Terme Libere IT
The travertine pools of the Cascate del Mulino at Saturnia
The travertine pools of the Cascate del Mulino at Saturnia. Photo: Raimond Spekking, CC BY-SA 4.0, via Wikimedia Commons

Tuscany · Manciano (hamlet of Saturnia)

Cascate del Mulino, Saturnia

FreeOpen
  • Temperatureabout 37.5 °C, constant all year round
  • WaterSulphurous (strong smell of sulphur)
  • CostFree entry.
  • Opening timesNatural area open 24 hours a day, all year round.

About Cascate del Mulino, Saturnia

The Cascate del Mulino are probably the most famous image of Italy's free hot springs: a series of natural terraced pools of white and blue travertine, where sulphurous water flows down from the Gorello stream and forms small hot basins. They are in the Maremma, in the municipality of Manciano, a short distance from the village of Saturnia and from the spa resort of the same name, which is a private paid facility. The falls, on the other hand, are an open and free area.

The water arrives at around 37.5 °C and stays practically the same in every season: that is what makes Saturnia special even in midwinter, when steam rises from the pools and wraps everything in a white haze. The price of so much beauty is the crowds: at weekends and in summer the pools fill with people from late morning, and finding a quiet corner becomes difficult.

The advice is simple: arrive at dawn on a weekday, or late in the evening. The area has no opening hours and many people enjoy it at night, under the stars, when the silence and the steam create an almost unreal atmosphere. Out of season, between October and March, the experience changes completely and becomes far more relaxing.

There are no changing rooms or proper showers: it's best to arrive with your swimsuit already on, with a bathrobe or a large towel and a bottle of fresh water to rinse off. The travertine floor is rough in some places and slippery in others, so water shoes are almost essential, especially with children. The smell of sulphur is strong and tends to linger in hair and swimwear: better to leave silver jewellery at home, as it can turn black.

The lower, shallower pools also suit families, always keeping a close eye on young children. Remember that this is a fragile natural environment: no soap, no rubbish and the utmost respect for the people who live and work in the area. Saturnia is also an excellent base for exploring the inland Maremma, with villages such as Montemerano, Pitigliano and Sorano close by.

Access, opening times and rules

Status: Open. The sources we checked describe free access.

Type of access
Free
Cost
Free entry.
Opening times
Natural area open 24 hours a day, all year round.
Rules and warnings
No lifeguards or supervision. Follow the signs on site, don't leave rubbish and don't use soap or shampoo in the pools.
Open at night
Yes
Suitable for children
Yes, with care

Getting there and parking

The falls are on the provincial road between Montemerano and Saturnia (SP 10), just below the paid spa resort. From the car park it's a few minutes' walk down.

Parking
Car parks near the falls; on summer weekends they fill up early. Check any parking charges on site.
Reachable by car
Yes (possibly with a short walk)
Coordinates
42.64807, 11.51271

Get directions Open in OpenStreetMap

Tips for your visit

  • Best time to goAutumn, winter and spring, at dawn or late in the evening. In summer and at weekends it is very crowded.
  • What to bringWater shoes (the travertine is uneven and slippery), a large towel, dry clothes, fresh water to rinse off, a bag for your rubbish.
  • CrowdsVery high at weekends and in summer: after 10 in the morning huge numbers of visitors arrive.

Before you go, read our safety tips for natural hot pools.

Where to stay nearby

Places to stay near Cascate del Mulino, Saturnia

To enjoy the springs at dawn or in the evening, when they are quieter, it pays to stay nearby. Look for hotels, B&Bs and farm stays in and around Saturnia.

See places to stay in Saturnia

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Nearby hot springs

Frequently asked questions

Is Cascate del Mulino, Saturnia free to visit?

Yes, according to the sources we checked, access is free. Free entry.

How hot is the water?

About 37.5 °C, constant all year round. Type of water: Sulphurous (strong smell of sulphur).

Can you bathe at night?

Yes, according to our sources it is accessible at night too. Natural area open 24 hours a day, all year round. Bring a torch and move carefully.

How do you get there and where can you park?

The falls are on the provincial road between Montemerano and Saturnia (SP 10), just below the paid spa resort. From the car park it's a few minutes' walk down. Parking: Car parks near the falls; on summer weekends they fill up early. Check any parking charges on site.

Is it suitable for children?

With care, yes: the water temperature and access suit a family visit. Always keep an eye on young children on wet edges and don't let them stay long in hot water.

When is the best time to go?

Autumn, winter and spring, at dawn or late in the evening. In summer and at weekends it is very crowded. Crowds: Very high at weekends and in summer: after 10 in the morning huge numbers of visitors arrive.

Sources and checks

Last checked: . Main source: travel.thewom.it. Other sources: greenme.it, finestresullarte.info.

Conditions at free hot springs change often. Have more recent news? Let us know.