If you are planning a trip to Tuscany, you are signing up for all kinds of indulgences.
After all the hard work of eating truffles and drinking Chianti, you might want to enjoy a bit of well earned relaxation.
Terme, natural hot springs, are a fantastic way to soak in the Italian lifestyle.
Some are free, such as the hot springs in Saturnia.
Most have been privatized, with pools built to enhance the experience.
As the weather cools off and a warm dip sounds inviting, all you need to know are the unwritten rules that apply to activities in Italy.
Here is how you can prepare for your trip to a Tuscan terme:
- Be prepared to pay a small entrance fee. (Usually 5-15 euro for the day depending on the facilities).
- Bring your own towel or be prepared to rent one.
- If you have a lock, that also comes in handy for storing your things in the locker room.
- Speaking of locker rooms, being naked ain’t no big thing in Italy. Don’t expect a lot of privacy. Just change and get in the pool.
- Bring your own slippers or sandals, or once more be prepared to purchase some.
- A few terme, like Bagno Vignoli, may require that you wear a bathing cap. That means you should bring one or (surprise) be prepared to buy one.
- It is all worth is, especially for sunsets like this one.
Terme can be found through out Italy, so keep an eye out for natural hot spring spas as you plan your trip.
These photos are taken from San Giovanni di Rapolano in Tuscany, which I visited as a guest.
