Visit Terme di Saturnia – Hot springs in Tuscany
- Nature Source Chaude
- Published on
- Updated on 24 April 2025
Tuscany is one of the most famous regions of the Italian peninsula. Its territory is rich in natural hot springs, some of which are accessible free of charge. This makes it an undisputed destination not only for the region’s inhabitants, but also for the many Italian and foreign tourists who come here to find a place to relax and recharge their batteries.
Located in south-western Tuscany, the Saturnia hot springs are among the most beautiful and evocative in the country. Its spectacular waterfalls and turquoise waters make it one of the most beautiful spas in Europe. In this article I invite you to discover this idyllic setting where you can take care of yourself while enjoying the benefits of these waters.
IN SUMMARY :
Terme di Saturnia
Located in the south of Tuscany, in the province of Grosseto, the municipality of Saturnia is rich in natural resources. Sulphurous waters have been flowing here for thousands of years, making it a town of gushing waters.
These mineral and gas-rich waters still bubble up naturally today from a spring that feeds a large swimming pool in the Saturnia spa complex.
What’s more, the absence of water catchment and conveyance has encouraged the development of a remarkable biodiversity of micro-organisms at the bottom of the pool. The hot spring can only benefit from this situation. If you would like to find out more about this subject, please read the article entitled The soil, base layer and living medium of a hot spring.
This spring then supplies a spa park with five pools and all its hot water facilities. From this spring we can see the presence of the :
→ The Terme di Saturnia Natural Spa & Golf is attached to a 5-star hotel. For visitors from outside the hotel, access to the vast thermal pool where Saturnia’s hot springs gush forth costs €65 (club rate) for half a day. This rate also gives access to the Thermal Park.
→ Terme di Saturnia – Parco Termale is open to all outsiders for a half-day entrance fee of €25. The park covers an area of over 20,000 square metres.
→ These waters are then conveyed to the exit of the spa complex through a collecting channel that joins a stream, the Gorello stream, which is just over a kilometre long and ends its course at the Cascate del Mulino (Mill Waterfalls).
The stream and cascades form the free Saturnia Thermal Baths, where you can soak in the thermal waters all year round, day and night.
Cascate del Mulino
At the foot of a hill, moving water flows in all directions. Surrounded by a veritable garden, it is enhanced by beautiful plantings that add sparkle to the picture. This is none other than Saturnia’s Cascate del Mulino, a hot spring that has become the most famous attraction in Tuscany.
Exploring these waters also means allowing yourself to be seduced by the beauty of the place: the reed beds that peacefully surround the pools, the stream that meanders below and the pleasant landscape that surrounds it, all of which undoubtedly contribute to the therapeutic virtues attributed to this place.
A nice warm bath
The site consists of large terraced natural pools fed by thermal water rich in minerals and various organic substances.
You can watch the scenery, take a dip or have a chat, all while feeling deeply relaxed. You can also use these warm water pools for healthy exercise or aqua gym.
In any case, the simple act of immersing your body in this hot bath will trigger a real healing cure. Don’t hesitate to read the article: The amazing health benefits of a hot bath.
The average water temperature at the Cascades of the Mill is around 34°C. Based on my observations over the past few years, I’d say that the temperature of the thermal water has dropped by about 1.5°C. The rotten egg smell (associated with sulphur) is also a little less pronounced.
Bathing shoes may be required to access the pools, as each is laid out on a floor of small, rounded white pebbles. Walking barefoot in the water can be a little painful due to the small size of the pebbles, but they provide a deep arch massage, which is a good thing. Everyone has their own way of seeing things.
An impressive flow
This hot spring, which has a flow rate of 500 litres per second, is thought to come from the bowels of Monte Amiata, an ancient volcano. This immense flow can be seen in the powerful jets of the waterfalls that break against the rocks and in the pools near the old mill, which has now been restored. The reason why the spring has not been captured is undoubtedly due to its abundance.
The continuous flow of water causes a strong internal movement of the water, which has the effect of giving the body a deep hydromassage. The pools near the mill are particularly affected by the whirlpools. A jacuzzi with a little too much power!
When the body is immersed in thermal water, it also receives a shower of vapours that are extremely beneficial for the respiratory tract. The lung tissues come into direct contact with the hydrothermal products: thermal vapours, gases and negative ions. Find out more at the end of the article How to cleanse your lungs with simple, natural ways.
Travertine terraces
Over time, thanks to the chemical elements supplied by the hot spring, micro-organisms formed huge calcareous concretions, giving rise to these ‘terraces’. These travertine terraces are not inert.
Water quality is significantly influenced by the presence of an exceptional biodiversity of microbial species that actively contribute to water depollution. These microbes also secrete organic substances (including fatty acids, antibiotics and anti-inflammatory molecules) that are beneficial to human health.
The layering of these terraces has created numerous cascades of different heights. These can be used as thermal showers. The thermal shower, which complements the thermal bath, can bring real benefits. I talk about this in the article dedicated to the ‘Petriolo Baths’.
The Gorello thermal stream
A long thermal stream, just over a kilometre long, separates the thermal baths, which have to be paid for, from the Cascate del Molino.
The latter are also known as the Cascate del Gorello, because they are fed by the stream of the same name. The Cascate del Gorello are less popular with tourists and are often quieter than the area around the waterfalls. In addition, there are several areas shaded by reeds that complete this environment. It’s very easy to reach and you can leave your personal belongings nearby.
The sulphurous water, in its uninterrupted flow, spreads life in abundance along the stream. The water is instantly renewed and bursting with vitality. The water temperature is around 35 degrees.
There is also a large flat area within easy reach for picnicking, resting, reading, contemplation or a short walk after a soak. Parasols are provided in several rows during the summer season.
There is a swimming area at the start of the stream, near the paid thermal baths. Depending on the water level, swimmers can enjoy a variety of water exercises. The water level can be regulated by a pile of stones forming a small dam. The water temperature is around 35.5°C.
Informations
Therapeutic properties of the sulphurous spring
This hot spring emits sulphur gas, which is easily identified by its characteristic ‘rotten egg’ smell. This pungent smell, characteristic of sulphur, can penetrate the skin for several days, but always remember that this active ingredient is good for your health. It’s good for the skin, but it’s also good for every cell in the body.
This gas has a number of benefits for the respiratory tract. Find out more in our article: How cleanse your lungs with simple, natural ways. At the Saturnia thermal baths, the concentration of H₂S is 14 mg/l, which is still high.
Clothes will also become impregnated and will retain a ‘sulphured’ odour for several weeks, even after several washes. Avoid wearing jewellery such as rings, earrings or necklaces as the mineral-rich water can damage them and cause them to turn black from the sulphur (hydrogen sulphide).
So choose clothes that you won’t put back on immediately after your stay if the smell bothers you.
Sunscreen should be used sparingly as the skin needs to breathe. When you soak in the water, your skin absorbs large quantities of minerals, trace elements and various organic substances. Each litre of water contains 2.790 grams of mineral salts (magnesium, calcium, sulphate, etc.) and trace elements (silica, bromine, zinc, iodine, etc.).
The more time spent in contact with thermal water, the greater the amount of chemical elements absorbed by the skin.
The water is recommended for treating rheumatism, skin diseases, respiratory diseases, etc. You’ll find a list of these conditions on the information board near the bar.
Where to park?
Parking is available in a large car park which is open 24 hours a day but charged from 8am to 8pm. The charge is €2.50 per hour. The ticket must be taken and placed on the dashboard before leaving the car park. The number of hours per day (3 or 4) is limited depending on the season.
A barrier at the entrance prevents access to campers and vehicles higher than 2.20 metres.
The Cascate del Mulino is less than five minutes walk from the car park.
What facilities are available on site?
There is also a bar on site which is open from 8am to 10pm. The restaurant, open from 12 noon to 10 pm, serves full meals. Sandwiches, pastries, ice cream etc. are also available.
Lockers can be hired in the same building. Changing rooms are also available. Access to toilets is free. A shower or hairdryer costs 1 euro for 2 minutes.
How do you get to Saturnia?
The best way to get to Saturnia is by car, as it is in a very remote part of Tuscany.
To get there by public transport, first take the train (or regional bus) to Grosseto or Albinia. Then take a regional bus from Autolinee Toscane (official website) to Manciano. A shuttle bus will then take you to your destination.
