Saturnia Hot Springs: Italy Off the Beaten Path

With the world slowly emerging from lockdown, I’m sure you (like me!) are starting to get itchy feet, and one of my first choices for our next trip is the Saturnia Hot Springs. These dreamy Thermal Baths, enjoyed by locals since Roman times, look like they were designed to be on a postcard. In fact, they’re often declared the Most Beautiful Hot Springs in Italy – and I believe it!

Up until recently, the Saturnia Hot Springs, a natural spring located in Tuscany’s Maremma region, were one of Italy’s best-kept secrets. These natural Thermal Baths were known only to locals and truly intrepid travelers – the kind unafraid to explore Italy Off the Beaten Path. Even now that that Saturnia has been “discovered” by the outside world, you still won’t find swathes of tourists because of its remote location. It’s the perfect place to relax and recuperate after months of lockdown, take a dip in the healing sulphuric waters, enjoy delicious Italian food, and breathe in the Italian country air. 

ITALY OFF THE BEATEN PATH: SATURNIA HOT SPRINGS

What’s the Difference: Terme di Saturnia or Cascate di Mulino

There are actually two different Thermal Baths in Saturnia, and with people interchanging names, it can get confusing. The beautiful natural springs with limestone baths are called the Cascate di Mulino. These are the picture-perfect springs that will put Saturnia at the top of the list for your next Italian holiday! Entry is free, and the Limestone Pools are open all-year-round.

Nearby, a beautiful resort has made the most of the natural thermal spring and created the Terme di Saturnia Spa Complex. They’ve created a number of thermal pools and waterfalls, that’s available to guests staying at their hotel or purchasing a day spa pass. FYI, the Terme di Saturnia Spa Complex also has a natural spa and beauty clinic, golf resort, and multiple restaurants.  

Why You Should Visit the Terme di Saturnia

If you talk to almost any Italian about hot springs and thermal pools, they’ll immediately tell you how good the Springs are for you. They say the hot sulphuric water will cure any number of ailments, from cardiovascular to respiratory problems, to muscle and bone aches. Whether or not you believe this, it’s impossible to deny that the 99.5°F (37°C) cascading water is wonderfully relaxing and that the surrounding countryside is a treat for the senses. After months of staying holed up at home, being surrounded by nature seems like the perfect way to unwind. 

Traveling to the Hot Springs

Whether you’re traveling from Milan, Florence, Rome, or elsewhere, the best way to get to Saturnia is definitely by car!! This beautiful spot remained hidden for so long because it is so far off the beaten path. Even from the town of Saturnia itself, it’s still best to drive to the Hot Springs because public transport isn’t particularly frequent or reliable. Thank goodness for GPS!

Where to Stay in Saturnia

The Terme di Saturnia Spa Complex is currently under renovation, and the hotel won’t be open until September 2020. Not to worry though, this little region is packed full of beautiful Bed & Breakfasts. Most of them feature their own thermal pool, spacious rooms, and beautiful gardens.

You can also check out the Agriturismo Le Cascatelle, La Fonte Del Cerro, and the Saturnia Country Villas. For example La Fonte Del Cerro is an agriturismo, located 5-minutes away from the natural Terme di Saturnia, and it is also a working farm. They produce olive oil and organic vegetables.

Photos by Rhianna May

Where to Eat in Saturnia

Speaking of, it’s not a true holiday unless you’ve taken some time to imagine all the incredible food you could eat! Saturnia is located in the heart of the Maremma, a Tuscan region famous for its wine production so choices are endless, just be ready to drive between towns. It seems almost impossible to choose, so here are a few of the restaurants I’d have to choose between!

• The 1919 Restaurant, in the Terme di Saturnia Spa Complex

• Ristorante Da Caino, Montemerano

• La Filanda, Manciano

• Il Miravalle, Manciano

• Il Tufo Allegro, Pitigliano

Does all this talk about Italian getaways and hidden gems make you wish you lived in Italy as well? Then I have good news! Sign up to be the first to have access to my new course, Moving to Italy!

Have you been to Saturnia? Or are you planning an Italian escape to another hidden spot Off the Beaten Path? I’d love to hear about your holiday plans or Saturnia experience in the comments below!