Thermal baths in Tuscany

Tuscany has many popular and beautiful natural hot springs which are definitely worth a visit. Access to many of these hot springs are free so you can go and enjoy them all year round. Tuscany also has the biggest number of private spa resorts of all Italy. These resorts are known for their thermal treatments which are aimed to treat vascular, rheumatic, respiratory, and urinary diseases.

The province of Siena (SI) has by far the biggest choice of natural thermal baths.

Bagno Vignoni

Bagno Vignoni (SI), approximately 50 km south of Siena, has one of the oldest and most famous thermal baths of Tuscany. Along the famous road called Via Francigena, the prime route followed by pilgrims on their way to Rome, the first Christian pilgrims sought solace and comfort by dipping their feet in the warm water streams. Piazza delle Sorgenti in the centre of the village consists of a large rectangular pool which holds the original spring water. The warm water comes from a deep underground volcanic spring. The curative properties of the waters at Bagno Vignoni were first discovered by the Etruscans. 

Bagni San Filippo

Another thermal location worth visiting is Bagni San Filippo (SI) with two different types of thermal waters, the Fosso Bianco rocks with sulfurous water and the White Whale waterfall with calcium water. The waterfall is called the White Whale because it looks like the mouth of a whale. The water of these springs are very hot (25-52°C), so you can go bathing even in fall and winter. The access is free.

Between Chianti and Val di Chiana, there’s Rapolano Terme (SI), a town which is well known for its two spa resorts: San Giovanni and Antica Querciolaia. These resorts offer innovative and modern wellness treatments, as well as the latest technologies for specific diseases. 

In Chianciano Terme and Montepulciano (SI) several spa resorts employ natural thermal water with a peculiar chemico-physical composition which makes it suited to prevent and care diseases which affect various organs and apparatuses.

Bagno Grande in San Casciano dei Bagni

Near the border between Tuscany and Umbria, San Casciano dei Bagni (SI) is third in Europe for its water flow (42 thermal springs gushing out at an average temperature of 40°C). The public baths are easily reachable by foot from the main square of San Casciano, by a path which crosses a peaceful wood. You will be captured by the enchanting Bagno Grande where everbody can enjoy the therapeutical properties of the springs. You can sink into the pools, even in winter, thanks to its warm temperatures of about 39°C.

Fonteverde, San Casciano dei Bagni, Tuscany

The private spa resort Fonteverde has a stunning view of the valley of Val d’Orcia, a landscape which is listed as Unesco Natural World Heritage site.

Public thermal baths in Saturnia

Saturnia and Petriolo (GR), in the provinces Grosseto south of Siena, are natural springs with origins from the volcanic Mount Amiata. The warm pools of Saturnia were well-known by the Etruscans and Romans. The mineral properties of the hot water are known to heal or calm down persistent coughs and skin ailments. The scenery of the public baths of Saturnia is considered as the most beautiful among all thermal baths of Tuscany. The spring waters of Petriolo are the hottest of whole Italy. The steaming water is about 43°C and smells of sulfur. Both locations have public thermal baths which are freely accessible and a private spa resort. 

Petriolo thermal baths

Calidario in Venturina

Along the Etruscan coast, there’s Calidario Etruscan Thermal Baths in Venturina (LI), another thermal location. Calidario is a small lake with hot spring water at 36°C. It is accessed through heated changing rooms which lead directly to the lake. Geographically perfectly positioned  at 5 km from the sea. The water contains sulfur, calcium, magnesium and bicarbonate and is very beneficial in treating respiratory ailments.

In Gambassi Terme (FI) near Florence there is a commercial spa resort which has been recently renovated and which is particularly indicated for treatments of digestive diseases.

Terme di Casciana

Casciana Terme (PI) in the province of Pisa is one of Tuscany's most busy spa towns. The discovery of the therapeutical value of the spring water of Casciana Terme is narrrated in a romantic legend of Countess Matilda of Tuscany (Matilde di Canossa) from the end of the 11th century. The hot water of Casciana is nicknamed Acqua Mathelda and comes from the source at a constant and natural temperature of 35.7°C. The spa resort offers pools, steam baths and various thermal treatments.

Montecatini Terme

Situated a stone’s throw from Lucca, Montecatini Terme and Monsummano Terme (PT) in the province of Pistoia are two historic and renowned thermal locations. Montecatini Terme is one of the most famous places in Italy known for its hotels with spa and wellness centres. The hotels offer interesting package deals and many specific therapies. 

Grotta Giusti

In Monsummano Terme, Grotta Giusti formed thousands of years ago in the calm of an age-old park. The third largest cave in Europe is so enchanting that the composer Giuseppe Verdi defined it “the eighth wonder of the world”. However, its beauty is not the only reason for guests to dedicate part of their time to it. 

Nowadays Monsummano Terme's Grotta Giusti is a luxury establishment connected to natural hot springs, caves and an underground thermal lake. Its three caverns form a real and proper natural Turkish bath: the temperature ranges from 24°C in the Paradiso cavern, passing through Purgatorio to reach 34°C in the Inferno cavern. The warm damp vapours, rich in mineral salts, favour a process of purification and detoxication. They allow to regain psychological and physical balance and give an immediate sensation of well-being.

Villa with pool in Chianciano Terme Tuscany