Best Thermal Spas in Tuscany
Tuscany is rich in thermal baths- it's the Italian region with the highest number of natural hot springs, and they have been enjoyed since Etruscan times and probably earlier. There is little more pleasant and relaxing than sitting in a tub of hot spring water, and the option of a massage only makes it more attractive.
Here's our list of Thermal Baths worth visiting in Tuscany - these are all hotels or generally places where you have a pay an entrance fee. There are also hot baths which you can visit for free, I'll make a separate list of these - or maybe add it to the Places you can go wild swimming in Tuscany page.
Terme Tettuccio di Montecatini
These famous baths are ideally placed between Pisa, Lucca and Florence, making them easy to visit from many villas. They are unusual because the thermal waters are also excellent to drink for health purposes - people come here to bathe but also simply for a glass of the restorative waters.
Terme di Montecatini on Google Maps
Grotta Giusti
Very close to Montecatini Terme you'll find the Grotta Giusti thermal baths, built around the natural caves where the hot springs come to the surface. A magical setting and a full complement of services like massages and beauty treatments make this a popular place.
Where to stay near Montecatini Terme and Monsummano
We have some villas set very close to both these Thermal Baths - for example Villa Alessandro, sleeps 8 to 11, or the larger Villa Falesia with space for 14 to 19 guests.
Terme di Chianciano
Further south, in the province of Siena, you'll find the Terme di Chianciano, whose hot springs were already known and renowned by the Etruscans and Romans. Today they offer mud baths, a sensory spa and more.
Terme di Chianciano on Google Maps
Where to stay near Chianciano
A little further south, about 15 minutes drive away, we have two villas with amazing views of Mont'Amiata and of the Val d'Orcia landscape: Casa del Pastore and Valdorcia, both Tuscan villas with space for 8 guests and with private pools.
Terme di Saturnia
These hot thermal waters are perhaps better known for the free section, the "Cascate del Molino", an impressive series of natural baths cascading down a slope below an old mill. But the formal baths, just 2 km away, are well worth a visit, with body scrubs, mud baths and even - for the more energetic - a golf course.
Terme di Saturnia on Google Maps
Cascate del Mulino on Google Maps
Bagno Vignoni
The setting here is amazing - an enormous medieval tank of water in the place normally occupied by a village square. Visit in the morning and you'll see steam rising off the water, roiling in front of the beautiful buildings that surround the square. Andrej Tarkovskji used the square as the centrepiece for his film Nostalghia, a romantic story of Russian Poetry in a Tuscan setting.
Sadly you can't bathe in the medieval tank, but you can stay in the Albergo Posta Marcucci, a modern thermal spa a few steps away.
Albergo Posta Marcucci website
Rapolano Terme
The Antica Querciolaia thermal baths in Rapolano Terme, in the rolling hills south of Siena, are the hottest in Tuscany, at 39º. Set in buildings made of local Travertino stone, they also offer mud baths, cosmetic treatments and delicious meals.
Where to stay near Rapolano Terme
Twenty minutes drive away, Villa Rapale is a beautiful villa with a private Tennis court, gym and swimming pool. Sleeps 10.
San Casciano dei Bagni
Lastly, San Casciano - a small town but with 42 hot springs! We have a whole page on this charming town:
There are a number of other hot springs, some free and some with thermal baths attached - we will add to this list over time!
Where to stay near San Casciano dei Bagni
We heartily recommend Villa Bosco, for 14 guests. It has a pool, a cooking class room, a pizza party room and plenty of outdoor space. It's also within walking distance of the town, so a perfect position for hot spring lovers.
Author: Dan Wrightson
Dan Wrightson grew up in Tuscany, Italy and has been writing about, sketching and exploring Tuscany and Italy since 1983.
24th Jan 2023 16th Apr 2024