The 40 natural hot springs that dot the countryside around San Casciano dei Bagni have been drawing soakers here since the time of the Etruscans—two dozen ancient bronze figures were unearthed there recently, one of the most important archaeological discoveries of the century. Bathing in the same open-air sulfur pools where the Romans once “took the waters” tops the list of things to do in San Casciano dei Bagni, along with hiking and cycling the picturesque Tuscan hills and sampling the excellent local cuisine.
San Casciano dei Bagni’s springwater reaches the surface at around 104°F (40°C), so the natural pools are comfortable soaking year-round. The springs are busiest in summer when the sleepy nearby hilltowns are at their most lively with seasonal tourists, but they are most pleasant in winter when the warm water soothes chilled muscles, and there are very few visitors.
The village of San Casciano dei Bagni is tiny and easy to explore on foot in just a few minutes. There is public parking right outside the old town. You can walk along a paved and gravel road from the village center to the two main hot springs below—Bagno Bossolo and Bagno Grande (or I Vasconi)—in about 10 minutes or follow hiking trail n. 1 (Le Sorgenti). Motor vehicles are not allowed along the road to the springs, so you can only reach these free springs on foot.
San Casciano dei Bagni’s free public pools do not have any services, so do not expect restrooms, changing rooms, or drinking water. Bring towels, a change of clothing, and water shoes to protect your feet from the rough stone pools. For a more high-end experience with full services and spa treatments but with the same sulfur-rich water, book at the nearby Fonteverde Spa.