The charming image above may look to you like any other pretty public pool at first glance but it is actually something a little more special than that and is, furthermore, something for which many of the more discerning tourists know Tuscany: it is a thermal bath. Though many rate the region of Tuscany as a top tourist destination because of the rich cultural heritage, the incredible foodie culture, and the beyond belief, picture-perfect scenery, spa-lovers and those looking for therapeutic and relaxing treatments have been coming on holiday to this part of Italy for literal centuries. Long before the modern tourism industry even existed, travellers were seeking out Tuscany and its abundant hot springs and thermal spa towns. Today, it still remains one of many really great reasons to browse our Tuscany villas and to get planning a vacation in this part of the country ASAP. The large and impressive thermal pool pictured above, meanwhile, is the one that visitors will find if they decide to explore this strand of Tuscan tourism and plan a trip to the spa town of Venturina Terme while staying in a villa on the Tuscan Coast.
Located along the ancient Roman Aurelia road, in the comune of Campiglia Marittima, in the province of Livorno, the town of Venturina Terme can be found just a few kilometres away from the seaside, tucked away between the coastline and a largely protected and preserved landscape of incredible beauty and natural riches. Renamed from just Venturina to Venturina Terme back in 2014, this name change actually reflects the huge importance of thermal activities and, in particular, the town’s thermal baths to the local economy of this part of Tuscany. This idea of the importance of the thermal waters of this stunning corner of the world, however, is nothing new, despite the town itself being relatively modern – especially compared to many other towns throughout the region. In fact, the earlier name of Venturina only dates back to the 17th century and the area around what is now the town of Venturina Terme has had many previous iterations throughout the millennia including (and importantly) Caldana, meaning, “warm earth,” back in the classical era, showing that the importance and reputation of the town’s thermal waters actually stretches far back into history and all the way back to antiquity.
Rich in sulphur and various minerals that have been linked to curative effects and rising to the earth’s surface at a temperature of around 36°C, the thermal waters of Venturina Terme have long been known to boast healing and relaxing properties. The Etruscans were already well-versed with their curative powers and then when the Romans came along, they established a formal bath structure in the area around the waters that made it a key destination for those seeking out such things. The naturally-occurring hot springs as well as the various different medical-oriented wellness businesses and the different spas and salons that have been built up around this remarkable natural phenomenon today mean that Venturina Terme continues to attract visitors in search of the same kinds of therapeutic and beauty offerings that made it so appealing to the people of ancient Rome. From open-air springs in their natural settings, to the large thermal pool pictured above that remains at the centre of Venturina Terme and the spiderweb of different wellness centres and businesses that now sprawls throughout the area, to high-end spas offering all of the bells and whistles, there is a whole world of different options to choose from for those with sore backs, tight shoulders, stressed skin, and the endless other complaints and aches and pains from busy daily life who are looking to truly indulge in some proper rest and relaxation while they are on vacation in Tuscany.
With all sorts of different options that will suit a whole range of preferences and budgets – whether you are just paying to go for a simple dip in the famous thermal waters of the town, or you are splashing out to try a hydromassage or signing up to put the latest facial and skincare technology to the test in a plush spa setting with all of the bells and whistles, or you are planning on going for a relaxing classic treatment like a mud bath or a full-body massage, or you are making a whole day of it with different treatments – you will find all of those choices and more in this gem of a Tuscan spa destination! So, just get browsing our holiday rentals on the Tuscan Coast and our vacation rentals in Livorno, in particular, and then make sure that you set aside some time and plan a day trip (or two, or even three if you can manage it!) to Venturina Terme during your getaway to enjoy the various options and treatments on offer in the town. Once you are done being pampered and cared for, then you can return home with a relaxed body, glowing skin, and fewer concerns to your own restful and private villa in Tuscany in this gorgeous part of the region. Why not even go for a villa in Tuscany with a pool so that you can really ensure that you can continue to indulge in that serious rest and relaxation every day at your leisure throughout the entirety of your stay? Daily life can be incredibly stressful so a break in one of Tuscany’s most magical spa towns sounds pretty good to us...
Photo credits
Picture 1: LepoRello / CC BY-SA 3.0;
Picture 2: Sailko / CC BY-SA 3.0;
Picture 3: LepoRello / CC BY-SA 3.0
