Tuscany thermal baths: Terme di San Giovanni
Content
The Terme di San Giovanni are the only thermal baths on the island of Elba . They are located on the Gulf of Portoferraio, about 4 km from the town center, on the site of former salt pans. Their specialty is mud from the lagoon, combined with saline, bromine, and iodine-rich water and thalassotherapy. There is no large swimming pool – the facility focuses on spa treatments and wellness programs.
Terme di San Giovanni at a glance
- Location: Località San Giovanni, 57037 Portoferraio (Elba, Province Livorno)
- Water & mud: Salt-bromine-iodine-containing water and mineral-rich mud from the brackish lagoon; the operator does not specify a water temperature.
- Chargeable: Yes, individual applications and packages are available; please inquire about prices with the operator.
- Opening hours 2026: Spa department May to November, Mon–Fri 8–12:30 and 16–19, Sat 8–12:30; Wellness & Cosmetics year-round Mon–Fri 9–13 and 15–18, Sat 9–14; closed on Sundays
- Website: termeisoladelba.it
Location and arrival
The thermal baths are located in the bay of Portoferraio, opposite the old town, in the San Giovanni district. They are just a few minutes' drive from the ferry port.
- Ferry: From Piombino to Portoferraio in about an hour, year-round with several ferry companies – details in our article on Arrival to Elba.
- On site: by car, taxi or island bus from the port of Portoferraio.
- Mainland: Anyone who has Piombino Those arriving can use the waiting time for the ferry for a stroll through the old town.
Water and applications
mud from the lagoon
The facility opened in 1963. The mud comes from the lagoon of the former saltworks and contains, among other things, iodine, sulfur, potassium, sodium, and iron. Together with the salt-bromine-iodine-rich water, it is used for mud baths to treat osteoarthritis, rheumatism, and skin problems; inhalations help with respiratory ailments.
Thalasso and Wellness
In addition to traditional spa treatments, the facility offers thalassotherapy with seawater, algae, and mud, a thermal bath, massages, facial and body treatments, as well as physiotherapy and rehabilitation. Spa treatments can be prescribed under the Italian National Health Service (SSN); you must clarify with your German health insurance provider beforehand whether they will cover any of the costs.
Visitor tips
- Book mud treatments early during peak season – treatments are in high demand.
- The spa department only operates in the morning and late afternoon; midday is suitable for the beach or the old town.
- A mud bath or wellness appointment is a good idea for windy days when swimming in the sea isn't fun.
Environment and alternatives
Portoferraio, with its Medici fortresses and Napoleon's Villa dei Mulini residence, is well worth a visit – you can find a guided tour, for example, at GetYourGuide in Portoferraio . The best way to discover the island is from the water with a boat trip around Elba . For swimming, we recommend our overview of Elba's most beautiful beaches.
Warm thermal water for swimming can be found on the mainland, for example at the Terme di Venturina near Piombino. Our overview of thermal baths in Tuscany shows all the thermal baths and free hot springs in the region.
Find accommodation
Hotels and holiday apartments around the bay can be found at Booking.com in Portoferraio.
Find accommodation in Portoferraio
Frequently asked questions about the Terme di San Giovanni
Are there any thermal baths on Elba?
Yes, the Terme di San Giovanni near Portoferraio. They specialize in mud baths, inhalations, thalassotherapy, and wellness treatments.
Is it possible to swim in the Terme di San Giovanni?
There is no large swimming pool. The facilities consist of mud baths, tub and thalassotherapy treatments, and wellness services.
When are the Terme di San Giovanni open?
The spa area is open from May to November, the wellness and beauty area is open year-round. It is closed on Sundays (as of 2026).
How far is the thermal bath from the port of Portoferraio?
The thermal baths are located in the bay of Portoferraio, about 4 km from the center and just a few minutes' drive from the ferry port.
Where does the mud come from?
The mud comes from the brackish water lagoon of the former salt pans of San Giovanni.
