Rome is romantic, beautiful, and picture-perfect. But if you have more than enough days in Rome, you may want to take a quick day trip like we did.
Don’t get me wrong, we loved Rome’s eternal city of love vibes, but we also love natural wonderlands. Rome is close to Tuscany, and we wanted to drive through it. Tuscany is famous for its romantic rolling hills, vineyards, and olive groves, so you can be assured of stunning views as you drive here.
But where in Tuscany we should stop – was one of the questions.
Sure Val d’Orcia is the most famous spot for seeing the rolling hills but it can be combined with more places. That’s when I remembered I had seen photos of these multi-tiered thermal springs on Instagram. So, we realized that a Saturnia Hot Springs day trip from Rome was actually the best quick getaway for us.
The drive from Rome to Tuscany is romantic, even if you are on the highway. The hot springs of Saturnia offer an amazing break at the end of this trip because you can relax in the water before driving back home.
So, if you’re looking for an unforgettable escape into nature from Rome, a day trip to Saturnia Hot Springs is the perfect choice. These natural hot springs are situated in the Tuscan countryside and offer a relaxing experience surrounded by stunning landscapes.
They are also known as Cascate del Mulino di Saturnia. These thermal baths have been attracting visitors since ancient times for their therapeutic properties and mesmerizing blue water.
Introducing Saturnia Hot Springs
If you’ve read my Italy road trip itinerary post, then you might have read about this place already. Tucked away in the rolling hills of southern Tuscany, Saturnia Hot Springs is a lovely natural site that offers an unforgettable blend of relaxation, scenic beauty, and historical charm.
The water in these cascading thermal pools is warm and mineral-rich waters and cascading thermal pools. So, if you’re seeking a rejuvenating escape from Rome or around, then this Tuscan gem is for you.
Saturnia’s hot springs are fed by a subterranean volcanic aquifer that maintains a soothing temperature of approximately 37.5°C (99.5°F) year-round.
These thermal waters are rich in sulfur, carbon dioxide, and other beneficial minerals. So, they are believed to have healing properties that soothe muscles, improve circulation, and rejuvenate the skin.
Why Visit Saturnia Hot Springs?
If the above intro didn’t excite you, here’s a bulleted list of why you should consider visiting Cascate del Mulino di Saturnia.
- The thermal waters of Cascate del Mulino remain at a constant temperature of around 37.5°C (99.5°F), close to body temperature, so a dip here is super relaxing.
- The hot springs are rich in thermal plankton and are known for their therapeutic properties.
- Saturnia Hot Springs are surrounded by the breathtaking Tuscan countryside, offering a tranquil retreat.
- There is no entrance fee to enjoy the natural pools formed by travertine rock. The parking area is massive and there are WCs around.
- It is said to be one of Italy’s best-kept secrets, but I think it isn’t since every influencer is posting about it. Yes, that doesn’t undermine the beauty of this stunning, free-to-visit natural wonder.
How to Get to Saturnia Hot Springs from Rome
This post is about driving to Saturnia hot springs from Rome but I will still talk about public transport briefly. The closest train station is in Montalto di Castro, about a 50-minute drive from the hot springs. From there, you’ll need a taxi or rental car to reach your destination.
Driving is the best way to reach Saturnia, as it is not well-connected by public transportation. Also, we were able to find rental cars for as cheap as EUR 10 per day in high season using DiscoverCars, which is cheaper than public transportation for two people.
Driving to Saturnia Hot Springs from Rome
The drive from Rome to Saturnia Hot Springs covers approximately 150 kilometers (93 miles). Since public transport options are limited, driving is the best way to reach this natural paradise at your own pace.
The journey takes about 2.5 to 3 hours from Rome via the main road through Montalto di Castro and the town of Manciano. Our drive took around 5 hours because we stopped in Montepulciano and Val d’Orcia.
Tank up in Rome because the fuel stations next to the highways are generally more expensive.
Also, driving on Italian highways isn’t free. You can pay at the highway tolls using cash or credit card. Make sure to keep your toll tag with you because you will need to insert it into the machine when you leave the highway.
From Rome, exit the city via the A12 or E80 Highway, drive Towards Montalto di Castro, follow the Road to Manciano, and look for the signs for Saturnia. When you arrive in Saturnia, look for Cascate del Mulino.
Alternatively, you can also take the longer and more fun route by stopping at Pienza, Montepulciano, and Val d’Orcia before hitting the hot springs. “Della Follonata” is the area and district where the Terme di Saturnia (Saturnia Hot Springs) are located, near the town of Manciano
Where to go in Saturnia to find Hot Springs?
When we arrived in Saturnia, we by mistake drove to a spa resort called Terme di Saturnia. It’s a lovely place no doubt but we were disappointed when we didn’t find the cascades that we had seen. After a bit of research, we realized that the place we were looking for is actually called Cascate del Mulino.
The full name of this place is Cascate del Mulino di Saturnia and just for the sake of ease (umm SEO because I earn my living through this website), I have used the name Saturnia Hot Springs at many places.
The Stunning Cascate del Mulino
Cascate del Mulino is a series of naturally carved travertine pools fed by steaming waterfalls. The cascading waters create an ethereal mist, adding to the spa-like ambiance of the surroundings.
Unlike commercialized resorts, this site remains largely untouched, offering a truly authentic and serene retreat in the heart of nature. THIS is the place where you should go instead of driving around confused in Saturnia town like we did.
What to Expect at Saturnia Hot Springs (Cascate del Mulino)
- Cascate del Mulino and Cascate del Gorello are the two main natural thermal springs in Saturnia.
- The hot spring water smells like rotten eggs due to the presence of carbon dioxide and sulfur, but this contributes to its therapeutic properties.
- The pools are carved into travertine stone, creating stunning man-made pools over time.
- The water is warm year-round, making it enjoyable even during the winter months.
- The hot springs look even better post-sunset when most of the people start to leave and the warm lights get switched on.
- And yes, the water really is blue, as blue as it looks on social media even though some websites say it isn’t. It also depends on which time of the day you’re here. We got here around mid day but the water appeared bluer as the sun began to go down.
Helpful Tips for First-Time Visitors
- Best time to visit: Early mornings or weekdays to avoid crowds, especially in the high season of the summer months. Alternatively, you can also arrive here in the late evening and enjoy this in the evening after watching the sunset here.
- Wear water shoes to navigate the slippery travertine rock, and sometimes the pebbles are pokey. I visited without water shoes and it was super painful for me to walk on stones.
- Bring a bathing suit, as this is a public spot with no changing rooms. There are WCs at the entrance area though.
- There are small shops and a grocery store in the small town of Saturnia, but pack plenty of water and snacks.
- No extra cost to enter.
- The parking area has a large parking lot, but it has filled up quickly in recent years.
- In my opinion, this isn’t so suited for small children as some areas can be slippery.
- I saw some Instagram posts talking about the red worms here in these waters. But I didn’t see any. The posts mention that these red worms are harmless. These worms are actually midge larvae that grow in thermal waters.
Where to Stay Near Saturnia Hot Springs
If you want to extend your day trip into an overnight stay, there are several options:
- Terme di Saturnia Spa & Golf – A luxury hotel and golf resort offering exclusive access to the Terme di Saturnia Natural Spa.
- Agriturismo Le Cascatelle – A charming small hotel near the springs.
- The Closest hotel options are found in the spa town of Saturnia or nearby towns like Manciano.
Other Attractions Near Saturnia
A visit to Saturnia is best complemented with a journey through Tuscany’s breathtaking landscapes. Nearby medieval towns like Pitigliano, Sovana, and Montemerano offer charming cobblestone streets, historic architecture, and mouthwatering local cuisine. Indulge in a glass of Morellino di Scansano wine, savor traditional Tuscan dishes, and immerse yourself in the timeless beauty of this region.
Final Thoughts on Saturnia Hot Springs Day Trip from Rome
Driving from Rome to Saturnia Hot Springs is not just a way to get there—it’s an experience in itself. The scenic landscapes, charming towns, and the promise of warm, healing waters at the end make it a trip worth taking.
A visit to the hot springs of Saturnia is a perfect stop on any Tuscany road trip. With its natural beauty, most famous natural springs, and best hot springs experience, it’s no surprise that Saturnia has been featured in countless travel magazines and travel guides. So, grab your bathing suit, pack your water shoes, and get ready for an unforgettable adventure in one of Italy’s best-kept secrets.
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