Locals in Tuscany, Italy, have been visiting the hot springs of Saturnia for decades during the winter. However, most of the globe didn’t know about those scenic free thermal springs until recently. This is thanks to the incredible aerial shots that have revealed the true beauty of those attractions. The only ones who knew about this gem in Saturnia were the locals in Italy. The most famous hot spring in Saturnia, Tuscany, is Cascate del Mulino.
What’s so beautiful about those thermal baths is that the hot water comes from the ground and falls down the slope of a small hill. This creates a splendid formation of natural pools that have the temperature of the human body all-year-round ( 37 Celsius degrees). Many people believe that the thermal baths in Saturnia possess healing properties for the skin and the digestive system.
This Is How To Best Experience The Saturnia Thermal Baths
Just before the access to the river, there is ample parking near the hot springs of Saturnia. By following the signs for Cascate del Mulino from the main road, people can reach the destination readily. The thermal baths are accessible only by climbing down to them from the top. This is relatively easy to do, but people must pay attention when the area is very crowded because the rocks are slippery and hard.
Before climbing down to the baths, it is worth it to behold the full scenic views of the Cascate del Mulino from the top. People can also decide to use the pools closer to the top of the mountain or go all the way to the less-crowded baths located closer to the river below. The Saturnia hot springs are open all year round.
However, the autumn and spring seasons are the best in temperature, weather, and views. During the summer, people will feel very hot because of the scorching sun and high temperatures. While it is pleasant to stay in the hot springs during the winter, going out of the water will send chills down the body to make it freeze from cold. People usually spend a couple of hours bathing in the hot springs of Saturnia.
- Cost: Bathing into the hot springs of Saturnia is totally free-of-charge, and people can spend as much time as they want there.
What To Know Before Visiting Saturnia’s Hot Springs
Because Saturnia’s waters are sulfur-rich and contain a lot of minerals, they can damage jewelry. This is why people are recommended to get a safe waterproof pouch to store valuables inside of it. When the aerial images of the hot springs in Saturnia were made available for the whole world to see, the area looked empty and ethereal.
However, people must bear in mind that the hot springs can get very crowded and noisy. This is primarily because the thermal baths are free and frequented by locals.
Moreover, since the hot springs of Saturnia in Tuscany became known worldwide, the number of tourists flocking to the attraction has doubled, rising to 200,000 visitors per year. As a result, one must expect they won’t have the chance to take shots of the great natural pools when they are empty unless they head to the location in the early morning before 7 AM.
Moreover, one should know that they may be sharing the pools with someone else most of the time. Additionally, there are no changing rooms and facilities in the hot springs of Saturnia. This is why most people get changed in the car.
- Recommended: A cafe opens seasonally in the hot springs of Saturnia. People can change their clothes by using the toilets and showers there.
The Equipment That People Should Bring When Visiting Saturnia Hot Springs
When visiting Saturnia Hot Springs, people should bring a swimsuit since they will go down the water into the pools. Since the hot springs have a rocky slope, it is better to bring water shoes to help one move around safely. Those will be particularly beneficial to kids. Since access is complimentary, there are no towels.
This is why one must bring their own towels with them. Getting a sun hat and sunscreen is a must to protect the skin from the scorching sun. It is better to bring environmentally-friendly products since those will end up being thrown into nature. Since bathing in the thermal springs of Saturnia gets one warm, they must bring with them some water and food. This is because the cafe that is located there is not always open.
However, when the restaurant is open, people must obviously carry some cash to get a snack or a drink. Some people love to visit the hot springs late at night. A flashlight is recommended when hitting Saturnia during the late hours for people to see their way.
- Near the hot springs: The beautiful villages of Tuscany are just a drive away from Saturnia. Those villages include Orvieto, Orbetello, Pitigliano, Roma, and the Tuscan Coast.