Anybody been to the Saturnia Hot Springs?

We were there on a bike trip a few years ago. It's NOT worth the effort to get there. Looks so much more enticing in photos than reality. Add to that the water isn't as hot as you'd think it would be, so not as therapeutic if you are looking for a nice hot soak.

I’ve been there many times when I was living in Italy and once after I moved to the US, but haven’t been back in almost 35 years so I’m going back next week for a couple of days. If by Saturnia you intend one of the thermal hotels, where you can get various thermal treatment (that is where I’m staying next week) then it is up to you if you like that stuff or not. I’m going primarily because my wife likes that stuff and because she has never been to Saturnia. To me those thermal resorts are luxuries I can live without, but sometimes husbands have to compromise and do exactly what their wives tell them to do and go. I’m glad to go primarily because, besides the relaxation at the resort pool, I’ll get to visit nearby Pitigliano and Sovana, and if I have time, maybe Capalbio. I also like the Maremma area of Tuscany and their food.

If by Saturnia you mean the free thermal waters on the river, known as the Cascate del Mulino (water mill Falls), that is not a big deal to me. It looks better on pictures than in reality. People there love to spread the mud on themselves and soak in that smelly water (it’s rich in sulphur therefore the whole place smells like rotten egg). At the end of the day your skin will be very smooth, albeit you’ll smell like rotten egg. The photos are often taken below the falls. That area is a bit slippery so watch out. Above the falls is a little creek that pours water down the falls. People like to soak there also, like they would do in a jacuzzi. You still need to be careful and not slip on the muddy rocks while you try to get inside the creek. If you go watch your valuables and don’t leave valuables in the car. It was a favorite of burglars and thieves, although I think now they have a guarded parking lot (I’ll know more next week).

I think if you like thermal spa resorts with their wellness services (mud baths, massage, hydrotherapy, etc.) you will enjoy staying at a local spa resort a night or two. As far as roughing it at the Cascate del Mulino for free, it might be worth it if you are in the area for other reasons, like visiting the nice towns of Maremma or the beautiful coast of Argentario, but personally I wouldn’t go out of my way just for the Cascate del Mulino. But that is me. Other people love that stuff.,

Thank you for your experiences! It was just going to be a side trip from Orvieto for an half day. Since it's over an hour drive from Orvieto, I think we will skip it based on your replies. The photos do look wonderful though.