There is hardly a part of the world that offers such a vibrant mix of natural beauty, ancient tradition, art and culture, culinary treasures, and wellness as Tuscany. Under its hilly folds, cypress-lined lanes, and medieval towns, lies a secret system of geothermal baths, some completely wild and free, others in part of refined spa-resorts, once the favourite of Roman emperors and Renaissance princes. This article is dedicated to the sulfur-rich hot thermal springs in Tuscany that have been attracting travelers for centuries.
The hot springs of Tuscany today provide a unique combination of rough originality and high-tech luxury where people may take baths under the sky, in the ancient grottos, or get the best spa services surrounded by the vineyards and the olive trees. You may like the airy cascades of Bagni San Filippo, the refined baths of Montecatini Terme, or the open pools of the Petriolo, whether of spring, history, or an art of slow living; all are stories in themselves.
Saturnia
One of the best-known thermal springs in Tuscany is Saturnia, which boasts of natural sulfur-bearing hot springs that continuously flow at an average temperature of approximately 37.5 degrees. The most popular is the Cascate del Mulino, which is a series of travertine pools fed by a waterfall that creates an incredible effect of both wildness and calmness. Saturnia is located in the Maremma region of southern Tuscany, which is 2 hours by car south of Florence. The closest train station is located at Albinia, from where you can get to the thermal springs in about 30 minutes with a taxi or a bus.
The hot springs are open throughout the year, and one can enter free of charge, making them the most attractive thermal bath option to locals. The spring and autumn are the most desirable seasons to visit, when the warm water is set off against a cooler air, but even winter may be most atmospheric, with the steam steaming in the foggy mornings.
When it comes to accommodation, the Terme di Saturnia Natural Spa & Golf Resort is a luxurious option located right next to the thermal springs. The surrounding agriturismos, such as Agriturismo Le Cascatelle, offer picturesque country-style getaway retreats that are within walking distance of the springs and are perfect to those who desire to have a relaxing, peaceful getaway.
Bagni San Filippo
Deep in the woods of southern Tuscany, Bagni San Filippo is one of the most surreal natural spas in Italy, with its white limestone formations and its turquoise thermal pools. Their most interesting sight is Fosso Bianco, which appears to be a frozen waterfall carved out of mineral beds, with the average water temperature being approximately 48 degrees.
The springs are found in Castiglione d’Orcia, 1 hour South of Siena, and 2 hours from Florence. The car is the most convenient mode of transportation. You need to take the SR2 highway and follow local signs to the hamlet. Access to the natural pools is free-of-charge throughout the year, but one should come during the period of April-October when the weather is cooler and the hiking across the forest tracks is not as heavy.
The pools are misty and yet atmospheric in winter. Hotel Terme San Filippo has comfortable rooms and a personal spa, which is the best choice in case you want to feel more relaxed during your stay. La Casa di Adelina in Castiglione d’Orcia, a few kilometers away, provides the full Tuscan experience, with stone walls, views of the vineyards, and breakfast with farm-to-table ingredients, which makes it a great option when one would prefer the many benefits of wellness and the countryside in one vacation.
Bagno Vignoni
Bagno Vignoni, a thermal village in the very middle of the Val d’Orcia, is like no other thermal village, with the main piazza of the village being not a square, but a boiling hot spring. It’s a large pool, encircled with Renaissance architecture and warm vapors that ascended in the air, and is said to have been frequented by Saint Catherine of Siena and Lorenzo de’ Medici.
Bathing in the main basin is prohibited to conserve it; however, you may rest in the Parco dei Mulini just outside of it, where streams of the original spring lead to natural pools beneath the village. Bagno Vignoni is circa 20 minutes by car (accessible best by road SP323) between Pienza or 1 hour between Siena. The natural pools are free, open all year round, and spring and fall are the best seasons to be outdoors in the soaking pools.
To stay in luxury, Adler Spa Resort Thermae is a calm spa resort that combines both the present-day wellness and the vast countryside landscape with high-quality food. If you’re looking for something like a typical homestay, you might like Albergo Le Terme, just next to the historic piazza, where you can wake up to the enchanted view of steam rising over ancient waters, and enjoy the unique combination of authenticity and comfort in one of the most poetic villages of Tuscany.
Fonte Pura Thermal Baths
Located in the hilly terrain of the southern part of Tuscany, Fonte Pura Thermal Baths near Saturnia are a count of the more refined version of the Cascate del Mulino, which is perhaps more beautiful but also a lot more crowded. The waters are naturally heated to 37.5 degrees, while sulfur and other minerals that are known to relax muscles, complete the perfect relaxing experience that the thermal springs offer. Fonte Pura is approximately 2.5 hours north of Rome or 2 hours south of Florence, and it is easily accessed by car via the SS74.
Among the free waterfalls, Fonte Pura is a private and calm place with an admission fee of 25 euros and is open from 9 AM to 7 PM every day of the week. The best time to visit is during spring or autumn when the air is cool and the landscape is golden. The closest accommodation facilities are the Fonte Pura Resort, which contains on-site pools, panoramic terraces, and Agriturismo Le Cascatelle, which is a rustic farmhouse located a few minutes away.
The second one is enclosed by olive plantations and gives you the opportunity to spend your serene country evenings after taking refreshing baths. Both choices ensure that the guests will receive special treatment to the most renowned healing waters of the area, which makes Saturnia a resort that perfectly balances the elements of nature, rest, and a bit of tasteful Tuscany luxury.
Terme di Chianciano
Terme di Chianciano is one of the most renowned spa towns in Tuscany, combining history, wellness, and stunning landscape. It’s located between the Val d’Orcia and Val di Chiana, and their healing springs were treasured since the Etruscan and Roman eras because of their detoxifying and digestive properties.
Currently, the town has a number of contemporary thermal establishments, the most renowned one being the Terme Sensoriali, which combines aromatherapy, chromotherapy with music therapy, and Piscine Theia in a complex of outdoor and indoor swimming pools with warm mineral-rich waters. Chianciano is easily accessible- it’s only 10 minutes away from the town via the A1 motorway (Chiusi-Chianciano exit) or accessible by train through the Chiusi station, followed by a short taxi ride.
Admission charges vary between 20-40 Euros, and its facilities are available all day long (9 AM to 8 PM). The best seasons of the year to visit are spring and late summer. When it comes to accommodation, the Grand Hotel Terme has luxurious rooms with direct spas and fitness options, whereas Hotel Villa Ricci has been featured with its holistic treatments and the view of the Tuscan hills.
Antica Querciolaia Thermal Baths
Antiqua Querciolaia, which is found in Rapolano Terme (approximately 30 minutes east of Siena), is one of the most sophisticated and yet accessible thermal springs in Tuscany. The area is known as the land of sulfur and calcium. The waters flow naturally underground at a temperature of 38 to 40 degrees, ideal for alleviating joint and muscle pain. Tourists can choose between outdoor pools among cypress trees and tranquil indoor baths specifically set to relax the visitors all year round.
The spa works from 9 AM to midnight, and daily sessions comprise daytime wellness and night bathing of a romantic nature. The prices of entry are between 15 and 25 euros based on the term of stay and the amenities. The best time to visit is between April and October when the outdoor pools are in full. The easiest way to get there is by car via the Siena-Bettolle highway.
When it comes to accommodation options, Hotel Terme Antica Querciolaia is located directly next to the baths. Alternatively, Agriturismo Tenuta Armaiolo is just outside Rapolano, and it offers rustic Tuscan style, onsite olive oil tasting, and a peaceful countryside setting, which is an ideal match to the rejuvenating air of the spa.
Montecatini Terme
Montecatini Terme in northern Tuscany, located between Florence and Lucca, is one of the few places that harbor the traditional European spa culture. The town is a sophisticated wellness resort that was a fashionable place in the 19th century, with both aristocrats and artists coming to visit it. The Terrme Tettuccio is an architectural masterpiece due to its marble colonnades and Art Nouveau frescoes, which are worth visiting even without taking a bath.
The waters of Montecatini are famous due to their purification and digestive properties, and the majority of spas work throughout the year, with the prices of a single treatment ranging between 15 and 40 Euros. The town is well accessible -only 50 minutes by train or by car via the A11 motorway out of Florence. The spring and fall seasons are the best seasons to walk through its tree-lined parks and then relax in one of the numerous spa resorts.
Some of the best places to stay in the area fewture Grand Hotel & La Pace Spa, a five-star luxury and traditional grandeur with contemporary wellness, and Hotel Ercolini and Savi offering comfort and easy access to the spa as well as local restaurants. The combination of the Belle Epoque luxury and the true healing tradition is what made Montecatini an unchanging destination of both leisure and cultural decadence.
Bagni di Lucca
Located in the heart of the Serchio Valley to the North of Lucca, Bagni di Lucca is a wellness resort dating back to the Roman era, and one frequently visited by European aristocrats in the Middle Ages. The region is known due to naturally occurring warm springs that surface at an approximate temperature of 54 degrees and are mineralized with sulfate and bicarbonate salts, which calm rheumatism and skin disorders.
One can take a rest in the Terme Bagni di Lucca, where the old Grotta Grande and Grotta Paolina (named after the sister of Napoleon) provide therapeutic treatments in steam caves that are not to be found elsewhere in Tuscany. Entrance fees are about 20 euros, and the spa is available all day long. The car or bus journey from Bagni di Lucca to the city of Lucca takes some 30 minutes. What is nice about the town is the combination of mountain tranquility and old villas.
To stay, Hotel & Terme Bagni di Lucca is the best choice due to its direct entry to the spa and the view of the river, while Villa Lucchesi is another great option- a small and family-run B&B that provides comfortable rooms and a homemade breakfast.
Bagni Bernabò
Bagni Bernabo is a smaller and historically interesting spa on the border of Tuscany and Emilia-Romagna, which is worth visiting for people who want to relax and enjoy the authenticity away from the crowds. The springs are also full of sulfur and bromide and can be found at approximately 35 degrees, and have been said to aid in respiratory and skin-related disorders. The spa complex includes small thermal pools, inhalation treatments, and mud treatments in a peaceful mountain atmosphere.
It’s a great detour to Bagni Bernabo, which may be approached by car in an hour or two out of Bologna, or in two hours out of Florence. Ticket prices are about 20-30 euros (depending on timing and facilities used) and the place is open every day except on a Tuesday, and usually between 9 AM to 6 PM. Late spring to early fall is the best time to visit because the other forest trails around are green and appealing. When it comes to accommodation, Hotel Helvetia Thermal Spa in Porretta Terme is a blend of contemporary architecture and nature with wellness, which has underground thermal pools and a rooftop.
To stay in a more rustic place, Agriturismo Le Panche in the vicinity features mountain privacy, homemade cuisine, and convenient entry to various natural hot springs.
San Giuliano Terme
San Giuliano Terme is a very advanced Tuscany spa town located between Pisa and Lucca, which is known to be characterized by a blend of classical and high-end wellness. Throughout its history, since Roman times, the thermal waters of the area, which are full of sulfate, calcium, and magnesium, have been used to treat arthritis and muscle pain.
The Bagni di Pisa Palace & Thermal Spa are presently on the location of the ancient baths that were once used to be used by the nobility and artists, including Byron. San Giuliano is well served by train, only 10 minutes by train from Pisa, or 20 minutes from Lucca. You can also get there by car via the SS12 road. The thermal complex is also available throughout the year, and day spa passes cost approximately between 40- 60 Euros. Autumn or springtime is the most pleasant season to visit and help calm the warmth of the pools.
The best experience in the area is to stay at Bagni di Pisa: there are vaulted ceilings, marble baths, and natural springs at your fingertips. To be a little more low-key and affordable, Villa di Corliano, just outside, is a noble townhouse with frescoed rooms overlooking an olive grove-lined base, making it one of the most romantic spots in this part of Tuscany.
Versilia Thermal Baths
The Versilia Thermal Baths are situated in the Tuscan coast in Camaiore near the sea with a unique mix of sea wind and wellness. The waters here are bromide, iodine, and sulfur, and are hotter than most others, with their waters having a temperature of about 44-45 degrees, which can be particularly useful for people who have issues with the respiratory system and skin therapy. There is also an added advantage of thalassotherapy (sea-based therapy) to its cures, like most other spas in the interior areas.
It’s easily accessible by the A12 motorway and is only 30 minutes away from Pisa or 1 hour away from Florence. The spa runs all year round, and the day passes cost between 30 and 50 euros.
When it comes to accommodation, I would recommend UNA Esperienze Versilia Lido; it’s a modern suites spa located close to the beach, where the customers can move freely between the beach and the spa. Another option is Hotel Grand in Lido di Camaiore with its modern rooms, sea view, and close proximity to the thermal center, which is the best place to spend a relaxing, romantic weekend.
Equi Thermal Baths
Amongst marble hills and cave formations in the Lunigiana, in the North of Tuscany, the Equi Thermal Baths is a small yet beautiful spot where geology and history come together. The springs have a high content of calcium and magnesium, helpful for people with circulation problems. Equi Terme village is also a destination with its prehistoric caves and alpine beauty that gives a glimpse of the gorgeous Tuscan nature away from the crowds.
It’s most conveniently approached by car, some 1.5 hours south of Pisa or 40 minutes away from Carrara via the SS63 road. The spa complex works between April and October, and the ticket costs vary between 10 and 20 euros, with access to the thermal pools and wellness zones.
Tourists usually have a spa trip with a visit to the nearby Grotte di Equi, which is an amazing system of natural caves. When it comes to hotels, Casa Vinicia has comfortable rooms, its own pools, and is the closest accommodation option to the springs, while Agriturismo La Mandriola is located within a few minutes off and offers gorgeous mountain views, delicious, home-cooked meals, and an authentic Lunigiana atmosphere.
Sorgente Ipotermale Bollori et Putizza
The Sorgente Ipotermale Bollori e Putizza is a rare geological marvel and one of the most unusual thermal springs in Italy, located near the medieval village of Bagno di Romagna, a little more than a mile over the Tuscan border, in Emilia-Romagna. The springs are ipotermal (naturally warm, about 45 degrees) and continually in motion, in contrast to other Tuscan spas; this forms an illusion of boiling water without any heat hazards.
The springs are totally free and open to the public throughout the year; there is no entrance fee, and it’s only a short walk away from the town center, with a network of forest trails. Tourists can make the trek through the so-called Trail of the Gnomes (Sentiero degli Gnomi) and enjoy a panoramic view that culminates in the bubbling source.
When it comes to accommodation options, Roseo Euroterme Wellness Resort in Bagno di Romagna provides complete access to thermal spa and massages, as well as hydrotherapy in a classy environment, at a reasonable price, while Albergo Bologna, a local family-owned inn, will provide affordable costs with delicious local food.
Terme di Petriolo
Last but not least, we conclude this list of the best thermal springs in Tuscany with Terme di Petriolo, 30 km south of Siena on the Farma River. This is one of the oldest natural hot springs in Tuscany, dating back to Roman times. The peculiarity of Petriolo is the combination of outdoor free pools and a modern spa complex.
The sulfuric waters come out at approximately 43 degrees and can be characterized as anti-inflammatory and healing to the skin. The location is accessible all year-round and is free to enter, but spring or late autumn is the best season to enjoy when the steam is represented brilliantly in the cool forest. It can be reached by car through the SS223 road to Grosseto.
For a place to stay, Petriolo Spa Resort has luxury rooms and direct access to the indoor pools, fed with the same natural springs and ideal to comfort seekers. Another great option is Agriturismo Podere Marroneto, a little further away but offering an idyllic countryside experience within the olive groves.
How did you like this guide to the best thermal springs in Tuscany? Did you ever visit any of these springs? Do you know of any other worth mentioning? Feel free to share your thoughts in the comments below.
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