Saturnia

Saturnia is a small village in the Tuscan Maremma, in the province of Grosseto, well known for its natural hot springs. The Cascate del Mulino, sulphurous waterfalls at around 37°C cascading over limestone pools, are the area's best-known attraction and can be visited free of charge all year round. Nearby, the Terme di Saturnia resort offers paid access to landscaped thermal pools and spa facilities. The village itself, of Etruscan and later Roman origin, still bears traces of its past, including sections of ancient walls and the Porta Romana gateway. The surrounding countryside is classic Maremma landscape, with gentle hills, olive groves, vineyards and pastures where Maremmana cattle can sometimes be seen grazing. The region is popular for horse riding and for exploring nearby hilltop villages such as Sorano, Sovana and Pitigliano, known for their cave dwellings and Etruscan necropolises. Local cuisine highlights typical Tuscan produce, including olive oil, cured meats and wines from the Maremma hills. Saturnia offers a peaceful base for discovering this less-visited southern corner of Tuscany, away from the busier art cities further north.