12 March 2025 | Tuscany is a sulphurous land of ancient volcanoes, rich in natural hot springs. Here’s 5 free and natural hot springs in Tuscany where you can relax, and some unique places in their vicinity to experience Tuscany in all its nuances!
Cascate del Mulino
Among the most popular free hot springs in Tuscany as incredibly scenic: to the large terraces made of limestone rocks are still toady shaped by the water that flows here at 37°C. These waters flow from an ancient, now extinct volcano, Mount Amiata.
If water is the theme of your day, a 45-minute drive will take you to Santa Fiora, a small medieval village on Monte Amiata where every corner will leave you speechless and where you will find a unique Church: inside, in fact, you can walk on the waters of a river!
Bagni di San Filippo
Between the Val d’Orcia and Monte Amiata we find these hot springs immersed in a lush forest.
From the Fosso Bianco river you reach the first two pools, with shallow water. As you continue along the path you will find tehe beautiful waterfalls named Balena Bianca, the ‘White Whale’, where the thermal water meets the river water and creates a fantastic blue-white contrast. Continuing to walk, you will find other pools, less crowded and just as fascinating.
Beware: some areas are forbidden to enter and there are rules to protect the area!
These hot spirngs are located in the heart of the Val d’Orcia, an area that definitely deserves a day of your stay in Tuscany.
Terme di PetrioloThis is another of the most popular free and natural hot springs in Tuscany, in the province of Siena but not far from Grosseto. We are in the Ombrone valley, in Monticiano. The temperature of its waters is 43°C and admission is free. The waters are particularly therapeutic because of a high concentration of hydrogen sulphide in the water.
Just over half an hour’s drive away, the Abbey of San Galgano is a timeless Cistercian abbey that should be visited together with its Hermitage.
San Casciano dei Bagni
San Casciano dei Bagni is an ancient village not far from Siena that has always been known for its thermal waters. The pools date back to Roman times and are perfectly usable. Thanks to the Santuario Ritrovato, it is one of the most frequented spa towns because there is not only water but also many rediscovered beauties.
On the way to these hot springs, one comes across Chiusi, one of the oldest settlements in Tuscany. Here you can breathe in all the history of our region, from the Iron Age, through the Etruscans and the Romans, to the present day.
Bagno Vignoni
The free thermal baths of Bagno Vignoni, located in the heart of the Val d’Orcia, are an oasis of relaxation immersed in an enchanting landscape. Here you can immerse yourself in the thermal waters that flow naturally at about 49°C, rich in beneficial properties for body and mind. In the centre of the small village there is a square with a large historical pool, where the thermal water flows surrounded by ancient buildings.
In addition to the many beautiful villages in the vicinity, a stop at the Chapel of the Madonna di Vitaleta, near San Quirico d’Orcia, is a must: an ‘off the beaten track’ destination but one that will allow you to immerse yourself in and be enveloped by the colours and gentle hills of the Val d’Orcia.
If from Val d’Orcia you are on your way back to Florence and still have energy to spend, a shopping stop may be just the thing for you: at the Valdichiana Village Outlet you can find all kinds of brands at truly convenient prices. You can discover other outlets in Tuscany near Poggiopiano HERE!
Some advice on how best to plan your day of relaxation at the thermal baths…
It is important to consider that these places are loved by Tuscans and many tourists, so it is best to avoid weekends and holidays to visit them!
The use of a car is essential as these hot springs, as well as the various villages suggested, are outside the routes reached by trains and buses.
The thermal water is often rich in sulphurous components so it is likely that, after immersing yourself in these waters, you will be left with a strong eggy smell typical of sulphur-rich waters. These springs are wild and there are no establishments with showers so… you will leave with a “delicious” egg smell on you! An important consideration if you are planning another stop after the thermal baths… 😉
