Diving into Natural Hot Springs!
So, you have decided to visit Tuscany in the winter months. Excellent choice, considering the
absolutely incredible list of activities and things to do, see, and experience in the beautiful
Italian region at this time of the year. For lovers of spa towns and hot springs, though, things
get even more exciting! Here are some delightful options to enjoy your winter Tuscany
holidays this year!
Montecatini Terme
Found in the area called Pistoia, Montecatini is highly regarded as a prominent Italian spa
village with around nine thermal centers and spring waters claiming therapeutic properties.
Dating back to the Roman Empire times, most establishments here were built during the 14th
century. However, it took four more centuries for the actual structure of the Montecatini Terme
to complete.
That being said, the Art Nouveau-styled thermal baths here became incredibly
known for the healing attributes tied to their mineral-rich waters in the 20th century and now
welcome visitors with all tourist facilities required for relaxing holidays. This means that you
will find some of the most exquisite Tuscany villas, alongside shops, an extensive parkland,
and opportunities for some night fun.
Gambassi Terme
Sitting right in the beating heart of Tuscany, Gambassi Terme is distinguished by absolutely
gorgeous landscapes, including vineyards, olive groves, and cypress trees. Hosted in an
ancient city (dating to the Neolithic Age) near the Valdelsa region, Gambassi Terme even
hypnotizes with its Romanesque-Pisan architecture (inspired by the Romans and Etruscans
that inhabited this land during medieval times) and its healing waters. While pampering
yourself with the pleasures of this place, you may want to visit nearby S. Maria Assunta
church and the municipal park. You can thank us later! Bagno Vignoni
Just a short drive from beautiful Siena and its magnificent mansions, Bagno Vignoni, greets
visitors to its thermal spa. Being the go-to place for the Romans for many centuries, they
became hugely popular due to their strategic location, as they were a much-needed resting
stop for the Christian pilgrims traveling to the Italian capital. At the center of the volcanic
spring baths lies a bedazzling piazza hosting a nearly 50-meter-long hot water basin where
you can have a refreshing bath that feels like a step back in time. It is believed that the waters
and mud baths here contribute to the alleviation of arthritis-related symptoms, among others.
Chianciano Terme health resort
In the land between Val d’Orcia and Valdichiana sits Chianciano Terme carrying a centuries-
old tradition of being a hot spot for pioneering health-related technologies. The water at the
thermal park of Acquasanta, for instance, has been closely related to treating liver diseases.
This justifies the large number of luxury mansions built around this area. Visited by more than
11,000 people every single day, Chianciano Terme is rightfully one of the top-rated Italian
health resorts.
Tip: For respiratory and skin diseases, many people head to Bagni San Filippo (Siena).
Cascate del Mulino (Saturnia) Hot Springs
This is potentially the most famous thermal bath in Tuscany providing an idyllic setting as the
hot water comes straight from the ground and creates a beautiful waterfall as it falls down a
charming hill. What’s also remarkable about the Saturnia hot springs is that the natural pools
that have been formed over the years here have the perfect temperature throughout the year.
That would be 37 degrees Celsius, which is the temperature of the human body!
That aside, many people visit the springs for their therapeutic qualities, especially if suffering
from digestive or skin-related issues. It should also be noted that Saturnia is tucked in an area
providing remarkable proximity to several scenic Tuscany villages and towns, including Roma,
Pitigliano, Orbetello, and Orvieto. Besides, let’s not forget how close it is to the Tuscan Coast,
which is picturesque even in the winter months!
Tips for your pre-hot springs experience
The waters in some of the Tuscany thermal baths are rich in sulfur while also containing lots
of minerals. This means that your swimsuit and jewelry might be damaged during your bath.
Therefore, it’s best to slip into a bathing suit that you won’t mind having partially ruined and
keep your valuables in a safe waterproof pouch.
Having that said, the hot springs usually have a rocky slope. For that reason, better come
prepared and bring a pair of water shoes that protect your feet from scratches as you move
around. This is a must if you visit the thermal baths with the family and small children.
Finally, the Tuscany hot springs are open to the public, which is why you won’t find any towels
to use. So, remember to bring one of your own. And, let’s not forget that these local
attractions get quite crowded almost year-round (particularly frequented by locals). To avoid
congestion, please consider visiting a hot spring in the early morning hours.
Needless to say, this is far from being an exhaustive list of the thermal spas in Tuscany. But,
it’s, nonetheless, a distinctive sample of your options in winter Tuscany! So, feel free to
discover the many more natural gifts in this charming Italian region at your own pace and
time!
