Italy has some amazing hot springs and thermal baths, from north to south. I first visited Tuscan hot springs in 2004, and I’ve continued to explore them whenever I can.
While some of our thermal baths are getting international coverage (hello Saturnia!), many are still not well-known to visitors.
Don’t get me wrong – none of these thermal springs are uncrowded. You’ll find Italians and Europeans in all of these hot springs. But, you can still enjoy them, and if you really want to have your quiet, solitary moment, get up really early!
After you’ve seen David in Florence, eaten your weight in gelato, and visited more hilltop villages than you can count, it’s time to explore the best hot springs that Tuscany has to offer:
Table of Contents
7 Best Hot Springs in Tuscany
These aren’t all the hot springs in Tuscany. Rather, these are my picks for the best ones to spend your time at.
If you want, you can even do a ‘Hot Springs in Tuscany’ road trip and visit a few of the springs in the same day (or few days).
| HOT SPRING | NEAREST TOWN | BEST REACHED BY | FREE OR PAID |
| Cascate del Mulino di Saturnia / Terme di Saturnia | Saturnia | Car | Free and paid |
| Bagno Vignoni | Bagno Vignoni | Car | Free and paid |
| Bagni San Filippo | Bagni San Filippo | Car | Free |
| San Casciano dei Bagni | San Casciano dei Bagni | Car | Free and paid |
| Chianciano Terme | Chianciano Terme | Car | Paid |
| Rapolano Terme | Rapolano Terme | Car or Train | Paid |
| Bagni di Petriolo | Bagni di Petriolo | Car | Free and Paid |
Good To Know: Cascate del Mulino are the free public hot springs in Saturnia. The Terme di Saturnia are the paid public thermal baths.
Best Tuscany Hot Springs for Romance: San Casciano dei Bagni or Cascate del Mulino di Saturnia (during low-season)
Best Tuscany Hot Springs for Families: Bagno Vignoni (dip your toes in the stream, try the free baths, or use the spa hotels; family-friendly village); Read about Visiting Bagno Vignoni with Kids
Best Tuscany Hot Springs for a Florence Day Trip: Rapolano Terme
Best Tuscany Hot Springs for a Rome Day Trip: Bagni San Filippo (easy to reach from the A1, and you can also visit the Val d’Orcia – or Orvieto and Civita di Bagnoregio)
Best Tuscany Hot Springs for Photos: Cascate del Mulino di Saturnia (if you arrive for sunrise)
Best Tuscany Hot Springs for Luxury: San Casciano dei Bagni (Fonteverde Spa Resort) or Saturnia (Terme di Saturnia Golf & Spa Resort)
Best Tuscany Hot Springs in a Village: Bagno Vignoni
Best Tuscany Hot Springs for Wine Lovers: Terme di Sassetta (near Castagneto Carducci and Bolgheri, Super Tuscan hotspots)
Best Tuscany Hot Springs for Foodies: Cascate del Mulino di Saturnia (dine at nearby Montemerano’s Michelin-starred Caino)
Best Tuscany Hot Springs Without a Car: Montecatini Terme (on the train line)
Best No-Frills Tuscan Hot Springs: Rapolano Terme
My Favorite Hot Springs in Tuscany: Bagno Vignoni
Terme di Saturnia
The Terme di Saturnia (more specifically, the Cascate del Mulino) were first used in Etruscan times and after a quiet period, they were used again (and refreshed) during the Renaissance).
Today, the Cascate del Mulino in Saturnia are Tuscany’s (and Italy’s) most famous hot springs. The oft-Instagrammed turquoise falls are featured in all the travel magazines and websites, so they’re definitely ‘discovered.’
But, they’re gorgeous and can be enjoyed if you can time it right.
Best For: Those that need facilities (bathrooms, lockers, restaurant); those looking to visit one of Italy’s most beautiful hot springs.
Avoid If: You want a tranquil hot springs visit during the summer – this place gets packed!
How to Get There: By car, through the Tuscan countryside. There aren’t any shortcuts to Saturnia!
Where to Stay:
- Terme di Saturnia Natural Spa & Golf Resort
- Agriturismo Bio Pian dei Casali
- Agriturismo Le Cascatelle
Where to Eat:
- Terme di Saturnia Resort’s restaurants, Caiano in nearby Montemerano
Helpful Tips:
- Get a nice view of the Cascate del Mulino from above at the pullout (with benches) along the SP10, south of the springs.
- For a less-crowded experience, visit between December and April.
With Kids: The Cascate del Mulino have all of the facilities you want or need (showers, lockers, bathrooms, changing table, restaurant/café), but they can get very crowded. I’d avoid the summer months if possible, and especially during the day. Your best bet would be to check it out, and if it’s too crowded, go to the nearby Terme di Saturnia (Saturnia Thermal Springs) public thermal baths. There are even two ‘kids’ pools there. If you do decide to stay, avoid the river above the springs and keep kids away from the falls. It’s helpful to have water shoes, and know that the area around the springs can get slippery if it’s rained.
Things to Do Nearby:
- Pitigliano (30 min)
- Morellino di Scansano wineries (30 min)
- Vie Cave trails (Pitigliano or Sorano)
- Montemerano (10 min)
Read our Complete Guide to Visiting the Saturnia Hot Springs
Bagno Vignoni Hot Springs
Bagno Vignoni is a perfect, tiny ‘hot springs hamlet’ in the Val d’Orcia in Southern Tuscany. The Roman bath village is home to two small hotels with thermal baths, a unique thermal bath piazza, a small stream, and free hot springs below town. These are some of the hottest springs in Tuscany, reaching temperatures in the upper 40s (Celsius).
This is a place to settle in for a few days and relax and slow down.
Best For: Those looking for a tranquil place to experience hot springs; romance-seekers; families.
Avoid If: You’re looking for nightlife or a lively place. Bagno Vignoni is quiet.
How to Get There: By car
Where to Stay:
- Albergo Posta Marcucci
- Albergo Le Terme
- ADLER Spa Resort THERMAE
Where to Eat:
- Perillà (Rocca d’Orcia)
- Podere Il Casale
- Agriturismo Il Rigo
Helpful Tips:
- Sometimes the water in the free hot springs below town isn’t very hot in the winter (it’s happened to me) – you can always try to get a day pass to the baths at one of the hotels in town.
Things to Do Nearby:
- Pienza (20 min)
- San Quirico d’Orcia (10 min)
- Chapel of Madonna di Vitaleta (20 min)
- The San Quirico Cypress Trees (25 min)
Read more about
Visiting Bagno Vignoni
Visiting the Val d’Orcia
Bagni San Filippo
Bagni San Filippo isn’t ‘undiscovered,’ but it’s definitely not as popular as Saturnia’s Cascate del Mulino. It’s nestled in the woods and some of the pools at the Fosso Bianco and Balena Bianco look like they’re made of freshly-fallen snow – they’re gorgeous!
The town is trying to maintain the hot springs, so there’s fencing up to keep people out of some of the pools. Hopefully this will be respected, as it’s really a beautiful place. As of August 2023, you must pay €2 to visit the larger pools (it’s worth it).
Best For: Those looking for a more intimate experience, especially if you can visit in the late-fall, winter, or early-spring.
Avoid If: You’ve got small children with you. The 5-10 minute walk down (and back up) isn’t ideal with small kids, and there are no facilities once you’re there. You can’t bring a stroller on the path to the hot springs.
Read our Quick Guide to Visiting Bagni San Filippo!
How to Get There: By car
Where to Stay: Stay in an agriturismo in the Val d’Orcia
Where to Eat:
- Silene (Pescina)
- Bring a picnic from the grocery store
Helpful Tips:
- Bring sneakers for the walk down – there are steep sections, tree roots, and it can be muddy.
- If you don’t find parking on the street on the way through town, keep going and park in the lot.
- You’re not supposed to visit at night.
Things to Do Nearby
- Montalcino (40 min)
- Monte Amiata (30 min)
- Drive the road between Sordino and Sforzesca (25 min to Sforzesca)
San Casciano dei Bagni
San Casciano dei Bagni was a popular Roman bath complex for the wealthy and you can soak like the emperors in the town’s baths – Bagno Grande and Bagno Bossolo.
The town was in the headlines in late 2022 for an incredible archaeological discovery – 24 bronze statues and many coins from the Etruscan-Roman era. They’re extremely well-preserved thanks to the thermal springs of Bagno Grande, just a stone’s throw away.
Best For: Those who can’t stand the smell of sulphur – these hot springs don’t smell bad!
Avoid If: You’re looking for the perfect photograph with turquoise colored water. These baths don’t have that pretty color (no sulphur = no smell, but no pretty color).
How to Get There: By car
Where to Stay:
- Fonteverde
- One of Camporsevoli’s villa rentals
- Albergo La Fontanella
Where to Eat:
- Ristorante Daniela
- Ristorante Castello di Fighine
Helpful Tips:
- San Casciano dei Bagni has a lot of parking for such a small town, and it even has a designated ‘Terme’ lot on via della Fontaccia.
- Don’t skip a visit to the very-charming town center.
- These rectangular basins may not be as photogenic as other Tuscan hot springs, but they’ve got a fabulous view of the stars at night!
Things to Do Nearby
- Bolsena – town and lake (45 min)
Chianciano Terme
Chianciano Terme is a thermal bath town, and it has a bit of a 70s vibe to it. But if you’re not a fan of the 70s, don’t let the look of the town force you to keep driving. Pull over and find your way into one of the town’s thermal centers. I love the variety of baths and temperatures in the Terme Sensoriali.
Best For: Those interested in treatments or trying a few different thermal bath complexes.
Avoid If: You want a beautiful, natural setting.
How to Get There: By car. It’s just 20 minutes off of the A1 Autostrada (take the Chiusi exit)
Where to Stay: I’d stay outside of Chianciano and just visit for the thermal baths. B&B Palazzolo (La Foce)
Where to Eat: Dopolavoro La Foce in nearby La Foce
Helpful Tips:
- In the evening, stop by the big piazza of the Parco Aquasanta. Sometimes there’s live music and dancing.
Things to Do Nearby:
- Montepulciano (15 min)
- San Biagio Temple (12 min)
- Castiglione del Lago (30 min)
Rapolano Terme
This is the only hot springs destination on the list that I haven’t personally visited, but my father-in-law (who has high expectations) is a huge fan and regular visitor, so I wanted to include it. He loves this place for its no-nonsense aesthetic. It’s clean, there’s plenty of space, and it’s got thermal baths!
Best For: A quick day-trip from Florence; a relaxing day at simple Tuscan thermal baths
Avoid If: If you’re looking for a luxury spa day, this isn’t your place
How to Get There: You can reach Rapolano by car (it’s not far off the superstrada 715) in the Crete Senesi (Sienese clay) hills. And, unlike the other hot springs on this list, you can take the train to the town. Read more about Tuscany Without a Car.
Where to Stay: Skip staying in Rapolano Terme and instead make your base at an agriturismo in the Val d’Orcia (like Agriturismo il Rigo)
Where to Eat: Locanda Paradiso in Chiusure, for simple Tuscan classics with a view
Things to Do Nearby:
- Road trip around the Crete Senesi (you’re already in them – just drive around!)
- Drive one of my all-time favorite roads, between Taverne d’Arbia and Asciano (18 min to Taverne d’Arbia)
- Monte Oliveto Maggiore Abbey (25 min)
Bagni di Petriolo
Bagni di Petriolo (aka Terme di Petriolo) isn’t located near any major landmarks or tourist destinations, so it’s usually filled with locals and Italians (but I did see a few visitors on an early spring visit).
It’s about halfway between Siena and Grosseto, just off the SS223.
There’s an ‘official’ thermal bath complex (paid), but most people walk down to the edge of the river and sit in the small baths that are filled by pipes with the thermal water.
The water temperature is extra hot here – you may not be able to spend as much time soaking, especially in the top bath, and especially in the summer.
You can also stay in the 4-star Mercure Petriolo Siena Terme Spa Hotel and use its thermal baths and enjoy the gorgeous views.
Best For: Those already in the area
Avoid If: You’re looking for something fancy or luxurious; you have kids – no facilities
Read more about Visiting Bagni di Petriolo!
How to Get There: By car
Where to Stay:
- Relais Le Macine di Stigliano
- Mercure Petriolo Siena Terme Spa Hotel
Where to Eat: Bring picnic supplies from the grocery store
Helpful Tips:
- Do a hot/cold dip here! Enjoy the springs and then jump into the cold river water!
- Bring an old swimsuit if you have one – these thermal springs are extra-smelly.
- Arrive early to find a parking space along the road. The parking is really limited. There are a lot of campers, there’s not much space, and the police do give fines for illegal parking.
- Don’t come here if you’re looking for picture-perfect hot springs – you can see the pipes that bring the thermal waters into the baths, and the fencing can be an eyesore.
Things to Do Nearby:
- Montalcino (50 min)
- Val d’Orcia (1 hr)
- Monte Oliveto Maggiore Abbey (50 min)
- Siena (30 min)
- San Galgano & the Sword in the Stone (35 min)
More Tuscan Thermal Springs & Baths
There are many more thermal baths and springs in the region, but they’re not all worthy of a visit (for example, some have been neglected or are not well-maintained). But, there are a few more worth mentioning, that are enjoyed by Tuscans and visitors:
- Montecatini Terme – charming spa town, beloved by Italians and Europeans; drinking the water here is one of the many treatments
- Terme di Venturina – enjoy the luxurious Castello Bonaria Wine & Spa Resort
- Terme di Sassetta – stay at the Terme di Sassetta for an intimate and authentic thermal bath setting near Castagneto Carducci wine country
- Monsummano Terme – stay at the recently renovated, luxurious Grotta Giusti Thermal Spa Resort
Tips for Visiting Hot Springs in Tuscany
- Don’t wear jewelry
- Be ready for a stinky swimsuit and towel
- Don’t expect a tranquil experience, but appreciate it if you get one
- Bring water shoes or flip-flops if you have them
- Come prepared with water and snacks
- Think about staying in a hotel or agriturismo nearby so you can visit early in the morning, when it’s the least crowded
- Bring a flashlight if you’ll be at the baths in the early morning or after dark
- Don’t leave valuables in your car – thieves are common and often parking is unattended
- If you don’t want to deal with crowded free hot springs, think about spending time in one of the paid thermal baths
- Use the list above to choose the right thermal springs in Tuscany for you.
I hope you enjoy your visit to one (or more) of these hot springs in Tuscany!
Learn about the Best Times to Visit Tuscany – Month-by-Month
