Saturnia received its name from the Roman god Saturn. According to a legend he sent a thunderbolt to earth, creating a magic spring of sulfurous water to stop humans from fighting and having wars. The Etruscans and Romans used the water for its healing powers. Saturnia is a spa town in Tuscany, in the province of Grossetto.
Cascate del Mulino hot springs are naturally-carved pools. Each second 200 gallons of thermal water, rich in minerals and sulphur, gush over a waterfall into natural pools formed by limestone.
Many locals, especially women, like to layer the white calcareous deposits onto their face and body as a natural skin therapy. Moreover, the water temperature is especially good for circulation, while the vapors are beneficial to the respiratory system.
The water keeps a constant temperature of 98.6 degrees due to the heat from the earth’s crust and is rich in minerals. The pools are not deep or large enough to swim in, but there is no problem lying and/or sitting in them. It is completely FREE to enter and open 24 hours a day, 7 days a week.
During the day a café and snack bar are open however, it is suggested to bring food and have a picnic. This will be cheaper and definitely more enjoyable and satisfying. There are also toilets and changing rooms on site.
There is a rather large parking area located just outside of the hot springs which is free too. Coming from the car park, you will be on top of the springs. You can either climb down to get into the water or go on a dirt track on the right and walk through the little stream to get to the other side where it’s easier to put down your towel.
It is recommended to spend the night in the area near the Cascate. There are a few B&Bs and “Agriturismi” (a farm designed to also receive guests, whether for food, holiday accommodation, or a combination of the two) in the area that can be easily booked online. Some are even walking distance to the hot springs.
We enjoyed our overnight at Villa Acquaviva Wine Resort. The resort was peaceful, the rooms were clean, the views were amazing, the breakfast offered plenty of choices, and the staff was extremely hospitable. For dinner we dined at the outside tables of Lo Scangeo with a view of Fiora Valley and the surrounding mountains. The meal was delicious!
Tips for Visiting Cascate del Mulino
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- visit the hot springs at sunrise or sunset to avoid the crowds and enjoy a more relaxing experience
- be prepared for the faint egg-like smell due to the sulfurous water
- wear water shoes as there are lots of stones on the bottom of the pools
These sleek Speedo Surfknit Pro feel like you are slipping into a second skin—and the sturdy outsole designed for secure traction provides security.
These Teva Hurricane Drift sandal have a molded silhouette for comfort—and they are so lightweight, it’s like going barefoot—and the matching colors of the straps and soles give off a sleek look.
- don’t wear jewelry as it can get tarnished from the minerals and sulphur in the water
- don’t bring valuables or bring a waterproof bag as it’s hard to watch your stuff while in the pools
- bring sunscreen as there is no shade
- do not confuse Cascate del Mulino with Terme di Saturnia
Our bag with towels and incidentals was nestled in the garden behind me. The path leads to the toilets and changing rooms.
Until next time…
· izzy
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