Petriolo Thermal Baths

The Petriolo baths, or Petriolo thermal springs, are a natural thermal establishment in the heart of Tuscany, in the province of Siena but not far from the border with Grosseto. You’ll find them in the Ombrone valley, within the municipality of Monticiano; here, hidden in the shade of dense woodland, lie these charming natural thermal springs, which were already known in Roman times.

With waters emerging from the spring at a temperature of 43 degrees Celsius, the Petriolo thermal springs are accessible to everyone, though along the course of the Farma river several hotels and private thermal establishments have been built, where you can enjoy top-class service and make the most of a relaxing day at the spa.

The Petriolo thermal springs

As far back as the fifteenth century, a thermal complex was constructed in this area, and the entire fortified stone structure remains visible today. During the Renaissance, the springs became hugely popular, frequented by the Medici and Gonzaga families.

The water from the thermal spring, which emerges at 43 degrees, is highly sulphurous and rich in carbon dioxide and minerals such as calcium and fluoride, giving it a range of health-giving and beneficial properties. Beyond this, it helps prevent and treat chronic conditions affecting the bones and joints, respiratory system and skin, thanks to its anti-inflammatory action.

The reputation of the Petriolo thermal springs has endured to the present day, and the area is now an unmissable destination on a Tuscany tour. There’s a vast completely free area along the riverbank, where natural thermal pools have been created that vaguely resemble the better-known Saturnia thermal springs, where you can lay out your towel and relax on the banks; the extensive shaded area nearby is ideal for those wanting to escape the sun, especially during the summer months.

You can therefore enjoy a day at the thermal springs completely free of charge, but remember that the area is entirely natural, so you won’t find facilities such as changing rooms or toilets. For those preferring all the comforts, nearby thermal establishments are available, built in recent times along the riverbank, with a fee for entry.

Petriolo Thermal Establishment

If bathing in a natural thermal pool along the riverbank doesn’t appeal, you have the option of enjoying the Petriolo thermal springs thanks to the luxurious establishment of the same name.

Once inside, you can take a circuit of therapeutic thermal pools, fed by water from the spring on the bank of the Farma river, plus you can take advantage of the numerous services offered by the facility, such as thermal relaxation bath with ozonised hydromassage for a relaxing and toning effect, full body massage with essential oils, detoxifying thermal mud treatment at 47 degrees and a range of thermal inhalation therapies.

There’s also a spa area, dedicated to wellness and relaxation, where you can simply unwind with a soak in the various thermal pools.

The Petriolo Thermal bathing establishment is open daily from 9am to 6pm; prices vary depending on the day of the week, and it’s also possible to purchase a 10-visit pass.

Where to stay at Petriolo Baths

At Petriolo Baths there is just one hotel, a splendid 4-star establishment belonging to the international Mercure chain. It’s undoubtedly the perfect choice for making the most of the thermal springs, and as if that weren’t enough, it’s also surrounded by an extensive natural park. At the facility you can enjoy various wellness treatments and services, and bathe in two pools – one covered and one open-air – fed by thermal water.

In the surrounding area, just a few kilometres from Petriolo thermal springs, you’ll also find numerous country houses and farm stays, properties nestled in the lush Tuscan countryside, built in authentic rustic style and tastefully renovated, often with a swimming pool and where peace and quiet reign. A stay in one of these properties allows you to get the most from a holiday in Tuscany, also enjoying genuine produce at breakfast or dinner, often locally sourced.

Recommended hotels in Petriolo Thermal Baths

How to reach Petriolo Baths

Despite their location deep in the Tuscan countryside, Petriolo Baths aren’t excessively difficult to reach, as they’re practically right beside the SS223 state road linking the towns of Siena and Grosseto. Compared to the two provincial capitals, Petriolo Baths is 30 minutes from Siena and 40 minutes from Grosseto.

As for other towns in Tuscany, it takes an hour and a half from Florence, covering just over 100 kilometres via the Florence-Siena motorway connector and then the SS223. It takes a little longer to get there from coastal towns such as Pisa and Livorno. In both cases, the journey of almost 200 kilometres takes approximately 2 hours and 15 minutes, heading south on the SS1 Aurelia as far as Grosseto, then joining the SS223 to your destination.

Bad news, however, for those without their own transport: Petriolo thermal springs are practically unreachable by public transport, unless you first get to Civitella Marittima on the 51G intercity bus departing from both Siena (southbound) and Grosseto (northbound), then covering the remaining 15 kilometres by taxi.

Petriolo Thermal Baths Weather