An amazing off-the-beaten-path tour, a true hidden gem in Tuscany, Italy, for hot springs lovers!
You may have heard of the Saturnia hot springs in Tuscany, which are often featured in photos on the internet. Saturnia, a small town in Tuscany, Italy, is known for its natural hot springs and beautiful scenery. However, in recent years, the town has become an increasingly popular destination for tourists from all over the world. During the peak season, which runs from June to September, the spot can get quite busy. You may find yourself struggling to find a space to relax and enjoy the healthy, therapeutic thermal effect.
Bagni San Filippo
The San Filippo hot springs are a stunning natural wonder. They boast beautiful calcium formations, waterfalls, and small pools of hot water surrounded by forest, making for an unforgettable experience. These thermal waters are situated in Tuscany, specifically in the Val d’Orcia region, near the charming town of Bagni San Filippo.
In this post, I will explain why I believe Bagni San Filippo is an excellent alternative to Saturnia, particularly if you are looking for a more genuine and authentic experience.
Bagni San Filippo is a hidden gem of a natural attraction in Tuscany, Italy, that’s popular among locals and a must-visit for tourists looking to experience the region’s natural beauty. Unlike the crowded tourist spots found in Saturnia, Bagni San Filippo offers a more peaceful and secluded experience.
Where is it located? To get there, it’s a scenic 2-hour drive from Florence, passing through charming Tuscan towns and picturesque countryside. We visited it during our stay in Val d’Orcia, in the beautiful city of San Quirico, which is known for its stunning architecture and rich history.
Entrance is free, but be sure to bring coins for parking on the street just before the entrance.
You can visit at any time of day, as there are no gates and it’s located in the middle of nature. The first hot spring pools are only a 5-minute walk from the entrance, and they’re perfect for relaxing and soaking in the warm waters. If you walk a little further, you’ll be greeted by the breathtaking sight of cascading white limestone formations, which have been shaped by the thermal waters flowing through them.
The area that surrounds the waterfall is truly extensive. Once you follow the path that takes you deeper into the woods, you’ll come across the first pools, as you can see in the photo above. Keep walking, and soon you’ll see the Fosso Bianco, also known as the “White Whale.” This unique rock formation resembles a white whale emerging from the thermal waters and is a popular spot for taking photos and admiring the beauty of nature.
This stunning natural wonder is located at the point where the warm water from the springs meets the cold water of the river, resulting in a beautiful bluish-white color that contrasts beautifully with the green of the surrounding forest. The scenery is truly fascinating and will leave you in awe.
When we got close to the “White Whale”, we decided to get into the water right there. It was already the end of the day, and we wanted to take advantage of the light, but if you keep walking, you’ll have beautiful views and angles of the calcium formation with the waterfalls.
In case you’re planning to visit, here’s a little map that will help you get a better idea of the area and all the scenic spots you can explore.
Curiosities: The calcium formation in the first photo is called White Whale due to its resemblance to a whale’s mouth. This formation is the highlight of the thermal waters of San Filippo, being its most impressive section.
Locals and tourists have created new pools below the waterfall, gathering stones, branches, and leaves. At the bottom of these pools, you will find a rich deposit of thermal mud that is excellent for facial and body masks, so sit down, cover yourself in mud, and enjoy the free and natural beauty treatment 🙂
Extra Tip: If you’re looking for beauty treatments and massages, there is a spa hotel in the village. For an entrance fee of about 10 euros, you can also relax in the hotel’s pools.
Attention: Please avoid walking on the calcium formations, as they are delicate. The springs nearby emerge from the ground at a temperature of 48°C, making the water in the area where the “White Whale” is located very hot. This allows for bathing even in autumn and winter.
The Healing Effects of Water: The thermal springs of Bagni San Filippo are believed to have restorative properties due to the high mineral content, such as calcium, magnesium, sulfur, and sulfate, in the water.
Soaking in these waters is beneficial mainly for joints and bones, but also for skin and respiratory organs.
It’s important to note that wetting your hair is not recommended, as the minerals in the water can damage it. I made this mistake and my hair became like straw. 😢 It took three washes to return to normal. 🙌
In conclusion, experiencing the benefits of the water, the temperature, and the scenery among the trees in the middle of nature is an amazing experience that I highly recommend for those who enjoy this type of activity.
I’ll leave a video here to show a little bit of the beauty of this place.
I hope you enjoy your trip to this magical region of Italy.
Julie ❤️