Thermal baths in Italy: the most loved destinations by Italians across regions

Invigorating baths at these oases of relaxation are an intrinsic element of our culture. Do you need to regain your energy and restore your state of well-being? What better occasion could you have to dedicate some time to your health than spending a weekend relaxing in the beautiful pools and saunas of the most charming thermal baths in Italy? 

Treat yourself to moments of well-being and harmony by discovering the incredible healing virtues of thermal springs, renowned for their benefits in treating inflammatory, respiratory, and various other conditions. These precious locations, nestled in picturesque natural settings, offer waters with therapeutic properties that rejuvenate both body and mind, making them ideal for treatments dedicated to your relaxation and health.

Let’s embark on a journey to discover the most beloved thermal baths in Italy, cherished by wellness enthusiasts. Here’s a detailed overview, region by region, of 20 thermal areas perfect for your next vacation, featuring rejuvenating mud therapies, emotional showers, and the benefits of chromotherapy.

Are you dreaming of enjoying relaxation and wellness? Would you like to discover the best thermal areas in Northern Italy to enjoy a marvellous weekend of tranquillity? Follow our alluring itinerary through famous and suggestive thermal destinations, among exclusive centers nestled in spectacular natural environments characterized by thriving and luxuriant vegetation.

The extraordinary abundance of precious thermal springs with powerful properties of these oases of beauty, care, and harmony are highly appreciated by people who need peculiar treatments and those who wish to enjoy a relaxing stay while taking advantage of the many benefits of the curative paths.

The diverse range of thermal baths in Northern Italy offers facilities with high-quality standards and all the comforts needed to meet every type of need, allowing you to rejuvenate while admiring the stunning landscapes of these areas.

 If you wish to spend a pleasant holiday away from the stress of everyday life, dedicating yourself to the care of your psychophysical well-being by attending enchanting thermal baths in Italy, Piedmont is a popular destination for lovers of thermal areas. You will find a wide range of opportunities to fully satisfy your needs and tastes. 

One of the most prestigious thermal areas in Piedmont is Acqui Terme, rich in culture, artistic masterpieces, and history and located in the province of Alessandria, on the banks of the Bormida river. The first thermal resorts were designed during the 12th century: in the area surrounding the so-called Bollente spring, tourists were able to attend the first public facility.

Three precious springs with multiple curative properties flow in this area, the Fonte Bollente, Lago delle Sorgenti, and Acqua Marcia, two of which are hyperthermal and one hypothermal. This area boasts an ancient tradition regarding the spread of thermal baths in Italy, offering services of a high-quality standard, related to mud-bane therapy, respiratory and motor rehabilitation, and inhalations.

Among the thermal centers in the province of Asti, the springs of Agliano Terme are renowned, whose waters with a salty-magnesium composition are indicated in the treatment of problems related to the liver and digestive system. The thermal area of Lurisia Terme is fed by the Garbarino spring, which can be used under strict medical supervision due to its powerful therapeutic virtues, and by the Santa Barbara spring, which provides depurative and diuretic benefits.

Among the thermal spas of Piedmont, Garessio stands out, known for its waters that benefit the kidneys and liver. Valdieri is appreciated for its anti-inflammatory, antiseptic effects and respiratory benefits, while in Verbano Cusio Ossola, the freely accessible Bagni di Craveggia are ideal for toning and circulatory treatments.

The Bognanco thermal center is renowned for the Ausonio Spring, rich in carbon dioxide and bicarbonate, recommended for those who are overweight and for dermatological and hypertensive conditions. The San Lorenzo Spring promotes diuresis, while the Gaudenziana Spring helps with kidney disorders. The thermal areas of Crodo and Premia complete the offer.

Continuing our tour in search of the most famous thermal areas in Italy, we arrive in Lombardy to discover its precious natural springs, which feed the plants of the establishments, located in environments of remarkable landscape and great charm.

In the province of Bergamo, we find the San Pellegrino thermal area, whose waters flow from the Vita spring. Even Leonardo da Vinci, the great Renaissance genius, has mentioned them for their extraordinary therapeutic virtues. Here, you can pamper yourself with regenerating steam baths and biosaunas, while in the vicinity you can also appreciate the thermal and mud-therapy treatments of the Trescore Balneario centers and that of the noble residence of Sant'Omobono, famous for the sulfurous characteristics of its springs, among the most fascinating thermal baths in Lombardy.

Exploring the area overlooking the magnificent Lake Garda, you will appreciate the Sirmione spa, one of the most famous thermal resorts in Italy and Europe. It boasts sources with sulfurous salsobromoiodic properties, ideal for undergoing rehabilitative treatments and for treating rheumatic and respiratory disorders.

In the Brescia area, we can find the Boario thermal area, in the Camonica Valley. Its waters come from the Igea, Boario, Fausta, and Antica Fonte springs, originating from Monte Altissimo. The facility has two thermal pools, whirlpool baths, Mediterranean baths, Finnish saunas, Turkish baths, ice cascades, emotional showers, and salt rooms, and it’s possible to perform physiotherapy, balneotherapy, hydroponics, and massotherapy.

In the thermal baths of Bormio, a treasure of Valtellina, you can combine thermal treatments with outdoor sports. In the province of Pavia, you can discover the Miradolo spa, equipped with pools fed by four springs with different beneficial properties, and the thermal area of Rivanazzano Terme, located in a very picturesque village with a medieval character. In the Mantua area, another famous spa lies within the lush Mincio Park.

The Ligurian territory, embellished by splendid landscapes inlaid with mountainous reliefs and the shrubs of the Mediterranean scrub, and rich in ancient traditions linked to seafaring activities, is much appreciated by lovers of nature and relaxation. It also holds many surprises for people who want to take care of their psychophysical well-being. You will admire the picturesque scenery dotted with delightful villages in polychrome tones.

The Acquasanta thermal bath is located in the Voltri area, close to the city of Genoa, home to the famous Aquarium. This thermal resort welcomes guests by offering them the curative properties of its waters, which are ideal for curing respiratory and dermatological pathologies since they have a high sulphur content. You can take advantage of the myriad of services, including inhalations, balneotherapy, Turkish baths, nebulisation, and saunas. Its springs have a temperature of around 22°. Some interesting attractions to add to your itinerary are the Paper Museum and the Renaissance Sanctuary.

Another stage of our tour is the thermal area of Pigna, a jewel of the Nervia Valley, whose waters, with a high concentration of chlorine and sulphur, have a temperature of between 28° and 32°. Among the treatments available there are cures for respiratory tract affections and circulatory problems, crenotherapy politzer, aerosol, humage, inhalations, insufflations, mud therapy, and hydro kinesitherapy.

The thermal area of Diano Castello is located in an equidistant position between the magnificent village of Diano Castello and Diano Marina, a gem of medieval architecture. It hosts a famous thermal center, which draws its waters with curative virtues directly from the Battaglino spring. You can enjoy unforgettable moments of wellness thanks to the thermal muds, rich in precious trace elements, hydromassage, hydrotherapy showers, and toning and purifying saunas.

The marvelous landscapes skimmed by the pleasant breezes of the Apennines and lapped by the crystal-clear waters of the Adriatic and Tyrrhenian seas, are dotted with numerous thermal destinations in Central Italy, ideal for wellness enthusiasts.

In addition to the natural wonders and the artistic and cultural masterpieces, you will appreciate thermal resorts of high-quality standards, where you can enjoy enveloping wellness paths. A broad proposal of accommodation facilities will greet you: some contribute overwhelmingly to exerting a magnetic appeal on those who wish to look after their health and mental well-being in centers of excellence. 

Among the most renowned thermal baths in Central Italy, boasting a long-standing and ancient tradition, we have to mention the thermal areas of Ischia, a jewel of the Campania archipelago, the sensorial district of Chianciano, one of the many oases of relaxation near the thermal establishments of Acquasanta and Fucoli, San Casciano dei Bagni, Saturnia, Fontecchio, and Montecatini Terme.

If you are in Tuscany, you can admire the local beauty, the beautiful landscapes dotted with medieval villages, some of the best thermal baths in Italy, and art cities full of history and charm, and carve out some time to relax at the many thermal areas, whose water temperature range from 35° to 54°.

In the area of Val d'Orcia and Amiata, there are free spas, such as Bagni San Filippo, located a short distance from San Quirico d'Orcia, whose waters have a high calcium content: their distinctive emblem is a characteristic limestone formation. Another highly popular area among enthusiasts of the best thermal baths in Italy is Bagno Vignoni, overlooking the town of Castiglione d'Orcia: its central Fountain Square has been chosen as the location for films by the well-known directors Carlo Verdone, Sergio Rubini, Francesca Neri, Rocco Papaleo, and Christian De Sica. The Chianciano thermal resort is also very important. They offer a wide range of wellness treatments also indicated for the treatment of liver and gastrointestinal disorders. 

In addition to being one of Tuscany's hidden gems, Montepulciano is home to extraordinary thermal baths that use waters with a high concentration of bromine and sulphur, excellent for those with rheumatic, dermatological, and respiratory problems. It offers preventive treatments to detoxify from daily stress. The other thermal areas with a vocation for thermalism in the province of Siena are Monticiano, where the marvelous thermal resorts of Petriolo rise, Rapolano Terme, renowned for its hyperthermal waters, and San Casciano dei Bagni, one of the most beautiful villages in Italy, with its high concentration of thermal springs.

In the province of Florence, the Gambassi Terme thermal area is located, known for its healing properties, fed by the Acqua di Pillo spring. In the past, it was frequented by athletes, including Gino Bartali. In the Cinquale area, in the province of Massa Carrara, you can find the famous Versilia Thermal Baths and the Equi Terme, known since prehistoric times.

In Casciana Terme and San Giuliano Terme, in the province of Pisa, there are numerous thermal establishments, while in the province of Pistoia, the thermal centers of Montecatini, located in the beautiful Valdinievole, were frequented by European aristocracy, and are particularly suitable for hydroponic therapies, as are Monsummano Terme. The Sassetta thermal area offers a wellness path based on a holistic approach. The Venturina Terme complex utilizes the waters from the Cratere spring, renowned since Etruscan and Roman times.

The most important thermal baths in Italy, located in the province of Grosseto, are the spectacular thermal baths of Saturnia, consisting of stupendous limestone pools. Also in the so-called Tufo area is the Sorano thermal resort.

With its splendid cities of art, architectural masterpieces, charming villages, enchanting natural scenery, and polychrome landscapes, the Marche captivates travellers eager to discover an area rich in wonder and excellence. If you decide to plan a holiday, learn more about the thermal areas of this region with its multiple identities. 

Firstly, you can choose between a stay at a facility equipped to enjoy invigorating Turkish baths, saunas, or wellness moments in the large thermal baths, which can benefit those with dermatological problems, those who need to strengthen their immune system, or those suffering from joint or respiratory ailments.

The thermal area of Frasassi, which extends into the Genga area, benefits from the sulphurous waters coming from the area of the famous caves, and one of its flagships is represented by the mud baths with anti-inflammatory properties, ideal in the treatment of rheumatic and articular symptoms. 

Heading towards Macerata, the thermal complex of Tolentino is located on a hill immersed in a lush green forest. Here you can experience the benefits of the sulphurous and salso-bromo-iodine waters of thermal baths in Italy. Near Ascoli Piceno, you can take the opportunity to take a bath in the waters of the free thermal areas near the sources of the Tronto river. If you choose to stay in Camerano, you can appreciate the Aspio thermal facility, whose waters have a salsobromoiodic composition.

Surrounded by the stupendous panorama of the Sibillini Mountains, Sarnano, a stunning village of the Marche, is embellished by the San Giacomo thermal area with its bicarbonate-calcic qualities: the district also offers Turkish baths, Finnish saunas, and thermal pools with therapeutic virtues. The verdant natural scenery of the Petriano valley, one of the scenic jewels of the Montefeltro region, draws water from the La Valle spring. Another well-known thermal resort is in Montegrimano, in the Conca valley. There are also delightful pools for a day of wellness at thermal baths in Italy.

The landscapes of Umbria, modelled by the Apennine ridges, are dotted with villages with an ancient feel, which preserve historical buildings and works of great value, and have a remarkable abundance of springs. Close to Città di Castello, there’s the prestigious thermal resort of Fontecchio, which uses the waters of two springs, useful for various therapeutic interventions. You can also enjoy mud-therapy treatments, balneotherapy, massage therapy, hydrotherapy, emotional showers, saunas, vascular paths, and Turkish baths.

The Francescana thermal area in Spello is located in San Felice Terme and derives from the extension of structures dating back to Roman times. Its sulphurous waters flow from the spring of the same name and they are suitable to treat respiratory, muscular, and cardiovascular pathologies, facilitate digestion, and purify the hepatic system. We also suggest you try the sauna and the Kneipp and sensorial paths.

In the Massa Martana area, awarded the prestigious title of one of Italy's Most Beautiful Villages for its medieval and Roman architecture, emerge the San Faustino thermal springs, famous for the medicinal virtues of their waters since the 19th century. This centre stands out for its high concentration of manganese, carbon dioxide, and lithium salts, which give them both digestive properties and the treatment of symptoms from kidney problems.

Not far away, there is the Amerino thermal area near Acquasparta. According to legend, St. Francis of Assisi also visited the spring. The waters of this thermal centre are suitable for the treatment of gastroenteritis and stone disorders. Along the Via Flaminia, we find an extensive thermal park surrounded by Mediterranean vegetation, which benefits from the virtues of the Fabia and Sangemini springs. Its waters are rich in calcium, which gives them the ability to cure disorders related to allergies, menopause, and osteoporosis.

If you love experiencing innovative and beguiling thermal routes and you need some original ideas on possible charming destinations for a purifying and toning holiday, visit the magnificent thermal areas in Southern Italy to find the best thermal center for your needs. Southern Italy presents a range of tempting proposals to combine wellness and relaxing treatments with excursions and trips dedicated to natural wonders and historical, artistic, and cultural treasures.

Many areas have been appreciated and frequented since ancient times for the prodigious features of their waters, which emerge from springs in fascinating settings. The thermal baths in Southern Italy rise in very picturesque locations, allowing you to learn more about the local culture, traditions, history, and archaeology.

Among the most famous thermal resorts, we can find Santa Cesarea Terme, Ischia, the Cave of Nymphs, Vulcano, Galatro, the Terme Luigiane, Spezzano, Torre Canne, and Sciacca.

Molise, a land with an ancient history dating back to the distant past, is a treasure chest of treasures, set in wonderful landscapes and cultural settings. Its picturesque villages, lush vegetation and delightful beaches will captivate you. In addition to its historical, cultural and natural beauties, it guards precious thermal springs, offering travellers the opportunity to combine knowledge of its traditions and typical food and wine with wellness itineraries.

Our itinerary could start from Campobasso, which offers the renowned Sepino thermal resort, in the setting of the Matese Mountains. The virtues of its oligomineral, magnesic and bicarbonate-calcic waters, which flow from the Tre Fontane, were already appreciated in Samnite times. Take the opportunity to enjoy wonderful saunas, Turkish baths and invigorating whirlpools. The offer also includes massotherapy treatments, inhalations and cures focused on muscle tone and the resolution of gastrointestinal disorders. The area is also dotted with archaeological sites, where the historical events of the ancient peoples who inhabited these places can be explored.

The thermal area of Castelpetroso, in the province of Isernia, is equipped with thermarium, magnificent pools, and purifying saunas. Also very famous are the thermal springs of Bagnoli del Trigno with their haloterapy, phytothermotherapy, infrathermotherapy, hydrozonotherapy and emotional showers with their chromo-therapeutic effects. 

Other major thermal areas include Busso, Campochiaro, Bonefro and, in the province of Isernia, Agnone, Acquaviva d'Isernia, Belmonte nel Sannio. If you decide to extend your holiday, we also recommend a visit to Capracotta, Castel San Vincenzo, Frosolone and the Morge area.

Our journey on trails of marvelous thermal baths in Italy leads us to Basilicata, set like a gem between two seas, the Ionian and the Tyrrhenian, is a marvellous region characterized by rich biodiversity and a bursting variety of landscapes and historical-artistic treasures. Here, nature, history, culture, and millennial traditions create a unicum of beauty and wonder.

Among the numerous attractions, the thermal baths stand out, considered among the best spas in Italy for the purity of their waters. The element that denotes Lucanian thermal resorts is the holistic conception of the wellness path, enhanced by the beneficial effects of a slower lifestyle. The main thermal areas in Basilicata are Latronico and Rapolla, enchanting locations we recommend in the province of Potenza. Along the way between the two thermal resorts, you can admire the ancient splendour of the colonial settlements of the flourishing Magna Grecia.

In Latronico, in the province of Potenza, you will find an exclusive thermal establishment, set in the Pollino Park, that is a real gem already known in prehistoric times. Its waters, which have undisputed thermal virtues, emerge at a temperature of 22° and flow from three springs: the Piccola of sulphurous type, the Media, and the Grande, whose waters are bicarbonate-calcic. Thermal baths in Italy are particularly suitable for alleviating hearing, respiratory, dermatological, and rheumatic pathologies. The wide range of services offered includes mud therapy, bath therapy, fantastic massages, inhalations, and magnetotherapy: all treatments designed to relieve hearing, respiratory, dermatological, and rheumatic conditions. Lake Sinise, Mount Sirino, and the Maratea coastline are all within easy reach of this area.

The thermal area of Rapolla rises in a splendid village of medieval origin in the province of Potenza. Its saline-sulfate-bicarbonate-alkaline waters emerge from two springs and are used to take care of rheumatism, respiratory or metabolic dysfunctions, and articular, dermatological, or nervous disorders. Among the services offered by thermal baths in Italy, it is possible to practise pressotherapy, mesotherapy, balneotherapy, inalotherapy, and shiatsu.

Apulia, a region characterized by a territory mainly made up of plains, is a land of marvelous landscapes and ancient cultural and folkloristic heritage, whose millenary traditions are deeply rooted in the identity and the soul of its people.

The thermal resort of Santa Margherita di Savoia, located in the province of Foggia, is situated near the salt pans, which give the waters of its springs extraordinary therapeutic properties due to their high bromine and iodine content. Among the treatments offered, we suggest mud therapy, balneotherapy, hypertonic bathing, hydrotherapy, and inhalations.

The thermal area of Fasano, in the province of Brindisi, is renowned for the Torre Canne thermal complex, which benefits from eleven springs springing from the subsoil. The Torricella and Antesana springs are used therapeutically because of their mineral-chloride-sulfate-iodine and brominated waters, with eutrophic, decongestant, keratoplastic, immune system, and metabolism-stimulating properties.

The thermal resort of Santa Cesarea is in a position overlooking the coast, in the province of Lecce, and it draws its waters, which belong to the salty-bromine-iodine-sulfurous-fluorotic type and emerge at 30°, from the thermal springs of Solfatara, Gattulla, Sulphurous, and Fetida. These sources are a panacea for relieving stress, fatigue, and respiratory ailments. Here you can benefit from copious treatments, including massage therapy, mud therapy, balneotherapy, inhalations, and Ayurveda.

The Castelnuovo della Daunia spa, supplied by the spring, is another popular destination for the curative properties of its springs and mud-therapy treatments.

Our overview regarding thermal areas in Sicily is very varied: you can choose between free areas for a unique experience in contact with nature or staying in an exclusive resort to try wonderful treatments. 

By visiting the province of Trapani, you can reach the Segestane Springs thermal center, also known as the Cremiso springs, located near Castellammare del Golfo, from the Bagno delle Femmine, Nuova Sorgente, and Grotta Regina sources. Free to access, these alkaline sulfur springs, excellent for therapeutic mud treatments, reach 46°C. Ideal for respiratory and rheumatic issues, they offer therapeutic baths, sweat rooms, hydro massages, and panoramic pools.

The Sciacca hot springs, with their salt-bromine-iodine waters, are perfect for those suffering from osteoporosis. The scenic sweat caves provide natural steam from magmatic movements, while the Molinelli, Acqua Santa, and Acqua sulfurea springs are ideal for mud therapy and exudative treatments. The sulfuric and hyperthermal waters exceed 50°C.

The Montevago thermal area, with sulfuric waters at 40°C, offers pools, a wellness center, a children's play area, and spaces for caravans and campers. Services include a Turkish bath, sauna, hydro massages, inhalations, and reflexology.

Other Sicilian locations include Termini Imerese, Alì Terme, and the island of Vulcano. Termini Imerese, overlooking the Gulf of Palermo, is perfect for inhalation and hydrotherapy treatments, with hyperthermal and salt-bromine-iodine waters at 43°C.

The thermal establishment of Ali Terme, the pearl of the Ionian Riviera, located in the province of Messina, has been a popular destination among thermal baths in Italy since antiquity. It has two hyperthermal springs, the Granata Cassibile spring, whose waters, rich in iodine, sulphur, and bromine, gush out at 46.5° and the Marino spring at 39.5° and also offers mud and balneotherapy treatments.

From the majestic mountains of the North to the Mediterranean landscapes of the South, Italy offers a stunning variety of thermal destinations. At the foot of Mont Blanc, in the Aosta Valley, thermal spas welcome visitors with rejuvenating waters surrounded by breathtaking alpine views. Not far away, Piedmont offers elegance and refinement in its historic thermal stations, while Lombardy boasts postcard-worthy scenery and some of the most renowned spas in the country.

Along the coast, Liguria offers charming places to relax overlooking the sea; while in the mountains of Trentino-Alto Adige, you can find the perfect combination of wellness and nature. Friuli Venezia Giulia, with its Central European charm, invites you to discover hidden springs, while Veneto, from Lake Garda to the Euganean Hills, is truly a cradle of well-being. 

In Emilia-Romagna, relaxation blends with gastronomic culture, and Tuscany, with the Val d'Orcia, offers dreamlike settings.

In Central Italy, beyond the ancient thermal traditions of Lazio, the Marche and Umbria welcome guests with lush, relaxing landscapes. Even Abruzzo, with its natural parks, hides areas of great thermal appeal.

In the South, Campania combines relaxation with volcanic nature, Molise captivates with its ancient traditions, and Basilicata amazes with springs nestled in scenic landscapes. In Apulia, thermal spas are set in a fairy-tale context of trulli and olive groves, while Calabria conceals rejuvenating springs between the Sila mountains and Arbëreshë villages.

Finally, even the islands offer unique thermal experiences: the thermal resorts in Sicily and Sardinia are enveloped in a magical atmosphere, between the crystal-clear sea and the millennial history of the striking nuraghi.