Tuscan Terme (thermal springs)

There are several natural thermal springs in the Tuscany region, some of them quite famous and historical. An American family spending a year here in Florence had a chance to hit the road and visit several recently - here is their short take on five of them:

1. Terme di Saturnia: cascading waterfall pools, body temp. Out of a dream!
2. San Casciano dei Bagni: smallish, hot tub temps, relatively unknown.
3. Terme di Sorano: private. Included actual pool where boys used goggles; just above body temp. (can also pay for massage, other services, etc.). Quite busy.
4. Bagni di San Filippo: calcium deposits look like huge snow drift. Really hot water spilling over. Runs into river. Hiked a path to find it; boys LOVED this one!
5. Bagni di Petriolo: hot hot wonderfully hot. Smallish hot-tub like pools to populate with friends. runs into cool river---nice contrast. Busiest of them all (at least the day we visited). Bring wine!

The last one we visited was way too long ago in Bagno Vignoni.

You can read more about their trip and the baths on their blog, Family Frolics.

Comments

[Sheryl Borg]

My family and I (kids 6 an 4) would like to visit a thermal springs in Tuscany for a few hours. Do you know if that is permitted at any of these places? Thanks!

[Anthony]

I am pretty sure it is Sheryl - either for an couple of hours or half day, etc. I have asked the author to chime in too - maybe she can give you a more details answer having just been to these places.

[Janelle]

Ciao Sheryl! If you want to peek further at these hot springs check out the original post: http://www.familyfrolics.com/2010/03/5-baths-in-tuscany-aka-hot-springs.html

YES you can visit. It is a bit tricky to find them via Google etc. but trust that once you get close enough there will be signs;).

Some hot springs are public (free and open!) and some are private (entry cost and open/close hours). You will need to decide what direction you are headed---there are plenty of terme in Tuscany!

We recently visited the beautiful hot springs in Montecatini but they were closed! Plus people living nearby said their waters are more for drinking and healing than bathing... the Saturnia hot springs were fantastic. (South of Sienna).

Also, I was recently recommended Monsummano Terme---open at night and for a fee, you can swim under the stars (this one en route to Lucca)...

Bagni Vignoni is gorgeous but you aren't allowed to swim in city-center terme---it is just for peeking. If you want to land in water in the city, you need a hotel key...

Hope that helps!