Anti-inflammatory actions, a cure for dermatitis: thermal waters are synonymous with health and well-being, as the ancient Romans already knew. We went around Italy to discover magic places, natural thermal bats or beautiful spa facilities nestled in nature, among unforgettable landscapes and we again witnessed that Wallace J. Nichols was right when he wrote that water is happiness. Whether it is a facility designed to cure various pathologies, or always open to the public, the thermal baths are places that allow us to regain our psychophysical well-being in a natural way.
Here are the 20 destinations we have discovered from the North to the South of the Peninsula, along with charming accommodations, not far from the spas, which respect the environment and allow you to spend really green holidays.
Thermal baths, nature and bicycle at the foot of the Dolomites
The first stop is in Trentino: Comano welcomes us with a fantastic spa park surrounded by meadows and woods, surrounded by greenery, and also suitable for children. In the surrounding there are plenty of walks between the most demanding mountain or trekking scenery, we recommend the trail that from Stenico leads to the crimson and spectacular Rio Blanc waterfall.
Thermal Benefits: Comano’s baths are a natural cure for many skin diseases such as psoriasis, dermatitis, and eczema.
Where to sleep: in Comano Terme you can stay at the Maso Pertener organic farm, which offers a delicious breakfast. In the surrounding area, there is a farmhouse in San Lorenzo Dorsino where sled dogs, llamas and alpaca, Scottish cows, and many other animals live in harmony.
Between the lake and the thermal baths
From the Adamello Brenta Natural Park to the Valsugana, here we are in Levico Terme. Just a stone’s throw from the historic center of the village of Trento, we find an establishment with an area of more than 7,000 square meters, surrounded by a large garden, with 70 cabins for fangobalneotherapy and hydromassage and 93 inhalation treatment rooms. Do not miss the lake with the same name, which recalls a Norwegian fjord.
Thermal Benefits: The benefits of these waters have been known for centuries, and are used for stress and anxiety disorders, gynecological and arthralgia problems.
Where to sleep: There are two eco-friendly accommodations in Levico Terme. Hotel Lucia is a family-run hotel with a beautiful swimming pool and Camping Due Laghi, camping surrounded by greenery with tents, caravans, and mobile homes.
Bikes and thermal baths between the green of Trentino
We return to the Adamello Brenta Natural Park to discover the Val Rendena Baths in the historic center of Caderzone Terme. The thermal treatments can be done with the National Health Service but there’s also a wellness center open to the public. For bike lovers, we recommend taking the path to the suggestive Riva del Garda along the Sarca river.
Thermal Benefits: Fonte S.Antonio’s thermal water features make these spas perfect for the treatment of peripheral vasculopathies, dermatological diseases, osteoarticular diseases, and respiratory tract pathologies.
Where to sleep: in Caderzone we find Regina Elena, a sustainable hotel near the Caderzone Baths, and the ski slopes with an organic restaurant and vegetable garden.
In the heart of the Stelvio Park
The last stop of the trip between the Trentino thermal baths is Pejo. After a day exploring the Stelvio National Park, the spa is waiting for you, which is not just a health resort, but a true oasis of well-being where you can find your own psycho-physical balance.
Thermal Benefits: Pejo’s sources serve to cure, naturally, certain joint disorders, venous and lymphatic circulation, and urinary tract infections.
Where to sleep: Albergo San Rocco is located right in Pejo and offers free ski bus and bicycles.
At the foot of Mont Blanc
The Pré-Saint-Didier spa in Valle d’Aosta offers three outdoor thermal pools surrounded by snow in winter and green in the summer, offering an incomparable view of the Mont Blanc massif. Inside the facility also steam baths and relaxation rooms. Pré-Saint-Didier is also the starting point for many itineraries. A short walk of only 30 minutes is the one that leads directly from the spa to the impressive horrid, the gorge dug by Dora di Verney, from which the thermal waters spill.
Thermal Benefits: thanks to the presence of iron, the waters of these thermal baths make the skin soft and facilitate circulation and muscle movements.
Where to sleep: In the nearby village of La Salle, at 1,040 m above sea level, there’s Mont Blanc Hotel Village, built in stone and wood.
In the heart of Carnia
Arta Terme is our next destination. We are in Friuli Venezia Giulia and from here we can reach the Campanile de Lander through an unforgettable trail between woods and mountain landscapes. The modern spa resort uses the water of Fonte Pudia.
Thermal Benefits: Sulfate-calcium-magnesium sulfuric mineral water that flows at 9° C is used for the treatment of various diseases and also for the well-being pregnant women.
Where to sleep: in the suggestive village of Friuli we find the B&B Sot i Volz, the B&B Profum di Bosco and a mountain farmsteads.
Among the most famous thermal baths in the world
The thermal waters of San Pellegrino, in Lombardy, are famous all over the world and now the center blends incredibly the ancient structure with modern elements and with the surrounding nature. The Brembana Valley offers its guests numerous itineraries and numerous outdoor activities. Do not miss the 21 km of the Zogno-Piazza Brembana cycle track.
The thermal benefits: these calcium and magnesium bicarbonate sulphate thermal waters were called miraculous by Leonardo Da Vinci, will it be true?
Where to sleep: not far from San Pellegrino there is the B&B Adelché, a small accommodation full of charm in green building and with solar panels.
Sea view spa
In Veneto we stop in Bibione, not far from Venice. Here the thermal baths are practically on the seashore, offering a unique view! In the area there are 9 bike trails, from the center of Bibione one starts first towards the lighthouse and then into the heart of the pine forest.
Thermal Benefits: In addition to being a spa center, the spa of Bibione is partnered with the National Health Service for the treatment of rehabilitation and orthopedic diseases, vascular diseases and respiratory diseases.
Where to sleep: not far from Bibione and its spa there’s the eco-friendly B&B Ca’delle Rose, characterized by a romantic atmosphere.
In the heart of Valpolicella
We immerse ourselves in the nature and the scents of Valpolicella. In Pescantina there’s a 5,200 square meter park with hydro-bromodiodic water that winds at 47 ° C from a depth of 130 meters. In the area you can not miss this beautiful itinerary along the river Adige, between cultivated fields, small houses, and forests.
Thermal Benefits: The water of the Aquardens Spa Park is useful in arthritis, dermatology, and vascular diseases.
Where to sleep: right in Pescantina, the Tirtha farmhouse, built in a green building, uses clean energy sources and produces eggs, milk and organic biscuits.
Among the Euganean Hills
We move to the province of Padua, where is Abano Terme, the main center of the famous and immense Euganean Baths. From Abano Terme you can reach in just over two hours, with a beautiful trekking, the Rosso Mountain and the wonderful panorama that it gives.
Thermal Benefits: These incredible spas are especially indicated for those suffering from extrauricular renium or arthritic.
Where to sleep: 17 kilometers from Abano Terme there’s VerdeCielo, a beautiful eco-friendly B&B that gives magic and natural moments.
A few kilometers from Lake Garda
Last stop in Veneto is Cola. Here we relax in a natural spa formed by the water that springs from two stratum 160 and 200 m deep depths, both discovered in 1989 that form two thermal baths. In the area you can discover one of the most beautiful bike lanes in Italy that leave from Mantua and reach Peschiera del Garda, following the river Mincio.
Thermal Benefits: The properties of this thermal water make it a natural anti-inflammatory.
Where to sleep: Just a few minutes from the spa you will find the organic farm Le Nosare, where you can enjoy a delicious breakfast.
The most beautiful natural thermal baths of Tuscany
In the heart of Maremma, you will find the famous natural limestone pools of Saturnia, a paradise that you can reach by bike on a beautiful itinerary between uncontaminated nature, starting from Manciano, crossing the delightful village of Montemerano and immense vines.
Thermal Benefits: Even these free thermal baths have exceptional properties that make water beneficial for the locomotor, respiratory, conductive and vascular apparatus.
Where to sleep: In this area there are many organic farms and B&Bs to choose from for a green holiday.
Along the Francigena Way
Gambassi Terme is waiting for us for a quality first-class spa in the heart of Tuscany along the Via Francigena. The thermal bath are immersed in a park rich in secular plants.
Thermal Benefits: Pillo thermal water is suitable for curing pathologies affecting the respiratory and gastrointestinal tract.
Where to sleep: Casa al Parco is located a few steps from the thermal baths, between vineyards and olive groves. The property, which uses only clean energy, offers comfortable apartments with garden.
In Val d’Orcia
In Fonteverde there are the thermal bath wanted by Grand Duke Ferdinando I de’ Medici: a beautiful Renaissance palace between gentle hills, cypress groves and small churches. In the surrounding area you can discover the Val d’Orcia, an enchanted and wonderful place in Tuscany, walking amongst vineyards and magical villages.
Thermal benefits: not only sweet cuddles but also proper gastro-intestinal function; and also a cure for chronic inflammation of the respiratory system and the first airway.
Where to sleep: The Borgo Matero farmhouse, which consists of 5 houses/apartments in a small hamlet, all independent and surrounded by pleasant gardens, has the privilege of being only 7 km from the thermal baths.
In the green heart of Umbria
Between Rome and Florence, in San Felice Terme, there’s the Terme Francescane Village spa, an enchanted park where springs of sulfur water springs. In the area you will find a 4-hour cycle route, among the historical and cultural riches of Umbria, between religious monuments and Etruscan remains inserted into the poetic frame of its gentle green hills.
Thermal benefits: not only sweet regenerating cuddles but also proper gastro-intestinal function; and also a cure for chronic inflammation of the respiratory system and the first airway.
Where to sleep: Nearby there’s the B&B Il Sentiero nel Bosco, a farmhouse nestled in the green, the perfect place to enjoy nature.
Between history and nature
Among the various natural hot springs of Viterbo, there is also a beautiful spa center, a charming place where history and nature meet. It is a monumental swimming pool of over 2,000 square meters, fed directly from the Bullicame source.
Thermal Benefits: Th therapeutic baths made with the thermal water of the Popes’ Baths are suitable for the treatment of cardiovascular, gynecological and dermatological diseases.
Where to sleep: Near the thermal baths, you will find a low cost and environmentally friendly solution. Anne and Stephen invite you to their home in the green.
In the Roman Tuscia
The earliest evidence of the existence of the Stigliano thermal baths dates back to Etruscan times. Stigliano Spa Thermal Park is just 50 minutes from Rome and is a true oasis immersed in nature, with 5 thermal springs that have hyperthermal sulphoid hypo-iodic water flows from 36° C to 56° C. A few miles away you will find unexpected wilderness, the Manziana woods.
Thermal Benefits: Therapeutic baths made with the thermal water of the Popes’ Baths are suitable for the treatment of cardiovascular, gynecological and dermatological diseases.
Where to sleep: in Manziana there’s Casacocò, charming B&B with a beautiful garden and 300 roses.
Among the woods of Piedmont
The waters of the Premia spring rise to a temperature of 44° C in a beautiful park of over 5,000 square meters, with healing spa facilities.
Thermal Benefits: Premia’s water is particularly indicated in chronic bronchitis.
Where to sleep: in Domodossola you can find the B&B Villa Moro offering a natural-organic-vegan breakfast.
At the border between Tuscany and Lazio
San Casciano is full of thermal springs (42!) and its free spa pools, which are more famous than the facility, are still those built and used by ancient Romans.
Thermal Benefits: San Casciano’s thermal waters at 42° C are classified as sulfur-fluoric-calcium-magnesium. They have detox properties for liver, stomach and bile ducts, strong anti-inflammatory and mucolitic power on the respiratory tract, as well as analgesic properties on the muscle tissue.
Where to sleep: we cross the border to arrive in Lazio and stay in an elegant farmhouse which offers a beautiful garden, mountain bikes, a barbecue and the old wood-burning oven to rediscover ancient flavors.