Lazio is one of the Italian regions with the greatest concentration of natural thermal springs. The tradition dates back to the Etruscans and Romans, who exploited the hot waters for therapeutic and religious purposes. Unlike other areas of Italy, here there is no shortage of facilities affiliated with the National Health Service (NHS), which allow you to access treatment cycles by paying only the health copay and presenting a prescription from your GP.
Viterbo, Fiuggi, Ferentino and Tivoli are the main centres, but there are also smaller establishments, often immersed in nature, which retain a particular charm. Alongside the healthcare offering, there is also a growing wellness sector, with spas and thermal pools open all year round.
Here is a complete overview of the main spas in Lazio, including SSN agreements and wellness programs.
Baths of the Popes – Viterbo
The Baths of the Popes are among the best known in Italy and represent a leading historical and health destination. Their hyperthermal waters flow at around 58°C from sulphurous springs already known in Etruscan and Roman times. The modern establishment developed around the monumental outdoor thermal pool, a 2000 square meter pool fed directly from the spring.
In addition to the wellness area, mud-bath therapy cycles and inhalation treatments for osteoarticular and respiratory pathologies are carried out here. The muds exploit the natural thermal sediments left to settle in tanks for months, following traditional procedures.
The Terme dei Papi have an agreement with the NHS: with a doctor’s prescription it is possible to follow treatment cycles by paying only the ticket. Recognized pathologies include osteoarthritis, chronic bronchitis, sinusitis and rheumatic diseases.
Fiuggi Spa – Fiuggi (FR)
Fiuggi is known for its low-mineral waters with diuretic and purifying properties, used for centuries for the treatment of kidney stones and urinary infections. Here the “thermal cure” does not involve immersions but the daily intake of water from the Fonte Bonifacio VIII or the Fonte Anticolana, two natural springs with precise chemical characteristics.
Drinking therapy supported by the NHS generally lasts 12 consecutive days, during which patients drink specific quantities of water at set times. The path is followed by medical personnel and can be prescribed for various urological and metabolic pathologies.
Alongside the sources, Fiuggi offers modern hotel facilities and wellness centres, but the healthcare sector remains central. The atmosphere is different compared to classic spas: here well-being comes through internal purification, not through swimming pools or saunas.
Terme Pompeo – Ferentino (FR)
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The Terme Pompeo are located in the Sacco Valley and represent one of the most active spa centers regarding the agreement with the NHS. The sulphurous water of Ferentino is used for inhalation treatments, baths and therapeutic muds.
The family-run structure combines the medical part with a modern wellness center. The affiliated treatments concern in particular chronic respiratory diseases, joint disorders and some dermatological pathologies. The thermal mud used derives from a natural maturation process that lasts approximately six months, giving it significant anti-inflammatory properties.
The location, close to the Rome–Naples motorway, makes it easily accessible both from the Castelli Romani and from lower Lazio.
Thermal Baths of Rome – Tivoli (RM)
Known since ancient times as Acque Albule, the Tivoli spa is located in an area rich in sulphurous springs at a constant temperature of around 23°C. The Romans were already using them in the 1st century BC for therapeutic purposes, and Augustus himself seems to have been a regular visitor to relieve joint pain.
Today the establishment combines health care affiliated with the NHS and wellness programs. The most requested therapies are mud baths and thermal baths for rheumatic and arthritic problems, as well as inhalations for sinusitis and chronic bronchitis. The modern part offers external thermal pools surrounded by greenery, wellness programs and an equipped spa centre.
The proximity to Rome (about 30 minutes) makes Tivoli an ideal destination both for periodic treatments and for days of relaxation.
Stigliano Thermal Baths – Canale Monterano (RM)
The Stigliano spa is located in a spa area already known by the Etruscans, then exploited by the Romans and even by the popes in the Middle Ages. The springs, at temperatures between 30 and 38 °C, feed several natural thermal pools immersed in the countryside.
Today’s structure is more oriented towards charming tourism than medical care. There are no agreements with the NHS: it is a private spa with thermal treatments, saunas, steam caves and beauty treatments. The atmosphere is particularly evocative thanks to the landscape context and historic architecture. It is a perfect destination for a relaxing weekend, but not for affiliated health care.
Suio Thermal Baths – Castelforte (LT)
The thermal baths of Suio, in the southern part of Lazio, exploit sulfur springs with temperatures varying between 30 and 60 °C. This area was already frequented in Roman times for the healing properties of its waters. Today the establishments in Suio are different: some are simple and frequented mainly by residents, others have been modernized with spas and swimming pools.
The spa of Sant’Egidio
Some facilities, such as the Terme Sant’Egidio, have an agreement with the National Health Service for mud treatments and therapeutic baths, particularly indicated for rheumatic and dermatological problems and for physical rehabilitation.
The thermal pool park of Terme Sant’Egidio, covering 25,000 m2 and overlooking the Garigliano river, is one of the largest in central Italy. It has 11 natural thermal water pools with temperatures between 30 and 40 °C, where waterfalls and water jets offer regenerating hydromassages. The sulphurous waters, known for their healing properties, promote the well-being of the skin, respiratory system and muscles, offering an experience of authentic and healthy relaxation.
Suio retains an authentic atmosphere, far from large tourist flows, and is an interesting destination for those seeking affordable therapies.
Is it really worth it?
In Lazio the agreement with the NHS for spa treatments is still active and relatively accessible. The facilities in Viterbo, Fiuggi, Ferentino and Tivoli represent the main hubs for those who want to take advantage of the health ticket and access recognized therapeutic cycles.
The pathologies covered include osteoarthritis, extra-articular rheumatism, chronic bronchitis, sinusitis, kidney stones and urinary infections. It is necessary to present a prescription from your doctor and book in advance, as the cycles generally take place at pre-established periods of the year.
Wellness-oriented spas, such as Stigliano and part of Suio, do not offer conventions but remain interesting destinations for those seeking relaxation and valuable natural settings.
