Last Updated on August 2, 2024 by Tori’s VA
We visited the Tuscany Hot Springs located in Saturnia, Italy this spring and we had the most amazing time! I have a few important tips that you need to know before planning your time in Tuscany!
This post may contain affiliate links for activities, destinations and products that I love, and think you will too!
What are the Tuscany Hot Springs?
When visiting Italy, one of the most unique things you can do is venture into the Tuscan countryside to visit the small town of Saturnia. This little village has become popular thanks to the natural hot springs and thermal baths that are located here. The hot springs, known as “Cascate del Mulino” in Italian, are a natural spring that comes out from the ground. The water sits at 99 degrees Fahrenheit and with salt and natural healing properties.
The hot water is soothing to your muscles, the steam is great for your face and the natural salts are great for your skin, hair and nail health. It’s the best free spa you can ask for. And, it also happens to sit in the middle of the rolling Tuscany hills. It’s quite possibly the most beautiful place on earth.
Should you Visit the Tuscany Hot Springs?
The Tuscany Hot Springs are a super unique and beautiful destination in Italy. I urge everyone visiting Italy to consider visiting. That being said, it’s not for everyone, and doesn’t always make sense for your itinerary.
Before I visited the hot springs, I heard several complaints from people who had been. The hot springs have sulfur in the water, so naturally there is a sulfur smell. When we visited it wasn’t very strong but it can vary from day to day. Once we were there for a few minutes we didn’t notice it anymore and it was not a problem.
Another common complaint are the tiny red worms that live in the water. They are super teeny tiny and didn’t bother me at all, and I hate bugs along with most everyone else! They are completely harmless and will not bother you, but it’s definitely something to keep in mind.
The last and most important thing to consider are your travel plans while you are in Italy. Saturnia is located almost exactly halfway between Rome and Florence, and is not accessible by public transportation. To get there you must rent a car and drive 2-3 hours from one of the cities. If you only have a short time in the country, then this would definitely take up a good chunk of your itinerary.
Think about how important this is to you. For us, we really wanted to check out the springs, experience a smaller Italian town, and be able to explore Tuscany, so this stop made perfect sense for us. Keep reading to hear about the perfect way to fit Saturnia and the Tuscany Hot Springs into your Italy vacation.
When Should You Visit the Tuscany Hot Springs?
The hot springs are a relaxing way to spend any day throughout the year. The springs are extremely popular in the summer, so will likely be more busy if you’re visiting then. However if you’re in Italy during the summer, then it will be crowded everywhere you turn. Venturing out to this small Tuscan town will be the perfect retreat from the busy cities.
The summer is also a great time to visit Tuscany in general. The warm weather allows you to fully enjoy the resort you are staying at. You can swim in the pool, explore the grounds and experience those “Under the Tuscan Sun” dreams we all have.
The winter is great for visiting the springs, as the water stays the same temperature year-round. This means you’ll have a steamy hot-cold experience from the cold air dipping into the hot water. It will be quite spa-like. Tuscany will be very quiet this time of year, so you will have much of the place to yourselves. This also means some things might be closed as occasionally touristy activities are seasonal. However, you are sure to dine with the locals at all of the restaurants in the nearby villages.
My favorite time to visit the hot springs (and anywhere in Italy) is the shoulder seasons. Those are April, May, September and October. May and September will likely be your best bet as the weather will be warm but not hot. And, the main tourist rush from the summer hasn’t started yet or has just ended.
The weather is truly beautiful this time of year and you’ll be able to enjoy the hotel pool, wear your fun summer dresses and enjoy Tuscany to its fullest.
No matter what season you choose to visit, make sure to get to the springs as early as you can in the day. I would recommend no later than 8am in the summer or 9am during the shoulder seasons. Not only will this be the most enjoyable time to enjoy the warm water, but it will be the least busy and you can have more of the springs to yourself.
How Do You Get to the Tuscany Hot Springs?
As I mentioned above, the hot springs are located almost exactly halfway between Florence and Rome in the southern part of Tuscany. The springs are inaccessible by public transportation, as no trains or buses go here. If you want to visit, you will need a rental car or a driver.
I recommend renting a car and driving yourself. Driving in a foreign country might sound intimidating at first. But I am here to calm your nerves and convince you that there is nothing to be afraid of. There is one thing you will want to do before you arrive in Italy. You’ll need to obtain an International Driving Permit through your local AAA office. This is legally required to drive in another country.
Driving from Rome north through Tuscany is extremely easy! You will have to drive out of downtown Rome, so just go slow and watch out for crazy drivers, but it will only take a few minutes. Once you are out of the city it will be just like driving in the states! They drive on the right side of the road, and the speed limits are very similar to the US. Except, they are measured in kilometers per hour instead of miles. While you’re in the countryside the roads look just like highways anywhere else. The drivers are very good and safe, and there were not many people on the roads when we were there in April.
The rental car that we had did have an internal GPS, and you can always ask specifically for one if you do not have data while you are there. However, I highly recommend getting a in international data plan through your cell phone provider if you can. T-Mobile users can buy an international plan for 30 days and will cost you $50.
If you drive north from Rome, it will take you 2-3 hours depending on the route you take. We took the longer route because there were no tolls, and you got to drive through the countryside and enjoy the beauty of the Tuscan hills.
From Florence, drive south 2 hours and 45 minutes. Or, stop at the sights throughout Tuscany along the way for an amazing road trip. I’ll be posting more on Florence soon, so join my email list to be the first to know when a blog post drops!
Once you’re in town, just pop “Cascate del Mulino” into the GPS and you’ll find it easily. Keep your eyes peeled as you approach, as there is a beautiful overlook of the springs on the hill above. You’ll probably want to stop here on the way back for photos, as there is a pull-off on the other side of the road.
Where Can You Park?
Once you reach the springs, keep driving past it and you’ll see a large parking lot on your left. Park here, but bring coins as the card reader is super finicky and we couldn’t seem to figure it out. Parking is just a few Euros, and there are plenty of spots for everyone. The walk to the springs is just a few minutes down the road from the parking lot.
Where Should You Stay When in Saturnia?
There are two different places that I recommend you stay when visiting the Tuscany Hot Springs and the first is my personal recommendation, Villa Acquaviva. This quaint little winery and resort is located just a few minutes drive from the hot springs. It will be the perfect retreat from city life where you can experience the slow life of Tuscany.
The resort features 25 rooms. Some with balconies looking over the vineyard, others with jacuzzis in the room, all with charm. The property offers a large swimming pool (with the best scenery), tennis courts, gardens, orchards and of course, a vineyard. The surprise highlight for my visit? The sweetest pups who live on property and are always up for some attention from the guests.
They offer tours of the property and tastings and have the best restaurant on property. Additionally, they offer free breakfast each morning. This includes the most delicious cappuccinos and a variety of breads and pastries, meats and cheeses, fruits and more.
Their restaurant, La Limonaia, serves authentic Tuscan cuisine with a seasonal menu of fresh ingredients. The vegetables come straight from the garden on property, and the wines are all from their cellar. When I tell you that our dinner at La Limonaia was the best of our entire trip, I mean it! Everything was incredible, from the wine to the desserts and everything in between.
The second option for places to stay would be the Terme di Saturnia Spa. This is the largest and most well-known property in the area and has an incredible spa to enjoy, along with pools fed from the hot springs. You’ll have a great experience if you stay here, but it is going to be more touristy than Villa Acquaviva, and I personally prefer the more quaint experience. You can always visit the spa for the day if you want!
What Do You Need to Bring to the Tuscany Hot Springs?
There are a few important things you need to bring with you to the Tuscany Hot Springs:
Towel (I love my Teema Towel for Traveling!)
Water Shoes (the springs are rocky)
Coins (for parking)
Italy in general requires many specific items for your travels. I have a few things that I believe are absolute must-haves when on vacation here, and you must pack them before you leave. Read my Italy Packing Guide before you jump on the plane!
What Towns are Nearby?
While you’re in the area be sure to check out some of these amazing Tuscany villages!
Saturnia – The village where the hot springs are located!
Montemerano – The next closest town to the hot springs.
Montepulciano – Known by most for the wine made here, but also the town where they recorded some of Twilight’s “New Moon”, so naturally a draw for many millennials.
Montalcino – Home to the precious Burnello wine.
Val d’Orcia – The classic rolling hills all visitors are looking for in Tuscany.
Cortona – Famous for the setting of “Under the Tuscan Sun”.
Perfect Saturnia Itinerary
Whether you’re visiting Italy for the first time, or it’s your tenth visit here, Saturnia can fit perfectly into your itinerary if you plan it out in advance! Start by landing in Rome and spend a few days exploring the Eternal City; there are so many incredible things to do there and things you must know about Rome! Once you’re done, rent a car and drive north to Saturnia, check into Villa Acquaviva and stay a few nights! Enjoy your first dinner at the resort’s restaurant, La Limonaia, for the perfect first meal in Tuscany.
In the morning, wake up early and drive to the hot springs, spend a few hours here then go back to your hotel room to freshen up before you head into the town of Saturnia for lunch and gelato. Wander the property of Villa Acquaviva, swim in the pool and be sure to say hello to the property pups!
The next day, buy a pass for the Terme di Saturnia Spa, enjoy time at the pools and definitely book a massage. Enjoy the evening in Montemerano, meet some locals, eat some delicious food and dream of living here one day (you will want to, I promise).
On the third day, wake up early and drive north through Tuscany. Spend a day (or three) exploring Tuscany. Stop by Montepulciano to see the square where some of Twilight’s “New Moon” was filmed. Book a truffle hunting tour (bonus, there will be dogs hunting with you!). Stop by Tenuta Torciano for a four-course lunch and wine tasting. Wander the incredible town of San Gimignano, buy something leather at Cinderella, and you must try the world-famous Gelateria Dondoli for the best gelato in the world.
Visit Siena for loads of history, drive north to Pisa to see a certain famous tower, and make your last stop in Lucca, the town known for its park along the wall surrounding the city!
Okay, so there’s a lot to do, but pick your favorites and then end up in Florence to return your rental car and settle into your new city, famous for art and steak (yes, you must try the Bistecca alla Fiorentina!)
I really hope you take the time to visit this natural beauty while you are visiting Italy! If you want to hear more about the springs, read my Italy Travel Journals Day 3 and Day 4 to follow along our adventure!
