Tuscany thermal baths: Terme di Saturnia
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Saturnia, in the southern Maremma, is the most famous thermal spa town in Tuscany. There are two options: the free Cascate del Mulino , freely accessible travertine pools with sulfurous water at around 37°C, and the paid thermal baths of the Terme di Saturnia resort.
Terme di Saturnia at a glance
- Location: Saturnia, municipality of Manciano, province of Grosseto – about 50 km southeast of Grosseto
- Water: constant 37,5 °C at the source, sulfurous (according to the operator 14 mg/l hydrogen sulfide), approx. 500 liters per second
- Free: Cascate del Mulino – freely accessible around the clock, no infrastructure at the pool
- Chargeable: Terme di Saturnia Thermal Park – Admission from €30; open 1 April–31 October 9:30–19, 1 November–31 March 9:30–17 (as of 2026)
- Parking at the Cascate: Paid parking lot, most recently approx. €2,50 per hour (as of 2025)
- Website: termedisaturnia.it
Cascate del Mulino: the free thermal baths
Below the village, on the road towards Montemerano, thermal water flows over the cascades of an old mill into natural pools of white travertine. The milky-blue water is around 37°C. Bathing here is free and possible around the clock, even in winter. Follow the signs for "Cascate del Mulino," not the ones for the resort.
Parking and Service
Directly above the pools is a paid parking lot (most recently around €2,50 per hour, as of 2025); it is full by mid-morning on summer weekends. The parking lot has a bar with changing rooms, lockers, coin-operated showers, and a rental service for bathrobes and towels; there are no facilities at the pools themselves. Motorhome owners usually use the parking area on Strada della Peschiera, from which it is just under 2 km on foot to the cascades.
Best time to visit and visiting tips
- Best time: Early mornings (before about 9 a.m.), evenings, or on weekdays outside of school holidays. In autumn and winter, the steam is particularly beautiful in the cool air. It gets very crowded on summer weekends and holidays.
- Bathing shoes: The sinter is rough, the ground is partly gravelly and slippery in some places.
- Old swimwear: The sulfurous water smells like rotten eggs and can bleach fabrics.
- Remove jewelry: Silver and other metals can darken in sulfurous water.
- Valuables: Leave it in the locker in the parking lot, not unattended at the poolside.
- Natural monument: Leave no trash behind, do not use soap or shampoo.
Terme di Saturnia: the thermal baths (fee required)
About a kilometre away is the Terme di Saturnia resort, right at the spring. The thermal park (Hot Spring Pools) is also accessible without an overnight stay: four outdoor pools with thermal water, hydromassage jets, Kneipp paths, a sauna and a mud bath. Admission starts 2026 at 30 €; it is open from 1 April to 31 October 9:30–19, and from 1 November to 31 March 9:30–17. A white towel and a bathrobe are mandatory – either bring your own or rent a "wellness kit" at reception; loungers and parasols cost extra. On weekends and public holidays, online booking is advisable. Current prices and packages can be found on the official website.
Cascate or thermal park.
The Cascate del Mulino are free, spectacular and open around the clock – but often crowded and without amenities. The thermal park charges admission, but in return offers larger pools, loungers, changing rooms and more peace and quiet. The Hotel Saturno Fonte Pura near Saturnia also operates another thermal bath with its own spring.
Tours and tickets for the thermal baths can also be found on GetYourGuide (Terme di Saturnia).
The thermal waters of Saturnia
According to the operator, the water emerges from the spring at 37,5 °C, at a rate of approximately 500 liters per second. It contains sulfur, sulfates, bicarbonates, calcium, and magnesium; hence its characteristic odor. Legend has it that the spring was formed when Jupiter, in a dispute with Saturn, hurled lightning bolts at Earth. The Etruscans and Romans already used the water – a Roman basin can be found near the Church of St. Maddalena in the town. Those with cardiovascular problems, who are pregnant, or who are taking medication should consult a doctor before prolonged bathing in the warm, sulfurous water and should not bathe for extended periods.
Arrival, surroundings and accommodation
How to Arrive
Saturnia is practically only accessible by car; the nearest train station is Grosseto (around 60 km). The waterfalls are located slightly below the town on the road towards Montemerano.
| Start | Distance (rounded) | Route |
|---|---|---|
| Grosseto | Approximately 60 km, about 1 hour. | via Scansano or via the Aurelia and Manciano |
| Florence | approx. 190 km, 2,5–3 hours | Expressway Siena–Grosseto, then via Scansano and Montemerano |
| Rome | approx. 180 km, approx. 2,5 hours. | A12/Aurelia to Montalto di Castro, then via Manciano |
| Rome Fiumicino Airport | about 160 km | Aurelia heading north |
| Airports Pisa | about 210 km | Aurelia heading south |
Nearby destinations for day trips
The village of Saturnia itself is worth a short stroll: the Porta Romana is the only remaining part of the ancient city wall, and a small archaeological museum displays finds from prehistory to Roman times. The town of Manciano lies just a few kilometers away on a hill. Pitigliano , built on a tufa rock , is about a half-hour drive (approx. 30 km) ; nearby are Sovana with its Etruscan necropolis and Sorano. Further north rises Monte Amiata.
Other thermal baths in the region – including free springs like Petriolo and Bagni San Filippo – can be found in our overview of thermal baths in Tuscany . Information about the region can be found on the page for the province of Grosseto.
Find accommodation
Accommodation in Saturnia and the surrounding area can be found on Booking.com (Saturnia) – from agriturismos in the hills to luxury resorts by the spring; Manciano and Montemerano are also suitable locations. For motorhomes, you can use the parking area on the Strada della Peschiera or other motorhome pitches in Tuscany.
Find accommodation in Saturnia
Frequently asked questions about the Terme di Saturnia
Are the Saturnia thermal baths free?
Yes, the Cascate del Mulino below Saturnia are free and accessible around the clock. Only the car park is charged. The thermal park of the Terme di Saturnia resort charges admission.
How warm is the water in Saturnia?
According to the operator, the water emerges from the spring at 37,5 °C. At the Cascate del Mulino, it is somewhat cooler depending on the pool, usually around 37 °C – even in winter.
How much does it cost to enter the Terme di Saturnia?
Entry to the thermal park (Hot Spring Pools) will start at €2026 in 30. Bath towels and bathrobes are mandatory and can be rented; sun loungers cost extra.
When is the Cascate del Mulino least crowded?
It's quietest early in the morning, in the evening, and on weekdays in autumn and winter. It gets very crowded on summer weekends and holidays.
What should you bring to the Cascate del Mulino?
Bring bathing shoes, old swimwear, a towel, and water. It's best to leave jewelry at home, as silver tarnishes in sulfurous water.
Where is Saturnia located and how far is it from Rome and Florence?
Saturnia belongs to the municipality of Manciano in the province of Grosseto, about 60 km southeast of Grosseto. It is about 180 km from Rome and about 190 km from Florence by car.
