Hot Springs Bagni San Filippo, Tuscany
Bagni San Filippo is a beautiful hot spring in the forests of Tuscany and is among the insider tips of Siena region, far away from mass tourism. During a visit, you will be amazed by the hot sulfur springs, which bubble directly from the earth into the midst of untouched nature. Of particular interest here are the white limestone deposits, which have created impressive rock formations and cascades over the millennia. With really pleasant water temperatures of about 25 °C you can have a wonderful swim in the river of Bagni San Filippo and enjoy a unique atmosphere in the forest.
In this guide, we provide you with all the important tips and info about Bagni San Filippo in Tuscany. In addition, we show spectacular pictures, share our experiences and tell you where you can find the most beautiful accommodations in the area.
Good to know!
If you are still looking for a wonderful place to stay in Bagni San Filippo, we can recommend the Agriturismo Selvella with phenomenal cuisine and gorgeous rooms.
The Bagni San Filippo is not quite as impressive as the famous Saturnia springs, but much quieter and a real insider tip if you are in the province of Siena in Tuscany!
The entrance to the hot springs is free of charge, but you have to pay a small fee if you want to park your car along the road just above the entrance.
You can visit this healing spring of Bagni San Filippo at any time of day, virtually around the clock because there are no official opening hours.
General information about Bagni San Filippo
Bagni San Filippo and its hot springs are located about 60 kilometers south of the city of Siena and it’s one of the most beautiful attractions in the Val d’Orcia. The village itself is tiny with only 90 inhabitants, yet there is a small store as well as a handful of restaurants and cafés. There is also a spa hotel with thermal pools. The village is named after Prior Filippo Benizi, who discovered the springs and is said to have mentioned them in writing for the first time in 1271. Nowadays, the Bagni San Filippo is one of the rather less visited hot springs in Tuscany and therefore also an insider tip for a trip.
Bagni San Filippo is considered the oldest natural and at the same time man-made spa in the world, fed directly by a hot spring. Situated in an almost fairy tale like setting, amidst green dark woods, you can relax in the blue pools of a warm river. It is even believed that the Etruscans and the Romans bathed here. The huge white cascades with the sinter pools are a real eye-catcher and form an almost surreal ambience.
The hot springs are located, as already mentioned, directly in the forest next to the small village of Bagni San Filippo. From the parking lots at the top of the road, a short 10-minute walk along a path leads down to the river, the so-called Fosso Bianco. Already during the walk you can perceive the sometimes quite strong sulfur smell of the healing springs.
Bathing in nature
Locals and tourists appreciate the beneficial effects of the Bagni San Filippo springs and are fascinated by the experience of bathing in the middle of the forest and in the warm river water. Keep in mind, however, that there are no sanitary facilities or changing rooms on site. Here you are completely in nature, which is what makes a visit actually so appealing.
These hot springs are sulfur springs, which promise pleasant bathing pleasure with 25 ℃. The slightly milky water testifies to a high mineral content and makes the pools shine in turquoise colors in good light. Over a length of around 2 kilometers, the river offers a wide variety of terraces to splash around, with the most beautiful spot definitely being in front of the travertine rock “Balena” – i.e. the so-called White Whale.
Tip: In general, sulfur baths should not be longer than 15 minutes and the bath may be repeated no more than 4 times a day.
The healing effect of the spring
The thermal springs of Bagni San Filippo are considered to have a healing effect due to the large quantity of minerals such as calcium, magnesium, sulfur, and sulfate. Bathing in the river is healthy, especially for the joints and the bones, but also for the skin and the respiratory organs. Those who would like to have treatments should visit the spa hotel located in the village. For an entrance fee of about 10 euros, you can bathe and relax in the pools. In addition, curative massages, wraps, and treatments are offered.
Best Accommodations near Bagni San Filippo
In Bagni San Filippo and around the spa town you will find a small but fine selection of recommended accommodations. From a well-kept Agriturismo to a cozy B&B and private-run apartments, you can choose from a considerable collection. Here are our tips for the best places to stay in Bagni San Filippo in Tuscany…It’s worth a look!
- Charming B&B: The BBBagni is a small, pretty B&B directly in Bagni San Filippo. The rooms are very clean and furnished with great attention to detail.
- Big Apartment: The wonderful Apartament Thermae is located near the spa and due to its size, it’s a good choice for families with children.
- Lovely Apartment: The accommodation of Casa Gelsomino is a small, nice, well-equipped apartment in the center of Bagni San Filippo.
- Agritourismo: The Agriturismo Selvella is a charming place just a few minutes’ drive from Bagni San Filippo. Here the beautiful rooms and the fantastic food will delight you!
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