Relax Like a Roman – A Guide to Thermal Baths near Rome
In ancient Roman times, natural thermal baths served as a center for social gathering, places of well-being, and leisure centers. One of the famous being the Baths of Caracalla. Though no longer functioning as a bathhouse, this ancient Roman structure – and now tourist attraction – once housed up to 1,600 bathers and operated as a sanitation, leisure and networking waterhole for all Romans alike.
Known in Italian as, terme, thermal baths and natural springs still continue their same tradition today both in the city of Rome and just outside the city walls. The health benefits of terme are incredible, going far beyond mind and body relaxation. Depending on the thermal baths’ mineral composition, it can provide relief for a range of conditions and disorders. Specifically, the steam from the baths is especially soothing for those suffering from respiratory ailments, the heat is relieving for muscle and joint aches, and the combination of bicarbonate, sulfur and plankton is healing for the skin, our body’s largest organ. Sulfur thermal baths, which is the particular mineral found in terme near Rome, has been shown to have a sebum balancing effect on the skin, as well as relieve skin disorders such as psoriasis, eczema, allergies, acne and dermatitis.
For those looking to escape the busy city life of Rome, there are plenty of natural thermal baths in and nearby the city center, sure to provide you a getaway that is both relaxing and typical of Roman lifestyle and culture.
QC Terme
Via Portuense, 2178
Sun-Thu 9am-11pm, Fri-Sat 9am-12am
Entry fee €54-62
Located just near Fiumicino airport, take some time to relax in this spa’s traditional Roman style thermal baths, in rejuvenating hot waters and steam baths. After indulging in the sanctuary’s warm waters, continue your relaxation with a selection of their spa amenities that range from massages and spa treatments for an authentically tranquil Roman experience.
Terme di Stigliano
Via Bagni di Stigliano, 2
Daily 9am-8pm
Entry fee €35 (Mon-Fri) €42 (Sat-Sun)
About 90 minutes outside of the city center, the healing sulfuric and iodic waters of this thermal spa are worth the trip. Not only are the high mineral content waters great for your skin and health, but this thermal bath also contains healing property mud great for lathering on the face and body as a repairing skin treatment. To top off your meditative spa day, head to their Roman Steam Cave to take in its’ remedial respiratory benefits and comforting heat.
Terme Sabine di Cretone
Via dell’Acqua Solfurea
Daily 9.30am – 6.30pm
Entry fee €10-12
Accessible by a 45-minute car ride in the small town of Sabina, this thermal spa is situated in the midst of a lush, green oasis. Take a dip in their choice of 3 pools naturally sourced by sulfuric thermo-mineral hot springs, while enjoying the panoramic views of surrounding green, tranquil forests. Open only in summer.
Terme di Roma – Acque Albule
Via Tiburtina Valeria
Mon-Sun 10am-5pm; Sat 10am-6pm (closed on Tue)
Entry fee €45 (Mon-Fri), €50 (Sat-Sun)
Just under a 30-minute drive or 45-minutes by train, and you have escaped to a luxurious and soothing thermal getaway. Soak in the same silky mineral waters and rich mud as the Romans did for the perfect relief of your tensions, stresses and inflammation.
Terme dei Papi
Str. Bagni, 12, Viterbo
Mon-Fri & Sun 7am – 7pm; Sat 7am-1am; (big outdoor pool closed on Tuesdays)
Entry fee €25
A bit farther from Rome, though definitely worth the visit, this thermal bath is amongst one of the best in Italy. Spanning over 2,000 square meters, this terme includes water from the Bullicame Springs and precious, skin-soothing mud. Spend the day enjoying their natural thermal baths, in addition to their Natural Cave, which includes a Turkish bath and soothing vapors.
Piscine Carletti
Strada Terme 2,5 km from Viterbo
Free (nature)
This free hyperthermal area originates from a spring with similar characteristics to the Bulicame and is located near the junction of Strada Terme and Strada Tuscanese. The area has a large free car park very close to the spring, but no other facilities. At the Piscine Carletti it is very pleasant to bathe even in winter, given the high temperature of the water in the pools, which always remains unaltered.
INSPIRATION
The Romeing Guide To Day Spas
Beyond Lazio, Italy offers numerous natural baths to discover. From Sirmione on Lake Garda, ideal for a couple’s weekend, to the Bormio thermal baths, perfect for winter holidays, Salsomaggiore Terme in Tuscany, or the Recoaro Thermal Baths, not far from Venice. If you’re looking to travel from Rome to Venice by train, these thermal bath destinations are worth exploring along the way.
Disagree about Terme dei Papi. Limited array of treatments, time limits, very hard to figure out if you don’t speak Italian. Unless you just want the big warm pool, there are better choices in Thermal spas near Rome. We liked the one near Villa D’Este though it is small.