About Saturnia, Tuscany
Saturnia is a beautiful spa town in Tuscany, Italy. A commonly misunderstood fact is that the springs here are part of a nearby located spa resort. However, the Saturnia hot springs in Tuscany are completely FREE to visit 24 hours a day, 7 days a week, 365 days a year.
How to Visit the Saturnia Hot Springs in Tuscany
Strategically located between Siena (2 hours) and Rome (3 hours), Saturnia makes a perfect stop to add to your Tuscany road trip. What we recommend is to rent a car, drive there and spend the night at one of the bed and breakfasts near the hot springs.
We recommend to rent a car in Italy through Sunny Cars with free cancellation and insurance included. Book your rental car here.
Also great to visit: Elsa Trail and Diborrato Waterfall in Tuscany
Enjoy the peaceful baths during sunset or sunrise, when the least amount of visitors are in the baths. However, the relaxing sound of the powerful waterfall will muffle most of the talking that you would normally hear around you.
If you really want a private experience, visit the spring before 7 AM. Next to the hot spring lies a parking area that’s also open the entire day. UPDATE: The parking is moved to a nearby location indicated with signs (See the exact location).
Why Do the Hot Springs Smell?
Because of its natural heated process, the sulfur smell is a small drawback of the Tuscany thermal hot springs. Some days it’s worse than others, but as the water is said to be healing, you will feel as new after a good bath here.
What to Bring to the Hot Springs in Tuscany
Your 2-week trip through Italy isn’t complete without a proper swim in the Saturnia hot springs. Bring your towel and drinking water (to stay hydrated!) but try to change in your hotel or car. There are no changing facilities at these hot springs in Tuscany.
Tip: You might want to wear water shoes as small pebble-stones cover the spring’s floor.
It is almost unreal that this exists and that everyone can enjoy it for free. We really enjoyed soaking and relaxing in the baths for a few hours. Make sure you take your garbage with you and leave the hot springs even cleaner than before.
Where to Stay in Saturnia
There are a handful of good hotels and guesthouses in the area. We stayed at B&B 8380, which is only a 5-minute walk from the thermal hot springs. The same goes for the Spa and Golf Resort. It’s best to choose accommodation in either Saturnia or Montemerano.
Montemerano is one of the most beautiful little villages in Italy and a great place to have dinner. Read more about it in our Tuscany Road Trip guide.
Best Time to Visit Saturnia
For the ultimate Saturnia hot springs experience, aim for spring or fall when there are little crowds but good temperatures. We recommend getting to the springs as early as possible in the day for the most peaceful experience. If you visit early in the morning, you can watch the sunrise above the pools while soaking up the quiet surroundings – bliss!
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How far is the walk from the parking area to the springs? I’m no spring chicken but if not too challenging would love the experience. Rome to Florence Nov 2 this year !
Hi! The parking is just a couple meters away, nothing crazy! Enjoy your time in Italy!