Italy Made Easy
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Are there hot springs in Italy?

The ancient Romans were famous for their love of baths – not just for hygiene, but as a central part of their social and spiritual lives. Today, Italy remains one of the world’s top destinations for “taking the waters“. Whether you want a luxury five-star experience or a hidden natural spring under the stars, Italy has something for every “spa junkie“.

Italy's most stunning natural hot springs -

What are the most famous hot springs in Italy?

If you’ve ever seen a photo of turquoise water cascading over white stone pools in the middle of a field, you were likely looking at Saturnia. Located in the Tuscan Maremma, these are arguably the most famous hot springs in Italy.

  • The Cascate del Mulino: These natural, tiered pools are carved out of limestone and are completely free. There is nothing quite like soaking in warm sulfuric water at midnight under a blanket of stars.
  • Bagni San Filippo: Also in Tuscany, this spot is famous for the “Balena Bianca” (White Whale) – a massive, glittering calcium formation that looks like a giant whale emerging from the forest. Like Saturnia, much of this area is free to the public and offers a surreal, fairytale-like setting.

For those looking for a romantic getaway, Sirmione is the place to be. This medieval town sits on a narrow peninsula jutting into Lake Garda. The local thermal water is famous for its healing properties, particularly for respiratory issues – you can even buy bottled Sirmione water in Italian pharmacies to treat a stubborn cold! At the local spas, you can enjoy couple’s hydromassage pools that overlook the blue waters of the lake. It’s easily one of the most romantic spots in the country.

If you prefer the mountains to the lake, head to Bormio in the Alps. There is a special kind of magic in sitting in a steaming outdoor pool while surrounded by snow-capped peaks. It is the ultimate reward after a long day of skiing or hiking. Bormio offers a mix of ancient Roman baths and modern wellness centers, all with incredible views of the Valtellina valley.

My most recent trip took me to the Euganean Hills in Veneto, specifically to the area of Abano and Montegrotto. This is the largest thermal district in Europe, boasting around 70 different thermal centers! The variety here is staggering. You can change your “wellness experience” every single day just by walking a few hundred yards. Even the great poet Petrarch moved to this area in the 1300s, drawn by the peace and the healing atmosphere of the hills.

Finally, for those focused on internal health, towns like Montecatini, Chianciano, and Salsomaggiore are world-famous for their mineral waters. For centuries, the Italian nobility would visit these towns to “pass the waters” (passare le acque) – a traditional phrase for spending a few weeks drinking therapeutic mineral water to aid digestion and liver health.