Natural spas and hot springs in Tuscany

If you want to wallow for free, join the locals at this natural thermal spa phenomenon between the towns of Saturnia and Montemerano.

The steaming, sulfur-infused water, heated to a balmy 37.5 degrees Celsius, flow down a series of terraces forming natural hot water pools and mini waterfalls.

These mineral-rich waters are known for their therapeutic properties – making it a popular destination for both relaxation and healing. It’s particularly atmospheric by moonlight.

A luxury retreat, in a former Medici villa, with a state-of-the-art spa offering more than a hundred different treatments. There’s a fabulous hot indoor-outdoor ‘bioacqua’ pool with 24 different massage jets to pummel the stiffness from limbs, backs, and shoulders.

You can’t bathe in the old ‘vasca’ that occupies the central piazza in tiny medieval Bagno Vignoni these days, but you can wallow in the magnificent pool at the newly-renovated Hotel Posta Marcucci, against the splendid backdrop of the Val d’Orcia.

The unique feature of the Grotta Giusti spa and hotel in Monsummano Terme is its extraordinary prehistoric underground cave system. An hour spent sweating in the dripping grotta offers relief from rheumatic pain and does wonders for the skin. After your sweat, you will be sluiced down naked in a small cubicle with a strong jet of water.

The sulphur-rich water (think rotten eggs) in the huge thermal pool at the recently re-vamped Terme di Saturnia Resort bubbles up from the ground at 37.5°C. There is pummeling and pampering too, plus five-star services.

Among the many thermal spa resorts in Tuscany, ADLER Spa Resort THERMAE is one of the most appealing. Located in the heart of the Val d’Orcia – a UNESCO World Heritage Site – it offers a perfect balance of relaxation, comfort, and beautiful surroundings. The ambience is a stylish calm, with a design that blends in well with the Tuscan landscape.

Food and wine play an important role in the experience. Guests can enjoy fresh, regional dishes at the main restaurant or opt for something more informal at the cosy Osteria dell’Amicizia. A wine tasting in the resort’s Travertine wine cellar is highly recommended for those wanting to explore local labels.

The wellness area is impressive, with indoor and outdoor thermal pools heated naturally to 37°C, a panoramic whirlpool, and a range of saunas and steam baths inspired by ancient Roman traditions.

The resort is the perfect base for visiting the lovely hill towns of Pienza, Montepulciano, and San Quirico d’Orcia. The famous wine region of Montalcino is nearby, and Siena is about 45 minutes away by car.