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Italy Hot Springs: Tuscany's Free Pools and Classic Terme
Last updated October 22, 2026 · 2 min read
Italy has bathed in its thermal water since Roman times. Today you can choose between elegant terme with treatments and dress codes, and free natural pools in the Tuscan countryside where locals soak at sunset.
Southern Tuscany: the free springs
Cascate del Mulino near Saturnia is the postcard image: warm, sulfurous water flowing over pale travertine terraces beside an old mill. It is free and open at all hours. Midday is crowded, so come early or late.
Upstream, Terme di Saturnia is a spa resort built around a large thermal pool.
Bagni San Filippo, on the slopes of Monte Amiata, has a wooded stream with white travertine formations, including the one known as the White Whale. Pools are free.
Petriolo has free pools beside the Farma River below a spa hotel.
Bagno Vignoni, in the Val d’Orcia, has a famous medieval square filled with thermal water. You cannot bathe in it, but you can soak in the village spas or in small free pools below the village.
Ischia and the south
The island of Ischia, off Naples, is one of the best-known thermal islands in Europe, with dozens of thermal gardens and spas, plus natural hot water at beaches such as Sorgeto.
The Euganean Hills
Abano Terme and Montegrotto Terme near Padua form one of Europe’s largest spa areas, famous for thermal mud treatments.
The Alps
QC Terme Pré-Saint-Didier near Courmayeur has outdoor pools facing Mont Blanc. Bormio, in Lombardy, has thermal baths used since Roman times. Therme Meran in South Tyrol has indoor and outdoor pools in the town center.
Tips
- Most terme require swim caps in indoor pools and rent bathrobes and slippers.
- Free natural pools have few or no facilities. Bring water shoes.
- Sulfur water tarnishes silver jewelry.
See the Italy map.
Springs in this guide
- Cascate del Mulino99°F
- Terme di Saturnia100°F
- Terme San FilippoNot recorded
- Terme di Petriolo109°F
- QC Terme Pré Saint Didier72°F
- Therme MeranNot recorded
Listed Italy hot springs
See all 99 Italy springs on a map.
| Hot spring | Water temp | Type | Nearest town |
|---|---|---|---|
| Terme di Petriolo | 109°F | Developed | Roccastrada (8 mi) |
| Terme Libere, Acqua Borra Free | Not recorded | Developed | Arbia (1 mi) |
| Le Caldane - Terme Etruche - Romane Free | Not recorded | Developed | Colle di Val d'Elsa (2 mi) |
| Terme San Filippo Free | Not recorded | Developed | Abbadia San Salvatore (4 mi) |
| QC Terme Pré Saint Didier | 72°F | Developed | Courmayeur (3 mi) |
| Terme di Chianciano | Not recorded | Developed | Chianciano Terme |
| Terme di Saturnia | 100°F | Developed | Manciano (5 mi) |
| Terme di Vulci | Not recorded | Developed | Canino (6 mi) |
| Locanda di San Martino | Not recorded | Developed | Matera |
| Pozza "Leonardo da Vinci" Free | Not recorded | Developed | Bormio (2 mi) |
| QC Terme Dolomiti | Not recorded | Developed | Pozza di Fassa |
| Riviera Resort | Not recorded | Resort | Lignano Sabbiadoro (1 mi) |
| Terme di Agnano | Not recorded | Developed | Bagnoli (1 mi) |
| Terme Is Bangius | Not recorded | Developed | Ollastra (5 mi) |
| Therme Meran | Not recorded | Developed | Merano |
| Aquaria | Not recorded | Developed | Sirmione |
| Cascate del Mulino Free | 99°F | Developed | Manciano (4 mi) |
| Il Bollore | Not recorded | Developed | Abbadia San Salvatore (3 mi) |
| Island spa | Not recorded | Resort | Bagnolo San Vito (1 mi) |
| Terme Antica Querciolaia | Not recorded | Developed | Rapolano Terme |
| Terme di Castrocaro - Spa Termale Magiche Acque | Not recorded | Resort | Castrocaro Terme e Terra del Sole (1 mi) |
| Terme di Comano | Not recorded | Developed | Bleggio Superiore (2 mi) |
| Terme di Cretone | Not recorded | Developed | Cretone (1 mi) |
| Terme di Gambassi | Not recorded | Developed | Gambassi Terme |
| Terme di Rabbi | Not recorded | Developed | Rabbi Fonti (2 mi) |
Frequently asked questions
Are there free hot springs in Tuscany?
Yes. Cascate del Mulino at Saturnia, the white travertine pools of Bagni San Filippo and the riverside pools at Petriolo are free and open to the public.
Can you bathe in the pool at Bagno Vignoni?
No. The historic pool in the village square of Bagno Vignoni is for viewing only. You can soak in the spa hotels in the village or in the small free pools below the village at Parco dei Mulini.
What does terme mean?
Terme is Italian for thermal baths. Many Italian place names include it, such as Montecatini Terme or Chianciano Terme, because they grew up around thermal springs.