My husband and I with our 2 adult sons are traveling to Rome and hope to take a rental car from the airport to Cascate De Mulino, Saturnia for an overnite stay. We have never traveled to Italy or Europe before. I don’t see many posts about this area...is there a reason to visit elsewhere, such as possible safety concerns for novice travelers?
Posted by
San Francisco Bay Area (USA)
15144 posts
It’s not an area that is frequently visited by North Americans, and Rick Steves does not cover it at all, that is why you won’t find many posts in this forum. There are no concerns, if you wish to visit it. I used to go to that place several times a year when I lived in Florence and also more recently. The only concern is smelling like rotten eggs when you come out of the water, but your skin will feel very smooth. Just be aware that the area is a creek next to an abandoned water mill (mulino=water mill) in the middle of country fields and occasionally some people report break ins in their car parked in the often-crowded parking lot (which is just an open field). Therefore I don’t recommend leaving valuables unattended in the car while parked. I’ve been many times and never happened to me, but it happens, so be forewarned. Check in into your accommodations and leave your luggage there before heading to the cascate (falls). Also, in case you or your family members are a bit prudish, be aware that clothing is somewhat optional, and, if Germans or other Northern Europeans are around, nudity is definitely the norm (your adult sons probably won’t mind the views of the “Tuscan countryside”).
I used to stay in town in Saturnia at one of the several B&B or apartments. They have some great trattorie. Don’t forget to try acquacotta (soup with egg inside, a local specialty) and wild boar (also a local specialty). Maremma is the most rural and probably one of the most beautiful areas of Italy.
Posted by
4323 posts
It's a hot spring, don't know what the safety concern could be. As roberto said, don't leave valuables in car, but that goes for anywhere. This is my favorite area of Italy (so far)--we visited the springs from Pitigliano, a fascinating town with many Etruscan sites nearby. Unfortunately the springs were so crowded on that late May afternoon we did not enjoy it, but it is no doubt quite beautiful.
Where are you headed next?
Posted by
lexington, il
4105 posts
Great spot to idle the day away. Just use GPS and have a good map handy.
Pick a nice sunny day. If you miss the turn, don't panic, it will take you up the road to the overlook where all the pictures of the Casate are taken from. It's on the right hand side just as you come around the curve.
We were there 2 years ago in mid September. One caution, do not wear good gold or silver jewelry, it will end up almost black, and you'll need to find a jeweler to restore it.
Bring water shoes and towels or a bathrobe.
Pack a lunch, and drinks. Including water.
The surrounding towns are fascinating.
Edit. Since you've never driven in Italy, please read this and download their e book for rules of the road, signage and speed limits.
Edit. Forgot to add link
https://www.italybeyondtheobvious.com/dont-mess-with-ztl-zones
For maps, use Via Michelin and print them out.