7 Thermal Resorts In Tuscany You Need To Escape To ASAP

Tuscany is home to many natural hot springs, most located in dramatic natural sceneries. Many of these falls are now part of enclosed spa centers (but there are still free waters), so if you are looking for a place to spend a relaxing holiday, you have plenty of choices for visiting Tuscany during the fall and winter.

Bagno Vignoni

Spa Hotel

The province of Siena is the richest area of warm natural waters in all of Tuscany, and the hills of Val d’Orcia, especially the Crete Senesi, are the perfect place to take care of your body as well as to explore fabulous territory. Set south of Siena, a short distance from Pienza, Bagno Vignoni is one of the oldest and most famous thermal location of Tuscany, well known for its Roman pool located in the centre of the hamlet’s main square and surrounded by ancient buildings.

Petriolo

Natural Feature

Only 20 minutes by car from Siena are the Bagni di Petriolo, hot springs that were popular with the ancient Romans and later with the Medici family. The temperature of these thermal waters is 43 degrees, so they are perfect for cold winter days. The pools, which are free, are located below ruined walls dating from 404 AD and near the Farma river so you can even combine a cold and hot dip. The water is said to cure everything from colds to arthritis.

Saturnia

Natural Feature

Italy’s best-known hot springs are at Saturnia in the wild Maremma, south of Tuscany. This thermal spot is located in a dramatic landscape with olive groves, vineyards, cypresses and wooded hills. The main springs are easy to find, as they are not far from the town’s main spa: a series of rock white pools which falls in a succession of cascades into the pools. The water is 37 degrees and is full of precious minerals such as sulphur, calcium and carbon.

San Filippo

Natural Feature

Another hot spring located near Siena, between the volcanic peaks of Mount Amiata and the valley of Orcia, San Filippo is known for its five hot springs which are rich in magnesium, calcium and sulphur, believed to be excellent for respiratory disorders and joint problems. This place takes its name from the Florentine hermit who retreated here in the 13th century. The most spectacular of all is the Fosso Bianco, a series of calcareous rocks that hang over the water in a series of stalactites.

Chianciano Terme

Natural Feature

Set between Val d’Orcia and Valdichiana, Chianciano Terme is the perfect thermal base for those who want to explore the surroundings. These terme are located close to other famous destinations of Tuscany, such as Montalcino, Pienza and Montepulciano. Over the years these hot springs became recognized in Italy for curing liver problems. However, this is not only a rehabilitation spot; there are also many beauty care treatments that can be reserved.

Casciana Terme

Natural Feature

Casciana Terme, near Pisa, is a beautiful thermal village with hot curative waters. The most famous area of this thermal resort is Acqua Termale Mathelda, whose benefits for health are well documented. Casciana Terme is just a short distance from the beautiful city of Volterra so if you want to enjoy both relaxation as well as culture there is no better choice than this.

Venturina

Natural Feature

Venturina is another special thermal location found on the Costa degli Etruschi, so named because of all the Etruscan archaeological remains unearthed over the years. These hot springs are perfect both for relaxing and taking advantage of the curative powers of the waters in the marvelous location of the Maremma, one of the most dramatic territories in Tuscany.

About the author

Francesca Masotti

Coffee-addicted, autumn enthusiast and self-taught photographer – I am Francesca, a travel journalist. After living in Italy and Spain, now I spend my days in the lively city of Tirana, Albania. If I'm not exploring the Balkan peninsula, you’ll find me at the local food market or writing about my travels.