After a few years of display on social media, the Saturnia Hot Springs is no longer a hidden gem in Italy, but if you’re looking for a unique thing to do on your holiday, this Italian Hot Springs is a must-visit spot that deserves a place on your travel bucket list.
After visiting Saturnia hot springs myself, I’m sharing everything you need to know to make the most of this magical destination, including tips on avoiding crowds and what to pack.
Let’s get into it.
What are the Saturnia Hot Springs?
Saturnia hot springs, actually called Cascate del Mulino di Saturnia, are natural thermal pools located in the heart of Tuscany, Italy. This free public thermal spring has existed for millennia and remains one of Italy’s most visually striking natural attractions.
The spring flow at a consistent 37°C (98.6°F) year-round, creating warm cascading waterfalls and mineral-rich pools that have a stunning turquoise color. The unique hue comes from the minerals and rocks at the bottom of the pools.
The springs are popular among both locals and tourists for their therapeutic properties and Instagram-worthy scenery in the heart of Italy.
Because Saturnia Hot Springs is a natural thermal bath, it’s not too big and it’s free, so it can easily get overcrowded.
What to bring to Saturnia Hot Springs
To fully enjoy your experience at Saturnia Hot Springs, it’s essential to come prepared. Here’s a list of items that will make your visit more comfortable and enjoyable (and saved me a lot of pain)
Water Shoes
Yes, I know they feel like a tourist cliché, but the natural stone pools can be slippery, and some areas have sharp and uneven surfaces. Water shoes will protect your feet and provide better grip as you move around the pools. Some people bring slippers or crocs, which will do, but you save yourself a lot of trouble by getting a proper pair of water shoes. If you decide to go without, there’s a shop next to the springs which sells both water shoes and slippers – in case you change your mind ;))
Waterproof phone pouch
Another tourist cliché, but again it will take some of the stress out of your visit if you want to take photos in the water but don’t want to jump in and out of the pools all the time (or don’t want to risk your phone getting damaged). Also because there’s no real area to store your belongings besides the café (where you have to pay for a locker), leaving your phone by your sunspot or the side of the pool is not safe. The Saturnia hot springs are a very popular public space and thieves know that! So many people don’t consider this, but I got to relax with my phone safely by my side in a waterproof case.
A microfiber towel + a sunbed/mattress
The Saturnia hot springs have a high sulphur content because of its natural properties, which smells but can also ruin expensive towels. Bringing a microfiber towel is the safest bet. If you plan on sunbathing by the hot spring, I highly recommend bringing a mattress of some sort. Again, the area around the hot springs is nature, and the ground is made up of stones and pebbles, so there’s no even surface to lay down on. Simply laying on a towel will hurt, so remember to bring something thick to sit on.
Food and water
There is a restaurant selling food and snacks next to the springs, but as anything else close to an attraction – it’s overpriced and not that good. It’s a good idea to bring your own food and drinks to avoid spending a fortune at the restaurant, but not a must.
It’s recommended you take a break from the water every 20 minutes. Dehydration is a real risk when bathing in such hot water, so make sure you drink plenty of water!
Sunscreen
There is limited shade around the hot springs, so it’s crucial to apply sunscreen to protect your skin from the sun, even on cloudy days. Please be aware that you are visiting a natural spring, so to protect and care for the mineral deposits and life of the animals in and around the waters, bring a biodegradable sunscreen!
Wet wipes & change of clothes
If you visit Saturnia hot springs on a day-trip and don’t want to stand in line to shower, bringing wet wipes can be a life saver after having soaked in the mineral water. The sulphur and other properties in the natural water can cause your skin to itch, so make sure to clean up and change into a fresh set of clothes right after you’ve finished bathing to avoid a rash.
How to get to Saturnia Hot Springs
By car
Being perfectly located between Florence (3h drive) and Rome (2,30h drive), the hot springs can be easily added to your Tuscan road trip.
Renting a car in Rome or Florence is easy, and you can enjoy the scenic drive through the Italian countryside.
Parking by the hot springs
There is a parking lot 500 meters from the hot springs. It’s pretty big, so if you come in the morning there will be no problem with finding a free space, but later in the day it might be harder. It costs around 2.50 EUR per hour, with a daily maximum of 10 EUR to park here. DO NOT park by the side of the road next to the hot springs – as you will most likely get a fine.
Type: “Parcheggio Cascate del Mulino” in your GPS to find the parking lot.
By public transport
Because the Saturnia Hot Springs is located in a somewhat remote area of Tuscany, it is a bit challenging to reach without a car.
I got to the hot springs by taking 2 trains and 3 buses, so it is doable to use public transportation but if you miss one bus – you’re f**ked. Usually there’s only 2 or 3 buses going to Saturnia a day, so you really have to time it perfectly. To that, Italian buses are NOT known for being on time!! So triple-check and then check again.
If you’re going by public transportation from Rome to Cascate del Mulino google maps is your good friend (yes also way better than OMIO or trainitalia).
REMEMBER to search for “Cascate del Mulino” and NOT Saturnia Hot spring (the GPS maps might bring you to the nearby Terme di Saturnia Resort or somewhere else). Alternatively write the address: Strada Vicinale Moline del Bagno, 9/a, 58014 Manciano GR, Italy.
The trip will take about 4,5 hours – so bring a good book and some snacks! (Remember that most buses outside big cities in Italy only accept cash).
Take the train from Roma Tiburtina to Orte (32 min.) and wait for the Orte Scalo bus. Get off at Viterbo (43 min.) and change bus to Manciano (1 hour 40 min.). In Manciano Pace get bus number E01 and get off at Saturnia (22 min.). From the Saturnia bus stop the thermal hot spring is about 900 metres straight downhill.
Saturnia Hot Springs from Florence
From Florence, the distance to Saturnia is about 190 km (118 miles), with a travel time of roughly 3 hours by car. The route takes you through some of Tuscany’s most picturesque landscapes, so consider stopping at a few towns along the way to break up the journey and experience more of the region’s charm.
If you choose to go by public transportation, the journey from Florence to Saturnia hot Springs is about 5 hours.
Take the train from Firenze Santa maria Novella to Pisa centrale (1 hour) and change trains headed to Salerno. Get off at Orbetello Statzione Fs (1 hour 45 min) and get bus 15O to Albinia Cavalieri (12 min.). From here change to bus 41P towards Manciano (39 min.) and finally get bus 17P to Saturnia (25 min.). From the Saturnia bus stop the thermal hot spring is about 900 metres straight downhill.
Where to stay near Saturnia Hot Springs?
If you plan on getting to the hot springs by public transportation, you have no option but to stay in Saturnia for a night or two, as the buses don’t run frequently enough to make it back and forth in one day. Luckily, staying in Saturnia is a dream and allows you more freedom when it comes to visiting the hot springs.
There are several accommodation options to suit different budgets in Saturnia.
How to avoid the crowds
One of the biggest concerns some have about visitingSaturnia hot springs is overcrowding. Photos circulating online show packed pools with dozens of tourists jostling for space. But here’s the secret: if you’re willing to plan accordingly and wake up early, you can have the thermal springs almost entirely to yourself.
Because the springs are public and natural they’re open 24/7 – use it to your advantage. Now it’s important to say that there’s no light by the pools at night, so going too early or too late is not fun (or safe). But by arriving at sunrise (which changes depending on what time of year you go) you’ll get the springs alone or with just a handful of other early risers for the first hour or two. Even by the time you leave (around 9-10 AM), each group of visitors can spread out enough to essentially have their own private pool.
Compare this to midday or afternoon visits, when the parking lot fills up, tour groups descend, and the thermal springs feel more like a public swimming pool than a natural wonder…
Planning your sunrise visit
Here’s what you need to prepare for your sunrise visit
- Staying overnight close to the hot springs is crucial if you want to go early. If you’re coming from Rome or Florence, a 2.5-3 hour drive means leaving at 3-4 AM to arrive by sunrise, which is exhausting. Instead, book accommodation in Saturnia town, Poggio Murella, or nearby Manciano the evening before.
- Check the exact sunrise time for your travel dates and aim to be there 5-15 min. before sunrise.
- Bring your swimsuit under your clothes. Despite it being Italy and a hot spring, the walk down the cascate can be chilly this early in the day (and downright cold if you visit in winter). And going straight into the water feels luxuriously warm against the chilly morning air – this contrast is one of the best aspects of visiting at sunrise.
- Prepare for fog. When I went for sunrise it was really foggy for the first 30-45 min. This is expected as the chill morning air and heat from the water collide and will disappear once the air temperature starts to rise.
- Lastly and most importantly, be respectful of the natural environment. Part of the sunrise magic is the peaceful atmosphere. Keep voices low, move mindfully, and preserve that tranquility for others arriving.
Frequently asked questions about Saturnia Hot Springs
How much does it cost to visit?
One of the best things about Saturnia Hot Springs is that it’s completely free to visit. The springs are a public natural site, and you can enjoy the geothermal waters without paying an entrance fee.
Are there toilets or bathrooms by the Hot Springs?
Yes, there are toilets, changing rooms and showers available at the café next to the hot springs. However, during peak times, the facilities can get busy, so it’s a good idea to be patient or bring a towel to change discreetly if needed. It costs 2 euros for a 5 min shower, and you have to buy something at the bar to use the toilet…
Are there lockers by the Hot Springs?
Yes, it’s possible to rent a locker by the café next to the spring. A big locker is €5 for the day. You can also leave your bag by the side of the hot springs, but there’s a real possibility that someone could steal it.
Can you wear jewellery and watches?
As mentioned, the hot springs have a high sulphur content, so you should remove all jewelry before jumping into the pools. Trust science (and me) it is guaranteed to tarnish… I sadly ruined my gold necklace which turned black after being in the water :((
When is the best time to visit Saturnia Hot Springs Italy?
Saturnia Hot Springs is a great destination to visit year-round, as the water is always warm and the hot springs are open 24/7. Because you’re out in the open nature, you can enjoy as the seasons change and bring their own unique experience to the area. In autumn, the surrounding landscape turns into shades of red and gold, making it a particularly beautiful time to visit. Spring brings blooming flowers and mild temperatures, while summer gets busy but is still enjoyable if you visit early in the morning or later in the afternoon.
I went for the sunrise at 5.30am in may and was one of three people until 7am! It starts getting busy around 9am, so if you’re not a huge morning person – getting here at 8am still makes a difference.
How long to spend by the Hot Springs?
The amount of time you spend at Saturnia Hot Springs depends on your schedule and how much you want to relax. Many visitors spend a couple of hours soaking in the pools and taking in the scenery. If you have more time, consider exploring the nearby town of Saturnia or enjoy a lunch at a local restaurant and return to the hot springs later in the day again.
If you’re only there for a daytrip, 3 hours should be enough to relax by the pool.
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