological records were found in this area, most of which are now exposed in a nearby museum.
The free baths are on the foot of the hill where San Cascino town is located. The site features three pools, and you can easily reach this place by car and park in the nearby parking lot.
Tips for Visiting Tuscany Hot Springs
Before heading to your chosen hot springs, it’s worth taking a second to double-check whether you have taken everything you will need.
- A towel, swimming suit, and sunscreen are a must.
- Make sure to also bring plenty of water, as the Italian sun can be particularly strong during the summer months, quickly leading to dehydration. You probably won’t be in the mood to head to a nearby town to pay a ridiculous price for a bottle of water, which is often the case in popular sites such as the Cascate del Mulino, so you’d better bring your own.
- Google Maps generally works quite well in Italy, so you should be able to head to your chosen destination following its directions. However, when it comes to less popular sites, you may have to ask locals.
- Keep in mind that people living in rural areas don’t always speak English, so Google Translate may be necessary if you don’t understand the language.
- Most hot springs in Tuscany, with free access, are located near spas and thermal baths. For instance, the Saturnia Hot Springs are one of Italy’s most popular sites, located near the famous Cascate del Mulino. This means you can easily get a shower to freshen up before returning to the Tuscany luxury villa you rented for your stay. Hot springs have an egg-like smell due to the sulfurous water typical of these sites, so a shower may be necessary, especially if heading to a fine-dining restaurant for dinner.
- Don’t forget to remove all your earrings, necklaces, rings, and bracelets before immersing yourself in the natural pools, as sulfurous water is known to tarnish jewelry.
- Lastly, keep in mind that drinking alcohol in public in Italy is completely legal. This means you can organize a cute picnic in your chosen hot spring, bringing local food and a delicious bottle of Chianti, Brunello di Montalcino, or Vino Nobile di Montepulciano for the ultimate luxurious experience.
Best Thermal Baths in Tuscany
While opting for a hot spring can be ideal for those wanting to reconnect with nature, sometimes, we all need to spoil ourselves. Thankfully, Tuscany has a variety of spas and wellness centers equipped with thermal baths. Some of these are famous all over Italy and beyond thanks to their rich history and the many renowned historical figures who have visited them. Here are some of the best thermal baths in Tuscany for you to choose from.
Montecatini Terme
Montecatini Terme is probably the most famous thermal bath in Italy. Located about 9 miles from Pistoia, this town has several spas and wellness centers. The most popular are the Tettuccio, Redi, and Excelsior Thermal Complex. The water found in these thermal baths comes from four main sources: Rinfresco, Tettuccio, Regina, and Leopoldina. Each has specific therapeutic properties, benefiting the digestive system, boosting liver health, and improving chronic rheumatic diseases. All thermal baths have an experienced staff of medical professionals and offer all sorts of wellness treatments.
The town of Montecatini Terme was founded as a spa center and has been incredibly popular throughout the centuries. This can be the ideal place for those wanting to also immerse themselves in Italian art, thanks to the many Liberty-style buildings erected during the Italian Belle Èpoque period, such as the stunning Caffè Tettuccio.
Chianciano Terme
The Theia Thermal Baths consist of several internal and external pools, with water temperatures ranging from 91°F to 97°F. These waters are rich in carbon dioxide, calcium carbonate, bicarbonate, and sulfates and have plenty of therapeutic properties.
This is considered one of the most popular thermal baths in Tuscany and is the ideal place for families with kids, as this site features a wellness center for children between 6 and 14 years of age. A green park surrounds the pools, and several treatments are also offered, including relaxing, toning, and decontracting massages.
Guests can also access the Theia Wellness Center, which is equipped with a Finnish sauna with temperatures reaching 212 °F, Turkish baths, cold and hot showers, and a relaxation area. The Theia Thermal Baths are located about 50 km southeast of Siena in a town known as Chianciano Terme.
Rapolano Terme
The Antica Querciolaia Thermal Baths are not as popular as Theia Thermal Baths and Montecatini Terme, so they can be a good option for those wanting to escape huge crowds. The water found here is renowned for its therapeutic properties and is particularly beneficial for the respiratory and otorhinolaryngology systems while improving osteoarticular and cutaneous diseases, including acne, seborrhoea, and eczema. The presence of algae in the water is a clear sign that no disinfectant or other harmful chemicals have been used.
This site is located near Rapolano Terme, about 20 miles from Siena, and the water temperatures range from 86°F to 104°F. The Antica Querciolaia Thermal Baths is also considered one of the best thermal spas in Tuscany as it offers many thermal mud treatments and a variety of massages.
Bagni di Lucca
Near the town of Bagni di Lucca, about 15 miles north of Siena, the Terme Bagno Bernabò offers a variety of treatments, including thermal baths, mud treatments, light facial showers, and Kneipp therapy, just to mention a few. These baths take their name from a man from Florence who visited this site in the 16th century and was allegedly healed from a serious skin condition.
The water temperature at these thermal baths is around 102 °F and contains calcium, magnesium, sulfate, bicarbonate, and sodium, improving osteoarticular diseases and muscle-tendon conditions while having an anti-inflammatory effect on the body.
Venturina Terme
Both the Etruscan and the Romans already knew this incredibly ancient site, which remains a popular destination for thermal bath lovers. The Venturina Thermal Spa is among the best facilities in the area and offers several treatments, including mineral water cures, inhalation treatments, mud baths, and hydrotherapy.
The water of this site has a temperature of around 112 °F and is rich in sulfate, calcium, magnesium, and bicarbonate. The town of Venturina Terme is located in the Maremma region, renowned for its delicious food, and is roughly 60 miles south of Livorno.
Rapolano Terme
This picturesque Medieval city of Rapolano Terme is one of the many villages in Tuscany known for its thermal waters. In particular, San Giovanni Terme, about one mile from the town, is among the most popular facilities in Tuscany. Equipped with an exclusive sunset bar offering stunning views over the surrounding countryside and a large park extending over two hectares where you can bask in the sun, this remains one of Italians’ favorite spas.
The waters of San Giovanni Terme have a temperature of about 102°F and have been proven to boost the respiratory and muscular system while improving skin conditions such as eczema and psoriasis.
San Giuliano Terme
Last on our list is San Giuliano Terme, one of the best thermal baths in Tuscany. Approximately 3 miles north of Pisa, this is the perfect place for those craving a day of relaxation after dealing with the huge crowds of tourists typical of Pisa.
Bagni di Pisa is the most popular facility in the area, thanks to its stunning architecture. This spectacular palace features ancient frescoes and furniture, adding a royal touch to your experience.
This site offers numerous unique treatments, including four-hand massages, sound energy sessions, and family experiences, making this one of the most popular thermal spas in Tuscany. Bagni di Pisa has internal and external thermal pools and a water temperature of about 100°F.