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You probably know where to find the top museums and art galleries in Italy, but do you know where to find the best hot springs in Italy?
Italy is best known for its exceptionally well-preserved monuments dating back to Roman times and beautiful historic cities; however, this European country is a hidden gem when it comes to its natural beauty.
Thanks to its unique geological composition, you’ll find amazing hot springs throughout the country.
If you’re looking to add some relaxing and healing time to your Italian itinerary, a dip in one of Italy’s hot springs with mineral-rich water should be at the top of your list.
Let’s dive right in!
The Best Hot Springs in Italy
If you’ve visited hot springs in other European countries, you’ll be pleasantly surprised to learn that many Italian hot springs are entirely free to visit.
They are naturally rich in minerals and sulfur, giving the springs a specific smell that takes some getting used to.
Mineral-rich water can damage jewelry, so remember to take it off before jumping in.
1. Terme di Saturnia
- Saturnia, Tuscany
Terme di Saturnia is also known as Cascate del Mulino.
This fairytale-like cascading hot spring is the best-known thermal spring in Italy, famous since Roman times.
It’s even been named one of the top 10 hot springs in the world!
Despite being an open-air hot spring, the water temperature stays at a comfortable 37℃ year round, so it is possible to visit throughout the year.
The water cascading down the hill creates multiple pools, so they don’t feel crowded despite their popularity.
Still, if you want to avoid crowds, it’s best to visit early in the morning.
The best part? This incredible hot spring is completely free to visit!
Cascate del Mulino is located in Tuscany, and you can easily reach it by car.
There are no changing rooms, but there is a seasonal cafe next to the hot spring where you can grab snacks, coffee, and use the restroom.
2. Bagno Vignoni
- Bagno Vignoni, Tuscany
The small town of Bagno Vignoni is home to one of the oldest thermal baths in Italy.
The city is quite unique as nowhere else in the country will you find a city’s main square filled with hot water you can swim in!
The area is rich in thermal waters, with a couple of free open-air resurfaced swimming pools.
Parco dei Mulini is a free thermal pool set in the ruins of former mill buildings.
Thermal water flowing down to the pool at the bottom of the hill is not as hot as you might expect, so if you want to swim, it’s better to visit in the summer.
Outdoor hot springs don’t have any amenities, but they are so close to the city that you can quickly reach a cafe or a restaurant for a quick meal and toilets.
Bagno Vignoni is located in Tuscany, about 50km south of Siena.
3. Piscine Carletti
- Viterbo, Lazio
Piscine Carletti, close to the small town of Viterbo, is another free, open-air hot spring in central Italy.
It is not the most picturesque hot spring you’ll ever see, as it feels pretty rough.
However, it is an excellent spot for those looking for rugged beauty.
This hot spring gets quite hot, with an average temperature of around 55℃ in the main spring.
The pools further away from the main spring get significantly colder.
Locals love using white hot spring mud to cover themselves and enjoy its healing properties.
If the spring gets too busy, walk to the nearby thermal spring of Bulicame, which is usually much calmer.
You’ll find both of these hot springs about an hour away from Rome, perfect for a day trip into nature.
4. Bagni di San Filippo
- Bagni di San Filippo, Tuscany
When you look at Bagni di San Filippo from a distance, you might think you’re looking at a cliff covered in snow.
However, there is no snow – at least not in the summer.
The thick white layer, called the White Whale (Il Fosso Bianco,) covering the cliffs is a mineral deposit from the hot spring running down the hill.
This might be the most picturesque hot spring in Italy, nestled in the forest, with a cascading waterfall running down, filling the bright blue hot pools along the way.
The hottest pools are the ones closest to the “white whale.”
This hot spring is free to visit; however, you must pay for parking if you’re coming by car.
Bagni di San Filippo is located in central Italy, about an hour’s drive from Siena.
5. Bormio Thermal Baths
- Sondrio, Lombardy
Located in the mountainous region of north Italy close to the Switzerland border, bathing in Bormio Thermal Baths is a 2,000-year-old tradition.
Today, you can also experience the traditional Roman bath ceremony in one of three Bormio Spas.
QC Terme Bagni Vecchi is the oldest, and it is believed that Romans visited these baths to heal after the battles.
The pools in all Bormio spas are filled with naturally hot mineral water with many therapeutic properties.
The warm water temperature ranges from 36 to 41℃, and it is the hottest in the winter! Perfect for those who are visiting the spa from the nearby ski resorts.
Bormio is located in the north of Italy, about a 3-hour drive from Milan.
6. Segesta Hot Springs
- Segesta, Sicily
Segesta Hot Springs should be part of your itinerary if you’re visiting Sicily.
You’ll find two different thermal pools in Segesta – a natural open-air pool and Terme Segestane, with three thermal pools.
If you’re looking for a place that is easily accessible to relax in, go for Terme Segestane. The amenities are basic, with small changing rooms and toilets.
If you are up for an adventure, go to the free Segesta Hot Springs.
The trail leading to the spring is short, but you will have to cross the river at one point. The river size depends on the weather conditions, so it might be deeper than expected.
The hot pool is big enough to comfortably fit about 30 people. To have it for yourself, consider going early in the morning.
Segesta is located in Sicily, about an hour east of Palermo.
7. Abano Terme & Montegrotto Terme
- Abano Terme, Veneto
- Montegrotto Terme, Veneto
The small towns of Abano Terme and Montegrotto Terme on the outskirts of the northern Italian city of Padua are some of the oldest European spa towns, well known for their thermal mineral waters and healing mud.
However, you won’t find open-air hot springs or natural pools in Abano or Montegrotto.
Instead, you can visit luxurious spas and hotels surrounded by glass pool fencing within wellness centers.
The raw water temperature is around 80℃, but the pool water is cooled down to comfortable temperatures.
The healing mud is a popular treatment in Abano Terme and Montegrotto Terme spas.
The mud has a unique composition of natural clay, thermal water, and algae, which is believed to give it anti-inflammatory, healing properties.
You can take the train to the Terme Euganee-Abano-Montegrotto
stop just outside Padua, about an hour south of Venice, to reach this beautiful resort area.
8. Laghetto di Fanghi
- Aeolian Islands
Located just a short walk from the harbor, the Laghetto di Fanghi is an exceptional experience on the stunning Aeolian island of Vulcano.
It’s a free, do-it-yourself spa that offers visitors the chance to wallow in natural mud.
The grey sludge is said to have healing properties and can help ease muscle and joint pain and treat skin diseases.
This milky bath is kept steaming hot by underground sulfur springs, allowing visitors to soak in its toasty, muddy, mineral-rich waters while simultaneously enjoying incredible views over the Vulcano crater.
The mud is said to have healing properties and can help ease muscle and joint pain, rheumatic pains, and treat skin diseases.
Since the mud is quite stinky, you can always rinse off in the clean spring waters nearby if you don’t want to smell like sulfur afterward.
9. Thermae of Sorgeto
- Ischia
When it comes to hot springs in Italy, Ischia stands out among the rest.
This beautiful island situated in the Bay of Naples is renowned for its thermal pools and the healing powers of its waters.
The water here has been naturally heated by volcanic activity, making it one of the most radioactive thermal pools in Europe.
Sorgeto, one of the island’s public hot springs, is right near the Bay of Sant’Angelo on Ischia.
You’ll find yourself surrounded by rocks, pebbles, and pools of amazingly hot water with temperatures ranging between 30°C and 37°C!
In fact, because this hot spring vents into the sea floor, it’s possible to bathe here in the winter months.
Getting to Sorgeto is fairly easy; you can either climb the stairs (about 250 steps) from the small town of Panza or use a taxi boat from Sant’Angelo for about €5.
10. Sirmione
- Lake Garda
As Italy’s largest lake, Lake Garda is surrounded by stunning mountains in the Veneto and Lombardy regions.
But many don’t realize there are also some excellent hot springs in the area.
The Sirmione peninsula is home to a series of natural thermal baths fed by the mineral-rich lake water.
Thankfully, there are now several hotels and wellness centers that give you the chance to soak in warm, mineral-rich waters while enjoying the stunning views of Lake Garda.
If you’re looking for a unique experience, head to the Aquaria Thermal Baths, where you can enjoy a range of pools with temperatures ranging from 28°C (82°F) to 38°C (100°F), as well as a range of spa treatments, including massages and facials.
This is the perfect spot for a relaxing day soaking in the warm waters and admiring the panoramic views.
Tips for Visiting Hot Springs in Italy
👉 You’ll need to rent a car: Usually, I prefer to travel Italy without renting a car. But you won’t be able to use Italy’s public transportation system to easily reach many of these beautiful hot springs, especially the ones in the Tuscan hills.
My favorite car rental service in Italy is Discover Cars; you can check their website for updated rates and availability.
👉 Bring water shoes for outside hot water springs: Although they’re not customary to the Italian bathing experience, if you’re worried about the terrain while enjoying these outdoor geothermal springs, bring a pair of water shoes with you.
You should always be aware of your surroundings and take necessary safety precautions when visiting hot springs in Italy.
👉 Stay hydrated: It’s essential to stay hydrated while visiting hot springs in Italy since sweating in warm temperatures can cause dehydration.
Make sure to bring plenty of water and drink it regularly throughout your visit.
Thermal Baths Italy: FAQs
What are the best hot springs in Italy?
1. Terme di Saturnia
2. Bagno Vignoni
3. Piscine Carletti
4. Bagni di San Filippo
5. Bormio Thermal Baths
6. Segesta Hot Springs
7. Abano Terme & Montegrotto Terme
8. Laghetto di Fanghi
9. Thermae of Sorgeto, Ischia
10. Aquaria Thermal Baths
What treatments are available at the hot springs?
Depending on the location, treatments may include healing mud, massage therapy, and other spa treatments.
When is the best time to visit one of these incredible Italian hot springs?
The best time to visit one of these incredible Italian hot springs is during the summer when the weather is warm and sunny.
However, you can also visit during winter for a unique, refreshing experience to escape the chilly winter.
The Best Thermal Pools in Italy: Wrap-Up
Most Italian hot springs are open year-round and incredibly picturesque in the winter as the steam rises above the water among the snow-covered landscapes.
With incredible natural hot springs all over the country, Italy is a perfect destination for everyone looking to relax in these healing mineral waters.
You’ll find most hot springs in Tuscany; however, hidden gems are located throughout the country–even in Sicily!
If you want to get away from Italy’s touristy places like the Trevi Fountain and the Colosseum on your next trip, why not try out some of these incredible spots!
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