Top Five: Thermal Spas

Posted on | by Italia Travel & Life

Bubbling hot springs and soothing mineral waters abound in the perfect climes and geology of the Italian peninsula. We take a look at five of the most therapeutic on offer…

Ischia

Bay of Naples, Campania

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This beautiful island nestles in the Bay of Naples in one of the most volcanic regions of Italy – prime thermal spa territory. The hot waters here have been used for treatment for centuries, with records going back as far as the eighth century BC, when the Greeks revelled in the bubbling warm springs to help them recover from their war wounds. Nowadays, countless spas and springs dot the island, and help soothe such ailments as arthritis and rheumatism, while also providing supremely relaxing sites for luxurious pampering. Some two and a half million tourists visit the island and its spas every year and, as a volcanic island with a varied geological make-up, different types of spa waters are available, including red thermal water (evidence of iron-enrichment) and yellow to green thermal water, which means a high saturation of sulphur. Enjoy mud, cave and inhalation therapies, among many others, to escape the stresses of modern life…

Abano terme

Near Padua, Veneto

Spring view of the "Colli Euganei", the volcanic hills near Padua and Abano Terme in Italy.
Spring view of the “Colli Euganei”, the volcanic hills near Padua and Abano Terme in Italy.

The volcanic Euganei Hills of Veneto are another hotbed of thermal spas, with mud therapies being the most prevalent form of treatment. The spa resort of Abano welcomes up to two million visitors a year to enjoy its hot springs. 

Salsomaggiore terme

Near Parma, Emilia-Romagna

"Terme Berzieri" is one of the most complex and interesting buildings of Salsomaggiore Terme. The spa building is dedicated to Lorenzo Berzieri, the first doctor who systematically studied the therapeutic properties of the town's natural mineral waters.
“Terme Berzieri” is one of the most complex and interesting buildings of Salsomaggiore Terme. 

On the foothills of the Apennines, in Emilia-Romagna, a cluster of spas welcomes all comers to take to the hot and cold springs where they can soothe respiratory conditions, skin diseases and many other ailments.

Montecatini Terme

Near Pistoia, Tuscany

Archway with marble colonnade and a reflecting pool at a thermal spa building in Montecatini Terme. The building is in a 18th century style and has ornate decoration.
Archway with marble colonnade and a reflecting pool at a thermal spa building in Montecatini Terme. The building is in a 18th century style and has ornate decoration.

Italy’s favourite region, Tuscany, also boasts a high concentration of spas. Montecatini’s healing mineral waters are renowned for aiding recuperation of the liver and the digestive system, as it  flushes out the toxins with gusto! 

Fiuggi

Near Rome, Lazio

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The miraculous waters of Fiuggi have tempted popes and kings, no less, to partake in their healing properties in times gone by. Now Romans flock to this famous spring to rejuvenate themselves over the holidays.