The Terme di Saturnia are made up of a single one thermal spring located in the municipality of Manciano, at the foot of the medieval village of Saturnia, in Tuscany, in the southern area of the Maremma. Their notoriety is especially due to the beauty of the natural and thermal pools located outdoors and whose admission is free.
The waters of the Terme di Saturnia flow from a volcanic crater at a constant temperature of 37% and they feed the swimming pools located inside one spa structure which includes: the Thermal Park, the Terme di Saturnia SPA & Golf Resort and the Golf Club.
The source also goes to feed a natural stream, which close to a old mill pours into picturesque natural travertine stone pools, which give the site a unique charm. This series of natural hot water pools, also known as Cascate del Mulino e Gorello waterfalls, are one of the main attractions of the Tuscan countryside.
These famous thermal springs were already known to the Etruscans and Romans for theirs extraordinary healing properties. The waters of Saturnia are said to aid digestion, cure respiratory diseases, relax muscles, relieve arthritis and skin problems.
Today Saturnia offers not only the spas, but also unspoiled landscapes and suggestive archaeological areas nearby. Furthermore, they are located close to fascinating cities such as Pitigliano, Sorano and Sovana and to destinations such as Lake Bolsena and the beautiful Argentario peninsula.
Information on the Terme di Saturnia
The long thermal water underground journey begins on the slopes of Mount Amiata and lasts about 40 years. The water flows slowly underground, crosses the micro cracks in the rocks and then emerges, enriched with minerals, in the thermal spring overlooked by the Resort Terme di Saturnia.
As we have already said, a part of the water of the spring goes to feed, through a natural stream, the evocative natural outdoor "pools" of the Mulino waterfalls and the Gorello waterfalls.
There are therefore two i places where you can enjoy the thermal baths of Saturnia:
- il thermal complex of the Terme di Saturnia, whose entrance is a payment. It is a modern wellness center with high level and quality facilities, which in addition to swimming pools and waterfalls, also offers beauty treatments and techniques such as hydrotherapy, mud baths, diets, fitness and anti-stress techniques.
- le natural pools, whose access is completely free. The Mulino waterfalls and the Gorello waterfalls are the most beautiful and panoramic site in the area, as well as being for their beauty the most photographed spas in Italy.
Health benefits of thermal waters
The pure spring water is enriched with a high concentration of gases and mineral deposits, especially sulfur, which make it famous for its therapeutic and relaxing properties.
Its particular composition brings many health benefits, in case of skin diseases, such as dermatitis, psoriasis and acne, or in osteoarthromuscular conditions such as osteoarthritis, painful muscle contractions and rheumatism. In addition, the thermal water is also indicated in disorders of the respiratory tract and ear, nose and throat.
Opening time
Cascate del Mulino opening hours e Gorello waterfalls
The Cascate del Mulino and the Cascate del Gorello are always open to the public, 24 hours a day, 24 days a week. Just arrive, park your car in the large parking lot a few meters from the falls, and have free access to the warm thermal waters of the natural pools.
It is enough just to immerse yourself in the natural pools to immediately enjoy a pleasant relaxation and well-being, but also of the renowned therapeutic and curative properties of its thermal waters.
Saturnia Thermal Center opening times
The opening hours of the spa are as follows:
- winter time (November 1st - March 31st): daily entrance from 09:30 to 17:00 - afternoon entrance from 13:00 to 17:00
- summer time (April 1st - October 31st): daily entrance from 09:30 to 19:00 - afternoon entrance from 14:00 to 17:00
Entrance fees and prices
Prices Cascate del Mulino e Gorello waterfalls
The Mulino waterfalls and the Gorello waterfalls are always free to access, i.e. there is no ticket to pay to access the natural outdoor thermal pools.
Rates Saturnia Thermal Center
The rates to access the various services offered by the Saturnia Thermal Center (swimming pools with outdoor thermal water, whirlpools and waterfalls, swimming pool with reduced temperature thermal water, vascular paths, free parking, free Wi-Fi) are as follows:
- weekday admission - 24 € (HS) - 18 € (LS)
- weekday afternoon admission - 21 € (HS) - 15 € (LS)
- daily entrance on holidays - 28 € (HS) - 23 € (LS)
- Sunday afternoon admission - € 24 (HS) - € 19 (LS)
- discounted admission for children (under 18) - € 8 (if accompanied by an adult)
- discounted admission for children (under 12) - free (if accompanied by an adult)
HS = high season - LS = low season
For more and updated information on opening hours, on the services offered and on the rates of the Saturnia Thermal Center, visit the official website: www.termedisaturnia.it
Tips for visiting the thermal baths of Saturnia (free zone)
Car Parking - Parking is free and it is located next to the falls, but there are not many places, especially during the high season. Therefore, in the high season it is advisable to arrive early in the morning. A second car park is located nearby, in a large field, and is easily reachable with a short walk. Be careful not to park along the road, it is forbidden.
Safety - The area is unattended. However, the area is safe, there is always someone coming or going. However, be smart and don't leave valuables in plain sight.
Eat - Prepare a picnic. Food and beverage services in the free spa area are limited. There's a small bar which sells snacks and sandwiches, but the best choice is to bring something to eat and lots of water from home.
Clothing - Wear beach shoes, the ground is quite rocky and there are many pebbles. Flip flops will only offer modest protection and won't really help you in the water. Don't wear jewelry, Saturnia thermal baths have a high sulfur content. It is necessary to remove all jewelry, including rings, watches, earrings and necklaces that can be damaged.
Better times - The Saturnia thermal baths are free, so they are very often crowded. If you really care about privacy and relaxation, there are a few tips. Since the spas are always open, 24 hours a day, it is advisable to arrive there early morning or late afternoon to meet fewer people. Or step away from the main pools for a more secluded setting. Alternatively you can enjoy the same thermal waters in a private thermal setting at the Resort Terme di Saturnia.
Health - Put the Sun protection - The falls face south, therefore in full exposure to the sun all day. So make sure you bring the best sunscreen (biodegradable to protect mineral deposits).
Where to stay near the thermal baths of Saturnia
Although the thermal baths of Saturnia can be visited on a day trip from Florence or Rome, it is advisable to stay one or more nights in this splendid and interesting corner of Tuscany.
Staying in the area allows you to see the springs at sunrise or sunset, when there are fewer people and to take spectacular photos, you can also pass more time in the hot springs and have amuch more comfortable and relaxing travel experience.
La nearest and convenient choice where to sleep at the hot springs is the luxurious Terme di Saturnia Spa & Golf Resort. It's the most expensive option, but its hot springs, along with an 18-hole golf course, spa, water park, pool, and two fine restaurants provide a truly exclusive experience.
A another interesting option, just 6 km from the springs, is the Relais Villa Acquaviva. The setting is relaxing and luxurious, and room rates are about half the price of the Terme di Saturnia. Perks include room service, Wi-Fi, free parking, and breakfast. As a bonus, Relais Villa Acquaviva customers can take advantage of special discounts at the golf course and wellness center of the Terme di Saturnia Spa & Golf Resort.
The whole region is full of B&B and agritourisms, derived mainly from farms. Staying in a farmhouse in Tuscany is a great way to discover and experience the region and its excellent cuisine.
Here other good choices where to stay much appreciated by visitors:
Farmhouse Il Capannone - surrounded by a large garden, it offers an outdoor swimming pool and also a riding school.
Locanda Pantanello - a 10-minute drive from Pitigliano, it features a swimming pool, sun terrace and discounted rates at the Terme di Saturnia.
Hotel Relais Valle Orientina - boasts a swimming pool with natural thermal water and a wellness center equipped with sauna, Scottish shower, Turkish bath, massage center and relaxation area.
Saturnia Tuscany Hotel - very nice and welcoming structure, surrounded by greenery just a few minutes from the Cascate del Mulino. It offers a wellness center with sauna, Turkish bath, Jacuzzi, as well as massages and beauty treatments.
B&B 8380, Pian Del Molino - is located just 300 meters from the Molino waterfalls and offers a garden where you can relax and a play area for children. In addition, its guests can benefit from discounted tickets for the Terme di Saturnia.
Le Cascatelle farmhouse - in addition to having a private access to a thermal stream, it is very close to the thermal waterfalls which are only 600 meters away. Furthermore, its guests will be entitled to reduced rates on wellness services and on the golf course of the Terme di Saturnia complex.
Discover all the facilities available in the surroundings of the Terme di SaturniaThe best attractions and activities near Saturnia
Although the natural springs are the main attraction of the area, there are also many other attractions and interesting things to see and do. We recommend first of all to visit the historical monuments in the city of Saturnia.
The small town of Saturnia rises near the remains of a Etruscan necropolis, along the via romana Clodia and has some impressive Roman ruins, including the Porta Romana, dating back to the second century BC.
Also not to be missed are the medieval walls of Saturnia, la church of Santa Maria Maddalena, which dates back to the twelfth century, the Rocca of Saturnia, an imposing fortress with stone walls, the Archaeological Museum and the Holy bath, an ancient sacred settlement.
Il golf at the Terme di Saturnia Spa & Golf Resort is very popular. There are also some golf courses tennis available for guests.
In the surroundings you can visit the villages of Pitigliano, Manciano, Scansano Sorano and their castles, fortresses and necropolis. The sea is about 40 km away; you can visit the Argentario andLily island.
The journey from Rome to Saturnia along the coast also offers several possibilities for a break. You can visit the beaches of Santa Severa o Santa Marinella, the water park Aquafelix near Civitavecchia and the gigantic archaeological park of Vulci with many ruins, including temples, roads and bridges.
Don't miss the majestic Castello dell'Abbadia and the spectacular Devil's Bridge. Furthermore, the rural area along the SP105 hosts numerous vineyards, orchards and olive groves. In the area, numerous small family-run businesses sell their agricultural products.
How to get to the Terme di Saturnia
Reaching the Terme di Saturnia is a lot simple and comfortable. Terme di Saturnia is located in the small town of Saturnia, located two hours south of Siena (by car), two hours north of Rome, and two hours and 30 minutes south of Firenze.
The best way to get there is by car. Since there is no train station in Saturnia, arrive on the train It is not possible. It is possible to arrive by bus, but some changes need to be made.
If you want to get in plane, the nearest airports are Pisa, Florence and Rome airports. It is recommended to rent a car to reach the Terme di Saturnia from the airport.
Whether it starts from Rome, Firenze o Siena, instead of typing “Saturnia” on your GPS or smartphone, it is advisable to enter “Cascate del Mulino” (or del Gorello). This way you will reach the thermal springs directly, rather than the city.
The exact address for the springs is: Via della Follonata, 58014 Saturnia, Manciano (GR), Italy. Latitude: 42.648; Longitude: 11.513
How to get to the thermal baths of Saturnia from Rome
- from Rome, take the E-80 (or the A-12) north towards Montalto di Castro for about 97 km.
- in Montalto di Castro, take the SP-105 north exit for about 44 kilometers. The road will turn into SP-159 beyond Manciano.
- When you pass Montemerano, you are close: the springs are just south of Saturnia, just beyond the Terme di Saturnia Spa & Golf Resort.
How to reach the Saturnia thermal baths from Florence and Siena
- from Florence, head south towards Siena.
- from Siena, take the SS-223 south towards Grosseto. Just before reaching Grosseto, in Rusellae, take the SP-159 southeast through Scansano and Montemerano, up to Saturnia.
Arriving by car from the South
- take the A12 Rome-Civitavecchia motorway, then the Aurelia SS1 state road to Montalto di Castro;
- at the Vulci crossroads continue towards Manciano-Saturnia.
