Visiting Tuscany’s Hidden Hot Springs: Bagni San Filippo
Who knew Italy had thermal hot springs like this! Welcome to Bagni San Filippo (aka Fosso Bianco), a hidden gem located in the heart of Tuscany, Italy. This thermal village is home to many different unique pools you can soak in right in the middle of nature. The best part is it’s completely FREE to visit. You’ll be surrounded by so many large trees tucked away in the middle of nature. Be sure to find the perfect little nook to soak in as there are many unique spots. These thermal springs have therapeutic waters and you can even bathe in the mud and leave with the softest skin. This ultimate guide will cover everything you need to know to make the most of your visit to Bagni San Filippo, from getting there to tips on enjoying the hot springs. It is the perfect addition to your Tuscany road trip.
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What is Bagni San Filippo?
Bagni San Filippo (also referred to as Fosso Bianco) is a natural thermal spa located in Tuscany, Italy 60 km south of Siena. It’s one of the most interesting places to visit in Val d’Orcia and is famous for its hot springs and unique calcium carbonate deposits. These hot springs have been enjoyed for centuries due to their health benefits.
The mineral-rich waters are said to help relax muscles, improve circulation, and soothe joint pain. The natural heat and minerals in the water may also promote skin health and overall well-being. You can also come here to relax in a stress-free environment with beautiful scenery all around.
Many people also cover themselves with the mud from the grounds of the pools and leave with the softest skin! It’s like having a body mask at the spa but for free!
How to Get There
The address to Bagni San Filippo is Bv. Campiglia, 53023 Bagni San Filippo SI and the Google Maps Location is here.
Once you arrive and park, you’ll find a sign saying “Fosso Bianco.” Follow the pathway, cross a bridge and shortly after you’ll start to see the first pool. Continue your walk to see more and more pools all with unique little nooks you can relax in.
Closest major towns to Bagni San Filippo:
| Town | Distance (km) | Distance (miles) | Driving Time |
|---|---|---|---|
| Pienza | 25 | 16 | 30 minutes |
| Montepulciano | 30 | 19 | 40 minutes |
| Montalcino | 40 | 25 | 50 minutes |
| Orvieto | 70 | 43 | 1 hour 20 minutes |
| Siena | 80 | 50 | 1 hour 30 minutes |
| Grosseto | 90 | 56 | 1 hour 40 minutes |
| Arezzo | 100 | 62 | 1 hour 30 minutes |
| Perugia | 100 | 62 | 1 hour 40 minutes |
| Florence | 150 | 93 | 2 hours |
| Rome | 170 | 106 | 2 hours 30 minutes |
By Car
Bagni San Filippo is not accessible by public transport so it’s best to rent a car from either Rome or Florence (where you will find the closest airports to Bagni San Filippo) and drive to the hot springs. From Florence it will take about 2 hours and from Rome, about 2.5 hours. You can rent a car via Discover Cars which finds you the cheapest car rentals across many different rental agencies.
By Train & Taxi
If you do decide to go without a car, which I’d advise against if possible, then the closest train station is in Chiusi-Chianciano Terme. From there, you can take a taxi or a local bus to Bagni San Filippo or a taxi. You might end up wasting a lot of time waiting on bus schedules and unreliable public transport though.
Where to Park
There’s a paid parking area on the street right next to the entrance to the walking trail leading to the hot springs. It costs €1.50 an hour to park here. You won’t miss it as you drive up to the hot springs location on Google Maps.
How much does it cost to visit Bagni San Filippo?
It’s actually completely FREE to visit Bagni San Filippo which is amazing. You only need to pay to park your car.
Best Time to Visit
Bagni San Filippo can be enjoyed year-round but visiting during spring and autumn will help you beat the crowds and super hot weather. Winter is also a unique time to visit as you’ll see the steam rising in the cold air.
Plan your visit early in the morning or later in the evening to avoid crowds and enjoy the place to yourself. Weekdays are generally less busy than weekends of course. This is still a hidden gem but there are still many people visiting. Not nearly as much as the Saturnia Hot Springs (Cascate del Mulino) though! The tourists are also mostly Italians it seemed!
How long are the baths open?
These thermal baths are accessible year-round and open 24 hours a day. However, there is no lighting and you’ll be in the middle of a forest so it’s advisable to not visit after dark and there’s an informal rule to stay out at night.
What to Bring
- Water shoes: I’d highly recommend getting water shoes as it will make it easier for you to climb into the different pools and not get hurt. The rocks can be slippery. I bought these Teva water shoes that even have grips on the bottom so you won’t slip. I also find them to be cute too since practicality is not always fashionable.
- Water bag for your phone: If you want to keep your phone on you, I’d recommend getting this waterproof phone pouch that will go underwater even and you can take photos without risking damage to your phone.
- Waterproof Dry Bag for Valuables: A waterproof bag like this one can help keep your belongings safe and dry.
- Snacks and Water: While there is a little convenience store across the road, you should also bring your own water and snacks. The store opened a bit later so it’s something to consider if you’re going early.
- Swimsuit: Bring a swimsuit of course! And possibly one you don’t mind getting ruined. Mine was ok after a wash but the hot springs have a stinky sulphur smell which can be left in your suit. Amazon has many cute swimsuits at affordable prices.
- A plastic bag for your swimsuit: After you change you’ll need something to put your swimsuit in.
- Towel and Change of Clothes: Bring a towel for drying off and a change of clothes for after your soak. There aren’t any changing facilities nearby, however. I discreetly changed in the car!
Travel tips for visiting
- Arrive early to avoid crowds.
- Limit Soaking Time: Limit your soaking time to around 15-20 minutes at a time, especially in the hottest pools. Prolonged exposure to hot water can lead to dehydration or overheating.
- The grounds of the pools are covered in mud which you can pick up and spread all over your body for a free body mask! You will leave feeling so soft.
- There are limited facilities nearby so it’s best to have accommodation nearby so you can shower.
- Across the entrance is a small convenience store where you can buy water and snacks.
- There are a few restaurants in the area within walking distance. Those include Osteria Lo Spugnone, La Taverna di Emma, or Mimmo e Barbara.
- Always test and check the temperature of the pool before entering. The closer to the source of the spring you are, the hotter the water. Do this to avoid potential burns or hurting yourself.
- These hot springs are in the midst of a forest and walking trail and not suitable for those with accessibility issues or on a wheelchair.
How hot are the waters?
The thermal spring water temperature typically ranges between 35°C to 40°C (95°F to 104°F). The main hot spring reaches temperatures close to 48°C (118°F), but it cools down as it flows through the various pools and cascades. The deeper the water the warmer you’ll feel.
Balena Bianca – The White Whale
The highlight is “Balena Bianca” which translates from Italian to The White Whale. This large white calcium formation is towards the end of the forest trail and resembles a whale’s back, hence the name! It’s also one of the best photo spots if you love taking pictures like I do. a large white calcium formation resembling a whale’s back.
Can you climb the rocks?
When I visited, there was a sign saying climbing the rocks was not allowed. This is not only for your safety but also because climbing it could disturb the stalactic formations and natural limestone deposits. However, I did still see people doing it and there are some really cool pools you can reach after climbing up. These girls did it (above) and made it to this secluded pool high up. I would be a bit scared to do it! Plus, the rocks are subject to crumbling and you don’t want to fall and hurt yourself.
Where to Stay near Bagni San Filippo
Pienza (30 minutes driving time)
I personally stayed in Pienza and it was only a 30 minute drive to Bagni San Filippo. The hotel I stayed in as a solo traveler in Italy was really charming and affordable. At the time of writing it cost me €85 and it had a balcony and was located super central. You can book the hotel I stayed at here!
ADLER Spa Resort THERMAE (20 minutes drive)
ADLER SPA Resort Thermae is a luxurious experience and should be on your bucketlist to stay at especially if you love a spa. It offers over 1000 square meters of indoor and outdoor pools with therapeutic thermal water and panoramic views of the Tuscan countryside.
For further reading, you might like these posts!
📅 Tuscany Roadtrip Itinerary
💗 Visiting Montemerano, the Heart Town in Tuscany
