Saturnia Hot Springs
Italy’s best-known hot springs can be found in the Tuscany region in Saturnia. The area is covered by woodland, valleys and fields. But its fame comes from the warm waters that seep through the Earth’s crust. Roman legend has it that the God of Saturn had a hand in this when he lost his temper.
Saturnia is now a spa town, but there is a misconception that the thermal waters are part of a spa resort. There is, in fact, an area freely available to the public every day of the year.
Cascate del Mulino is the main free thermal area with blue pools forming small-sized waterfalls. If you want to avoid crowds, or even have the place all to yourself, it is best to head down early in the morning. And Terme di Saturnia is a resort and spa, where you can purchase a day pass to the Thermal Park from €19,00.
Rich in minerals and high in sulphur, the waters are fairly consistent at a pleasant 37°C. The waters instantly get to work in easing aches and healing pains, while the sulphur alongside the carbon and calcium in the waters is beneficial for people with skin conditions.
Available and beautiful all year round, the warm temperatures will be highly appreciated in winter, while in summer, the nearby River Albegna will help to cool you down.
Hotels near Terme di Saturnia Hot Springs
• Terme di Saturnia Natural Spa & Golf Resort (5 stars, 8.7 rating): staying there you can freely access the hot springs and also can enjoy spa facilities, natural swimming pools and a golf course.
• Agriturismo Le Cascatelle (3 stars, 9.3 rating): farm stay only 10 minutes on foot from Cascate del Mulino, and also offers discount entry to Terme di Saturnia.
• B&B 8380 Saturnia Terme (3 stars, 8.6 rating): lovely B&B only 350 yards from Terme di Saturnia and 900 yards from the Cascate del Mulino thermal waterfalls.
• B&B 8380 – Pian Del Molino (3 starts, 8.7 rating): other charming B&N, just 200 yards from the Terme di Saturnia hot springs.
• Bio Agriturismo Il Torrione (farm stay, 9.2 rating): a beautiful farm with a pool, only 750 yards from the centre of Saturnia and 1,3 miles from the springs.
How to get to Saturnia, Tuscany
Saturnia Town is in the Province of Grosseto, about an hour south of Siena and three hours from Florence. It’s a 2h30 drive from Rome.
There’s no direct train or bus to Saturnia, so the easiest and most comfortable way to get there is by renting a car or taking a tour.
Tours to Saturnia, Italy
• Saturnia Thermal & Wellness from Civitavecchia Port.
• Saturnia and Picnic at sunset in the middle of the vineyards
• Saturnia and Città del Tufo in E Bike
• Tour of the vineyards and tasting of natural wines and EVO oil in Saturnia
Bagno Vignoni Hot Springs
One of the best-known locations for thermal baths in Tuscany, Bagno Vignoni is famous for its Roman pool located in the main square and surrounded by architecturally and historically intriguing buildings.
Set in Siena Province, the richest area for thermal baths in Tuscany, the Bagno Vignoni pools are among the oldest in the region.
In the heart of Val d’Orcia Park, Bagno Vignoni’s hot springs have a reputation that attracts large swathes of visitors each year. That reputation was founded upon Roman beliefs that the waters, flowing at a temperature of around 49°C, had healing powers. Famous visitors have included Pope Pius II and Saint Catherine of Siena.
While you cannot bathe in the pool in the main square, the natural hot waters of nearby Parco dei Mulini offer the chance for visitors to appreciate the stunning surroundings for no charge. Here, you can relax in the waters for free and soak up the history of the place, with thoughts of the many people who have been on pilgrimages to the area in search of healing, or as a stop-off on their journey to Rome.
Hotels near Bagno Vignoni Hot Springs
All the hotels listed below have natural thermal pools or are within walking distance from Parco dei Mulini Hot Springs.
• Adler Spa Resort Thermae (5-stars, 9.1 rating): offers indoor and outdoor swimming pools, Turkish baths and a sauna.
• Albergo Posta Marcucci (4-stars, 9.1 rating): offers a spa centre and a thermal bath.
• Albergo Le Terme (3-stars, 8.4 rating): historical building with a hydromassage bath, a Roman sauna with therapeutic pools, and a main thermal pool.
• La Locanda del Loggiato (B&B, 8.9 rating); charming 14th-century building in the center of the village.
How to get to Bagno Vignoni, Italy
Bagno Vignoni is located one hour south of Siena and two hours from Florence. The easiest way to get there is by car. But there’s a direct bus from Florence twice a week during summer. The company running it is TiemmeSpa.
Alternatively, you can get a train from Siena to Buonconvento and then busses 114 and 54 to Bagno Vignoni.