Tuscany thermal baths: Terme di Stia
Content
Anyone looking for the Terme di Stia should know one thing beforehand: there are no thermal baths in Stia in the Casentino region (province of Arezzo). The town is known for the cold, very light mineral water of the Fonte di Calcedonia on Monte Falterona. The expansion into a spa complex, announced years ago, has yet to materialize.
Terme di Stia at a glance
- Location: Parco Termale Fonti di Calcedonia, Località Gaviserri/Papiano, Municipality of Pratovecchio Stia (AR)
- Water: Cold, low-mineralized bicarbonate water with low sodium content – for drinking, not for bathing.
- Swimming: not possible; previously only drinking cures were offered
- Status 2026: We were unable to confirm that the spa facility was open. The spring water is now bottled under the Maxim's brand.
- Contact (according to Touring Club Italiano): Tel. +39 0575 504711 – please inquire before visiting
Location and arrival
Stia is the first town on the upper reaches of the Arno River and has been part of the municipality of Pratovecchio Stia since 2014. It lies in the far east of Tuscany in the Casentino region, on the edge of the Foreste Casentinesi National Park. The river's source itself rises at an altitude of approximately 1.200 meters on Monte Falterona, along the road from Stia to the Passo della Calla.
- Car: from Arezzo or Florence via Poppi or via the Passo della Consuma into the Casentino; from Stia follow the signs towards Passo della Calla.
- Train: Stia is the terminus of the Arezzo–Stia regional railway.
Water and applications
The Fonte di Calcedonia
The water is low in minerals, contains bicarbonate, and is very low in sodium. It is considered a diuretic and has traditionally been recommended for urinary tract ailments. According to the Casentino tourism website, the spring on Monte Falterona is freely accessible and serves as a starting point for hikes and mountain bike tours in the national park.
What became of the bathing plans
Years ago, plans were made to add whirlpools, mud baths, and thermal pools to Stia. These plans have yet to materialize. The concession for the spring was extended in 2025; the water is now marketed as luxury mineral water. Anyone expecting thermal pools in Stia will be disappointed.
Visitor tips
- Stia is worth visiting for its natural beauty and historic town center, not as a thermal spa destination.
- The road to Passo della Calla is a beautiful mountain route into the national park – beware of snow and ice in winter.
- Plan a visit to one of the thermal baths listed below for a day of swimming in warm water.
Alternatives and surroundings
There are other springs in the Casentino region: In Chitignano, you can collect water for free in the Parco Buca del Tesoro, and in Bagni di Cetica, there's a historic bath with cold spring water. Warm thermal water, however, can only be found further afield, for example in the thermal baths of Rapolano Terme , in Chianciano Terme , or in the free springs of southern Tuscany. See all the baths at a glance: Thermal Baths of Tuscany.
Arezzo (weekly market on Saturdays) and Florence are good options for day trips . You can find more information about the region on the Arezzo province page.
Find accommodation
Accommodation in Casentino can be found at Booking.com (Pratovecchio Stia).
Find accommodation in Stia
Frequently asked questions about the Terme di Stia
Is it possible to bathe in a thermal spa in Stia?
No. There is no thermal bath in Stia. The promised bathing facilities have not yet been built.
What is the Fonte di Calcedonia?
A spring at an altitude of approximately 1.200 m on Monte Falterona near Stia. Its cold, low-sodium mineral water is bottled today and sold under the Maxim's brand.
Is the water in Stia warm?
No. It is cold, low-mineral spring water used for drinking.
Where is the nearest thermal spa with hot water?
Within Tuscany, for example in Rapolano Terme or Chianciano Terme; in addition, there are the free hot springs of southern Tuscany such as Saturnia or Bagni San Filippo.
