The best Italian spas to relax in this autumn

The Italian spa tradition is much more than a simple habit: it has its roots in distant times, elevating the spa experience to a true art, a ritual of well-being and culture. Just think of the spas in ancient Rome, true centers of social and cultural life, as well as places dedicated to body care. Developed starting from the 2nd century BC, the Roman baths were grandiose and well-organised structures, composed of different environments such as the calidarium (hot bath), the tepidarium (warm bath), the frigidarium (cold bath) and often also gyms, libraries and gardens. Access to the baths was generally open to all social classes, and the cost of entry was modest, which made them accessible to a large part of the population.

The most impressive baths, such as those of Caracalla and Diocletian, were true architectural masterpieces, adorned with mosaics, statues and marbles, places where Roman citizens dedicated themselves to cleanliness and relaxation, but also to socialising, business and relaxation. leisure. The Roman baths were therefore much more than simple bathrooms, and represented a multifunctional space, where the Roman concept of otium, free time dedicated to well-being and the cultivation of the mind, was celebrated.

The spa legacy left as a dowry by the ancient Romans is still clearly visible in our territory, with many sites dating back to that era, and the use of the spa has taken on an increasingly greater cultural value over time, taking on the connotation of a well-rooted habit . In this article we will discover some of the most important spas in Italy, to be visited strictly during the autumn season.

The spa of Saturnia, Tuscany

At the top of a Tuscan hill stands Saturnia, a village overlooking a vast expanse of sulphurous waters, famous for their beneficial properties since Etruscan times. The waters flow at a constant temperature of 37.5 °C, a warm and therapeutic caress that has been renewed continuously for over 3000 years. The Cascate del Mulino, natural pools fed by a spring, are open to the public free of charge all year round, and allow you to live an unforgettable experience among the beauties of the Maremma.
For anyone looking for greater exclusivity, the nearby Terme di Saturnia resort ensures a vast thermal park with swimming pools, hydrotherapy paths and relaxation areas, in a context where nature and luxury go hand in hand.

Bagno Vignoni, Tuscany

Bagno Vignoni, in the charming Val d’Orcia, boasts one of the most extraordinary squares in Italy. Instead of the usual stone floor, a large medieval pool is filled with thermal waters flowing at a temperature of 52°C. Around this surreal square, Renaissance buildings and elegant loggias discreetly observe the steam rising placidly, creating an ethereal atmosphere, almost as if it were a door to another era.

A few steps away, in the Parco dei Mulini, we find a free spa area that winds along a path up to the ancient medieval mills. For a more refined experience, the nearby Adler Resort Spa Thermae and the historic Hotel Posta Marcucci offer comfort and thermal pools overlooking the panorama, where the quiet of the valley blends with the sensation of well-being, in an unforgettable combination.

Bagni di San Filippo in Val d’Orcia, Tuscany

Hidden among the woods of the Val d’Orcia, the Bagni di San Filippo reveal a world where nature and thermal waters merge in a fairy-tale setting. A path leads to the Fosso Bianco, where the heat of the springs mixes with the cold of the river, creating small natural pools with blue-whitish shades, set in a limestone rock bottom. Here, the lush vegetation is reflected in the warm water, almost as if it were the frame of an evolving painting, a perfect synthesis of elements that capture the eye and calm the soul. If you prefer an organized experience, you can rely on local guides, who will tell you the deepest secrets of these places.

Fonteverde, San Casciano dei Bagni

Born at the behest of Grand Duke Ferdinando I de’ Medici, the Fonteverde spa complex in San Casciano dei Bagni is an enchanting refuge, nestled among the rolling Tuscan hills. The thermal water, rich in fluorine, magnesium and sulphur, flows at 42°C, feeding panoramic pools that open onto bucolic landscapes, where harmony of body and mind seems to be within reach.
Fonteverde’s philosophy is based on a holistic approach to well-being: through the Equilibrium method, which integrates spa treatments, nutritional education and anti-stress techniques, a return to the essence is encouraged, away from daily stress. It is a place where the Italian spa tradition is enriched with modern treatment methodologies, for a tailor-made experience that deeply invigorates.

Bullicame spa, Lazio

Viterbo is home to some of the oldest thermal springs in Italy, discovered by the Etruscans and appreciated over the centuries even by ecclesiastical figures. The Bullicame spring, in particular, is also mentioned by Dante in the Inferno of the Divine Comedy for its therapeutic properties. Located a short distance from the city center, the spa is an easily accessible corner of peace, with free areas such as the Carletti swimming pools and the Bagnaccio.

Ficoncella thermal baths, Civitavecchia

The Ficoncella Baths in Civitavecchia, historically appreciated by the Romans and Etruscans, offer five thermal pools with temperatures varying up to 60°C, immersed in a unique natural context. The transparent and slightly bitter water, rich in calcium sulphate and alkaline, is renowned for its therapeutic properties, ideal for treating dermatitis, arthritis and promoting healing. Also frequented by Garibaldi, these spas continue to be a place of well-being and relaxation for visitors from all over Italy.

Sirmione spa on the banks of Garda, Lombardy

The thermal history of Sirmione has its roots in the Renaissance, but only at the end of the 19th century did a Venetian diver discover the hot water source known as Boiola, revealing a treasure hidden under the waters of Lake Garda. The town, which Catullo called “Pearl of Garda,” is now home to Aquaria, a thermal spa surrounded by a vast park overlooking the lake.
The elegance of the spa and the proximity to the medieval village of Sirmione make the place one of the most sought-after destinations in northern Italy, perfect for those who want to combine culture and well-being in an environment of rare beauty.

Bagni di Bormio in the Alps

In the upper Valtellina, the town of Bormio is known above all for its ski slopes, but can also boast high-level natural spas, appreciated since the time of the Raeti. The thermal waters flow between 37 and 43 °C from nine springs located at various altitudes, for a true spectacle of nature. The Bagni Vecchi, one of the oldest centres, includes Roman baths dug into the rock and the sweat cave of San Martino, a natural Turkish bath which extends along a tunnel where the heat becomes enveloping.
Relaxing in these places is an experience that combines history and well-being, an opportunity to restore body and mind by discovering the ancient legends that inhabit the Alpine valleys.

Thermal baths of Merano, South Tyrol

Set in the heart of Alto Adige, the Merano Thermal Baths are a modern complex that combines tradition and innovation. Surrounded by mountains, these spas offer indoor and outdoor pools, saunas and relaxation areas where treatments are inspired by local nature. Apple, vine, juniper and mountain pine are the main ingredients of treatments that reflect the region’s deep connection with the surrounding environment.
The Merano spa embodies a concept of well-being that finds its essence in South Tyrolean nature, where body and mind find refreshment in an environment where balance is the true protagonist.

Porretta Terme, Emilia Romagna

Porretta Terme, immersed in the Tuscan-Emilian Apennines, is a place famous for its thermal waters with beneficial properties, ideal for well-being and body care. The springs, known since Roman times, are rich in precious minerals and are used for therapeutic treatments for breathing, skin and joints. Porretta Terme also offers a fascinating atmosphere, with its historic village, nature trails and a perfect climate for those seeking relaxation and nature.