Tuscany thermal baths: Terme di Petriolo
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The Terme di Petriolo (Bagni di Petriolo) are one of Tuscany's most pristine, free thermal springs . Located on the banks of the Farma River, between Siena and Grosseto, sulfurous water at around 43°C collects in natural pools – right next to the cool river. A hotel with a spa (for a fee) is situated nearby.
Terme di Petrolo at a glance
- Location: on the Farma river on the border of the municipalities of Monticiano (province of Siena) and Civitella Paganico (province of Grosseto), near the SS223 Siena–Grosseto highway
- Water: sulfurous, it emerges at around 43 °C
- Free: The pools on the riverbank – freely accessible, without changing rooms or sanitary facilities
- Chargeable: Spa at the Hotel Mercure Petrolo Siena Terme Spa (treatments by reservation only)
- Hotel website: Mercure Petriolo Siena Terme Spa
The free thermal pools at Farma
Das heiße Wasser fließt aus mehreren Austritten über kleine Kaskaden in steinerne Becken am Flussufer. Je weiter es sich vom Austritt entfernt, desto mehr kühlt es ab, sodass Sie zwischen sehr warmen und lauwarmen Becken wählen können. Typisch für Petriolo ist der Wechsel zwischen dem heißen Thermalwasser und einem Sprung in den kühlen Farma. Die Quellen waren schon in römischer Zeit bekannt; urkundlich erwähnt sind die Bäder seit dem 13. Jahrhundert, und Reste der mittelalterlichen Badeanlage sind noch zu sehen.
Visitor tips
- There is no infrastructure whatsoever: towel, bathing shoes, Drinking water and bring a bag for the trash.
- It can get crowded on weekends and during holidays – it's quieter during the week and early in the day.
- Sulfur water smells and can discolor swimwear and silver jewelry.
- Be careful of the current and slippery stones in the river, especially after rain.
Thermal spa at the hotel
Located directly at the thermal springs is the Hotel Mercure Petriolo Siena Terme Spa (formerly Petriolo Spa Resort) with thermal pools, a wellness area, and treatments such as mud baths and inhalations. If you are looking for comfort or an overnight stay, this is the place for you; please contact the hotel directly for prices and availability.
Arrival and surroundings
You can reach Petriolo by car via the SS223 between Siena and Grosseto ; at the exit, follow the signs for "Bagni di Petriolo". The pools are just a few steps from the road. Getting there by public transport is complicated.
The villages of Monticiano and Pari, as well as the Farma nature reserve, are located nearby. Other free-flowing springs, such as Saturnia (Cascate del Mulino) and Bagni San Filippo, can be found in our overview of thermal baths in Tuscany.
Find accommodation
You can find accommodations around Petriolo at Booking.com (Bagni di Petriolo).
Find accommodation near Petrolo
Frequently asked questions about Terme di Petrolo
Are the Terme di Petroolo free?
Yes. The natural pools along the Farma River are free and open to the public. Only the spa at the neighboring hotel requires payment.
How warm is the water in Petroolo?
The sulfurous water emerges at around 43°C and cools down in the lower pools. The Farma River nearby is significantly colder.
Where are the Terme di Petrolo located?
On the Farma River on the border between Monticiano (province of Siena) and Civitella Paganico (province of Grosseto), near the SS223 Siena–Grosseto highway.
Are there changing rooms or toilets in Petroolo?
Not at the public pools. Please bring your own towel, swim shoes, and drinking water, and take your rubbish with you.
