As a region rich in natural thermal springs, Tuscany offers nothing but a variety of options from among the numerous structures spread out across the territory, particularly in the areas of Siena and Grosseto. In addition to the famous and historic Montecatini and Chianciano, full-blown health towns, there are more “discreet” structures, often associated with resorts, that offer a different experience of relaxation and wellbeing.
Here are some of our suggestions:
1. Bagni San Filippo: A small town not far from the slopes of Mount Amiata, famous for its sulphur waters, which were used by the Etruscans, and for the white calcareous deposits that form the small, spectacular hot waterfalls (reaching 48 °C / 118 °F) of the Fosso Bianco. Unlike the wellbeing and spa treatment centre, access to this area is free of charge.
2. Bagno Vignoni: This tiny ancient stone village has one unique and unforgettable characteristic: at its centre is Piazza delle Sorgenti, an ancient pool measuring 49×29 metres (not for bathing) where the spar waters are collected, gushing out at a temperature of 52 °C (125 °F) and shrouding the village in evocative steam during the cold months.
3. Castello di Velona: Formely an 11th-century fortress transformed into a residential villa in the Renaissance, the castle – now a 5-star resort – is located on a hill overlooking the greenery of the Val d’Orcia, between Sant’Antimo and Montalcino. The indoor and outdoor swimming pools (and the bathrooms of some of the rooms) use water from a nearby thermal spring originating on Mount Amiata.
4. Grotta Giusti: The spectacular Grotta Giusti, on the outskirts of Montecatini, is a natural cave that winds its way among stalactites and stalagmites to a stretch of crystal clear water, the temperatures of which vary from 27°C to 34°C (80 °F to 93 °F). Above all, mud therapy and balneotherapy are excercised there in baths enriched with ozone to stimulate the metabolism of the blood vessels.
5. San Casciano dei Bagni: Classified among the “Most Beautiful Towns of Italy”, San Casciano stands on a hill immersed in the Siena countryside. The Bagno Grande and the Bagno Bossolo are ancient washtubs where it is possible to bathe freely. Indoor and outdoor baths and wellbeing treatments are available at the splendid resort at Fonteverde, sheltered by a magical garden with views of Mount Amiata.
6. Cascate del Mulino: Among the most beautiful free thermal baths in the world, the Cascate del Mulino are small natural pools supplied by small waterfalls that form a unique, unrepeatable environment. Next to them, the Terme di Saturnia complex has spring water pools, a wellbeing centre and a 5-star resort.
7. Terme di Petriolo: The thermal baths of Petriolo are sited on a natural spring in the Valley dell’Ombrone, along the course of the River Farma. The waters, rich in salts, gush out at a temperature of 43 °C (109 °F) and are traditionally used to treat various pathologies of the respiratory tracts.
