Sicily · Castellammare del Golfo (Ponte Bagni area)
Polle del Crimiso (Segesta free hot springs)
- Temperatureabout 47 °C at the source
- WaterSulphurous
- CostFree (the nearby Terme Segestane are a separate paid spa).
- Opening timesFree area along the river; opening times: to be checked.
About Polle del Crimiso (Segesta free hot springs)
The Polle del Crimiso, also known as the Segesta free hot springs, are a little corner of paradise in western Sicily, in the province of Trapani. They lie along the Fiume Caldo, the ancient Crimisus river, a few kilometres from the famous Doric temple of Segesta, among reeds and tamarisks. Here sulphurous water rises hot and collects in natural pools along the banks.
The spring comes out at around 47 °C, so some pools are very hot, while those where the water mixes with the river current are more pleasant. As always in these cases, you find your ideal spot by testing the water calmly. The pools are free, while the nearby Centro Termale Segestano is a separate paid spa.
To get there, take the main road towards Castellammare del Golfo and follow the signs for the Terme Segestane: just before the spa entrance a small road leads down to the river, where there is a little space to leave the car. There are no facilities, so bring everything you need, including fresh water to rinse off.
The best time is spring or autumn, when the outside temperatures are mild and the surrounding landscape is greener. In high summer the heat can make bathing less pleasant. The riverbed is uneven and the edges of the pools are slippery: water shoes are a good idea, and keep an eye on children near the hottest pools.
The pools lend themselves to a day combining nature and archaeology: the Segesta archaeological park, with its temple and Greek theatre on the hill, is a few minutes away. Castellammare del Golfo, the Zingaro Nature Reserve and San Vito Lo Capo complete one of the most beautiful itineraries in Sicily.
One more tip: the water in the pools is sulphurous and the smell stays on your skin for a few hours. If you plan to visit the Segesta archaeological park after your soak, bring a change of clothes and a few litres of fresh water to rinse off. And remember not to leave anything along the river: the pools only stay beautiful if everyone does their part.
Access, opening times and rules
Status: Open. The sources we checked describe free access.
- Type of access
- Free
- Cost
- Free (the nearby Terme Segestane are a separate paid spa).
- Opening times
- Free area along the river; opening times: to be checked.
- Rules and warnings
- No soap and no rubbish: this is a fragile river environment.
- Open at night
- To be checked
- Suitable for children
- Not recommended
Getting there and parking
From Palermo or Trapani, head for Castellammare del Golfo and follow the signs for the Centro Termale Segestano; just before the entrance a small road leads down to the river and the pools.
- Parking
- A small parking area near the pools.
- Reachable by car
- Yes (possibly with a short walk)
- Coordinates
37.97241, 12.89334
Tips for your visit
- Best time to goSpring and autumn.
- What to bringRiver shoes, a towel, fresh water.
- CrowdsMedium, busier at weekends.
Before you go, read our safety tips for natural hot pools.
Where to stay nearby
Places to stay near Polle del Crimiso (Segesta free hot springs)
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 Castellammare del Golfo.
See places to stay in Castellammare del GolfoAffiliate links: if you book, we earn a small commission
Map
Free Small fee To be checked / closed
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Frequently asked questions
Is Polle del Crimiso (Segesta free hot springs) free to visit?
Yes, according to the sources we checked, access is free. Free (the nearby Terme Segestane are a separate paid spa).
How hot is the water?
About 47 °C at the source. Type of water: Sulphurous.
Can you bathe at night?
We don't have verified information about night-time access. Free area along the river; opening times: to be checked.
How do you get there and where can you park?
From Palermo or Trapani, head for Castellammare del Golfo and follow the signs for the Centro Termale Segestano; just before the entrance a small road leads down to the river and the pools. Parking: A small parking area near the pools.
Is it suitable for children?
We don't recommend it for young children, because of the water temperature, the type of access or safety.
When is the best time to go?
Spring and autumn. Crowds: Medium, busier at weekends.
Sources and checks
Last checked: . Main source: viaggiando-italia.it. Other sources: greenme.it, travel.thewom.it.
Conditions at free hot springs change often. Have more recent news? Let us know.