Travertine waterfalls at exactly 37°C. Free. Tuscan. Eternal.
The Cascate del Mulino are natural travertine terraces formed by the Terme di Saturnia spring — sulfurous water at a constant 37°C, precisely body temperature, cascading over ancient mineral formations into pools of varying depth. The Etruscans built the Via Clodia to reach this spring. The Romans bathed here. Medieval shepherds drove flocks past it. Today, anyone can park on the roadside and walk 200 metres to one of Europe's most beautiful natural bathing spots, for free, at any hour.
- Free
- 294 m
Pools & saunas
Waters & pools
- Sulphur
- 1 pools
- 37°C
- Open-air
Gallery
Worth knowing
-
Body temperature water (37°C) — has never varied in recorded history
-
Free public access at all hours with no facilities
-
Travertine formations built over thousands of years — still growing
An insider's tip
The pools are best at dawn or after sunset, when they're less crowded and the sulfurous mist is most atmospheric. The water is safe after dark — the flows are very shallow.
Don't leave without
Find the deepest pool at the top of the cascade system and stay for at least 30 minutes. The sulfur disappears from your nose after five minutes and the travertine is silky underfoot.
In brief
- Location
- Saturnia, Tuscany, Italy
- Type
- Wild Spring
- Temperature
- 37°C avg
- Access
- Walk-in
- Elevation
- 294 m
- Entry
- Free
- Soakable
- Yes
In the water
Best season
October – April for fewer crowds and misty conditions
On the map
42.6580°N · 11.5090°E
