Wellness and relaxation in Tuscany
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For a wellness holiday in Tuscany, you have three options: a thermal resort with its own spring, like in Saturnia; a spa hotel in Florence or on the Versilia coast; or you can bathe for free in natural hot springs. Here we show which regions are suitable for which purpose. You can find all the thermal baths in detail in our overview of thermal baths in Tuscany.
Wellness in Tuscany – the short answer
- Thermal resorts: Terme di Saturnia (Maremma), Fonteverde (San Casciano dei Bagni), Grotta Giusti (Monsummano Terme).
- Classic spa resort: Montecatini Terme – UNESCO World Heritage Site, drinking cure in Tettuccio, treatments in the Terme Redi.
- Free swimming: Cascate del Mulino in Saturnia (approx. 37 °C), Bagni San Filippo, Petriolo, public pool in San Casciano dei Bagni.
- Spa by the sea: Hotels in Forte dei Marmi and Viareggio (Versilia).
- Closed: The Terme di Bagni di Lucca have been out of service since 2021 (as of October 2026).
Wellness in thermal resorts
Saturnia and the Maremma
In Saturnia in der südlichen Maremma fließt 37,5 °C warmes Schwefelwasser. Unterhalb des Dorfes liegen die Cascate del Mulino (auch Cascate del Gorello genannt): natürliche Kalksinterbecken, in denen Sie rund um die Uhr kostenlos baden können. Das Resort Terme di Saturnia bietet daneben einen kostenpflichtigen Thermalpark, ein Spa-Hotel und einen Golfplatz. Unterkünfte in der Umgebung: Hotels in Saturnia.
Montecatini Terme
Montecatini Terme is the classic spa town of Tuscany and has been a UNESCO World Heritage Site, part of the "Great Spa Towns of Europe," since 2021. In the magnificent Tettuccio, with its colonnades and fountains, thermal water is served for drinking cures, while the Terme Redi spa offers baths, mud treatments, and massages. Information on which spas are open in 2026 can be found under Thermal Baths of Montecatini . Nearby is the Grotta Giusti in Monsummano Terme, with its thermal grotto – see Grotta Giusti.
Southern Province of Siena
Several thermal spas are located around the Val d'Orcia and Monte Amiata : the Fonteverde resort in San Casciano dei Bagni, the historic Bagno Vignoni (bathing in the village pool is prohibited), and the freely accessible springs of Bagni San Filippo and Petriolo. Details: Bagno Vignoni and Bagni San Filippo.
Bagni di Lucca
Heinrich Heine took the waters in Bagni di Lucca in the Lima Valley and immortalized the town in his novel "The Baths of Lucca." However, the thermal baths have been closed since 2021; the municipality is seeking a new operator (as of October 2026). More information can be found at Terme di Bagni di Lucca.
Spa hotels in the city and by the sea
Florence
Those wishing to combine culture and wellness should choose a hotel with a spa in Florence . From there, it's a short distance to the Uffizi Gallery or the Boboli Gardens behind the Pitti Palace. Tips for choosing a hotel: romantic hotels in Florence.
Versilia
The seaside resorts of Viareggio and Forte dei Marmi on the Versilia coast offer elegant hotels with spas and sea views. Thomas Mann and Aldous Huxley both spent summers in Forte dei Marmi. The Terme della Versilia thermal baths are located nearby.
Tips for a wellness holiday
- travel time: Autumn, winter, and spring are ideal – warm thermal water in cool air is especially pleasant. See Winter vacation in Tuscany.
- Free sources: Bring bathing shoes and old bathing clothes; sulfur water can discolor fabrics and silver jewelry.
- Thermal resorts: Day tickets are often possible without an overnight stay – check the operator's website beforehand.
- Learn more: Guide to the hot springs of Tuscany.
Frequently asked questions about wellness holidays in Tuscany
Where can you bathe in thermal water for free in Tuscany?
In the Cascate del Mulino near Saturnia, in Bagni San Filippo, at the Petriolo springs, and in the public pool of San Casciano dei Bagni. Swimming is prohibited in the historic village pool in Bagno Vignoni.
Which thermal resorts are there in Tuscany?
Among the well-known spas are Terme di Saturnia, Fonteverde in San Casciano dei Bagni, and Grotta Giusti in Monsummano Terme. Montecatini Terme boasts the historic spa hotels Tettuccio and Redi.
Are the thermal baths of Bagni di Lucca open?
No, the thermal baths in Bagni di Lucca have been closed since 2021. The municipality is looking for a new operator (as of October 2026).
When is the best time for a wellness holiday in Tuscany?
Autumn, winter, and spring. Then the thermal baths are quieter, and the warm water is particularly pleasant in the cool air.
How warm is the water in Saturnia?
The water temperature at the source is a constant 37,5 °C. The freely accessible Cascate del Mulino waterfalls have a temperature of approximately 37 °C.
