The hot springs of Tuscany: A travel guide to the healing springs
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Steaming cascades, travertine terraces in the forest, and open-air pools: the hot springs are among the most beautiful experiences in southern Tuscany. Many are free and accessible 24/7 . This guide shows you how to visit the most famous springs, what to look out for, and when the best time to visit is. For a complete list of all thermal baths with an entrance fee, see our overview of thermal baths in Tuscany.
At a glance
- Free swimming: Cascate del Mulino (Saturnia), Bagni San Filippo, Bagni di Petriolo and the Bagno Grande public pool in San Casciano dei Bagni.
- Just look: Swimming is prohibited in the historic village basin of Bagno Vignoni.
- Not free: Venturina Terme (Terme di Venturina/Calidario) and the classic spa towns such as Montecatini or Chianciano.
- Best time: From autumn to spring, early mornings or evenings on weekdays – then the water steams and it is emptier.
- Bring along: Bathing shoes, towel, old swimwear (sulfur smell) and Drinking water – There are usually no changing rooms or showers at the public springs.
Experience the free thermal springs
The most famous freely accessible springs are located in southern Tuscany between Maremma, Val d'Orcia and Monte Amiata . The water contains sulfur, smells accordingly, and is warm enough for bathing year-round – even in winter.
| Source | Location | Water temperature | Costs |
|---|---|---|---|
| Mill waterfalls | Saturnia, municipality of Manciano (GR) | ca 37 ° C | Free parking, parking is subject to a fee during the day. |
| San Filippo Baths (Fosso Bianco) | Castiglione d'Orcia (SI) | at the source up to approx. 48 °C | Free |
| Large bathroom | San Casciano dei Bagni (SI) | ca 40 ° C | Free |
| Baths of Petriolo | on the Farma River, Monticiano/Civitella Paganico border | at the source approx. 43 °C | free (pool on the riverbank) |
| Park dei Mulini | Bagno Vignoni, San Quirico d'Orcia (SI) | warm drain water | free; village pool: swimming prohibited |
Saturnia: the Cascate del Mulino
The Saturnia thermal springs are the most famous in Tuscany. Below the village of Saturnia (municipality of Manciano, about 50 km southeast of Grosseto ), the approximately 37°C warm water cascades over white travertine terraces, forming natural pools. Access is free and possible around the clock; the roadside parking lot is subject to a fee during the day. There are no changing rooms, showers, or toilets at the cascades. It gets very crowded in summer and on weekends – those who can should come at sunrise or late in the evening. For those seeking more comfort, the Terme di Saturnia resort , with its thermal pools and spa, is located a little further upstream at the spring (fees apply).
Bagni San Filippo: Swimming in the forest
In Bagni San Filippo (municipality of Castiglione d'Orcia, on the edge of Monte Amiata), hot water flows through a stream in the woods, the Fosso Bianco . Limestone deposits have formed white terraces and pools here; the largest formation is called Balena Bianca (white whale) because of its shape . From the village, you can reach the pools via a short forest path. The limestone surfaces are delicate – please do not scrape them and do not use soap or shampoo.
San Casciano dei Bagni: a public pool steeped in history
Below the hilltop village of San Casciano dei Bagni in the southeast of the province of Siena lies the public pool Bagno Grande : several stone-lined pools fed by spring water at around 40°C. Entry is free, but there are no facilities such as restrooms. The last few meters from the parking area are on foot. Right next to it, archaeologists made a discovery in 2022 at an Etruscan-Roman spring sanctuary that made headlines worldwide (see below).
Bagni di Petriolo: Pools on the riverbank
The Petriolo springs are located on the Farma River, on the border of the provinces of Siena and Grosseto. The sulfurous water emerges at approximately 43°C and flows into small pools carved into the rock along the riverbank, which are free to use. There is also a modern thermal bath complex, for which there is an entrance fee.
Bagno Vignoni: look around instead of swimming
The village of Bagno Vignoni in the Val d'Orcia (municipality of San Quirico d'Orcia) has a large rectangular thermal pool dating back to the 16th century instead of a market square. Swimming in the village pool is prohibited – it's a tourist attraction, not a bathing area. Below the village, in the Parco dei Mulini (Mill Park) , the warm water flows down over limestone channels and old mill remains; there you can warm your feet or bathe in small natural pools. Those who want to swim properly can use the thermal baths in the village, for which there is an entrance fee.
Thermal baths with entrance fee
Classic spa resorts
Those who prefer thermal pools with loungers, changing rooms, and treatments will find traditional spa towns in Tuscany. The most famous example is Montecatini Terme , which has been a UNESCO World Heritage Site, part of the "Great Spa Towns of Europe," since 2021. Other well-known thermal resorts include Chianciano Terme , Bagni di Lucca , Casciana Terme , and San Giuliano Terme near Pisa. Prices and opening hours change regularly – check the website of the respective spa before visiting.
Venturina Terme: not free
Many people search for free thermal baths in Venturina Terme near Campiglia Marittima. However, the thermal pools there (Terme di Venturina, Calidario) do require payment . You can find more information on our page about Terme di Venturina . Tip for a day trip: The weekly market takes place on Friday mornings in Venturina Terme on Via della Fiera – all dates can be found in our Tuscany market calendar.
Etruscans, Romans and the Bronze Age find from San Casciano
Even the Etruscans and Romans used the hot springs of Tuscany as healing and cult sites. Their importance was demonstrated in 2022 by a spectacular find in San Casciano dei Bagni: in the mud of an ancient spring basin, archaeologists unearthed 24 well-preserved bronze statues as well as thousands of coins and votive offerings, mostly from the 2nd and 1st centuries BC. The sanctuary was used until late antiquity. The statues were among the items on display in an exhibition on Berlin's Museum Island in 2025. You can read more about the history of the region in our article on the history of Tuscany.
Tips for your visit
Best time to travel
The natural springs are most atmospheric from October to April: With the cooler air, steam rises above the water, and it's significantly quieter than in the height of summer. In July and August, and on weekends, you should arrive very early in the morning or late in the evening. For general weather information, see Best Time to Visit Tuscany.
Equipment and behavior
- Bathing shoes: Limescale and algae make the pools slippery, stones can be sharp-edged.
- Old or dark swimwear: The sulfurous water has an odor and can discolor light-colored fabrics and silver jewelry. It's best to leave jewelry in the car.
- Towel, warm clothes for afterwards and drinking water – there is usually no infrastructure at the free springs.
- Do not leave valuables visible in the car and take your rubbish with you.
- Do not submerge your head and do not swallow water; rinse with fresh water after bathing if possible.
Health
Thermal water is traditionally used in Italy to treat skin, joint, and respiratory ailments; some thermal baths are even recognized for this purpose within the national health system. However, bathing in hot water can also put a strain on the circulatory system. Do not stay in the warm water too long, drink plenty of fluids, and consult your doctor beforehand if you have cardiovascular disease or are pregnant.
Arrival and accommodation
The natural springs are located away from the railway lines – a car or campervan is practically essential. Saturnia, Bagni San Filippo, Bagno Vignoni, and San Casciano dei Bagni can easily be combined into a tour of southern Tuscany. Tips on wellness accommodations can be found in the article " Wellness in Tuscany".
Frequently asked questions about the thermal baths of Tuscany
Which thermal baths in Tuscany are free?
The Cascate del Mulino waterfalls in Saturnia, the pools of Bagni San Filippo, the pools on the Farma River near Bagni di Petriolo, and the public pool Bagno Grande in San Casciano dei Bagni are all freely accessible. In Saturnia, only the parking lot is subject to a fee during the day.
How warm is the water in Saturnia?
The water at Cascate del Mulino is around 37°C all year round. Swimming is therefore possible even in winter.
Is swimming allowed in Bagno Vignoni?
No, swimming is prohibited in the historic pool in the village square. Below the village, in the Parco dei Mulini, warm water flows over limestone channels; there you can dip your feet in. For swimming, there are thermal baths in the village (fees apply).
Are the Terme di Venturina free?
No. The thermal pools in Venturina Terme (Terme di Venturina/Calidario) are not free. Free springs can be found mainly in southern Tuscany, for example in Saturnia or Bagni San Filippo.
When is the best time to use free sources?
From autumn to spring, the best time to visit is early morning or evening on weekdays. The Cascate del Mulino waterfalls are particularly crowded in summer and on weekends.
What should you take with you to the thermal springs?
Bring bathing shoes for slippery limestone floors, a towel, old swimwear (due to the sulfur smell), and drinking water. Changing rooms, showers, and toilets are usually not available at the public springs.
