Well-being and regeneration at a thermal spa.
The Tuscan region has an array of aspects to explore. It has art, history and landscapes to delight the eye of the traveller at every turn. And then it has its precious hot springs that well up in several regions, promising moments of pure wellbeing to make your holiday truly memorable.
San Casciano dei Bagni: waters and elegance
The thermal baths of San Casciano are a treasure of elegance and refinement, where ancient Roman baths integrate with the modern wellness centres; they are ranked as some of the most beautiful spas in the world. The Fonteverde Thermal Spa has four outdoor and three indoor pools, a garden with a view of Monte Amiata and the classic steamy atmosphere with the scent of fluoride, magnesium and calcium. If you are looking for public thermal baths, walk 500 m from Piazza Matteotti to Bagno Bossolo where you can bathe in the steaming waters free of charge. Look up the information on the San Casciano Bronzes, a set of Etruscan and Roman statues found in 2022 and soon to be on view in an extensive national museum that will be located in San Casciano. These statues adorned the edge of the Great Pool, which was a place for votive offerings active between the 4th century BC and the 1st century AD. The sanctuary was then most probably struck by lightning, a bad omen in the eyes of Roman soothsayers, leading to its subsequent burial. This fate was a crucial factor in the survival of these bronzes to the present day, which otherwise would have been melted down in the Middle Ages to make other objects.
Rapolano Terme
Rapolano Terme: history and innovation
Nestled in the Crete Senesi, Rapolano offers two main thermal spas: the Terme Antica Querciolaia and the Terme San Giovanni. The sulphurous waters, which flow out at temperatures between 39°C and 41°C, are ideal for moments of pure relaxation. These spas also offer innovative beauty treatments and customised wellness programmes.
Chianciano Terme: the queen of spas
Chianciano Terme, located between the Val d'Orcia and the Valdichiana, is considered to be Italy’s hot springs capital. Since Etruscan times its waters have been recognised for their anti-inflammatory and detoxifying properties and, in particular, for the treatment of the liver and digestive system, and in addition, there are swimming pools, wellness programmes and mud therapy treatments. The new Piscine Termali Theia bring breath of fresh air to the city’s spa tradition, while the Terme Sensoriali, immersed in the greenery of the historic Acqua Santa Park, offers a multi-sensory journey through different experiences, from steam baths to sensorial showers. Don’t forget to take a tour of the historic centre: the MAC - Museo Civico Archeologico, exhibits items from Etruscan daily life, laid out in a simple exhibition that is also interesting for children.
Bagni San Filippo
Bagni San Filippo: the enchantment of nature
This site is a well-kept secret and completely free. Here, nature has created almost surreal landscape with white limestone formations that look like frozen waterfalls, a series of pools and channels filled with thermal water and a waterfall nicknamed the White Whale, where the warm water of the hot springs meets the cold water of the river. Come here at any time of the year to enjoy the silence of the forest (but not at weekends when it can be very crowded) at just a stone’s throw from the town. In addition to the free thermal springs, you can also take advantage of facilities that offer professional spa treatments.
Montepulciano: spas and famous wines
the Terme di Montepulciano in the Sant’Albino area has a commanding view over the Vino Nobile vineyards and offers a host of spa activities: a grotto with pool and waterfalls; sauna; Turkish bath and sensorial shower; saltwater pool with hydromassage and chromotherapy; relaxation rooms where you can enjoy an herbal tea or, if you wish, combine massages and treatments.
Well-being and dining
Although spending a day soaking in the thermal waters won’t burn as many calories as a hike or a bike ride, by the time you have finished moving from one pool to the next, you will have built up quite an appetite. To ensure you day is memorable from all points of view, try out one of the many restaurants offering a dining experience steeped in the flavours of Tuscany. In Chianciano, pici all'aglione are the perfect accompaniment to a glass of Rosso di Montepulciano, while San Casciano dei Bagni boasts historic trattorias where you must try the ribollita and bistecca alla fiorentina, accompanied by the prestigious wines from the Val d’Orcia. At Rapolano, don’t miss the traditional cuisine of the Crete Senesi, especially the pici with wild boar ragù accompanied by a Chianti Classico wine. Bagni San Filippo offers some small taverns where you enjoy a traditional plate of tortelli maremmani or zuppa di funghi, while in Montepulciano the culinary experience reaches sublime heights with restaurants offering menus accompanied by the famous Vino Nobile di Montepulciano DOCG.
