Thermal spas in Tuscany

Tuscany has been taking the waters since the Etruscans and the Romans. The region sits on a geologically active spine, and hot water rises in several places along it, from the coast to the Val d'Orcia. Some of these places are free, open-air springs; others are historic spa towns with pools, treatments and promenades. They are not interchangeable.

Free springs and spa towns

A free spring is a natural thermal outlet, usually open to the public, with no booking and no service. You bring a towel, find a rock and sit. A spa town is a built environment: pools, changing rooms, treatments, hotels and a promenade. The first is an adventure; the second is a ritual. Decide which one you want before you go.

Saturnia

Saturnia, in the comune of Manciano in the province of Grosseto, is the most famous thermal site in the Maremma. The Cascate del Mulino are a series of natural travertine pools below the village, free and open-air, with warm water and a dramatic setting. They are also popular: go early or out of season. The nearby Terme di Saturnia is a spa with a different, more organised experience.

Bagno Vignoni

Bagno Vignoni, in the Val d'Orcia near San Quirico d'Orcia, is unusual: the thermal water sits at the centre of the village in a large stone basin, and the houses are built around it. You do not swim in the piazza; the bathing is in the surrounding establishments. The village itself is one of the most photogenic in Tuscany, and it is best visited early or late.

San Casciano dei Bagni

San Casciano dei Bagni, in the province of Siena, is a hill town with a long thermal tradition and a recent archaeological discovery of bronze statues that has drawn attention to the site. It is quieter than Saturnia and more intimate than Montecatini, with a small historic centre and a landscape of olive groves and woods.

Montecatini Terme and Chianciano Terme

Montecatini Terme, in the province of Pistoia, is the grande dame of Italian spa towns: Liberty-style pavilions, a park, a funicular to the old town and a tradition of curative stays. It is part of the UNESCO listing of the Great Spa Towns of Europe. Chianciano Terme, in the province of Siena, is another historic spa town, long associated with liver and digestive treatments.

Etiquette and practicalities

At free springs, wear appropriate swimwear, take your rubbish away and do not use soap or shampoo in the water. At spa towns, book treatments in advance and arrive early enough to use the pools before your appointment. Bring a towel, flip-flops and a bag for wet clothes. Thermal water can be hot: test it before you commit, and supervise children closely.

Children and health

Thermal water is not a paddling pool. It can be very warm, and young children should be kept out of the hottest pools and supervised at all times. If you are pregnant or have a medical condition, ask a doctor before using thermal baths. We are not a medical source and we do not make health claims.

When to go

Spring and autumn are the most comfortable seasons: the water is warm, the air is not. Summer is hot, and the free springs are busiest. Winter can be atmospheric, especially at the spa towns, but some facilities close or reduce their hours. Check before you travel; we do not publish opening hours because they change.

Staying at Roc Villa Bay

Roc Villa Bay is a private seafront estate in Castiglioncello with four bedrooms, three private units, more than 4,000 m² of Mediterranean garden and two private accesses to the sea. It is a coastal base for a thermal day inland, provided you accept that Tuscany is larger than a single excursion suggests.

The things to do in Tuscany hub places thermal water alongside wine, food, art, walking and the sea. To ask about dates, use the enquiry form.