Guides to Italy's free hot springs

Itineraries, practical tips and safety rules to make the most of Italy's free hot springs.

Day trips

From Rome, little more than an hour's drive takes you to a pool of hot water under the open sky, often without spending a cent. Here are…

Regional guide

Travertine waterfalls, hot streams in the woods and medieval pools: Tuscany is the home of Italy's free hot springs. Here is how to choose…

Experiences

A hot soak under the stars, with steam rising into the cold air: some free hot springs have no opening hours and can be enjoyed at night…

Good to know

Free hot springs are natural places, with no lifeguards or staff. A few simple rules are enough to enjoy them safely and leave them intact…

Regional guide

Volcanic lakes, pools by the sea, hot caves and even a natural sauna: Sicily is one of the regions richest in free hot springs. Here's…

Regional guide

Ischia is the island of hot springs, but almost all of them charge for entry. Here are the few places where the hot water is still free,…

Guide

In the north, hot springs are almost all paid spas. Free pools do exist, but they're few, small and often in the mountains. Here's which…

With the family

Not every free hot spring suits young children: the water can be too hot, the path steep or the bottom slippery. Here are the ones we…

Seasons

The best time for free hot springs is winter: cold air, steam rising from the water and far fewer people. Here's where to find really hot…