This steamy destination is guaranteed to spice up your vacation as well as your Instagram feed.
When you think of hot springs in Italy, your mind probably goes straight to the legendary Terme di Saturnia. Big, famous and like any notable travel destination, a legendary line of tourists. We don’t know about you, but a group of people with portable boom boxes and water-resistant fanny packs sounds like a major mood killer. Wouldn’t you agree? Well, worry not because we went to work and discovered a destination that we predict will only grow hotter in the eyes of the public. But in the meanwhile, we wanted to give you the inside scoop.
Bagni San Filippo are natural hot springs formed in the wilderness of Fosso Bianco. Despite being an “undercover” destination, the area is located high in the valleys of Val d’Orcia. Hidden away from the prying eyes of the public. These Tuscan hot springs are said to have almost magical healing properties due to the large quantities of minerals such as calcium, magnesium and sulfur in the water. Some have noted that the surrounding nature plays an essential part in this. The fact that the area is located in the middle of a forest gave many visitors a sense of calm. This comes as no surprise, with nature therapy being as trendy as Valium in the 70s, and laying in a pool of turquoise water surrounded by tall trees and age old rock formations is the closest to nature you can humanely get. Legally anyway.
The pools range in size and temperature and accommodate both pleasure seekers and adventurous travellers. But what makes Bagni San Filippo stand out is the unique white colouring that has earned the destination the nickname “White Whale”. This refers to the white limestone deposits that formed the springs and ultimately led to a waterfall on a massive formation of calcium where the nickname originated. This rare feature gives the illusion of snow casually coating the peaks of the pools while the water steams up to nearly 48°C.
While there is a bit of a drive to this location, we believe it is well worth the trip. More importantly, if this isn’t the perfect opportunity to channel your inner Captain Ahab, then nothing is! Best of all, we promise that the only thing you lose in searching for this white whale is your sense of stress, not your leg.