A trip to the hot springs in Italy this January is sure to shed that cold winter exterior and help you feel refreshed to kickstart a new year.
If you’re in the Northern Hemisphere you’ve probably already endured snow, rain and the windiest of winds! As if January wasn’t hard enough, the weather has been a heavy weight around your already chilly bodies. Sounds like it’s time to warm up and adventure off the beaten track in Italy. We invite you to explore the best hot waterfalls in Tuscany.
In this article
There are multiple hot spots (pun intended) that offer incredible therapeutic properties. Firstly though, we need to right some internet wrongs. The internet is a wonderful place but let’s be honest, it’s not always the most accurate. If you were doing some research into where to visit these wonderful thermal baths, you would probably stumble upon this photo, which we’ll put here.
This is not the Saturnia hot springs. This is Cascate Del Mulino, there are two incredible places where you can use the hot springs that are constantly mixed up. The Saturnia Hot Springs or Terme di Saturnia is a luxury spa that hosts thermal hot springs at the centre of the resort and then there is Cascate Del Mulino is free and open all year round.
Hot springs in Italy: Saturnia Baths
Now that’s cleared up, let’s talk about what you’ll find at the Saturnia Baths in Tuscany. The Saturnia Thermal springs are called Terme Di Saturnia which is the spa resort where you can enjoy overnight stays or day visits. The spring waters flow constantly through the heart of the resort full of naturally occurring minerals. This is a paid for resort with extensive facilities. For an extra special trip where you can enjoy a natural beauty with some home comforts, this is the place to visit. However the free hot springs that everyone is talking about are right next door. So let’s hop on over there and find out what you need to know.
Cascate del Mulino
Now THESE are the hot springs that we see online everywhere and continue to have their five minutes of fame thanks to this extraordinary image. They are also the free Saturnia hot springs. That’s right, you heard us. In a world where almost everything costs something, this picturesque, naturally occurring phenomenon is completely free and accessible to everyone. In English the name translates to the Mill Falls, which sounds quite magical really. Like something straight out of a fairy tale. No fairies spotted yet, but you never know what else this ethereal place could be hiding.
Situated at an old mill, hence the name, the milky blue water runs at a cosy 37.5 degrees throughout the year, with dugout pools that naturally occurred around the abandoned building of the mill. These make excellent seats to soak up the healing powers of the water and take in the postcard perfect views of Tuscany that surrounds you. If you set any new year’s resolutions (propositi per il nuovo anno) connected to your health then you need to plan your visit to Italy immediately. There are various minerals within the gloriously warm water at all the hot springs which soothe a range of ailments from acne and eczema to respiratory and physical conditions.
The tranquil waters are calming for your mind too, after the hustle and bustle of the festive months who could resist some peaceful downtime in warm Italian waters. Doing exactly as the Romans did thousands of years ago. This isn’t a fad diet or holiday trend, the springs have been around for 3,000 years with Italians flocking there throughout the year. There is also free parking nearby and many people camp out in the fields around the pools to spend an evening watching the Tuscan sun set on a day at this otherworldly location.
When is the best time to visit Saturnia?
The best time to visit the Saturnia Hot Springs is in the Spring and Autumn months, you’ll want to make the most of the warm weather to eat al fresco and soak up the outside air as much as possible. Taking time to sit in the warm thermal baths is so refreshing at these times of the year but not at the height of summer, during those longer summer evenings visit later in the day when the air is cooler.
Spring to Autumn is also the most popular time of year for everyone so arrive early as the area does become crowded with visitors throughout the day. Remember though they are open and warm all year round, so if you don’t mind being a little chilly and you love an adventure, take a trip in the winter months too. There is also the hotel next door if you need some creature comforts after all that adventuring!
Other hot spots to explore
There are two other hot springs that deserve a mention and a visit which are the Sorano Thermal baths and the Petriolo Thermal Springs. Both places are steeped in history and continue to provide the same healing powers and idyllic surroundings to this day.
Sorano lies in the Tuff Areas not far from Saturnia in the spectacular Maremma region. Situated within wooded land and forests that surround the Parish Church of Santa Maria dell’Aquila which dates back around 1000 years.
Here you’ll find the Sorano Thermal bath Spa but also a very distinctive thermal pool called Il Bagno dei Frati, the Monks Pool. Located within the woods, this pool dates back to the 15th century and was said to be used by the monks that lived next to the church.
Last but not least is Petriolo Thermal Springs which lies between Val Di Merse and Maremma. Running at a higher temperature of around 43 degrees, so excellent for a winter adventure too, these springs are soaked in nature with hikes and bike trails galore within the surrounding area. Try one of the epic hikes and finish off with a relaxing day in the restorative waters to recuperate. You’re in good company too, these pools were often frequented by nobility including the Medici family and nowadays boasts a modern wellness centre.
How do you get there?
To arrive at the Hot Springs in Saturnia from Rome, the closest airport is the Leonardo da Vinci or Fiumicino airport which is 150 km or 90ish miles from Saturnia. From Pisa there is also the Galileo Galilei airport which is 220 km or 135 miles away. To enjoy Tuscany and in particular these emerging gems from the Maremma region, hiring a car is the best way to get around, at the moment there are few transport lines to this area. This may seem inconvenient but the journey will be entirely worth it. Trust us.
So come and join us here in the warm waters of the Italian winter sun, and wash away those dreary January blues. We’ll see you there!