Looking for a villa near Saturnia?

Saturnia is a small place in the southern Maremma with a large reputation, built on thermal water. The springs have been used for centuries, and the Cascate del Mulino — the mill waterfalls — have become one of the most photographed free thermal sites in Italy. This guide explains what Saturnia is and where Roc Villa Bay is.

Where Saturnia is

Saturnia is a frazione of Manciano, in the province of Grosseto, in the southern Maremma. It is inland, on a tuff plateau, and it is not a coastal town. The thermal springs rise in the surrounding countryside, and the famous waterfalls are a short distance from the village.

Roc Villa Bay is in Castiglioncello, on the coast in the province of Livorno, further north. Saturnia belongs to the inland Maremma; Castiglioncello belongs to the Etruscan Riviera. The two are different landscapes and different kinds of holiday.

What Saturnia is known for

Saturnia is known for its thermal springs, which emerge at a constant temperature and have been used since antiquity. The Cascate del Mulino are a series of natural pools and waterfalls formed by the mineral water, free to access and open to the public; the nearby Terme di Saturnia is a spa with facilities and treatments. The water is warm, sulphur-rich and distinctive.

The village itself has Etruscan and Roman roots, a church, a castle and a small historic centre. The surrounding Maremma is agricultural and wild, with olive groves, vineyards and hill towns. Thermal water is not a paddling pool: children need supervision, and anyone with health conditions should ask a doctor before using the hot pools.

Roc Villa Bay as a different base

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 house for families and small groups, with a sandy beach reached by a private path and a rocky cove reached by stone steps.

Saturnia is an inland thermal destination, and if the springs are the centre of your trip, staying in the south makes more sense. A stay at Roc Villa Bay can include Saturnia as a day out, but we do not describe the house as a thermal resort or as being in Saturnia.

Who should choose Saturnia

Choose Saturnia if you want thermal water, the Maremma countryside and a southern base. Choose Castiglioncello if you want a private house by the sea and are happy to visit the springs as an excursion. The thermal spas guide explains Saturnia alongside the other thermal traditions of Tuscany.

The villas near Tuscany index lists the other places we cover.

Practicalities

We do not publish distances, drive times or opening hours. If you are planning to visit Saturnia from the coast, tell us your dates and starting point and we will confirm the practicalities. Start with the enquiry form.