Saturnia Hot Springs hike: Roman cistern and thermal waters

Walk to an ancient Roman cistern, then soak in naturally heated water

This guided hike around Saturnia's thermal complex takes you to Poggio Murella, a small village with views stretching from mountain to sea, where an ancient Roman water cistern stands. You'll visit the Castellum Acquarum and the Cascate del Mulino, then bathe in the naturally warm 37°C thermal waters. The tour runs 2 to 3 hours with a fully licensed guide speaking your language.

Step-by-step itinerary

Hike and bathe in Saturnia waters

• Hike towards Poggio Murella village
• Visit ancient Roman water cistern
• Enjoy panoramic mountain to sea view
• Bathe in warm Cascate del Mulino waters

The Experience

The hike starts by heading toward Poggio Murella, a village perched above Saturnia's bath complex. From there you reach the ancient Roman cistern—the Castellum Acquarum—and stand at a vantage point where the horizon stretches from the mountains down to the sea. This is not a museum visit; you're walking the actual landscape where these waters have been known and used for over two millennia, and the cistern itself is the proof of that history.

After the hike, you move into the water itself. The Cascate del Mulino and the thermal springs sit at 37°C, warm enough to soak without shock but not so hot that you can't stay in for hours. This is where the fatigue from the walk gets washed away—the whole point of the day. Bring beachwear and a towel if you plan to bathe; both are mandatory for entry into the water.

Your guide is fully licensed and speaks English, Spanish, Portuguese or Italian, depending on which departure you choose. The whole experience runs between 2 and 3 hours, so it fits into a morning or an afternoon without eating your entire day.

What’s included

• Fully licensed guide in your chosen language.
• access to the Roman cistern at Poggio Murella and the Cascate del Mulino thermal springs.
• time to bathe in the 37°C thermal water.

Good to know

Moderate physical levelPets welcomeNot for heart conditionsNot for back problems

Operated by The Red Road

Is this one for you?The hike works best if you're comfortable walking for a couple of hours at a moderate pace and have no spinal or cardiovascular concerns that would make sustained hiking difficult. You don't need a car—the guide meets you and leads the whole route, so staying in a nearby town or arriving without transport is fine.

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Top questions

What is the Castellum Acquarum at Saturnia?

The Castellum Acquarum is an ancient Roman water cistern that sits at Poggio Murella, overlooking the thermal springs. It's the main historical stop on the hike, and from that spot the view opens across the landscape from the mountains to the sea.

How warm is the water at Saturnia's thermal springs?

The thermal water stays at 37°C year-round, warm enough to soak comfortably but cool enough to stay in for extended periods without overheating.

Do I need to bring my own towel and swimsuit?

Yes—beachwear and a towel are mandatory if you want to bathe in the thermal water. Bring both with you on the hike.

How long does the whole tour take?

The hike and bathing together take 2 to 3 hours from start to finish, so you can fit it into a half-day itinerary.

What languages does the guide speak?

Your guide is fully licensed and available in English, Spanish, Portuguese, or Italian depending on which departure time you book.