| Saturnia hot springs
Discover the natural thermal baths of Tuscany
Tuscany is a region that is very popular among tourists because of its famous rolling hills, cities such as Florence and Siena, Renaissance art, medieval villages and wine. But did you know that there are also natural hot springs here? You will find these thermal pools in Saturnia, a fairytale place that you should definitely not miss during a tour through Tuscany.
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About the Terme di Saturnia
The Terme di Saturnia or Cascate del Mulino, as they are called locally, are bright blue thermal baths in Tuscany (Italy), where you can freely swim.
The turquoise baths are filled by the sulphurous water that flows down the Monte Amiata from the earth. This mountain is about 30 kilometres from Saturnia. The temperature of the baths is always around 37,5 degrees Celsius. This temperature has a relaxing and therapeutic effect on the body.
The baths are well known in Tuscany and are therefore a well visited site. It is best to go as early in the morning as possible, when the sun rises, because there will not be many people there yet. During our Tuscany trip, we were already there at 6:15 am and the first bathers were already in sight.
Nevertheless, this was a wonderful time to arrive at the baths, as in these cooler temperatures you can see the steam rising from the pools into the landscape. Just before arriving at the Saturnia hot springs, you can park your car on the side of the road to admire them from above, from a mountainside. Early in the morning, you can see how the steam traces a path through the landscape.
How to get there
By far the most convenient way to get to the Saturnia hot springs is by car. Saturnia is located in southern Tuscany between the famous cities of Siena and Rome. It takes two hours to drive from Siena to Saturnia and three hours from Rome.
In fact, the car is the only way to really get to know Tuscany. There are trains between the famous cities, but they do not take you everywhere. Especially the characteristic Tuscan hills are difficult to reach.
In Italy you can easily rent a car at the airport through Rentalcars or Sunnycars. With the latter, all your insurances are included in the price.
However, in theory it is also possible to get to the baths by public transport. The nearest train stations are Albinia and Orbetello, from there you can take the buses 10 and 17 to Saturnia.
Swimming in the thermal baths of Saturnia
Swimming in the baths is free. However, you have to pay for parking from 8.00 in the morning. Please note that these are natural hot springs and the bottom of the pools is covered with pebbles which can be unpleasant to your feet. If you are uncomfortable with this, it is advisable to bring water shoes.
Also keep in mind that your swimwear, after visiting the baths, will smell of sulphur and might discolour a bit. It is therefore advisable to wear older swimwear. There are no changing facilities at the natural hot springs.
Alternatively, you can visit the nearby 5-star resort, where you can swim in the same water at a reasonable price, but in a quieter environment and without any annoying pebbles under your feet.
The best time to visit the baths
Because of the constant temperature of the pools, they can be visited all year round. It is best to go early in the morning to avoid the crowds, especially in the summer months.
Where to stay in the area of Saturnia?
We stayed about half an hour’s drive from the Saturnia Thermal Baths in a beautiful room in a unique hotel, Morelliana4Rooms, located in the small medieval village of Scansano. We really recommend it! It is a very small hotel with only four rooms, so it is advisable to book this in advance. You can find this hotel here.
Near Saturnia
Pitigliano
Just half an hour’s drive from the Saturnia hot springs is the quaint medieval village of Pitigliano. What makes this village so special is that it is located on tuff rocks, where the buildings and rocks seem to be completely blended together.
Pitigliano is nicknamed “little Jerusalem” because many Tuscan Jews moved to this place at the end of the medieval times. They had more freedom to express their culture here than in the rest of central Italy, so the street scene today still reflects their influence. This is especially evident in the old ghetto around Via Zuccarelli.
Siena
A little further away from Saturnia, at about two hours by car, lies the famous Tuscan city of Siena. The historical city centre of Siena has been on UNESCO’s World Heritage List since 1995. The centre is formed by Piazza del Campo. Around it, you will find medieval houses, beautiful cathedrals, palaces, museums and other monumental buildings, most of which date back to the 13th and 14th centuries. The time when Siena was still an important banking centre.
In order to get to know the most beautiful spots of Siena, we have created this walking route, , which will take you past the most important highlights of the city.
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