Relax in These Hot Springs On Your Trip To Rome or Tuscany
My trip to Rome was of course full of the typical exploration of old buildings and ruins. And who doesn’t want to imagine what life was like back in the days of the Gladiator and Minotaurs.
But my fantasy takes me away from the crowds and into the hedonistic world of spa culture. And the nice thing about Rome is that you can find both luxurious, world-class wellness resorts and wild, rugged "thermal streams" where one can soak under the stars for free within a two-hour drive of Rome.
The "Golden Rule" for Roman hot springs is to avoid summer weekends. The best experience is found in late autumn or winter. Soaking in a 40°C pool while the air temperature is 5°C creates a magical steam effect and keeps the crowds at bay.
1. Terme dei Papi
Known as the "Baths of the Popes," this is perhaps the most historic thermal site in Italy. It was a favorite of Pope Gregory IX and later Pope Nicholas V, who built a palace here.
Terme dei Papi is located in Viterbo, about 90 km from Rome, and is easily reached by car or train.
Don’t worry about the longer trip, you can just stay overnight at the Hotel Niccolo' V onsite. The modern, romantic restaurant serves Italian, Mediterranean, and local cuisines with vegetarian, vegan, and gluten-free options.
Le Baths of the Popes boast a history dating back thousands of years to Etruscan and Roman times, when the thermal waters of Viterbo were already known for their healing properties.
The name "Terme dei Papi" comes from the medieval period, when several pontiffs, including Pope Nicholas V, regularly used these waters for their health benefits.
The centerpiece is a 2,000-square-meter monumental pool fed by the Bullicame spring.
The Spa is open 365 days a year, including holidays, from 9:00 a.m. to 7:00 p.m.
Bring a swimsuit, slippers and a bathrobe. Otherwise they can be purchased at the shop.
Acqua Terme dei Papi is classified as sulphurous water–sulphate–bicarbonate–alkaline-terrose “Bullicame”. More simply, a force of nature that flows at 58 °C.
Immerse yourself in the Natural Grotto of the Terme dei Papi, known as “Bullicame”, the jewel of the spa of Viterbo. This cavity carved into the rock is an authentic natural Turkish bath unique in Italy, which for centuries has attracted visitors in search of well-being.
The thermal tradition has its roots in the Etruscans and Romans, up to the Popes who have valued these waters. The Natural Grotto has hosted over the centuries numerous illustrious people, attracted by its healing properties.
I love being in hot springs at night with the quiet and the stars so was happy to see they have night baths. Every Saturday night you have a unique experience in our Monumental Pool. Treat yourself to a night bath in the thermal waters of the swimming pool. Next, an intimate dinner or an aperitif with a loved one or in the company of friends, to make your weekend unforgettable.
Thermal mud, rich in minerals and trace elements, is used for osteoarticular and muscular treatments. Applying the mud to the body helps reduce inflammation, relieve pain and improve blood circulation. This treatment is ideal for those suffering from rheumatic and arthritic conditions.
Water Quality: ★★★★☆ (4/5) - Deeply medicinal sulfurous water. It has a strong scent and minor sediment, typical of high-mineral volcanic springs.
Ease of Access: ★★★★★ (5/5) - Located just outside Viterbo with a large parking lot and a dedicated shuttle bus from Rome on weekends.
Ability to be Alone: ★★☆☆☆ (2/5) - This is a popular social hub; do not expect solitude in the main pool, though private mud treatments are available.
Water Temperature: ★★★★☆ (4/5) - The water enters the pool at roughly 58°C (136°F) and cools to a perfect 34-40°C depending on your proximity to the source.
Health Benefits: ★★★★★ (5/5) - Renowned for treating respiratory issues and skin conditions via "fango" (mud) therapy and inhalation.
Nearby Amenities: ★★★★★ (5/5) - A full-service hotel, a gourmet restaurant, and world-class clinical spa treatments are on-site.
2. Acque Albule
Located in the plains below the hills of Tivoli, these springs were praised by Pliny the Elder and Virgil. The springs are 20 km from Rome, everything is very well organized, with free dining options, tables and chairs, palm trees, olive trees, lawns, everything very well maintained.
The train station is only 150 meters away. Buses run every 10/15 minutes and provide links to Rome's Ponte Mammolo Metro Station, on line B.
Stay onsite at the Victoria Terme Hotel for easy access to the spa and free breakfast.
The water is a striking milky blue due to the high concentration of carbon dioxide and sulfur.
If you do not understand Italian and try to speak in English you will hear “yes-a” or “a-yes” as a response to every question you ask the staff. There is 0 information in English about anything here. So be ready for a complete authentic Italian bath experience.
As of 2026, the entrance is 45 EUR, no matter how long you stay during the day and for that you get: Turkish sauna, 2 dry Finnish saunas, 4 pools with natural thermal water that contains sulphur (plus hopefully the outside thermal pool if it's open) and a resting room. Note, as is true of many places here they are closed Tuesdays.
The day pass included a bathrobe and slippers, so we didn't have to bring anything ourselves. During the summer, spa admission includes pool access, but if you want loungers, you'll have to purchase them separately.
If you have kids, take note:
Children under 14 years old cannot access the SPA.
Children from 14 to 16 years old can only access with a medical certificate of fitness to the wellness area and accompanying parents.
Children from 16 to 18 years old can also access without a medical certificate, with self-certification of parents, but must be accompanied.
Water Quality: ★★★☆☆ (3/5) - Very "milky" with significant sulfur odors; perfectly clean but may be off-putting to novices.
Ease of Access: ★★★★★ (5/5) - Accessible via the Roma-Tivoli train line. The station is a short walk from the spa entrance.
Ability to be Alone: ★☆☆☆☆ (1/5) - Extremely popular with local families and commuters. It feels more like a bustling public lido than a secluded retreat.
Water Temperature: ★★★☆☆ (3/5) - Consistently around 23°C (73°F). It is "hypothermal," meaning it is refreshing in summer but requires the heated indoor pools for winter soaking.
Health Benefits: ★★★★★ (5/5) - Specifically famous for its "Albule" minerals which are highly effective for dermatological issues and psoriasis.
Nearby Amenities: ★★★★★ (5/5) - Located in the heart of Tivoli, surrounded by hotels and the UNESCO-listed Villa d’Este.
3. Cascate del Mulino
While technically in Tuscany, Saturnia is the "Holy Grail" for Roman day-trippers. These are the iconic travertine waterfalls seen in travel magazines.
On the road from Scansano to Manciano, just a few kilometers from the delightful town of Saturnia, sulfur water gushes out at a temperature of 37.5 °C, creating inviting pools of hot water and small-sized waterfalls.
Stay within walking distance at Hotel La Fonte Del Cerro where you can easily find the least crowded time to sneak away and get some romantic time at this beautiful place.
The springs are surrounded by nature, fascinating and steeped in legend. Apparently these spas were created by a lightning bolt thrown by Jupiter against Saturn that arrived on earth just where the baths are located. There's a mythological tale that claims the thermal waters were created to make humans more meek and less aggressive.
In the waters of Saturnia there is thermal plankton, a precious biogenic treasure that defends and repairs the skin from external impacts and acts with important beneficial actions on the digestive and circulatory systems. Properties that combined with an exceptional natural setting, have made the Free Baths of Saturnia one of the destinations to visit at least once in a lifetime.
Park in the nearby car park and walk the 5 minutes to the site. You only pay for parking from 8am to 8pm. Change by your car if the weather permits. Wear water shoes.
Crowds are everywhere.Even though the place is open 24/7 and free to enter, it’s just packed. Finding a "pool" to yourself without someone’s elbow in your back is nearly impossible. The sheer commercial popularity takes away some of its soul.
Note: shower, hair dryer, towels and cupboards for your cloths are with fee, rest is free (no entrance fee) Do not forget to bring your slippers. Dogs are welcome too, which adds to the friendly atmosphere.
Water Quality: ★★★★☆ (4/5) - Constantly flowing and naturally filtered by the waterfall action. Small "thermal plankton" are present, which are beneficial for the skin.
Ease of Access: ★★★☆☆ (3/5) - A 2-hour drive from Rome. The parking is often a chaotic scramble, and the walk to the falls is short but can be slippery.
Ability to be Alone: ★☆☆☆☆ (1/5) - Unless you arrive at 4:00 AM on a Tuesday in November, you will be sharing your pool with dozens of strangers.
Water Temperature: ★★★★★ (5/5) - A perfect, unvarying 37.5°C (99.5°F) year-round.
Health Benefits: ★★★★★ (5/5) - High sulfur, carbon, and bicarbonate content makes it one of the most therapeutic waters in Europe.
Nearby Amenities: ★★★☆☆ (3/5) - There is a small café and changing rooms, but the luxury resort is a mile away and requires a separate, expensive entry.
4. Terme di Stigliano
Only 50 minutes from Rome, Terme di Stigliano offers a more refined, "boutique" atmosphere. It is set within a beautiful park where several different springs emerge.
Stay at the romantic Hotel Terme di Stigliano where your room rate grants you unlimited daily access to the thermal waters, sauna, relaxation area with chromotherapy, teas and infusions, and the hydromassage pool.
Le Terme di Stigliano are renowned for their health benefits, and treatments include a Roman steam cave, thermal mud baths and vapor inhalation therapy. The hyperthermal sulfur-iodine waters, which flow from five natural springs with temperatures above 36 degrees Celsius, are renowned for their healing properties.
The facility houses sulfur-rich hot water pools, whirlpools and the striking Roman sweat cave. The Olympus Center, a modern spa with Finnish sauna, Turkish bath, chromotherapy and relaxation area with herbal tea room, completes the wellness offerings.
Visitors can choose from beauty treatments, customized massages and rituals designed for total relaxation. There is also a dog spa dedicated to four-legged friends.
Watch out for horseflies in the summer - oww!
During the empire of Tiberius, the baths were considered the closest spa resort to the Urbe and were used by Roman soldiers to purify themselves before entering the city.
In the Middle Ages and the Renaissance, the baths came under the control of noble families such as the Anguillara and the Orsini, who enhanced its therapeutic properties.
Water Quality: ★★★★★ (5/5) - Crystal clear in the manicured pools, with different mineral profiles available in different basins.
Ease of Access: ★★★★☆ (4/5) - An easy drive through the countryside near Lake Bracciano. Paved roads lead directly to the hotel.
Ability to be Alone: ★★★★☆ (4/5) - Because they limit the number of daily entries, it never feels overcrowded.
Water Temperature: ★★★★★ (5/5) - Pools range from 30°C to 38°C, allowing for a "circuits" approach to soaking.
Health Benefits: ★★★★☆ (4/5) - Excellent for circulation and stress relief; the "Vaporarium" (natural steam cave) is a highlight.
Nearby Amenities: ★★★★★ (5/5) - The Grand Hotel Stigliano offers luxury lodging and an exceptional restaurant.
Webpage:termedistigliano.it
5. Bullicame Free Springs
This is the "wild" version of the Terme dei Papi. It is a simple, circular concrete basin in the middle of a field, fed by the same legendary spring mentioned in Dante’s Inferno.
It's free, but there are no changing rooms, just some outside toilets which are not in the best condition.
The water was very hot in the smaller round pool, since the water from the spring is getting there first. The spring itself is surrounded by transparent panels, so you may look at it, but of course not enter:
The much bigger, long pool had colder and colder water the farther you would swim/go. Surrounded by some shady trees. A magnificent stretch of water with four large pools ranging from 42°C to 30°C rich in mineral properties.
Slimy sediments on the pool floor requires careful walking, so consider water shoes.
There is a bus service from Viterbo station but if you miss it you need to walk like 3.7km from Viterbo to terme.
Water Quality: ★★★☆☆ (3/5) - Raw and unfiltered. You will see sediment and algae, but the flow rate is so high that the water remains fresh.
Ease of Access: ★★★★☆ (4/5) - Easy parking in a dirt lot; no hike required.
Ability to be Alone: ★★☆☆☆ (2/5) - It is a favorite for local retirees and "van-life" travelers. Expect lively conversation rather than silence.
Water Temperature: ★★★★★ (5/5) - Very hot at the source (55°C+), cooling to a pleasant 40°C in the pool.
Health Benefits: ★★★★☆ (4/5) - Pure volcanic minerals without any chemical additives like chlorine.
Nearby Amenities: ★☆☆☆☆ (1/5) - There are no toilets, no showers, and no shops. Bring your own everything.
6. Terme di Vulci
Located near the border of Lazio and Tuscany, this resort is built on an ancient Etruscan site. It features four large pools that blend into the olive groves.
Quality is the theme here, with a great entry price which includes towels, robes, sun loungers and umbrella. As of 2026, the costs are 18.00 EUR for adults, 9.00 EUR for kids, and 12.00 EUR for locals.
The facility is well-maintained and also has ample free parking.
They are a little picky with their colors! White is their favorite color. They accept towels and bathrobes from home, as long as they are white. Alternatively you can add the courtesy kit (bathrobe + towel) to your online booking, or you can rent it directly upon arrival at the reception desk for € 8.
Slippers are mandatory but apparently they can be in any color because who likes to be without fashionable footwear.
The locker is free and guaranteed if you book it online. If you rent it on site, it costs € 2.
There are three pools the first fed by got iron rich water which is then gradually feed down cooling in its passage to the other two pools.
If you’re worried about being cold at night: they provide you with bed warmers (a little machine that you can regulate to a certain temperature for an amount of time), and an extra cover.
Furnishings and scutchings were made with local natural materials. Great attention was paid to selecting the materials used to furnish the rooms, preferring small producers and craftsmen.
The changing rooms were clean, but a bit cramped, with only two restrooms and two hairdryers in the women's room.
Water Quality: ★★★★★ (5/5) - Pristine. The water is a deep ferruginous (iron-rich) red, which is clear and odorless compared to sulfur springs.
Ease of Access: ★★★★☆ (4/5) - A pleasant 90-minute drive from Rome via the Civitavecchia highway.
Ability to be Alone: ★★★★☆ (4/5) - The resort is vast, and the "adults-only" vibe keeps the environment tranquil.
Water Temperature: ★★★★☆ (4/5) - Multiple pools ranging from 30°C to 42°C.
Health Benefits: ★★★★☆ (4/5) - High iron content is excellent for recovery from anemia and muscle fatigue.
Nearby Amenities: ★★★★★ (5/5) - Glamping tents, a high-end spa, and an excellent restaurant make it a perfect weekend retreat.
7. Bagni San Filippo
Located about 2 hours north of Rome, this is home to the "White Whale," a massive calcium formation created by the thermal waters dripping over the hillside. Stay within walking
Bagni San Filippo is an area in the municipality of Castiglione d'Orcia in the Province of Siena, Italy, not far from Monte Amiata. It is a small hot spring containing calcium carbonate deposits, which form white concretions and waterfalls.
This was an amazing experience with plenty of parking (pay at the machine for ticket).
It’s a short 5 minutes walk to the hot water. The upper levels are a lot hotter than the lower part so I recommend trying both. There are no showers outside , sometimes the mud on the way gets wet and slippery.
Bring water shoes, not slippers! This is nice, but sometimes getting up and down to desired areas, on the trail there, can be less than easy. The white calcified area has a deceptively good gripping surface.
Water Quality: ★★★★☆ (4/5) - The water is incredibly rich in calcium carbonate, giving it a bright white, "chalky" appearance that feels soft on the skin.
Ease of Access: ★★★☆☆ (3/5) - Requires a walk down a forested path from the main road. The path can be muddy after rain.
Ability to be Alone: ★★★☆☆ (3/5) - While the main "White Whale" area is busy, if you hike further down the stream, you can find private, smaller pools.
Water Temperature: ★★★★★ (5/5) - Very hot near the top (48°C) and stays warm even in the lower forest pools.
Health Benefits: ★★★★☆ (4/5) - The mud at the bottom of the pools can be scraped up and used as a natural exfoliating face mask.
Nearby Amenities: ★★☆☆☆ (2/5) - There are a few small cafes in the village, but the forest site itself is wild.
8. Terme di Cretone
A favorite for Romans in the summer, this complex features three massive pools fed by thermomineral springs at the foot of the Lucretili Mountains.
The first two pools for children and family are noisy and full of music/ animation etc. The third pool is very pleasant. When we visited, the small fourth pool did not work.
The water quality is very good. But it is a bit cold (23°C) contrasting the summer heat outside. The pool staff are very efficient and kind, prompt service and response. The sunbeds and umbrellas are new.
There is plenty of parking. There is a tavola calda and a bar. The quality of the food is very good. The price is standard. There are also tables under the shade where you can bring food for your consumption.
Lockers can be used (for a fee) for storing any valuables and changing rooms.
Water Quality: ★★★★☆ (4/5) - Well-filtered and clean, though heavily utilized.
Ease of Access: ★★★★★ (5/5) - Only 30 minutes from North Rome. Paved roads and massive parking.
Ability to be Alone: ★☆☆☆☆ (1/5) - It is a family-centric water park atmosphere. Not suitable for those seeking a "zen" experience.
Water Temperature: ★★★☆☆ (3/5) - Naturally emerges at 24°C (75°F). Pleasant for swimming but lacks the "hot soak" feel.
Health Benefits: ★★★☆☆ (3/5) - Good for biliary and gastric health if drunk, and skin relaxation if bathed in.
Nearby Amenities: ★★★★☆ (4/5) - Bars, pizzerias, and sports facilities on site.
9. Piscine Carletti
Another "free" spring in the Viterbo area, Carletti is famous for having multiple basins that allow the water to cool as it flows from one to the next. Stay within walking distance at the Agriturismo La Corte - Viterbo Terme in the beautiful countryside.
There is a free parking lot. There are two areas: one with four basins near source of hot water (thus, hottest) and another further along with some tree shade.
Also, if stay the night in a camper, know that the parking lot gets lots of traffic late at night from people looking to hook up. Didn't feel dangerous, just best to know if you are traveling with kids.
After a nice swim, you can relax in the shade of the mulberry trees. The pools are cleaned by volunteers.
There are obviously no services of any kind, except (when I went) a van selling porchetta sandwiches and drinks.
Water Quality: ★★★☆☆ (3/5) - Natural and earthy. Expect some "thermal mud" at the bottom of the pools.
Ease of Access: ★★★★☆ (4/5) - Directly off a main road with a large dirt parking area.
Ability to be Alone: ★★☆☆☆ (2/5) - Popular at night. It is a common spot for locals to have a "thermal aperitivo."
Water Temperature: ★★★★★ (5/5) - Excellent variety; the first pool is roughly 43°C (hot!), while the furthest is a mild 30°C.
Health Benefits: ★★★★☆ (4/5) - Intense mineral concentration due to the lack of dilution.
Nearby Amenities: ★☆☆☆☆ (1/5) - No facilities. Only a few minutes' drive from the city center of Viterbo for food.
10. Bagni di Vicarello
For the ultimate luxury enthusiast, this exclusive estate near Lake Bracciano offers private thermal soaking in an ultra-high-end environment.
Nestled in the heart of the Tuscan countryside, Castello di Vicarello offers an unparalleled experience of pure air, clear skies, and tranquil silence. Far from urban distractions, the estate is free from noise and light pollution, allowing guests to breathe deeply and fully relax.
At Castello di Vicarello, therapists provide bespoke wellness and massage therapies, featuring organic oils and ingredients handpicked from our castle gardens. Indulge in treatments tailored to your needs, whether in the privacy of your suite or amidst the serene beauty of the garden gazebo, surrounded by the captivating scents of lavender and jasmine.
For those seeking to stay active, private yoga sessions and personal training are available.
Embrace the surrounding nature with a hike along the exclusive 5-kilometer trail, or take one of their e-bikes for a scenic ride to charming local villages.
Water Quality: ★★★★★ (5/5) - Crystal clear, private, and pristine.
Ease of Access: ★★★★☆ (4/5) - Accessible by car, though the entrance is discreet and gated.
Ability to be Alone: ★★★★★ (5/5) - This is as private as it gets. Entrance is usually restricted to hotel guests or those with high-end day passes.
Water Temperature: ★★★★★ (5/5) - Precisely controlled and consistently hot.
Health Benefits: ★★★☆☆ (3/5) - Primarily used for relaxation and luxury sensory experiences.
Nearby Amenities: ★★★★★ (5/5) - Award-winning wine estate, luxury suites, and organic "farm-to-table" dining.
