Italy is an incredible country, world-renowned for its authentic food, rich history and culture, exquisite wine, gorgeous landscapes, landmarks, and scenic vistas. 

However, there is a lesser-known marvel to be found in this beautiful country. There are a surprisingly high number of hot springs located here, many of which are open twenty-four hours a day, inviting you to take a relaxing soak in nature. 

We will give you the low-down on the hottest sites in Italy to enjoy one of Mother Nature’s finest gifts: hot springs.

What Are the Benefits of Hot Springs?

You may be surprised to find that other than providing an incredibly relaxing experience, hot springs are known to provide several health benefits! The healing power of hot springs has been well-documented for over a thousand years and here are some ways that it can improve your health:

• Reduce Stress – The high temperatures and minerals in the water help to relax tense muscles and is soothing, both of which can reduce stress
• Improve Sleep – Along with those relaxed muscles, leaving the heat of a hot spring into colder air has a calming effect on the body too, making sleep come more easily.
• Pain Reliever – The buoyancy in the water can relieve pressure on joints and the heat in mineral baths can dull the perception from pain receptors, which can ease widespread fatigue and pain. 
• Skin Treatment – High content of silica and sulphur in the mineral springs have shown beneficial effects on the skin, such as smoothing and softening it and relieving symptoms of psoriasis and eczema.  

Now that you know many ways that these springs can relax and soothe your body, let’s discover the best hot springs to visit in Italy.

Natural Hot Springs in Tuscany, Italy

As an idyllic rural landscape, Tuscany is one of the most popular tourist attractions in Italy due primarily to its natural beauty, fine wines, and historic cities rife with legendary art. 

There are also some pretty special thermal baths to be found here, as well. Here’s a list of some of the top must-visits. 

Saturnia

One of the most popular spa destinations in Tuscany is Cascate del Mulino in Saturnia; one of the most visually stunning hot springs. A series of cascading pools degrade down the hillside into a river, guarded by an old mill amid the rolling hills of southern Tuscany. 

Water Temperature – 37.5 Degrees Celsius

Location – Via della Follonata, 58050 Saturnia, Manciano Italy

Hours – 24/7 Year-round

Nearby Campsite: Camping Maremma Sans Souci

Distance Away: 19.8 Kilometers

Bagni San Filippo

Another gorgeous and free natural spring, Bagni San Filippo is highlighted by the waterfall called “The White Whale”, which is warm enough to enjoy year-round. There are smatterings of pools throughout the area, and the rich thermal mud at the bottoms make a fantastic facial or body mask!  

Water Temperature – 48 Degrees Celsius

Location – Via Fosso Bianco, 53023 Bagni San Filippo SI, Italy

Hours – 24/7 Year-round

Nearby Campsite: Parco delle Piscine

Distance Away: 15.4 Kilometers

Bagno Vignoni

The Bagno Vignoni offers a pleasant range of heat which makes the Fosso Bianco one of the hottest springs in the area. The iconic main pool itself is closed off to the public, but lower springs in Parco Dei Mulini are available and allow you to relax just as the ancient Romans did. These waters are particularly great for soothing aching muscles due to their temperature. 

Water Temperature – 49 – 52 Degrees Celsius

Location – Via del Gorello, 53027 Bagno Vignoni SI, Italy

Hours – 24/7 Year-round

Nearby Campsite: L’Arca Di Noe’ Di Ciabatti Dino & C. Snc

Distance Away: 73.9 kilometers

Petriolo

The terrain around these hot springs is perfect for long excursions such as hiking trails and visiting an amazing oasis or two. As this site is out of the way, it’s a great place to visit if you want to avoid overcrowding. 

The hydrogen sulfide in these springs is particularly great for the skin! 

Water Temperature – 43 Degrees Celsius

Location – Strada Provinciale di Petriolo, 53015 Monticiano SI, Italy

Hours – 24/7 Year-round

Nearby Campsite: Camping Le Soline

Distance Away: 12.3 Kilometers

Other Free Hot Springs in Italy

Here are some of the best free options for thermal pools in Italy that are outside of Tuscany. You will definitely want to add these relaxing natural springs to your travel agenda!

Piscine Carletti

While not as striking as some of the other Italian hot springs on this list, this one is definitely more private and perfect for those seeking hotter springs. Located in a relatively hidden location in Viterbo, Italy, the tourist office in town can help you find it. 

Another advantage is that this spring lacks the aroma of sulphur which can be prevalent in natural springs. 

Water Temperature – Up to 58 Degrees Celsius

Location – 01100 Viterbo, VT, Italy 

Hours – 24/7 Year-round

Nearby Campsite: Camping Azzurro – Lago di Bracciano 

Distance Away: 49.7 Kilometers

La Terme Del Bullicame

Also located near Viterbo, in Northern Lazio, is known for several of Dante’s quotations. With steaming water collected by thermal channels, these natural springs are out in the open country, where a protected species of frog live. Nearby farming provides the opportunity to enjoy fresh fruit while enjoying a stress-relieving soak.

Water Temperature – Up to 58 Degrees Celsius

Location – Strada Bulicame, Viterbo, 01100, Viterbo Italy

Hours – 24/7 Year-round

Nearby Campsite: Camping Vigna di Valle

Distance Away: 58.1 Kilometers

Terme di Vulcano

For a taste of island hot springs, Terme di Vulcano is located at the base of a volcano in Sicily’s Eolie Islands. The smoking fumarole pits add a great atmosphere to your soak in these amazing hot springs. Nearby is a beach where the water is crystal clear, so there are certainly impressive visuals to enjoy here. 

The Vulcano Island spring’s mud is particularly famous for its medicinal properties, so people will often slather it upon themselves to treat joint pain. 

Water Temperature – 28 Degrees Celsius

Location – 98055 Lipari, Province of Messina, Italy (Vulcano Island) 

Hours – 24/7 Year-round

Nearby Campsite: Calanovella Camping Village 

Distance Away: 111 Kilometers (includes a ferry ride!)

There Are Even More Natural Hot Springs in Italy!

These are just a small sample of the free hot springs in Italy. There are many more to be found and enjoyed, plus a whole variety that require a fee. When traveling this beautiful country, make sure to schedule some well-earned ‘you time’ at one of these Hot Springs.