12 Best Thermal Baths in Italy

Are you looking for the best thermal baths in Italy?

If you’ve ever been to Italy, you’re probably aware that the country is full of stunning scenery and delectable cuisine. But did you know it also has a number of the best thermal baths in the world?

You may have heard of thermal baths before, but did you know they are different from regular hot springs? Hot springs are typically found in volcanic areas, whereas thermal baths are created by natural water used for soaking and relaxation.

So, want to learn about the best thermal baths and hot springs in Italy? Keep scrolling!

12 Best Thermal Baths in Italy

Here are our 12 picks for the best thermal baths in Italy.

1. Terme di Saturnia – Grosseto, Tuscany

12 Best Thermal Baths in Italy
Terme di Saturnia

The Terme di Saturnia is one of oldest and best thermal baths in Italy. This ancient wellspring, which dates back to over 3,000 years ago, has grown into a five-star spa resort. It even has a golf course.

Emperor Tiberius founded it as a health spa in 27 AD and it is still one of the famous tourist destinations today.

The healing waters have cured skin conditions, rheumatism, and cancer. This natural thermal spa also promotes beauty while the tranquillity of nature brings peace of mind. Amazing, right?

2. Terme di Petriolo – Monticiano, Siena, Tuscany

12 Best Thermal Baths in Italy
Thermal baths at Terme di Petriolo
© LigaDue | Wikimedia Commons

The Terme di Petriolo is located in the province of Siena and is surrounded by the magnificent Tuscan countryside.

These Italian hot springs are famous in Roman era, and the first spa was constructed at the beginning of the 15th century during the Renaissance.

The Petriolo thermal establishment now has a modern structure and pools accessible to the public. It is supplied with water at a temperature of 43° C. Most of the water is used in the spa, with the remainder collected in stone basins along the river.

The Terme di Petriolo waters have anti-inflammatory properties and treat respiratory disorders, osteoarthritis, and skin diseases. The surrounding natural park and the nearby city of Siena provide a wonderful relaxing vacation.

3. Terme Merano – Merano, South Tyrol

Terme Merano is one of the best natural thermal baths in Italy. The substance the hot spring contains is suitable for treating osteoarthritis and other bone-and-muscle diseases.

It has a source of radioactive water with radon in it. Radioactivity is light and has no harmful effects on the human body.

Spas are now a part of modern architecture in Merano. They have the Spa & Vital Center, many swimming pools and saunas, a fitness center, and a restaurant.

Terme Merano also has a park of about 51,000 square meters. Their pools range from hot and cold water to a Kneipp method pool.

4. Bagni Vecchi – Bormio, Lombardy

These thermal spas in Italy have a long history, as do many thermal springs in Italy.

Those you can find in Bagni Vecchi have been there for 2,000 years and have also been home to important people. Leonardo da Vinci used to come to this area himself.

Visiting these Italian thermal baths is like traveling back in time. There are grottos with detoxifying Turkish baths where you can experience wellness from the warm depths of the earth.

There is an outdoor pool with a great view of the Bormio Valley, which is set in the mountains. There are also massages, facials, and treatments that use mud and scrubs to tone the body.

5. Terme di Popoli – Popoli, Pescara, Abruzzo

The Terme di Popoli in Pescara is rich in hot springs used in various thermal treatments due to their properties.

The water is high in calcium, magnesium, and sulfur and is used to treat the digestive system, respiratory tract, liver, skin, and musculoskeletal system. It is also recommended in low sodium diets.

Rehabilitation thermalism, which combines the benefits of mud and water, is also practiced here. 

These spas are close to the Sorgenti del Pescara Nature Reserve and are in a stunning natural landscape.

6. Terme di MontegrottoPadua, Veneto

About 45 km (28 mi) west of Venice and some 11 km (7 mi) southwest of Padua in the Veneto region, the Terme di Montegrotto is a spa resort that is home to the Hotel Terme Millepini where you can find one of the world’s deepest pools.

The Terme di Montegrotto is immersed in the greenery of the Euganean Hills Regional Park. It is the ideal destination for those who want to relax their body and mind. 

The water at the Terme di Montegrotto is 87° C, which is highly effective in treating asthma, sinusitis, and other respiratory diseases. In addition, mud is used effectively against muscular and skeletal diseases.

7. Abano Terme – Padua, Veneto

Abano Terme is home to the best natural hot springs in Italy that have been known for their therapeutic properties since ancient times. The Romans were aware of it as early as 2,000 years ago.

The water, which can reach temperatures of up to 80° C, is blended with the mud, creating a unique plant microflora for the therapeutic action of body care. The Terme di Abano springs are well-known for treating rheumatic diseases, osteoarthritis, and joint pain caused by trauma and fractures.

Moreover, thermal water nebulized in aerosol particles effectively treats respiratory diseases. Abano Terme is also close to the city of Padua.

8. Terme di Salsomaggiore – Parma, Emilia-Romagna

The Salsomaggiore thermal baths can be found in the Parma province in northern Italy. They are one of Europe’s most important spa complexes.

They have four types of water with a high level of salt that is stronger than the Mediterranean Sea and has 16° C temperature. It has a reddish pretense due to the presence of sodium, iodine, bromine, and numerous minerals such as iron. 

Thermal baths and muds are the most common spa treatments. The mud of the Salsomaggiore thermal baths is derived from water wells, blended with local clay, and developed in the thermal waters for two years. It is ideal for those suffering from muscle and joint diseases, as well as for aesthetic treatments.

9. Acqui Terme – Alessandria, Piedmont

Thermal pools in Italy can be found in Acqui Terme, in Alessandria. It is known for its thermal springs since Roman times.

They have two spas: the Nuove Terme in the city center, near the train station; and the Regina plant in the park spa.

Regina also contains the Antiche Terme lake and Acqua Marcia thermal fountain. Acqui also has a beauty and wellness center called Lago Delle Sorgenti.

The Bollente springs at 75° C in the heart of Acqui while the Antiche Terme springs at 50° C and transmits a thermal lake. The Acqua Marcia spring is not very hot but rich in minerals.

These waters treat skeletal, muscular, and respiratory diseases. In addition to thermal pools and balneotherapy baths, there are thermal muds, hydro massages, inhalations, and healing massages.

10. Giardini Poseidon Terme – Ischia, Campania

This spa is located on the island of Ischia, in the Gulf of Naples. This spa’s suggestive landscape, exotic vegetation, and private beach contribute to the overall well-being experience.

The Giardini Poseidon features 22 pools, each with a personality and temperature ranging from 20° C to 40° C.

Hyperthermal waters are also high in mineral salts and can help with various ailments such as tendonitis, bronchitis, psoriasis, and osteoporosis.

Two standout facilities are a traditional Greek-Roman thermal steam cave and a Japanese bath, a pebble-layered pool with alternating hot and cold water used to stimulate circulation.

11. Aquaria Thermal SPA – Sirmione, Brescia, Veneto

Aquaria, the thermal spa of Terme di Sirmione, is located directly on the blue-green shores of Lake Garda. It’s in the romantic medieval town of Sirmione that’s steeped in history and dubbed the “Pearl of Garda.”

This thermal spa’s sulfurous waters range in temperature from 35° to 37° C and contain various minerals that are good for body as well as exfoliating properties for your skin.

The indoor thermal pool’s floor-to-ceiling windows provide an incredible lake view. In contrast, the outdoor freshwater pool is ideal for soaking up some rays, sipping a drink, or simply relaxing while vibing to the soft lapping of the lake.

12. Terme di Boario – Brescia, Veneto

The Boario thermal baths in Brescia are surrounded by a 13-hectare centennial park with a fitness trail, a spa village, a botanical garden, and a playground. These are among the best thermal baths in Italy.

Boario’s baths are fed by four water sources that flow from Mount Altissimo at temperatures ranging from 13° to 15° C.

The Fausta source has high minerals and is indicated for treating and preventing digestive issues. The Igea water source is low in sodium and has anti-inflammatory benefits. The Boario source is indicated for treating kidney stones and the Antica Fonte for cholecystolithiasis.

Mud therapy, massage therapy, inhalation treatments, and physical rehabilitation therapies are available.

There is also a beauty center with body treatments, a Turkish bath, emotional showers, and a salt room at the Boario thermal baths.

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