Are you prepared to have a once-in-a-lifetime adventure? If so, you should visit the Saturnia Hot Springs in Italy. Could it be otherwise?
Instagram and TikTok users can’t stop talking about this hotspot. Saturnia Falls, in the picturesque town of Montemerano, is a breathtaking natural attraction.
Envision yourself relaxing in hot springs while taking in views of the breathtaking Tuscan countryside. Wow, incredible, right? That’s what we expected, but the reality wasn’t nearly as magical.
I stayed at the one-of-a-kind Mastro Titta Pizza Eat & Sleep, where I had some of the best pizza I’ve ever had and a restful night’s sleep.
The young man who greeted us was extremely kind and helpful; he even suggested that we purchase a bottle of wine to enjoy while we were there.
We went in November before the pandemic, and the town looked like a living nativity scene thanks to all the holiday decorations.
I disliked the actual Springs, but I would go back. Learn more about How To Visit Florence on Your Own.
So pack your bags and get ready to immerse yourself in the beauty of Tuscany and read our CRAZY experience.
How to Get to Saturnia Hot Springs
Near the town of Montemerano in central Tuscany is where you’ll find Saturnia Hot Springs. It’s about a 200 km (124 mi) drive south of Florence and about 150 km (93 mi) north of Rome.
The most practical way to reach Saturnia is by car, but public transportation is also available. This was the first time we drove in Italy but we made sure we had our international driver’s permit.
Read more about driving in Italy.
The journey to Saturnia through the Tuscan countryside is beautiful. Get on the A1 Autostrada heading towards Florence from Rome, and get off at the Orvieto exit.
Follow the signs to Saturnia from there on the SS71 as it heads towards Pitigliano.
From Florence, you can take a bus or train to the nearby town of Grosseto and then a taxi or bus to your final destination. But keep in mind that there aren’t many public transportation options, and they might not run very often.
If you plan on driving to Saturnia, know that the roads there are narrow and winding, making them hazardous in inclement weather.
Always check the forecast before setting out on a trip, and drive safely regardless of the conditions. It’s also important to note that some parts of the road to Saturnia are unpaved, so a car with good clearance is recommended.
Visiting Saturnia Hot Springs
The hot springs at Saturnia have been known for their therapeutic properties for centuries. They supposedly originated from a lightning strike that the god Jupiter fired, which split the earth open and let the hot springs flow.
The Etruscans and Romans also believed in the healing powers of the springs and built baths and thermal pools in the area.
The most common way to enjoy the hot springs now is at the Terme di Saturnia spa resort. The spa at this all-inclusive resort offers massage and wellness services in addition to its many thermal pools, both indoor and outdoor.
The pools are heated to a constant 37 degrees Celsius (98.6 degrees Fahrenheit) and filled with mineral-rich, naturally occurring thermal waters.
Now this is not the trendy spot featured all over Instagram and Tiktok.
There is an admission fee to enter the Terme di Saturnia spa resort, and prices vary depending on the time of year and the type of experience you want.
As of 2023, the entrance fee starts at €25 per person for a day pass and goes up to €80 or more for access to additional services and facilities.
Is Terme di Saturnia worth visiting?
The Terme di Saturnia is a fantastic way to experience the hot springs and indulge in some relaxation and pampering.
The resort is well-maintained, with stunning views of the Tuscan countryside and a variety of pools and amenities to suit every taste so if the resort is within your budget, great.
This was not the case for us, as we opted for the Eat and Sleep pizza place.
Photo by Alexis rodriguez on Unsplash
Where to stay when Visiting Saturnia Hot Springs
The town is filled with smaller B&B types of accommodations. Here are a few I found.
- Agriturismo Le Cascatelle – This charming farmhouse-style accommodation is located just a few kilometers from Saturnia and features comfortable rooms with rustic decor. There’s also an outdoor pool and a hot tub fed by a nearby thermal spring. Prices start at around 70-80 EUR per night.
- Albergo Poggio Bertino – This family-run hotel is situated in a peaceful rural area near Saturnia and offers cozy rooms with traditional furnishings. There’s also an outdoor pool and a restaurant serving homemade Tuscan cuisine. Prices start at around 80-90 EUR per night.
- Villa Acquaviva Wine Resort – Villa Acquaviva Wine Resort is a mid-range accommodation located near Saturnia Hot Springs in Tuscany. It offers spacious and well-furnished rooms with modern amenities such as air conditioning and free Wi-Fi.
The resort also features a spa, an outdoor swimming pool, and a garden. Guests can enjoy the restaurant, which serves Italian cuisine made from fresh, locally-sourced ingredients, as well as wine tastings and vineyard tours.
Overall, Villa Acquaviva Wine Resort offers an excellent value for its mid-range price point and is a great option for travelers who want to experience the beauty of Tuscany while being close to the hot springs. - B&B La Palma Saturnia – This cozy B&B is located in the town of Manciano, about 15 kilometers from Saturnia, and offers comfortable rooms with rustic decor. There’s also a garden and a terrace with panoramic views of the surrounding countryside. Prices start at around 60-70 EUR per night.
- B&B 830 Saturnia Terme – B&B 8380 Saturnia Terme is a budget-friendly option located in the small town of Saturnia, just a short distance from the hot springs.
The rooms are simple but comfortable, with air conditioning and free Wi-Fi. Guests can enjoy a continental breakfast each morning, and the property also features a garden and a terrace.
The location of B&B 8380 Saturnia Terme is its main selling point, as it is just a few minutes’ walk from the hot springs and a short drive from other attractions in the area. It is also conveniently located near restaurants and shops in the town.
While it may not offer the same level of luxury as some of the higher-end accommodations in the area, B&B 8380 Saturnia Terme is a good choice for budget-conscious travelers who want to be close to the hot springs and other attractions in Saturnia.
Prepping for your Saturnia Hot Springs Visit
The Saturnia hot springs is free to enter, which is a good thing and can be a bad thing. A good thing because it is nature’s gift to us. A bad thing because it can get very crowded.
On the day we went, oh boy, we had surprises and made many mistakes. So if there is any advice you take for this blog post, please read this next section carefully.
- Come already in swimwear as there isn’t a bathroom there.
- To sit on while lounging on the rocks and to dry off with after a soak, a towel is a must-have item. Which we didn’t have and this made the whole experience rough as it was cold.
- Don’t forget to bring a water bottle to ensure you stay hydrated in the hot tub.
- Even in the fall and winter, the sun can be very strong, so be sure to bring sunscreen with you.
- Hat and sunglasses
- Wearing sturdy footwear is recommended due to the rocky and uneven terrain near the hot springs.
- Snacks: Bring some snacks if you plan on staying for a while.
My husband and I remembered the wine, cups, and bottle opener, but we forgot towels, proper shoes, and a robe! We should have bought it from our hotel.
We went in November, and it was super windy and cold. The water is low, so I didn’t feel the water to be as hot as expected.
So after almost falling on the slippery rocks while holding my plastic wine cup, I duck down to shield myself from the cold wind. I tried staying low in that muggy water as I looked around, I saw 3 couples majorly making out!
I thought to myself, Oh no! I hope they won’t go past second base. We continued drinking our red wine, being uncomfortable and cold, and we laughed at how dumb we were for not prepping. So don’t be like us, please.
It may look pretty from above, but it was cold, murky and oh my, pandora bracelet darkened and never got its shine back.
The dress code is casual, and most people wear their swimsuits and cover-ups. However, if you plan to explore the surrounding area or town, it’s recommended to wear comfortable walking shoes and breathable clothing.
The weather can be unpredictable, so it’s wise to bring a light jacket or sweater.
There was parking on the side street, but we went in November, so not sure what people do when it’s super crowded.
Soaking in Saturnia Hot Springs
Saturnia’s natural hot springs are a major draw, so make sure you know what to expect before you go.
The natural pools of Saturnia are open for swimming. No harmful chemicals have been added to the water, and it is a nice, comfortable temperature.
The optimal length of time to relax in the hot springs is between fifteen and twenty minutes. However, your length of stay here is entirely flexible. Stay hydrated and take breaks if you feel lightheaded or dizzy while soaking.
It’s important to wash off any soaps, oils, or perfumes before entering the hot springs, so be sure to take a shower first.
To get rid of the mineral buildup that occurred while soaking, use the available showers.
Soaking in natural hot springs is known for its therapeutic properties, but it’s essential to be aware of any potential risks and precautions:
Properties of the natural springs
The water in Saturnia Hot Springs contains high levels of sulfur, carbon dioxide, and other minerals, which have been known to help alleviate various health conditions such as arthritis, skin diseases, and respiratory problems.
Sanitation and hygiene at natural hot springs
Although the water in natural hot springs is not treated to kill bacteria like it is in man-made pools, the minerals present make it an unfavorable environment for pathogens to thrive.
While soaking in hot springs is generally risk-free, one should always read posted warnings and advisories before entering.
If you have an open wound or a compromised immune system, you should avoid getting an infection from the Saturnia Hot Springs water.
Water ingestion, submerging open wounds, and staying underwater are all bad ideas.
Women who are expecting, people who have preexisting medical conditions, and young children should all check with their doctors before soaking in hot springs.
Some medical conditions, such as dehydration or high blood pressure, make hot springs unsafe.
It’s also important to keep an eye on the kids and make sure they don’t spend too much time in the hot water.
Other Attractions in the Area
The Saturnia Hot Springs aren’t the only exciting thing to see and do in the area, though. Some nearby attractions are as follows.
Montemerano is a charming medieval town that is only a short distance from the hot springs. Explore the town’s twisting streets and its historic landmarks and stunning churches.
Wineries and vineyards are plentiful in the area; Tuscany is famous for its high-quality vintages. Join a wine tour and sample some of the best wines the region has to offer.
The surrounding countryside is lovely and perfect for a variety of outdoor pursuits, including hiking and driving along scenic routes.
Hikers can choose from a number of trails that traverse the region’s hills and valleys, each of which provides a unique perspective on the landscape.
So conclusion, my husband loved the springs, I did not, so maybe next time I would visit the resort instead.
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