One of the most renowned thermal springs in Tuscany is the Saturnia Hot Springs (also known in Italian as Cascate del Mulino, Cascate del Molino, or Cascate del Gorello).
These gorgeous springs, which resemble the renowned Pamukkale hot springs in Turkey, feature a series of naturally formed white rock pools filled with azure water. It's the perfect spot for dipping, relaxing, and capturing beautiful photos!
The water, at a temperature of 37 degrees Celsius, is rich in sulfur, sulfates, hydrogen sulfate, and carbon dioxide and in Roman times, water from these springs was regarded as sacred and was believed to offer medicinal benefits for various ailments. Although not regarded as sacred today, it is well-known that water provides numerous health benefits, and thermal water therapies are frequently prescribed by doctors in Italy.
Saturnia Hot Springs Location: How to Get There and Where to Park
The Saturnia hot springs are nestled in the Maremma region of southern Tuscany. If you're planning to visit nearby towns like Pitigliano, Sorano, or Manciano, adding these stunning springs to your itinerary is a must. (You can also find them highlighted in the Maremma chapter of my guidebook, Florence & Tuscany with Kids 2024.) To reach the Thermal pools and springs from Rome, take the E80 highway all the way to Montalto di Castro and then continue on the SP105 and SP110. From Florence, drive south along the Raccordo autostradale Firenze-Siena, then procee on the SS223.
The hot springs are marked on Google Maps as Cascate del Mulino-Hot Spring, Strada Vicinale Molino del Bagno, 9/a, 58014 Manciano GR.
To access the springs, head towards Cascate del Molino. Parking is not available directly at the springs; instead, you'll find a parking lot approximately 100 meters from the park, easily located on Google Maps (Parcheggio cascate del mulino). From there, follow the short trail that guides you to Cascate del Molino.
Is It Worth Going to the Saturnia Hot Springs?
Absolutely! Esecially if you’re in the area. If you have limited time in Tuscany then I might not recommend driving all the way from Florence just for this attraction. But if you are touring southern Tuscany, this site is a must-see.
How much does it cost to go to Saturnia hot springs?
The entrance is free, but you’ll have to pay for parking
Are the thermal baths of Saturnia closer to Rome or to Florence?
The saturnia hot springs (saturnia thermal baths) are slightly closer to rome: 2.5 hours. From florence, it will take you about 3 hours to get here. From Siena, about 2 hours.
Saturnia hot springs (Saturnia thermal baths): Opening Hours
Being outdoors and surrounded by nature means there are no specific opening times. However, the nearby facilities do close in the evening.
The Saturnia spa
The thermal springs have a second component: the Terme di Saturnia spa and resort. Access is available for a fee, even for non-guests, and you can book a day spa ticket in advance with various options to choose from. The resort also provides an extensive array of beauty, rejuvenation, and medical treatments, all supervised by qualified doctors. For more information, be sure to consult their website. I've recommended the resort in my guidebook Tuscany for the Shameless Hedonist 2024, and for good reason: it's a great facilty, with an excellent selection of treatments.
How to Prepare for Your Visit to the Saturnia Hot Springs:
Parking at the Saturnia hot springs:
Parking is available, but it's not free. You'll need to leave your car at the authorized parking lot nearby and walk to the springs.
Food
There’s a bar right next to the water (in Italy, bars serve beverages and snacks, not just alcohol).
Facilities that you can find at the Saturnia thermal springs
Onsite amenities, including bathrooms and showers, are availalbe and free for your use. Lockers are available for rent at 5 euros. Please note that you’ll need to leave some form of ID at the counter to rent a locker.
Environmental Consideration
This area is plastic-free. If you choose to use plastic bottles, please make sure to clean up after yourself and avoid leaving any rubbish behind, as you risk a fine.
Additional Tips
Bring a change of clothes, the sulphur rich water may leave a lingering odor...
When to visit the Saturnia thermal baths (hot springs)
To avoid crowds, it's best to steer clear of visiting on national holidays and weekends, as those times tend to be very busy!
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