Anyone who thinks that spas are a refuge for the elderly has missed out on the last twenty years. Today they are destinations for anyone who wants to slow down, put their body and head in order and give themselves a real break. And there is a fact worth its weight in gold: once a year all Italian citizens have the right to a 12-day cycle of spa treatments agreed with the National Health Service, paying only the 55 euro ticket. All you need is a medical prescription with a chronic diagnosis of ENT or pneumological pathologies. In a historical moment in which well-being costs money, this opportunity should not be ignored.
In Liguria you don’t need to choose between the sea, the hinterland and relaxation. Here the spas live in a landscape made of silence, villages, light that changes with the wind. Some centers have a centuries-long history, others focus on a modern idea of well-being. The result is the same: we stop, and often struggle to start again.
Acquasanta – Baths of Genoa
The Baths of Genoa are a historic place, active since 1800, the thermal water here is low in mineral content, purifying, with a very high pH (11.49), properties that are difficult to find elsewhere. Beneficial effects for both adults and children, particularly suitable for inhalation treatments thanks to the natural temperature of 22 degrees. It has an agreement with the NHS for the inhalation treatment cycle (“INHALATION TREATMENT CYCLE” the correct prescription).
The structure is located in the immediate Genoese hinterland, a stone’s throw from the sea and ten minutes from the motorway, with free parking.
Acquasanta has always been a holiday and cultural location: trekking, walks, Sanctuary of Our Lady of Acquasanta, Paper Museum. The wellness area is built around the thermal water: indoor and outdoor pools overlooking the landscape and the river, relaxation spaces for families, Turkish bath, sauna, nebulization room. Breathing the thermal water here is not only pleasant, it is a therapy approved by the Ministry of Health. A place that maintains its connection with the territory without turning into an anonymous resort.
Alassio – Thalassio Medical Spa
Inside the Grand Hotel Alassio Beach & SPA Resort, a structure that uses sea water as a central resource. Swimming pool heated to 32 degrees, Kneipp path, Finnish sauna, Turkish bath, chromotherapy. Entrance from 46 euros (56 on holidays), children from 4 years old only in the morning. Open from March to January.
Alassio remains a gem of the Riviera, with the sandy beach and the Budello which tells the soul of the village among shops and colorful houses. Here the well-being is more elegant than rural, but without exaggeration.
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Pigna – Antiche Terme & Spa
The Pigna spa is almost on the French border, in the hills behind Sanremo. The spas here have an ancient history: probably already frequented in prehistoric times, active in Roman times, brought back to life starting from the nineteenth century. The real relaunch came in 1954 with the opening of the first modern establishment, which offered cutting-edge treatments for the time: drinking and inhalation treatments, balneotherapy, mud baths, massages, aromatherapy, up to Ayurvedic and shiatsu techniques.
The water comes from the Madonna Assunta spring, flows at 30° and is classified as sulphurous-chlorinated. Properties: antiseptic, anti-inflammatory, analgesic, decontracting, exfoliating, also useful for respiratory, dermatological, cardiovascular, gynecological and rheumatic pathologies. The structure is closed today, but remains affiliated with the NHS and linked to the 4-star Superior Grand Hotel Pigna, a few kilometers from Montecarlo and Sanremo. Enormous potential waiting for rebirth.
Diano Castello – Eira Terme
Eira Terme is located in the hinterland of Imperia, surrounded by a hilly landscape that borders the sea. It is not just a spa, but a place designed for those who want to slow down without isolating themselves. The water flows directly from the source and is used without any chemical treatment, keeping its natural properties intact. The thermal pools are both internal and external, with temperatures calibrated according to the season. The wellness area includes a sauna, Turkish bath and emotional showers, creating a complete sensory journey.
The treatments are targeted and range from mud therapy – effective against joint pain and inflammation – to balneotherapy to promote circulation, as well as massages, Kneipp treatments and personalized packages that also include fitness and yoga sessions. From 15 May to 15 September the outdoor swimming pool with water blades and gayser jets is active, ideal in the warmer months. To access, a membership card is required (5 euros per year). Prices vary: 30–40 euros for 2 or 4 hours, 15 euros for children; entrance to the outdoor swimming pool 12 or 25 euros. In winter, complete packages with 4 hours of thermal treatment cost up to 90 euros.
It is only two kilometers from Diano Marina and can also be easily reached by bus from the station. The village is included among the “most beautiful in Italy”, perfect for those looking for an authentic break, away from the noise but not from the world.
Thermal Liguria makes no noise. It doesn’t overwhelm you, it lightens you. You get there thinking of staying for a few hours, perhaps while you plan something else. Then it happens that that water, that light that comes from the sea and the hills, convinces you to stay a little longer, sometimes that’s enough.
