Saturnia Hot Springs: The Perfect Idea for a Relaxing Weekend

Italy is a wonderful country in many ways and offers natural wonders — often free — that make us feel lucky to be able to enjoy our beautiful homeland. Just think of the nasoni of Rome, for instance, a privilege we only realize when we’re abroad and find ourselves needing to refill our water bottles for free while simply walking through the city.

A weekend of relaxation at Saturnia Hot Springs

The ideal place to release all the tension of a working week and take advantage of the beautiful sunny days to recharge with energy and good vibes is, without a doubt, the hot springs. One of the Italian marvels that can be enjoyed for free — and whose discovery never fails to astonish — is the Saturnia Hot Springs, a thermal source nestled among the green hills of the Tuscan Maremma, just two hours by car from Rome.

The Saturnia Hot Springs: benefits for body and mind

The Saturnia Hot Springs reveal themselves to the visitor emerging from the woods of the lower Tuscan countryside. The first image that appears before your eyes is that of the Cascate del Mulino: an old farmhouse, with brick and lime walls and a wooden mill wheel on its right side, perched above a series of small waterfalls of a clear, limpid blue — a hue created by the white bed of the Gorello stream, from which the springs originate.

And it’s precisely by following the reeds along the river that you finally reach the small descent that leads straight into the thermal waters. The area where the stream flows is vast, ranging from the little pools beneath the waterfalls — undoubtedly the most popular spot — to the wider and flatter section among the reeds, where there are shallower pools that may be less picturesque but are very comfortable for relaxing when the cascades are crowded with visitors.

Fortunately, the flow of people throughout the day varies enough that, with a little patience, it’s possible to find your own place in the pools under the waterfalls even during the most popular periods, which, of course, are the warm summer days. But it’s absolutely worth it, even just to enjoy the natural massage of the water descending from the mill, under which you can immerse yourself and feel completely isolated from the rest of the world.

It’s precisely because of this powerful jet, and because this part of the Saturnia Hot Springs remains a wild and natural environment, that a few precautions are necessary. There is a paid restroom facility, very clean and well maintained, where you can also take a shower, as well as a bar and snack area.

As for clothing, it’s highly recommended to bring water shoes, to avoid slipping on the muddy ground inside and outside the watercourse, and to bring a towel to spread along the riverbanks. It’s also good to know that swimsuits may lose some color due to the minerals dissolved in the thermal water.

It’s precisely thanks to this composition — rich in sulfur, calcium, and magnesium — that the waters of Saturnia, besides offering hours of total relaxation, have beneficial effects on the skin, visible even after the first baths. These effects come from the antioxidant and exfoliating properties of the thermal water. But beyond beauty and stress relief, the Saturnia Hot Springs are also recommended as a natural remedy for joint pain and high blood pressure.

Although the springs are a popular summer destination, the constant temperature of 37.5°C (99.5°F) of the water makes Saturnia the perfect spot for a relaxing weekend even when the air is cooler — in fact, immersing yourself in the hot waters while the outside temperature drops is even more pleasant.

The area of the Cascate del Mulino is undoubtedly the most charming part of the entire thermal zone, an inestimable treasure — especially considering that it remains completely open and free to all visitors.

However, for those who prefer a less wild setting, there is also a private thermal resort, with a Spa, hotel, and golf course, located near the same thermal source that flows into the Cascate del Mulino. And for those who have the whole weekend available, the two experiences can easily be combined.

Where to stay overnight near the Saturnia Hot Springs

Where to stay to fully enjoy this relaxing weekend at the Saturnia Hot Springs? If you plan to spend the weekend in the Grosseto Maremma, there’s a wide range of accommodation options. First, there’s a campground just over one kilometer from the Cascate del Mulino, connected by a pedestrian path and equipped with tent and camper pitches, bathrooms, and showers. Since it’s the closest lodging option, it’s advisable to book well in advance.

Alternatively, there’s the hotel connected to the Spa, or one of the many farmhouses and agritourisms in the area — such as Poggio del Castagno in Pitigliano — or, for something different, you could venture a little further toward the Argentario coast and stay in one of the treehouses, for a truly unique night’s sleep — the kind we dreamt of as children.

How the Saturnia Hot Springs were born: a story spanning millennia

The Saturnia Hot Springs have existed since time immemorial — some sources say for over 3,000 years. There is evidence of them from the Etruscan era, and the name itself refers to the Roman god Saturn, who is tied to this place and the nearby town of Saturnia through various myths and legends, some even involving the paladin Orlando.

What is certain is that the springs were later “privatized” by some of the most noble Roman families, such as the Aldobrandeschi and the Orsini, and eventually passed into the hands of the Ciacci family, who created the Spa and hotel complex that still stands today.

Today, it’s known that the water originates deep beneath Mount Amiata, an extinct volcano located in the province of Grosseto. The waters begin their journey there and travel underground for about 40 years before resurfacing at the thermal source — enriched with minerals and naturally heated. This explains why the waters are so mineral-rich and warm, unlike many other springs which have much lower temperatures.

That Tuscany is a land full of scenic beauty and charm is no secret — but it’s always worth remembering all the wonderful experiences our land has to offer. The Day of the Sun may have given you the perfect inspiration to make the most of its light: are you ready for this weekend?

Cover photo credits: Official Website of Terme di Saturnia