Tips for Visiting the Saturnia Hot Springs Italy
When I first saw photos of Cascate del Mulino, or Saturnia Hot Springs, I knew I had to go. The aquamarine-colored hillside hot spring looked majestic with the steam rising up from each pool, the resident Italians soaking up the warm bath and the ambiance of the Tuscan countryside drew me in.
I couldn’t shake the urge to go, so when an opportunity to go back to Italy emerged, I pounced. I immediately began researching how to get there, what I needed to bring, whether it was safe for kids, how much it cost, etc.
So, instead of making you scour the interwebs, let me put it all in one place for you because everyone needs to soak in the hot baths of Saturnia at least once in their life. It’s a fairly straightforward day trip from Florence or a day trip from Rome and definitely worth a visit and one of the best things to do in Tuscany.
About Saturnia Hot Springs Italy
Saturnia Hot Springs, known in Italian as Terme di Saturnia or Cascate del Mulino, is one of the amazing wonders of the Tuscan countryside. Naturally warm water cascades into travertine stone pools, creating a perfect atmosphere for visitors to wonder at the beauty of nature and relax. Getting there can be tricky and there are a few other things you’ll need to know.
Here are my 10 tips for Visiting Saturnia Hot Springs Italy
1. Driving to Saturnia Tuscany
The best way to get to Saturnia Hot Springs is to drive, so you’ll need to rent a car. Be sure you have your IDP before renting a car in Italy. It’s the law and you may be denied a rental if you don’t have it! The driveway in and out of Saturnia is tight. It may be difficult for larger vans/trucks to make the turn into the parking lot. Parking is free and the lot is pretty big. I have heard that it fills up, but we went in the middle of the week in May, it wasn’t full. I can imagine that on the weekends and Italian Holidays, it fills up.
2. Saturnia Hot Springs is Free
The springs are free to enter. Saturnia is a free, natural hot spring open to the public.
3. What to Bring to Saturnia Hot Springs
Bring water shoes or flip flops. The bottoms of the pools are rough and I recommend bringing shoes that can get wet without being ruined. Especially for kids’ soft feet.
4. What to Eat near Saturnia Hot Springs
There is a restaurant on the property. So, if you want a hot meal in between soaking, bring some cash. They also have a small shop that sells water shoes, towels, and sunscreen if you need it. Italy is full of amazing food. You could even bring a picnic lunch, which is what we prefer to do.
5. Restrooms at Saturnia Hot Springs
There is a restroom and changing area. This area is co-ed and it’s a small space. There are 3 showers/changing stalls with curtains and 2 toilet stalls with doors. It was free to enter when we went.
6. Valuables
There is no place to store valuables, so pack accordingly. We had to leave our bag up on the shore unsupervised. My suggestion would be to bring a lock for your bag or leave your valuables locked and hidden in your car.
7. Water Temperature at Saturnia Thermal Baths
The water at Saturnia is 37.5 degrees Celcius year-round. I brought my 2 and 4-year-old into the pools for over 2 hours with no issue. Unless you are extremely sensitive to warm water (it’s not hot water), you should be fine to soak.
8. Camera
I suggest bringing a waterproof camera case/carrier or a GoPro if you’re wanting to take photos IN the pools. You will have to climb over the natural pools walls to move from pool to pool, so you’ll need to use your hands.
9. Private Pool
Find your own pool. Yes, people do share the larger pools, but I felt like it was more acceptable to find an empty pool instead of bunking up with other visitors. It’s ok to move through someone’s pool to get to another one, but please use common courtesy while visiting.
10. Leaving Saturnia Thermal Baths
The nearest town is Saturnia located 5 minutes’ drive from the thermal baths. There isn’t really anything directly around the springs except the small shop/snack bar at the springs, so pack accordingly and be sure your phone has some charge so you can use your GPS to find your way out of there.
11. Visiting Saturnia Hot Springs in Winter
Many readers have asked what its like going to Saturnia Hot Springs in the wintertime. The springs are open year round, but the water will be warm and the air will be cold. So just be prepared with towels, blankets, or a robe for when you exit the water!
12. Where to Stay Near Saturnia Hot Springs
If you’d like to maximize your time at the thermal hot springs in Tuscany and stay the night nearby, here are some good hotel options for you.
Terme di Saturnia Natural Spa & Golf Resort
If you’re looking for the closest hotel to Saturnia Hot Springs, Terme di Saturnia is it. Only about a 5-minute walk from the springs, this is as close as you are going to get. It’s a little pricier, but you can’t beat the location. If you love luxury hotels with a golf resort, this is a great choice. There’s a full spa at Terme di Saturnia Spa and also a golf course.
Saturnia Tuscany Hotel
Saturnia Tuscany Hotel is a 9-minute drive from the hot springs and offers a nice pool and full spa services. You can’t beat those views of the Tuscan countryside either!
Agriturismo del Cascatelle
If you’re interested in a more authentic stay in Tuscany, Agriturismo del Cascatelle is a great option. About a 6 minute walk or a 3 minute drive, this small 13 room agriturismo will be a unique and quaint stay nearby.
BONUS TIP
Enjoy yourself! Everyone that is at the pool is there to relax, unwind and unplug. Try leaving your electronics behind and just soak in the Tuscan countryside.
Saturnia Hot Springs Red Worms
Many people have asked about the Saturnia Thermal Springs worms. Yes, there are small worms in the water, but no they will not hurt you. These hot springs are out in nature and they were here first!
How far is Saturnia from the major cities?
Saturnia is located 2 hours driving from Rome.
Saturnia is located 2.5 hours driving from Florence.
Saturnia is located 4 hours driving from Rimini.
Saturnia is located 3.5 hours driving from Bologna.
How do I get to Saturnia?
The only way to get to Saturnia is by car. There is no public transportation option. However, there are some testimonies of people using public transportation but it would take more than 1 vehicle to get there. Some start their trip from southern Tuscany since many of the buses or trains that go there stop in the nearby town of Manciano.
When putting an address into your GPS, use this:
Strada Provinciale di Follonata 58014 Manciano, Grosseto
Italia
OR You can look in maps for Cascate del Mulino
If you put Saturnia into your GPS it will take you to the town of Saturnia which is not where the Springs are. They are located out in the countryside. So, be sure to save this post or take a screenshot so you know what to type in when you get there!
If you are thinking about visiting Saturnia thermal waters, do it. You will not regret taking a day trip driving through the Tuscan Countryside and soaking in one of the most famous and most relaxing hot springs in Italy. If you still have questions about your trip, feel free to leave a comment or shoot me an email!
Thank you to Big Brave Nomad for the helpful advice on visiting the Saturnia Hot Springs!
Looking for more advice on visiting Italy? Explore Rome, Florence, Venice, and more!
What does it cost to rent a car to drive to the hotsprings?
Hi. It really depends on which company you rent from and which company you book through. I always book through RentalCars.com to find the best rates. But for one day, I would guess under 50 Euros.
how far from Rome Italy
Several hours. It’s better as a day trip from Florence.
I have seen some pictures where some people are topless ( possibly nude?). Is thete any regulations/customs we should know about, observe, etc.?
In Italy, anything goes! I would not go completely nude just for the comfort of other visitors.
Hi thanks for such a useful blog.
We are thinking of visiting here on the 10th of dec , is this a good time to go to the springs. I have read your paragraph about carrying towels/robes, but just want to get an idea of it is worth the drive at this time of the year in the cold and maybe some rain ?
We rented a car in Rome and it was around 300 euros for 3 days. We will be in Saturnia end of Dec 2022
Be prepared! Do not speed. Make sure you know how to get out of the cities on the correct roads. I had two traffic violations arrive 6 months after renting a car in Florence.
Concur. I got two speeding ticket in the same day. One just 10 minutes out of Rome and the other just right before exiting for Siena where we were staying
Hello,
Are there any places or showers nearby where we can wash off?
Yes. I think it is one euro and you have to wait in line but did you have showers.
Sounds very nice
Where is the best place to stay?
There are Airbnbs all around Tuscany, not far from the springs!
Are the hot springs open in january?
Yes, they are open in January and year-round. It will be nice in the water, but chilly when you get out. So bring a towel or robe or blankets if you can.
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Is it possible to take a taxi from other towns in Tuscany to the hot springs?
Absolutely!
Thanks for the helpful information. It’s really appreciated!
How busy is it this time of the year??
Is it cold in hot springs in October?
The water will be warm, the air should be pleasant in October, but bring towels or a robe for when you get out! Have fun!
Is it advisable to go Saturnia in Dec in the winter? What do I need to bring?
The springs are open year-round. In December, I would recommend bringing sandals or water shoes and a robe or large towel or blanket to keep warm when you get out! The water will be pleasant but that cold winter air stings! Good luck!
Thx for info. Will the springs be open in March 2023. We a
Wiil be walking the via Francigena, how far is it off our way
Yes the springs are open year-round. I’m not sure how far this would be from the Via Francigena. You could use the map and try to map it from the closes part on the trail. Or even take a taxi. Sounds like an amazing trip!
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Is my pregnant wife going to be ok to bring?
Yes, it’s safe for pregnant women. Obviously, consult your doctor first, but they aren’t generally hot enough to do damage. I would personally go pregnant.
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What is the best month to visit the area still warm, but less crowded?
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Thank you for the advice, are the “worms” a health concern (do they burrow into skin or just swim around you?
Hi Erin, no they’re not a concern. I wouldn’t recommend swallowing them or anything, but they aren’t burrowing type of worms or anything. I’d still take a GOOD shower when you’re done!
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Great article! We want to take a day trip from Livorno (Port) or Civitavecchia and don’t feel comfortable driving ourselves. Do you have recommendations for taxi/car service. I have one quote for $600 Euros from the Port in Civitavecchia but am not sure if that is reasonable or not.
Thanks for your guidance.
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