Tuscany, a region rich in thermal springs
What’s better than a spa to relax on vacation, perhaps after visiting cities and museums?
In Tuscany there are really many thermal springs and practically in every province you can find some. Most of these spas are free to access and are located in unique landscapes of rare beauty. In Tuscany there are also several places that have developed right around the spa activity: here you can find some of the most beautiful and renowned spas in Italy!
Let’s see together which are the main thermal baths in Tuscany (in alphabetical order!):
- Bagni San Filippo
- Bagno Vignoni
- Chianciano Terme
- Monsummano Terme
- Montecatini Terme
- Montepulciano
- Rapolano Terme
- San Casciano dei Bagni
- Saturnia
Bagni San Filippo
The springs of Bagni San Filippo boast a splendid natural setting between Tuscany and Lazio on Monte Amiata in the extreme south of Tuscany. Access to the thermal baths is free and the forest in which they are located can be explored on foot. Consequently, the springs of San Filippo are particularly pleasant during the summer when you can easily combine a relaxing walk through the green woods of Monte Amiata and enjoy the sulfuric waters that flow through the forest. The area known as “Fosso Bianco” is particularly beautiful and is characterized by a series of swimming pools and waterfalls that follow one another in the heart of the forest. Here you can admire the so-called “White Whale“, a spectacular limestone formation that owes its name because of the similarity with the mouth of a whale.
Bagno Vignoni
The thermal springs of Bagno Vignoni are one of the most beautiful natural pools where you can relax enjoying the splendid scenery in which they are located. To reach this village you will have to travel through the beautiful Val d’Orcia, between breathtaking views and different places to visit. This small town was very popular in the Middle Ages and still maintains its ancient charm intact. Following the stream that flows from the “Piazza delle sorgenti” in the center of the village, the waters reach a natural swimming pool which is located a little further south where you can enjoy their warmth and beneficial properties. Alternatively, in Bagno Vignoni there are also some hotels with pools with thermal spring water.
Chianciano Terme
Known since ancient times for their therapeutic properties, the Chianciano springs have long been the most famous spas in Tuscany. Located in the south-east of Tuscany, not far from the city of Montepulciano, Chianciano Terme was one of the favorite summer retreats by the filmmaker Federico Fellini and at the turn of the 70s and 80s of the twentieth century they lived years of great splendor.
Although the glories of the twentieth century are behind, the thermal springs are still in full swing and continue to attract many visitors thanks to their cleansing and therapeutic properties. Among the strengths of Chianciano Terme, there are the sensorial spas, a very modern type of spa where you can spend hours relaxing enjoying this unique environment.
Monsummano Terme
We move to the north of Tuscany, more precisely in the province of Pistoia, to reach the thermal baths of Monsummano. The city has developed as a spa since the nineteenth century, above all thanks to the discovery of some caves where thermal waters gush out; visiting these caves is a truly unique experience. Monsummano water has a temperature between 31 and 36 degrees and is used for various medical treatments.
Montecatini Terme
Just like those of Chianciano, the historical thermal baths of Montecatini were also tremendously popular in the seventies and eighties. But, unlike Chianciano, Montecatini has maintained its status well thanks to its proximity to Versilia, an area very famous for its nightlife and celebrities who spend their holidays there. The thermal baths of Montecatini are famous for their healing properties, in particular for the liver and intestines; here are some of the most beautiful establishments in all of Tuscany such as the magnificent Terme Tettuccio and Terme Excelsior.
Terme di Montepulciano
Located a few kilometers from the city of Montepulciano, in the south east of Tuscany, these springs are particularly useful for those suffering from respiratory diseases. These springs are a popular destination for locals who perform treatments to improve their allergies or lung conditions. In addition, thanks to its high sulfur levels, these baths are also recommended for low back pain or back pain.
Rapolano Terme
A little further north, but still in the province of Siena, we find the wonderful Terme di San Giovanni and the spas of Antica Querciolaia, which are located in Rapolano Terme. These springs can be visited at any time of the year at a very attractive price. The Rapolano waters gush out at a temperature of 39 degrees and are used to treat respiratory diseases of the skin. Rapolano is also an ideal starting point for exploring one of the most beautiful landscapes in the area, the Crete Senesi.
San Casciano dei Bagni
San Casciano dei Bagni is an ancient spa town located in southern Tuscany almost on the border with Umbria and Lazio. Near the village there are some free spas that date back even to the Roman era. The best known are those of Bagno Grande and Bagno Bossolo, large stone basins where the thermal waters of San Casciano flow.
Not far from San Casciano we also find the Terme di Fonteverde, where there is an establishment equipped with all the typical comforts of a spa.
Terme di Saturnia
Located in the south-west of Tuscany, the thermal springs of Saturnia are probably the most spectacular of its kind due to the extraordinary environmental context in which they are located. In Saturnia there are free spas, the famous Cascate del Mulino, which can be enjoyed all year round even if they are often a little crowded. Also in Saturnia there are spas where you can take advantage of various paid services that will guarantee you every possible comfort.
