Unveiling Italy's Steaming Secrets
The healing powers of Italy's hot springs have been revered for millennia. From the ancient Romans who built elaborate bath complexes like Terme di Caracalla, to Renaissance nobility seeking rejuvenation, these geothermal wonders have attracted visitors eager for solace and therapy throughout history. Legends abound, like the Roman myth of Venus bathing in the sulfurous waters of Saturnia, adding to the mystique of these steaming sanctuaries. Today, the whispers of these ancient traditions echo in the gurgling springs, inviting you to connect with the rich cultural tapestry of Italy.
Palazzo Fiuggi in Fiuggi
In the 16th century, Michelangelo, who suffered from kidney stones, traveled from Rome to the village of Fiuggi, Italy (a journey that takes about an hour by train today), where the natural mineral waters were thought to alleviate pain from urinary illnesses.
For centuries, popes and nobles had come to the town seeking “the cure,” which the artist supposedly described as “the water that breaks the stone.”
At Palazzo Fiuggi, a luxurious health retreat with 102 rooms and suites that opened in an Art Deco-style villa in 2021, many visitors still drink those waters — which some believe are enriched by passing beneath the local chestnut forests — filling glasses from a marble fountain inside the spa.
Set within a 20-acre private park, the palazzo, which offers traditional hotel stays as well as five-night wellness programs, also features magnesium-and-salt-infused pools in which guests enjoy 30-minute daily soaks, a practice meant to calm the nerves and boost the immune system.
Saturnia Hot Springs
Immerse yourself in the cascading waterfalls and steaming pools of Cascate del Mulino, known for their milky blue waters and sulfurous scent.
Medieval legend was that the springs were born in the exact point where Jupiter's thunderbolt fell in a battle against Saturn; the scars left by the thunderbolt were Portals to Hell, that's why there is steam and smelly water gushing out.
Tip: Arrive early to secure a spot near the waterfalls and bring a picnic for a complete experience. There are two free, outdoor waterfalls, the Cascate del Mulino and the Cascate del Gorello. There are no public changing rooms, so you may want to come dressed in your bathing suit. There is a "bar" on site with limited bathroom use and typical food stand snacks and food.
Before you enjoy the hot springs, you may want to stop and take some time to explore Saturnia, the small town in southern Maremma that stands on top of a hill overlooking the famous thermal springs.
Remains of these ancient cultures can be seen at Bagno Santo, the Holy Bath, an antediluvian holy place a few kilometers from the center.
Bagni di San Filippo
Discover the "White Whale" in this geothermal wonderland at Bagni di San Filippo, a mesmerizing pool of white clay reputed for its skin-smoothing properties while benefiting from the calcium and sulphur in the water. Bagni San Filippo is a small town in the lower Val d'Orcia (just 30 minutes from the border with Lazio) on the eastern skirts of Monte Amiata.
Access to these hot springs is completely free! The area is quite long, but the first pools you find along the path near the road are shallow and therefore do not maintain their heat for long. If you follow the path further into the woods, you reach the massive formation of calcium and waterfall that has earned the nickname of the "White Whale". Here the hot water of the springs meets the cold water of the river, giving the water a white-blue color. The calcium formation is the most impressive formation at the hot springs of San Filippo, and you should NOT walk on it as the formations are delicate.
If you keep walking further, you'll reach the rest of the pools that form the full Fosso Bianco right by the paid spa. Sneaky! if you follow the path to the left you will find the incredible calcium formations and sulfur pools - however... if you want the warm waters with no smell: head to your right. At the bottom of many pools, you'll find a rich deposit of thermal mud that is excellent for face and body masks so sit down
Tip: Combine your soak with a hike through the nearby Val d'Orcia, a UNESCO World Heritage Site.
Terme di Vulcano
Experience the raw power of volcanic activity at the island spa of Terme di Vulcano on Vulcano. Mud pools, fumaroles, and thermal lagoons offer a unique and therapeutic treat. With new development the best way to stay there is at Therasia Resort.
Among the Aeolian Islands, Vulcano is certainly among the best known and certainly most particular. In the municipality of Lipari, the island covers an area of 21km. In ancient times the island was called Therasia, later Hiera, consecrated to the god Vulcano, according to Greek mythology, this island would be the Forge of Hephaestus, the god of fire.
There are three areas: the sludge pool, the warm sea and the fumaroles. Until a few years ago the entire area was free admission, today, to ensure cleanliness and safety, there is a small contribution for entry, also the opening goes from mid-April to mid-September.
The muds of Vulcano and the thermal waters of the Aeolian Islands are divided into three types.
That of the “Pozza dei Fanghi” (Mud Pool), where the waters have a very high concentration of sulphur and flow, abundantly fed by bubbles, emitting sulphur vapours, salt water and clay mud.
The “hot sea” or “hot waters” (there are sulphurous areas in the open sea) is another place where you can enjoy the benefits of Vulcano's thermal waters. Beneath the surface of the water, dozens of underwater fumaroles give off steam, like in a hot tub. The benefits are immediate. Not far away, you can benefit from some inhalations at the fumaroles.
You visit Vulcano Island for one of three reasons: hiking the crater, lounging on one of Italy’s black sand beaches, or soaking in the thermal waters of the mud baths.
Tip: Sample the local Malvasia wine, a volcanic island specialty, after your soak.
Bormio Terme
In the heart of the Italian Alps, discover the "Queen of the Alps" Bormio Terme with its luxurious spa facilities and natural springs. The Valtellina thermal baths were mentioned on multiple occasions by historians Pliny the Elder and Cassiodorus.
The ancient Bagni Romani section is the oldest area of the spa, with two side-by-side pools dug into the rock. The Bagni dell’Arciduchessa zone includes a "rustic" tub, cold plunge pool, decongestant steam bath, organic Alpine hay sauna, relaxation area and open-air tub. The Grotta sudatoria di San Martino is a natural steam bath circuit comprising two 50-m tunnels carved out of the rock. Inspired by the Middle Ages, the exquisite Bagni Medievali area is a detoxifying sauna circuit, while the Bagni Imperiali section offers a combination of spa treatments and relaxation areas.
Tip: Enjoy winter skiing and thermal dips for the ultimate mountain getaway.
Petriolo Terme
Escape to the serene Tuscan countryside and relax in the historic Terme di Petriolo, frequented by Romans and Medici alike.Petriolo has one of Tuscany’s warmest hot springs (water flows at 40-43° C, compared to Saturnia’s 37.5°C water temperature). It’s small pools are layered and you can combine your soak with dip in the river’s cold water. These may have the highest sulphur content in the region, so take advantage of the health benefits but bring some wet wipes.
There is not easy access to bathrooms, restaurants, and parking. The Petriolo hot springs are small and get to be very crowded on weekends in the summer (peak season for the springs).
Tip: Explore the medieval borgo of Petriolo after your soak for a taste of authentic Tuscany.
Fumarole di Solfatara
Embark on a volcanic adventure at the Solfatara crater, where fumaroles (steam vents) release geothermal energy and create a unique natural landscape. Sorry folks, this one is just for looking, not bathing as its 140 degrees Celcius!
Solfatara is a shallow volcanic crater at Pozzuoli, near Naples. It is a dormant volcano, which still emits jets of steam with sulfurous fumes. The crater floor was a popular tourist attraction until 2017, as it has many fumaroles and mud pools.
Tip: Wear sturdy shoes and be prepared for the strong sulfur smell.
The Best Time for a Thermal Getaway
Each season offers its own unique charm at Italy's natural hot springs:
Spring (March-May): Enjoy pleasant temperatures, vibrant wildflowers, and fewer crowds. Perfect for exploring the surrounding landscapes and soaking in the warm embrace of the springs.
Summer (June-August): Bask in the sunshine, enjoy longer days, and participate in outdoor activities near the springs. Be prepared for larger crowds, especially at popular spots.
Autumn (September-November): Witness the changing foliage, experience milder temperatures, and enjoy a tranquil atmosphere. Some springs may have limited hours during this season.
Winter (December-February): Escape the cold and find warmth in the steaming waters. Enjoy the unique landscape with its snow-capped mountains and fewer crowds. Some springs may be closed during this season due to heavy rains.
Are you traveling in other parts of Europe? Take a look at more hot springs in the United Kingdom, Poland, Albania, Serbia, Romania, Austria, Greece, Italy, and Spain.
