In a nutshell
- Our insider Rebecca has personally visited all four hot springs in Tuscany. Her top pick? The springs of Saturnia — they’re the most spectacular.
- All four are free to enter and out in the wild. No tickets, no reservations — just show up and get in. Open 365 days a year, around the clock.
- Fair warning: after bathing you’ll smell strongly of sulfur. Public showers are only available at Saturnia, so plan accordingly at the others.
- Evenings are the best time to visit — fewer crowds and a seriously magical atmosphere. Just pack a flashlight!
Orientation: Map of the Hot Springs of Tuscany
On this map we’ve marked all four hot springs in Tuscany, so you can see at a glance where they are relative to Florence and Siena, two of the most beautiful places in Tuscany.
As you can see, all four are tucked away in the south of Tuscany, well away from any major city.
Saturnia
- Water temperature: 38°C
- Admission: free
- Distance: Florence 3 hours, Siena 2.5 hours
The thermal springs of Saturnia are among the most famous in all of Italy.
Their looks alone make them one of the top attractions in Tuscany — and you’ll also find them on our suggested route for the perfect Tuscany road trip.
There’s an important distinction to know: the paid Spa Resort Saturnia also uses the thermal water, but the real draw for most visitors is the free waterfall area known as the Cascate del Mulino — literally the Mill Waterfalls.
Most of the photos you’ll find online are taken here, with the old decommissioned mill in the background.
Warm water flows from the rock into several naturally formed pools — roughly a meter deep — where you can soak around the clock and completely switch off.
There’s a bar with coin-operated showers nearby where you can rinse off afterward. Be prepared for a short wait during busy times.
Parking directly at the springs isn’t allowed. There’s a paid lot about a three-minute walk away for 2 euros per hour.
Our tip: Come either very early in the morning or in the evening. During the day, the hot springs in Tuscany don’t get much busier than this.
Where to stay in Saturnia
Saturnia Tuscany Hotel: a four-star hotel with spa and pool. Not as luxurious as the Spa Resort Saturnia, but significantly more affordable.
Lies auch:
Bagni San Filippo
- Water temperature: up to 48°C
- Admission: free
- Distance: Florence 2 hours, Siena 1 hour
These springs bubble up from white limestone rocks deep in the forest at the edge of the Val d’Orcia.
Right at the source the water is seriously hot, but it cools as it flows down through the many pools — so you can pick whichever one has the water temperature that suits you best.
On the bottom of the pools you’ll find white mud that you can scoop up and apply to your skin. It leaves your skin incredibly soft — don’t skip this.
Walk a little further upstream and you’ll reach a large rounded limestone rock that locals call Balena Bianca — the White Whale. It’s a great photo spot too.
It can get crowded here during the day, but early mornings and evenings are usually much more peaceful.
One heads-up: there are no toilets or showers here. That’s a strong reason to stay nearby so you can rinse off the sulfur smell quickly after your soak.
Where to stay in Bagni San Filippo
B&B Il Fosso Bianco: just a few minutes’ walk from the springs and seriously good value for money. It’s also a fantastic base for exploring the Val d’Orcia!
Bagno Vignoni
- Water temperature: lukewarm
- Admission: free
- Distance: Florence 1.5 hours, Siena 1 hour
The free springs of Bagno Vignoni sit just below the village in the Parco dei Mulini — the Mill Park.
Alongside four old decommissioned mills that once used the water’s power, you’ll find a large, naturally formed pool fed by many small streams flowing down from above.
The source is up in the village itself, where water bubbles out of the ground at 52°C. By the time it reaches the pool below, though, it’s only lukewarm — which means it’s not really warm enough for a winter dip, but in summer it’s wonderfully refreshing.
Where to stay in Bagno Vignoni
L’Orto delle Terme: right next to the thermal pool in the village, with its own spa. The breakfast alone is worth it!
Bagni di Petriolo
- Water temperature: 42°C
- Admission: free
- Distance: Florence 1.5 hours, Siena 30 minutes
The springs of Petriolo are tucked away near the country road between Siena and Grosseto.
Deep in the forest, hot water at 42°C rises from the ground and cascades down the hillside into a series of small and large pools.
What makes Petriolo really special is the Ombrone River running through the forest below. After soaking in the hot thermal water, you can jump straight into the river to cool off and wash away the sulfur smell — it’s a great combination.
Because they’re only half an hour from Siena, these Tuscany thermal baths get busy — so come early or late. Maybe even after a day exploring the highlights of Siena?
Our insider tip for Petriolo: In the tiny village of Pari, just a few minutes away, there’s a really good and very affordable trattoria called Il Cacciatore. It’s set in the owners’ own home — a true local favorite that most tourists never find.
Bagni di Petriolo
Locanda di Petriolo: Great value for money. Guests get free access to the spa resort across the street.
Our Tips for Visiting the Thermal Springs in Tuscany
First time at a natural hot spring? Here’s everything you need to know before you go.
What you should bring for bathing in hot springs
- Water shoes: The ground around the springs is slippery and rocky — these are non-negotiable.
- Old swimwear: The high mineral content attacks elastane fibers. Bring something you don’t mind ruining.
- Large towel or bathrobe: For drying off and changing afterward.
- Food and drinks: Except in Saturnia, none of the springs have a bar or restaurant nearby.
- Trash bag: None of the bathing spots have trash cans — please pack out what you bring in.
- Flashlight: Essential for an evening visit. None of the springs have any lighting.
Heads up: Take off any metal jewelry before you get in. Gold or silver — it doesn’t matter — metals turn pitch black in sulfur water. You can reverse the discoloration with vinegar, but it’s easier to just leave the jewelry in the car.
Head straight to the nearest shower after bathing
After your soak, you’ll smell pretty rough — like rotten eggs, which is exactly what sulfur smells like. Make sure you have a shower lined up for right afterward.
In Saturnia there are coin-operated showers on site, but the other free springs in Tuscany don’t have any. That’s another good reason to book accommodation close by.
The hot springs are most beautiful at night or in winter
Come late in the evening and you’ll often have the springs almost to yourself. In fall and winter especially, it’s not unusual to be the only ones there.
Bring a flashlight or a camping lantern and the rising steam creates an incredibly atmospheric, almost otherworldly scene. Totally worth the extra effort.
Frequently Asked Questions About Bathing in the Hot Springs of Tuscany
What are the health benefits of bathing in the hot springs?
The mineral-rich sulfur water is said to help with colds, coughs, skin problems, and physical ailments like back pain. Sure, you’ll smell pretty strongly of rotten eggs afterward — but we’ve personally cleared up more than one stuffy nose during a soak!
Is sulfur water harmful to your body?
Not at all — quite the opposite! That said, the water can dry out your swimwear and make it look worn, and it will turn metal jewelry black. You can restore jewelry to its original appearance with vinegar.
How do you get rid of the sulfur smell afterward?
A regular shower does the trick. You don’t need any special products — ordinary shower gel is completely sufficient.
How do the hot springs of Tuscany form?
Large parts of Tuscany are of volcanic origin — Monte Amiata in the south is an extinct volcano. All four springs in this article are located around that mountain, which is why the geothermal activity is so concentrated here.
