Written by La Dolce Vigna’s own Elisa Pantano

The story of humanity begins with water. Revered as a giver of life, a symbol of purity, and a force of transformation, water has shaped civilizations and inspired mythologies across the globe. Few places on Earth showcase this relationship as beautifully and historically as Italy.

Travelers come to Italy for art, food, and sunshine — but many overlook one of the country’s greatest pleasures: slipping into a hot spring and doing absolutely nothing. Italy is practically dotted with thermal waters thanks to ancient volcanic activity beneath the surface, warm, mineral-rich springs can be found from the Alps to Sicily. Some are rustic and wild, while others are full-fledged luxury retreats with plush robes and Michelin-ready dining.

How Italy’s Hot Springs Are Born: Geology with a Touch of Magic

Italy’s thermal waters are the product of a remarkable geological process. Rain and snow seep deep into the ground, slowly traveling through layers of volcanic rock. As the waters descend, they warm naturally and absorb minerals such as sulfur, magnesium, calcium, and carbon dioxide.

After decades — sometimes centuries — underground, the waters rise back to the surface as naturally heated, mineral-rich springs. Their benefits are both ancient and scientifically recognized: they soothe joints, detoxify the skin, relieve muscle tension, and promote deep relaxation. The result is a network of thermal sanctuaries unmatched in Europe, each with its own character, history, and healing properties.

Long before “wellness travel” became a trend, Italy had already mastered the art of therapeutic bathing. Many historic spas also feature spectacular Art Nouveau architecture. In the early 1900s, towns like Salsomaggiore decided that if people were going to relax in hot water, they might as well do it in style. Think colorful mosaics, playful curves, light-filled halls, and decorative ironwork so ornate it could almost pass for jewelry. Visiting these bathhouses feels like stepping onto a glamorous movie set — part Belle Époque, part vintage wellness retreat.

Here are some of the most beloved thermal destinations in Italy:

1. Saturnia: Tuscany’s Iconic Cascades

Tuscany

Legend says that Saturn, the god of harvest and abundance, lost patience with humans, who were constantly at war. He struck the earth with a lightning bolt, and warm, sulfurous waters gushed from the crater. Flowing through valleys and plains, the waters calmed human spirits, bringing serenity and harmony — the beginning of a golden age devoted to farming, hunting, and love.

Located in Tuscany’s Maremma region, the Cascate del Mulino — also known as the “Cascatelle” — are natural thermal waterfalls fed by the Gorello stream from the nearby Saturnia Spa. The warm, mineral-rich waters, consistently around 99.5°F, have been celebrated for centuries.

Unlike traditional spa resorts, these cascading pools are completely free and open 24/7, surrounded by gentle Tuscan valleys and travertine terraces. Nearby, a medieval village and basic services like parking and a small bar complete the experience. Luxury resorts in the area offer private wellness circuits, panoramic suites, and refined Tuscan dining among olive groves and vineyards.

2. Bagno Vignoni: A Medieval Village Built on Water

Tuscany

La Posta Hotel’s Thermal Baths. Photo credit: La Posta

In the heart of the Val d’Orcia, a UNESCO World Heritage landscape, Bagno Vignoni redefines the concept of a town square. Instead of a traditional piazza, a steaming thermal basin dating back to Roman times occupies the center. Boutique hotels here specialize in slow living, restorative treatments, and breathtaking views of the surrounding hills.

3. Ischia:The Volcanic Island of a Hundred Springs

CampaniA

Just off the coast of Naples, Ischia is a wellness paradise shaped by volcanic forces. Spa parks such as Giardini Poseidon and Negombo blend botanical gardens, sea views, hot-and-cold circuits, and natural saunas carved into the rock. The island boasts more than 100 thermal outlets, with waters ranging from 64°F to nearly 194°F, rich in sodium, chloride, sulfate, and bicarbonate — ideal for inhalation therapies, skin treatments, and deep relaxation.

4. Bormio: Ancient Roman Baths in the Italian Alps

Lombardy

Grand Hotel Bagni Nuovi. Photo credit: Shutterstock

Bormio’s thermal waters emerge at 98°F–106°F at the foot of the Ortles massif, a towering Dolomite peak snow-covered for much of the year. Nine sources feed three establishments: the Terme di Bormio, and the Bagni Vecchi and Grand Hotel Bagni Nuovi, both in nearby Valdidentro.

5. Merano: Alpine Elegance Meets Thermal Luxury

Alto Adige

Merano Thermae. Photo credit: Shutterstock

Set in the South Tyrolean Alps, Merano has been a favorite wellness destination since the 19th century. Its mineral-rich waters, 82°F–106°F, offer both relaxation and therapeutic benefits. Modern facilities blend Alpine charm with panoramic views, glass atriums, and sweeping terraces. Surrounded by botanical gardens, historic promenades, and vineyards, Merano provides a full sensory experience for every visitor.

6. Abano and Montegrotto: Venetian Wellness Between Art and History

Veneto

Luxury Hotel in Montegrotto. Photo credit: Shutterstock

After exploring Venice, Padua, or Vicenza, a visit to Abano and Montegrotto Terme offers the perfect wellness pause. Located in the Euganean Hills, these towns feature mud and mineral-rich springs, naturally heated to around 176°F. Therapies using volcanic mud have been prized since Roman times for circulation, joint health, and overall wellness. Luxury resorts blend modern comfort with serene natural surroundings, thermal pools framed by gentle hills, private wellness suites, and tranquil gardens.

7. Salsomaggiore Terme: Liberty Charm and Historic Waters

Emilia-Romagna

Terme Berzieri. Photo credit: Shutterstock

Set in the gentle hills of Emilia-Romagna, Salsomaggiore Terme owes its name to the mineral-rich salt deposits in the area — “sale” in Italian. Rising to prominence in the late 19th and early 20th centuries, it attracted European aristocracy seeking wellness and relaxation. Salsomaggiore’s Terme Berzieri showcase Art Nouveau architecture with decorative facades, elegant mosaics, and sweeping halls. The town also hosted Miss Italia for decades, adding glamour to its spa-town reputation. Today it offers a charming, slightly old-fashioned experience amid a region famous for its world-class cuisine.

8. Pré-Saint-Didier Thermal Baths: A Mont Blanc Spa Experience

Aosta Valley

Pré-Saint-Didier Thermal Baths. Photo credit: Shutterstock

Set at the foot of Mont Blanc, the Pré-Saint-Didier Thermal Baths are one of the most scenic wellness destinations in the Italian Alps. Known since Roman times and celebrated by European aristocracy in the 17th and 18th centuries, these hot springs are naturally heated to 98°F–100°F.

Following a major restoration in the 2000s, the spa combines alpine tradition with contemporary wellness design. Panoramic outdoor pools, forests, waterfalls, saunas, steam rooms, and sensory pathways make it a serene escape year-round.

9. Montecatini Terme: A Belle Époque Escape

Tuscany

Montecatini Terme. Photo credit: Shutterstock

One of Italy’s most iconic spa towns, Montecatini Terme is celebrated for its Art Nouveau architecture and centuries-old thermal culture. The historic Terme Tettuccio pavilion, surrounded by colonnades, fountains, and gardens, evokes the grandeur of a European resort.

Montecatini Terme is recognized by UNESCO as one of the Great Spa Towns of Europe, celebrated for its thermal heritage and elegance. Its central location between Florence and Lucca makes it an ideal base for exploring Tuscany while enjoying wellness, culture, and relaxed luxury.

10. Bagni San Filippo: The Wild White Thermal Wonderland

Tuscany

Bagni San Filippo. Photo credit: Shutterstock

Tucked into the southern slopes of Monte Amiata, Bagni San Filippo offers a wild, immersive thermal experience. Famous since Roman times and named after St. Philip Benizi, the highlight is the Fosso Bianco, a natural stream of pools and cascading waters.

The most iconic formation is the “Balena Bianca” (“White Whale”), a massive calcium deposit resembling a whale’s open mouth. Unlike resort-style spas, Bagni San Filippo is largely free, allowing visitors to soak in a raw, natural environment. Rich in calcium and sulfur, the waters are believed to support relaxation and skin health, while the surrounding forest and mineral formations create a rare, scenic thermal escape.

11. Milan’S Thermal Spas: Urban Wellness in the Fashion Capital

Lombardy

One of Milan’s urban thermal baths in the middle of the city. Photo credit: Shutterstock

While Italy is famous for its natural hot springs, Milan proves that wellness can thrive even in a bustling city. The city offers a range of modern thermal centers and spa resorts, combining traditional hydrotherapy with contemporary design and luxury services. From relaxing thermal pools and saunas to rejuvenating treatments and massages, Milan’s spas are designed for city dwellers and travelers seeking a calm escape amid the urban energy.

Many establishments, such as QC Termemilano, recreate the atmosphere of natural thermal baths with heated pools, salt rooms, aromatic steam rooms, and serene gardens, offering a slice of alpine or Tuscan spa life without leaving the city. These urban wellness retreats are perfect for a day of relaxation between museum visits, shopping in the fashion district, or exploring Milan’s historic neighborhoods.

No matter where your Italian adventure takes you — wandering through Renaissance cities, tasting wines in sun-drenched vineyards, or exploring charming medieval villages — a thermal spa is never far away. Italy’s hot springs offer the perfect opportunity to pause, relax, and recharge in the midst of a busy itinerary. Whether it’s a rustic natural pool in Tuscany or an elegant Belle Époque spa in the Alps, these waters provide a soothing interlude, turning any journey through Italy into a true wellness experience. So pack your swimsuit and your flip-flops, and let the healing waters of Italy work their magic!