Full guide: the amazing Saturnia hot springs Italy
You will find the towns of Tuscany to be some of the most charming places on this planet and one of the very best of those has to be Terme di Saturnia, or, the amazing Saturnia hot springs Italy. Saturnia has delightful food, excellent year-round weather, and breath taking landscapes.
However, if you're looking for something truly spectacular, why not bathe in one of the many thermal springs in the region. Did you know that Tuscany is littered with hot springs all over the countryside? As the weather cools down, these springs become the perfect spot for a soothing bath. But the Saturnia thermal baths are definitely the most impressive in all of Tuscany, and I've visited many of them!
Imagine yourself sitting in a hot, natural bath, surrounded by tall cypress trees, while a waterfall spouts out hot geothermal water infused with healing minerals. This experience is both bizarre and beautiful, and you'll love it! Many of these hot springs are free to access, which may surprise some people.
In this article:
The mythical legend behind Saturnia hot springs
How long does it take to get to Saturnia?
Weather year round in Saturnia
You might find my other articles on Italy and Sicily of use!
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Hi, I'm Adriana, a multi award winning travel blogger!
I grew up in Australia, Poland, Dubai and England, and I got the travel bug pretty young. I love sharing travel guides so you know the most incredible places to visit and best places to stay.
I have an enthusiastic zest for life and I am the eternal optimist. I’m quick to smile, quick to love and always looking for an adventure.
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About Saturnia Hot Springs Italy
Saturnia thermal springs, known as 'Terme di Saturnia' (Terme means thermal) or 'Cascate del Mulino' (with cascate meaning cascade, or, waterfall) is one of the most unique places in the Tuscan countryside. It is a must visit for anyone that is planning on visiting the region!
An unusually warm waterfall cascades over the edge of the Tuscan countryside filling individual pools. Naturally warm water spills into shallow stone baths, creating a perfect atmplace to bathe in the mineral waters. Getting there can be tricky and there are a few other things you’ll need to know which is covered below.
But one of the best things is that visiting Saturnia Hot Springs is absolutely free! Simply pull up and take a dip. You'll often find locals and tourists enjoying a midday soak or a relaxing bath after exploring the local vineyards and historic Roman buildings.
Have a look at my reel below:
The water temperature at Saturnia is approximately 37°C to 40°C (98.6°F to 104°F), meaning it is around body temperature - it's not hot! In fact, it's perfectly warm.
The most famous thermal spring in Tuscany is, of course, Terme di Saturnia in Saturnia itself. And it's not hard to see why it's so popular; this place is incredibly photogenic and Instagram-worthy, but be prepared for it to get very popular during the summer months.
Surprisingly, many tourists simply dont know of Tuscany's many hot springs thanks to the region's volcanic and geothermal activity. And the Saturnia natural spas are something else!
Helpful tip: Look for signs along the motorway with the word 'Terme'. There's quite a few of them, often not marked on the map! You'll find signs along the highways directing you to local thermal springs, all containing the word 'Terme,' which translates to 'thermal' from Italian.
You might find my other articles on Italy and Sicily of use!
Saturnia Hot Springs Italy Map
Here's the map to Saturnia Hot Springs Tuscany, there's a good amount of parking nearby and you'll see the signs everywhere for the overflow carpark too.
Terme di Saturnia Hot Springs Parking
There used to be a free carpark, but they've closed that off, and there's a paid one down the street. It cost 2.50 EUR per hour, with a maximum of 10 EUR for the day rate.
You might find my other articles on Italy and Sicily of use!
The Mythical Legend behind Saturnia's Hot Springs
According to the Medieval legend, the springs popped up right where the Roman God Jupiter's thunderbolt struck during a battle with Saturn.
The scars left behind became the gates to hell, causing the water to be steamy and smelly as it gushes out. I find this somewhat amusing because the Saturnia hot springs are considered a luxurious spa treat, although it is true that with geothermal springs, sulphur can be smelled. Sulphur tends to smell of rotten eggs, but to be honest, you soon get used to it!
You might find my other articles on Italy and Sicily of use!
Things to do in Saturnia Italy:
It might be worth remembering that Saturnia is a fairly small town, but there are still many things entice you to towns like Saturnia in Tuscany, as it has an abundance of beautiful little restaurants, quaint wine bars, picturesque vineyards, and stunning landscapes. It's a great place to stop for lunch and grab an ice cream! There is also:
Terme di Saturnia - Obviously, Saturnia's main and most famous attraction has got to be the thermal springs. And it's not hard to see why.
Capua Winery - Enjoy red, gold, and auburn-coloured vines along with delicious wines. Tuscany is known for their vineyards, olive trees, almond trees and rolling landscapes, perfect for harvesting.
Porta Romana - This is an ancient Roman structure featuring fortified walls, a fort, and a lookout post. Learn more about the historical architecture which you wont find lacking anywhere in Italy, there's tonnes of buildings and ruins everywhere!
You might find my other articles on Italy and Sicily of use!
Is it worth visiting Saturnia?
Yes! 100% yes! It's an exceptionally unique phenomenon and you absolutely must see it for yourself.
How often are you going to bathe in a geothermal waterfall and be able to relax in a hot, naturally shaped bath outside?
Saturnia Hot Springs Italy Price
Saturnia is completely free - it's a public, geothermal waterfall free for all to use! There are private spas in some of the hotels nearby which charge a fee, but the actual waterfall itself is totally free!
You might find my other articles on Italy and Sicily of use!
How to get to Saturnia Hot Springs in Tuscany?
It's not really possible to get to Saturnia by public transport. There are buses that go to nearby towns, but not quite to Saturnia, so it's best to choose one of the below options. Alternatively, you can arrange transport with your local hotel, if you're staying in the area. Keep scrolling to see how long it takes to get to Saturnia by car.
By Public Transport - not advised!
It's extremely inconvenient to get to Saturnia by public transport, and there's no direct train and there's no bus that goes here either. The closest train station is Albinia but not all trains stop there so make sure to check ahead of time the schedules and then take a bus (Rama) to Manciano, but you will still likely need a taxi.
By Car
Renting a car and exploring the area is a straightforward and enjoyable way to get to Saturnia, and the bonus is that you'll be able to . Trust me, you won't regret a road trip here!
If you're planning on driving yourself (which is what we did), then it's certainly an easy way of getting round and you can do things on your own schedule.
Parking
Parking is costs 2.50 EUR per hour, and for the day it costs 10 EUR. Right next to the waterfalls is one small parking lot which as now closed, so you need to head to the second parking lot is about a 5 minute walk away, with clear signs. However, during high-season, finding a spot can be quite challenging, and there is a risk of receiving a parking ticket if you park illegally on the road. Don't do this!
Travel tips: try not to go in the middle of the day as it'll be packed. Either go in the morning or afternoon when people may have started leaving for the day.
You might find my other articles on Italy and Sicily of use!
Visit Saturnia with a tour
There are plenty of guided tours that will take you to Saturnia Hot Springs on a day trip from local cities including Rome, Pisa and Florence, it's worth having a browse to see which is best for you! Many of the tours will also take you to nearby sights, like Val d'Orcia or nearby towns like Siena.
Visiting Saturnia by private driver / Private tour
Having a private driver is a great option because it gives you all the choices! If you fancy at stopping by some of the gorgeous towns like Siena or Orvieto, the beautiful lakes of Lago di Bolsena or unusual land formations like Val d'Orcia then go right ahead. And you can spend as long or as little time as you like in a place, which is what I love about having a private driver or a private tour. No need to worry about where you're going or where to park, your driver will be able to do that for you!
How long does it take to get to Saturnia?
Saturnia hot springs from Florence
Distance: Approximately 190 km (118 miles)
Travel Time: Roughly 2 hours and 30 minutes by car.
We travelled from Florence to Saturnia and found we stopped in various towns and it was a perfect day out!
Saturnia hot springs from Pisa
Distance: Approximately 230 km (143 miles)
Travel Time: Roughly 3 hours by car.
Saturnia hot springs from Rome
Distance: Approximately 160 km (99 miles)
Travel Time: Roughly 2 hours by car.
Saturnia Hot Springs Italy Hotel
Luxury hotels
Terme di Saturnia Natural spa and golf resort - this gives you some exclusive access to these incredible springs Tuscany and enjoy bathing in the thermal waters. This resort features an 18-hole golf course and is 2 km from the medieval village of Saturnia, in the Tuscan Maremma. Amazingly friendly staff!
Saturnia Tuscany Hotel - This Tuscan villa, designed by Paolo Portoghesi, is situated in the absolutely stunning landscape of the Tuscan hills and overlooks the Valley of Saturnia.
Mid Range hotels
Agriturismo Cascatelle - is in the beautiful Tuscan countryside. It offers rustic-style rooms and apartments with wood-beamed ceilings and hand-painted furniture so you can't go wrong with this choice.
Budget friendly hotels
Bagno Santo Residence - Set on a hill, Bagno Santo Residence is a traditional Tuscan villa surrounded by the very famous cypress trees and pine trees.
Il Melograno Country House - Il Melograno Country House is situated on a beautiful Tuscan hilltop and provides scenic views of Montemerano and surrounding olive groves and is only a 10-minute drive from Saturnia.
What to bring to Saturnia Hot Springs?
Mostly, bring yourself, but here are a few extras that you might find handy!
Water shoes - to protect your feet, some areas might be sharp on your feet.
Waterproof camera / waterproof camera bag
Waterproof bag
Sunscreen - There's not a lot of shade in the area so you will need this
A Rashie swim top - to cover up from the sun
Towel - you don't want to get back into your tour bus or car dripping wet!
Change of clothes for afterwards
Drinks & snacks - There are vendors that sometimes sell drinks and snacks, but on the off chance there aren't, it's worth bringing some.
Are there toilets or restrooms in Saturnia Hot Springs?
Yes, there absolutely are, but bear in mind that it can be very busy during peak season and there are only 2-3 toilets and changing rooms. It might be worth bringing a towel to change in if the queues are too long. The toilets were free when we went.
The little red worms of Saturnia
There are tiny little red worms in the waters of Saturnia which are completely harmless. There's nothing to worry about; they swim in the water and don't affect humans at all.
When to visit Saturnia?
Saturnia is amazing all year round, and definitely beautiful whether its busy or not. We went in the middle of the day and found that even when it is busy, everyone is able to find a shallow bath because there are so many!
Just remember in Autumn the landscape turns a resplendant red and gold. It truly shines in Autumn, primarily because of its mesmerising colours! Witness the slow transformation of vineyards into shades of red and gold; it's a spectacle like no other. Spring is also a great month to visit, with incredible floral blooms in all directions and green leaves shooting out. The weather is pretty mild but warm, and tours don't arrive in huge numbers! It's also wonderful in Spring - it's fabulous as you see the flowers bloom! In summer, you might find that there are huge crowds, and in winter it might be a bit nippy when you step out, but it would still be great!
The High Season in Saturnia runs from June to August:
Average Temperature: 21°C to 25°C (69.8°F to 77°F)
Average Rainy Days: 3 to 5
Average Daylight Hours: 15
The Low Season in Saturnia runs from December to February:
Average Temperature: 7°C to 8°C (44.6°F to 46.4°F)
Average Rainy Days: 9 to 10
Average Daylight Hours: 9 to 10
Weather in Saturnia
Have a look below for the weather in Saturnia, and best time to visit. I have included sunrise and sunset times for Saturnia so if you want to go in the morning or late afternoon, you can enjoy the springs when it is less clouded.
Saturnia weather in January:
Average Temperature: 7°C (44.6°F)
Average Rainy Days: 9
Average Daylight Hours: 9
Sunrise Time: Approximately 7:30 AM
Sunset Time: Around 5:30 PM
Saturnia weather in February:
Average Temperature: 8°C (46.4°F)
Average Rainy Days: 7
Average Daylight Hours: 10
Sunrise Time: Approximately 7:00 AM
Sunset Time: Around 6:00 PM
Saturnia weather in March:
Average Temperature: 10°C (50°F)
Average Rainy Days: 8
Average Daylight Hours: 11
Sunrise Time: Approximately 6:30 AM
Sunset Time: Around 6:30 PM
Saturnia weather in April:
Average Temperature: 13°C (55.4°F)
Average Rainy Days: 7
Average Daylight Hours: 12
Sunrise Time: Approximately 6:00 AM
Sunset Time: Around 7:00 PM
Saturnia weather in May:
Average Temperature: 17°C (62.6°F)
Average Rainy Days: 8
Average Daylight Hours: 14
Sunrise Time: Approximately 5:30 AM
Sunset Time: Around 8:00 PM
Saturnia weather in June:
Average Temperature: 21°C (69.8°F)
Average Rainy Days: 5
Average Daylight Hours: 15
Sunrise Time: Approximately 5:00 AM
Sunset Time: Around 8:30 PM
Saturnia weather in July:
Average Temperature: 24°C (75.2°F)
Average Rainy Days: 3
Average Daylight Hours: 15
Sunrise Time: Approximately 5:30 AM
Sunset Time: Around 8:30 PM
Saturnia weather in August:
Average Temperature: 25°C (77°F)
Average Rainy Days: 3
Average Daylight Hours: 14
Sunrise Time: Approximately 6:00 AM
Sunset Time: Around 8:00 PM
Saturnia weather in September:
Average Temperature: 21°C (69.8°F)
Average Rainy Days: 5
Average Daylight Hours: 12
Sunrise Time: Approximately 6:30 AM
Sunset Time: Around 7:30 PM
Saturnia weather in October:
Average Temperature: 16°C (60.8°F)
Average Rainy Days: 9
Average Daylight Hours: 11
Sunrise Time: Approximately 7:00 AM
Sunset Time: Around 7:00 PM
Saturnia weather in November:
Average Temperature: 11°C (51.8°F)
Average Rainy Days: 11
Average Daylight Hours: 10
Sunrise Time: Approximately 7:30 AM
Sunset Time: Around 6:30 PM
Saturnia weather in December:
Average Temperature: 8°C (46.4°F)
Average Rainy Days: 10
Average Daylight Hours: 9
Sunrise Time: Approximately 7:30 AM
Sunset Time: Around 5:30 PM
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That's it! I hope this visit to Saturnia hot springs in Italy is everything you dreamed it would be!
You might find my other articles on Italy and Sicily of use!
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