Thermal Baths in Italy: 12 Best Places + Map

Italy is not only a country of the sea, historic cities and excellent food. From Alpine valleys and the area around Lake Garda to the rolling landscapes of Tuscany, you will also find dozens of thermal spas and natural hot springs. Some resemble luxurious spa palaces, while others are simple stone pools in the middle of nature where you can bathe completely free of charge.

I have selected 12 of the best thermal baths in Italy, including the famous cascades in Saturnia, mountain thermal baths below Mont Blanc, modern spas in Milan and thermal parks near Lake Garda. For each place, you will find information about the pools, water temperature, year-round operation and a tip for the nearest well-rated accommodation.

The Best Thermal Baths in Italy

1. Aquardens Terme Verona

Aquardens Spa lies in the plains of the Alpine foothills between Lake Garda and Verona. It is therefore a suitable trip destination if you are spending your holiday in either of these places. Aquardens is a fairly extensive spa complex. It covers more than 110,000 m² and offers around 14 pools with a remarkable total water surface of about 5,200 m², three swim-up bars, 220 hydromassage stations and a sauna village with four sauna theatres and five saunas or steam cabins. What impresses most, however, is not its size, but its beautiful, stylised and truly exclusive setting.

There is a sandy beach, an artificial river and a cave, more than ten restaurants and bistros, and a perfect atmosphere evoking a tropical or subtropical untouched lagoon, enhanced by mineral thermal water. The pool area with its varied pool complexes is complemented by an equally charming wellness zone designed as a wonderfully crafted sauna village with rich facilities, including perhaps the largest ceremonial sauna in Europe. In short, perfection.

Where to stay:

• Villa Quaranta Tommasi Wine Resort & Thermal SPA – About 1.6 km from Aquardens. It has its own wellness area, thermal spa and wine facilities in Valpolicella.

2. Giardini Poseidon Terme

Giardini Poseidon Terme, or the Poseidon Gardens, are the largest thermal park on the Italian “spa” island of Ischia, located off the coast of Naples. The word gardens in the name is absolutely fitting, because the entire complex truly has the form of a vast and lush subtropical garden or park, with numerous pools and other facilities spread throughout. In addition, the whole garden lies directly by the beach and the seashore.

The natural setting is beautiful and the facilities are also remarkable. You will find around 20 pools, several restaurants and a medical facility including a spa centre. It is a renowned spa complex that is exceptional in its character, location and atmosphere, and it is definitely worth visiting. However, it really is a spa, not a family swimming pool or aquapark. There is less entertainment for children here.

Note: children under 12 are not allowed in the thermal pools. They can, however, use the seawater pools and the beach.

Where to stay:

• Hotel Punta Imperatore – The hotel stands by Citara Beach, just a few minutes’ walk from the entrance to the Giardini Poseidon thermal park.

3. De Montel – Terme Milano

Modern and fantastic. De Montel Spa was created recently, opened in 2025, practically in the centre of Milan near San Siro Stadium, and immediately ranked among the most exclusive and luxurious spa complexes in Italy, and perhaps even in all of Europe.

The spa consists of an outdoor and indoor area covering 16,000 m², whose foundation is a complex of historic buildings transformed into a modern design. The result is a stunning combination of old sophisticated beauty with a contemporary, fashionable approach and style.

The complex is not extremely large, yet in this divine spa palace you will find around ten thermal pools with water temperatures of 34 to 38 °C, whirlpools, 4 saunas and also salt baths and Turkish hammam baths. There are also VIP zones for the most demanding guests and a top-class restaurant.

• B&B Hotel Milano San Siro – Practical accommodation by San Siro Stadium, in whose immediate surroundings you will also find De Montel thermal baths.

4. Terme di Saturnia – natural thermal springs

The thermal springs near the town of Saturnia in Tuscany are among the most iconic and best-known in Italy. The main attraction here is the natural bathing area on cascading travertine terraces known as Cascate del Mulino. The rugged lagoons with sky-blue water are among the most photogenic places in Italy.

These natural baths in open countryside, with only very basic facilities, are complemented by a luxury thermal spa resort located about 1 km from the lagoons. The resort has around five outdoor thermal pools, and the setting is exceptionally charming, tasteful and enchanting. You can also look forward to whirlpools, wellness treatments and fantastic accommodation.

Where to stay:

• Terme di Saturnia Natural Spa & Golf Resort – A luxury hotel directly by the main thermal spring and resort pools. The best choice for a full-value spa stay in Saturnia.

5. Terme Merano

The thermal baths in the Alpine centre of Merano are an example of classic luxurious modern thermal baths and a wellness centre. These baths are design-focused and have a truly exclusive spirit. The first impression creates a strong “wow effect”. The environment is amazing, but the baths are also impressive in terms of size and facilities.

Across an area of more than 5 hectares, there are around 26 pools, both indoor and outdoor. Eleven outdoor pools in the park operate approximately from mid-May to mid-September; only part of the pool area is available year-round. The park in which the outdoor section is located is beautifully landscaped and offers breathtaking views of the Alpine peaks. Pure fantasy! In the spa, you can relax, exercise, enjoy treatments, use the saunas, be pampered or have fun with children. Yet it remains a more traditional spa without major attractions.

Where to stay:

• Hotel Therme Meran – Terme Merano – A modern spa hotel in the centre of Merano, connected to the thermal complex by a covered walkway.

6. Parco Termale del Garda – Villa dei Cedri

These extra-spacious outdoor baths, around 13 hectares in size, lie about 2.5 km from the shores of Lake Garda and are truly very specific. Within Italian spa culture, they are among the most traditional. They really have the form of a very classic spa bathing area, of the kind you might more often see, for example, in Hungary. The spa consists of several large “semi-natural” thermal lakes located inside a dense forest park. The main lake has about 5,000 m² and a temperature of around 33–34 °C, while smaller hot pools reach 37–39 °C.

The main lake is over 130 m long. There is therefore truly a lot of water surface for bathing, as well as for relaxation. The spa remains faithful to its historic tradition and 18th-century appearance. It offers a very impressive experience.

• Parco Termale di Villa Dei Cedri – Accommodation directly inside the thermal park. Guests have thermal lakes, pools and the wellness centre in the immediate vicinity.

7. Galzignano Resort Terme & Golf – a resort with three 4* hotels and one of the largest thermal spa centres in Europe

This golf, leisure and thermal resort is located near Padua in Veneto, in the charming Colli Euganei landscape. It is not a classic public spa, but a leisure complex with its own extensive wellness centre including five thermal pools. The thermal water is approximately 37 °C. There are three luxurious four-star hotels, a large exclusive 9-hole golf course, many saunas and other facilities. The resort is an ideal choice for a golf holiday combined with luxurious spa relaxation and romance.

• Galzignano Resort Terme & Golf – Hotel Sporting – One of the hotels directly inside the spa and golf resort. It offers its own indoor and outdoor thermal pools.

8. QC Spa Pré Saint Didier

These most “mountain-like” thermal baths in Italy are located directly below the peak of Mont Blanc near the French border in Valle d’Aosta. A more intimate mountain complex focused on atmosphere, panoramic pools and multisensory wellness. You could say it is strongly tuned in a “boutique” spirit, with an emphasis on traditional, tasteful spa style in a historic setting. Directly above the baths rise rocky cliffs and forested ridges. There are old-fashioned spa buildings and wooden chalets. Several smaller outdoor pools are available. The baths are more about atmosphere, setting and a distinctive spirit than excessive facilities. Luxury in its modesty.

Note: entry is not permitted for children under 14.

• Locanda Bellevue – A stylish mountain hotel in the centre of Pré-Saint-Didier, about 200 metres from the entrance to the thermal baths.

9. SPA & Thermal Garden Sirmione, formerly Aquaria Thermal SPA

This thermal resort boasts an exceptionally exclusive position directly on the narrow Sirmione peninsula on Lake Garda. The resort lies right by the lakeshore, only a few hundred metres from the famous Scaliger Castle, on the edge of the historic town centre.

The spa offers indoor and outdoor pools. There is a large outdoor articulated thermal pool with various elements and water at 36 °C. An infinity pool directly connected to the waters of the lake, a hydromassage channel, an indoor thermal pool, a whirlpool, Kneipp pools, a steam bath, Turkish sauna, dry saunas, beautiful relaxation areas and outdoor terraces, a medical and spa centre. A perfect location and true luxury.

Where to stay:

• Grand Hotel Terme Sirmione – A luxury hotel in the historic centre of Sirmione with its own thermal pools, wellness centre and views of Lake Garda.

10. Terme di Chianciano / Piscine Termali Theia

These baths are located in central Italy near the well-known large Lake Trasimeno. The surrounding area offers the typical, charming landscape of southern Tuscany, with rolling hills covered by a mosaic of vineyards, fields, pine groves and olive groves.

The baths have a very long tradition; knowledge and use of the local springs date back to the Etruscan era, before the Roman period. The complex has a fairly traditional spa character and within our ranking belongs more to the more down-to-earth category than to exceptionally luxurious facilities. However, the standard is still very high, as is customary with Italian thermal spas.

The spa offers around seven pools, four outdoor and three indoor thermal pools plus separate children’s facilities. The water temperature in the pools is around 33–36 °C. Unlike Poseidon or Pré-Saint-Didier, it is one of the best options for families. There is also a dry sauna and Turkish bath, a bar and a restaurant. All this in a lush park evoking the Tuscan countryside. A pleasant spa for a trip if, for example, you are spending a holiday by Lake Trasimeno.

Where to stay:

• Franca’s Home – A spacious and very well-rated apartment in the immediate vicinity of the Theia thermal pools.

11. Terme San Giovanni Rapolano

Beautiful countryside, intoxicating scenery and enchanting tranquillity. When it comes to a soothing atmosphere, San Giovanni Rapolano Spa ranks among the best in our selection. The spa is once again located in Tuscany, in the famous Crete Senesi landscape near the city of Siena. Some magical views and photographs of this landscape are among the most typical and recognisable images of Italy.

And you will have all of this right in front of you at the spa, because it lies away from all the bustle, in open countryside. The resort offers four thermal pools, mainly outdoor. You can stay directly within the complex in one of 58 rooms, also with a full medical spa programme.

Where to stay:

• San Giovanni Terme Rapolano – A spa resort directly in the thermal complex, surrounded by the typical Tuscan landscape of Crete Senesi.

12. Terme di Abano e Montegrotto spa area / Euganean Spas

The Euganean Hills near Padua in Veneto hide a stunning spa area that ranks among the most renowned not only in southern Europe. Local spa facilities use thermal springs, healing mud and other gifts of nature.

This area offers dozens of facilities and resorts and is the largest thermal area in Europe. According to some sources, there are in total around one hundred thermal hotels with their own springs in individual hotels and approximately 240 thermal pools, so there is plenty to choose from, and it is certainly beyond the scope of our article to even list them all. But you will definitely find something for yourself, whether you prefer a more luxurious or a more affordable facility.

Where to stay:

• Hotel Mioni Pezzato – One of the best-rated thermal hotels in Abano Terme. It has an extensive complex with indoor and outdoor thermal pools.

Free Natural Thermal Springs in Italy

In Italy, you will also find several natural thermal springs where no entrance fee is charged. Most of them are located in Tuscany. Do not expect changing rooms, showers or classic spa facilities – this is bathing directly in nature.

• Cascate del Mulino, Saturnia – The best-known free thermal springs in Italy. Sulphurous water at around 37 °C flows over travertine cascades by an old mill. Arrive early in the morning or outside the summer season, because it is usually crowded during the day.
• Bagni San Filippo – A forest thermal stream with natural pools below Mount Amiata. The biggest attraction is the white limestone formation Balena Bianca. It is a few minutes’ walk from the car park.
• Bagni di Petriolo – Smaller thermal pools directly by the Farma River south of Siena. The spring emerges at around 43 °C and mixes with colder river water in the individual pools.
• San Casciano dei Bagni – Historic stone basins below the Tuscan village of the same name. The place is quieter than Saturnia, but the path down from the car park is steeper.
• Baia di Sorgeto, Ischia – A rocky bay where hot thermal springs flow directly into the sea. You can reach it by descending more than 230 steps or by water taxi.

What to bring with you:

• water shoes because of slippery stones,
• older swimwear, because the sulphur smell may remain in the fabric,
• a towel or changing poncho,
• drinking water and a waterproof bag for personal items.

For me, Saturnia is the best choice for a first visit. It is the easiest to access and at the same time the most photogenic. Anyone looking for a quieter and more natural place can try Bagni San Filippo or San Casciano dei Bagni.

Map of Thermal Baths in Italy

Large Comparison of the Best Thermal Baths in Italy

Individual Italian thermal spas differ significantly. In some places, you will find a large thermal park for the whole family; elsewhere, a small adults-only wellness area or natural springs accessible free of charge. In the following table, you can quickly compare location, water temperature, suitability for children, year-round operation and the best accommodation nearby.

Thermal baths	Region	Type of complex	Water temperature	Suitable for children	Operation	Best for	Price level	Recommended accommodation
Aquardens Terme Verona	Veneto, between Verona and Lake Garda	Large thermal park with indoor and outdoor pools, wellness and a sauna village	Approximately 30–40 °C	Yes, the complex offers family tickets and facilities for children	Year-round	Families, couples and all-day relaxation	€€€	Villa Quaranta Tommasi Wine Resort & Thermal SPA Rating approximately 8.8/10
Giardini Poseidon Terme	Ischia, Campania	Large thermal garden with pools, a natural steam cave and a private beach	Various temperatures, up to approximately 40 °C	Thermal pools from 12 years; younger children can use the seawater pools and beach	Seasonal, usually from April to October	Couples, nature lovers and combining thermal bathing with the sea	€€€	Hotel Villa Bianca Rating approximately 9.6/10
De Montel – Terme Milano	Milan, Lombardy	Luxury urban day spa in a restored historic complex	Approximately 34–38 °C	No, standard entry is permitted from 16 years	Year-round	Couples, adult visitors and wellness during a visit to Milan	€€€€	Sheraton Milan San Siro Rating approximately 8.7/10
Terme di Saturnia and Cascate del Mulino	Tuscany, province of Grosseto	Free natural thermal cascades and a separate luxury paid resort	Approximately 37.5 °C	Yes; the paid resort has two shallow children’s pools, while some other pools are accessible only from a height of 150 cm	Year-round	Natural bathing, romantic stays and luxury wellness	Free / €€€€	Terme di Saturnia Natural Spa & Golf Resort Rating approximately 9.1/10
Terme Merano	Merano, South Tyrol	Modern urban thermal baths with indoor pools, a summer park and a sauna area	Thermal pools approximately 33 °C, other warm pools up to 37 °C	Yes, the complex includes a children’s pool with water around 34 °C	Year-round; the large outdoor park is open seasonally	Families, couples, mountain holidays and winter visits	€€€	Hotel Therme Meran – Terme Merano Rating approximately 9.2/10
Parco Termale del Garda – Villa dei Cedri	Colà di Lazise, Lake Garda	Thermal lakes in a large historic park	Around 33 °C, in smaller pools approximately 37–39 °C	Yes, children may also enter the outdoor thermal lake	Year-round; part of the outdoor complex operates only in the main season	Lovers of natural surroundings, families and visitors to Lake Garda	€€€	Parco Termale di Villa Dei Cedri Rating approximately 9.2/10
Galzignano Resort Terme & Golf	Colli Euganei, Veneto	Hotel thermal resort with five pools, wellness and a golf course	Approximately 34–37 °C	Yes, without a fixed age limit; shorter stays in the water are recommended for smaller children	Year-round	Golf holidays, couples, quiet stays and wellness	€€–€€€	Galzignano Resort Terme & Golf – Hotel Sporting Rating approximately 8.7/10
QC Spa Pré-Saint-Didier	Aosta Valley, below the Mont Blanc massif	Intimate mountain wellness with outdoor thermal pools and panoramic views	Approximately 36–37 °C	No, entry is permitted from 14 years	Year-round	Couples, romantic stays, winter holidays and mountain atmosphere	€€€	Locanda Bellevue Rating approximately 8.8/10
SPA & Thermal Garden Sirmione	Sirmione, Lake Garda	Luxury thermal spa directly on the lakeshore	Approximately 34–36 °C	Yes, children may enter from 2.5 years when accompanied by an adult	Year-round	Couples, luxury wellness, lake views and combining with a visit to Sirmione	€€€	Grand Hotel Terme Sirmione Rating approximately 9.1/10
Piscine Termali Theia	Chianciano Terme, Tuscany	Family complex of indoor and outdoor thermal pools	Approximately 33–36 °C	Yes, the complex has a separate children’s pool and family facilities	Year-round	Families with children, more affordable relaxation and trips around southern Tuscany	€€	Franca’s Home Rating approximately 9.6/10
Terme San Giovanni Rapolano	Rapolano Terme, Tuscany	Thermal park and hotel resort in the Crete Senesi landscape	Approximately 25–35 °C depending on the pool	Yes, children under 12 must be accompanied by an adult	Year-round	Quiet holidays, families, couples and staying directly in a thermal resort	€€	San Giovanni Terme Rapolano Rating approximately 8.9/10
Terme di Abano e Montegrotto	Euganean Hills, Veneto	Extensive spa area with dozens of hotels that have their own thermal pools	Most often approximately 30–36 °C, depending on the specific hotel	Depends on the selected hotel; the area includes both adults-only and family resorts	Mainly year-round; some hotels have short seasonal closures	Longer spa stays, medical treatments, wellness and trips to Padua or Venice	€€–€€€€	Hotel Mioni Pezzato Rating approximately 9.2/10

Explanation of the price level: € = free or very cheap, €€ = mid-range price level, €€€ = higher price level, €€€€ = luxury and the most expensive option. Entrance prices and accommodation ratings may change over time.