Tuscany's Roman-Inspired Thermal Springs Offer Relaxation Year-Round

Discovering the iconic Italian countryside in Tuscany, paired with sampling world-class wines and cuisine, is a dream vacation for many. However, there's one unexpected way to level up your vacation in Tuscany. And that's to add in a soak at the end of the long day in historic thermal waters, one of the best hot springs in the world. 

According to legend, the Saturnia Hot Springs, or Terme di Saturnia, was once thought to be a scar on the Earth made from a rogue lightning bolt in a battle between Jupiter and Saturn. The bolt exposed the hot and sulfuric waters, which were considered "Portals to Hell" (hence the steam and hot water). One section of the hot springs doubles as one of Europe's most beautiful waterfalls — Cascate del Mulino. The bubbling, cloudy blue water cascades down terraces into thermal fields, forming natural pools over the centuries from the mineral deposits. The springs were considered a "gift from the gods" and renowned for their healing properties. Travelers who visit and soak away their troubles in the picturesque surroundings will inevitably agree with this assessment. 

Saturnia, an ancient spa town near Grosetto in southern Tuscany, was once a popular destination for the Etruscans and Romans. Today, it's gaining fame once again for its healing waters and is considered one of the must-visit spots in Tuscany. The wellness spa and resort in town, also named Terme di Saturnia, has four different outdoor pools and a variety of spa treatments. If you can't swing a night in the resort, they also offer day passes.

However, the natural waterfalls are where you can find the most accessible hot springs for swimming. The Cascate del Mulino springs are free to enter and open 24 hours a day, seven days a week, 365 days a year. They've definitely been discovered, so don't expect to have them to yourselves. To avoid the crowds, skip the summer months (when Italy is too hot to soak in warm springs, anyway) or visit at sunrise and sunset. As the water stays a steady 98 degrees Fahrenheit (37 degrees Celsius), they're a delight even in winter.

Saturnia is located halfway between Rome and Florence. You can reach Saturnia, the town, by train or bus, although having a car is easiest. And, a pro tip — Tuscany is best with a car, too! Then, you can hop between charming villas and picturesque hilltop towns at your leisure (not to mention wineries and hot springs).

Due to the high levels of sulfur, there are a few things to note about Saturnia Hot Springs. Firstly, they have a distinct smell, sometimes compared to rotten eggs, so bring a swimsuit you don't care about and wash it thoroughly. One unfortunate traveler noted on r/ItalyTravel "...the bathing suit and towel I used smelled the entire vacation and made my other clothes smell," so immediately showering and washing everything is integral! Additionally, remove your jewelry before entering — the high concentration of minerals could stain the metal. Finally, come dressed in your swimsuit, as there aren't any facilities near the pools.

For an excellent day in Tuscany, pair a visit to Saturnia with the Petriolo Hot Springs (Bagni di Petriolo), another top-ranked Italian destination for swimming adventures, about an hour and a half from Saturnia. The town of Saturnia itself, considered one of the oldest towns in Italy, is also worth a visit. Hunt down a few Etruscan ruins, have a holy moment in the medieval churches, or marvel at ancient artifacts in the town's Archaeological Museum. Farther out, visit one of Tuscany's famous walled towns, like Pitigliano, around 30 minutes away, or see the fishing villages on the Tuscan coast. Or, bring some local wine and spend your afternoon in the pools — an utterly acceptable option and a holy moment of its own.