Thermal baths in Bologna and Emilia Romagna: the best places to relax

Let's say it first: Emilia Romagna isn't Tuscany or Iceland.
Don't expect to find a blue lagoon, Byzantine hammams or wild hot springs between the hills.

But if you're looking for an intimate place to relax and escape from your daily stressful routine, thermal baths are always a great option.

Thermal baths near Bologna

Terme San Petronio

The only SPA in Bologna city center is Terme San Petronio.
Thermal water reaches the bath through an underground pipeline, which uses the route of the ancient Renaissance canals for silk processing.

A hot bath with a sauna could be a great activity to do in Bologna when it rains.

Info

Terme San Petronio
Via Irnerio, 12/A, 40126 Bologna
Tel. +39 051 246534
maretermalebolognese.it

Villaggio della Salute Più

If you have a car, the countryside offers a wider range of options.

Villaggio della Salute Più is an aquapark on the hills near Castel San Pietro, perfect for all seasons.

In winter you can enjoy the SPA with a sauna and have a healthy lunch at their agriturismo; in summer the huge park offers lots of small pools and water games for a full day of relaxation.

Info

Villaggio della Salute Più
Via Sillaro, 27, 40050 Monterenzio
Tel. +39 051 929791
villaggiodellasalutepiu.it

Terme di Porretta

Terme di Porretta is one of the oldest destinations in Emilia Romagna for SPA lovers.

Roman knew it, but the rich sulfurous springs were abandoned in medieval times and then rediscovered in the XIIth century.

An ox is its symbol: legend tells that it was sick and unable to hold the plow, then his master unleashed it free. The wandering ox quenched its thirst at the thermal spring - which was then called Puzzola - and regained its vigor. Since then the cured ox has been the emblem of Terme di Porretta.

After a morning of relaxing you should visit the beautiful Rocchetta Mattei castle, just nearby.

Info

Terme di Porretta
Via Roma, 5, 40046 Porretta Terme BO
Tel. +39 0534 22062
www.termediporretta.it

Thermal baths near Parma

Terme di Salsomaggiore

What's better than a hot bath to relax after our Parma food tour ;)?

Salsomaggiore thermal baths are specially designed for women: for their well-being, for health, and for psycho-physical rebalancing.

Known since Roman times (their name comes from the Latin salus which means salt), Terme di Salsomaggiore was discovered again only in the 1950s.

Their rust color waters have a high therapeutic value thanks to the presence of iodine, bromine and ferrous salts.

Info

Terme di Salsomaggiore
Via Roma 9 - 43039 Salsomaggiore PR
Tel. +39 0524 582 611
www.termedisalsomaggiore.it

Terme di Medesano (Bagni Sant'Andrea)

On the top of a hill, among oak and chestnut woods, stands Sant'Andrea Bagni SPA.
8 different springs capture mineral water from the rocks in-depth and bring it to the thermal bath through an underground journey.

Since you're in Parma, you can stop to eat great food and visit some of the best museums near Bologna around its countryside.

Info

Terme di Medesano
Strada Cavicchiolo, 3, 43048 Medesano PR
Tel. +39 0525 431233

Thermal baths near Ravenna

Terme di Riolo

Need to relax after the stunning view of the Ravenna mosaic tour?

The springs of Riolo Terme are the ideal place to restore your mind and body with sports, walks, and baths.

Built in 1870, they still keep the same pristine beauty and peace of the early days.

The main reason to visit Riolo Terme is its spring mud.
Unlike artificial mud, it comes from the bowels of the earth, already mixed with the salted thermal water of the subsoil.

Collected in tanks, then matured and rested, the mud is used for different treatments, like for skin or muscular diseases.

Info

Terme di Riolo
Via Firenze 15 - 48025 Riolo Terme RA
Tel. +39 0546 71045
www.termediriolo.it

Thermal baths near Forlì - Cesena

Terme di Castrocaro e Terra del Sole

Even Castrocaro and Terre del Sole SPA have ancient roots, which date back to the Etruscan age.

Besides the properties of the water, the structure is also intriguing for its Art-Deco and rationalist architecture.

Info

Terme di Castrocaro e Terra del Sole
Viale Marconi 14/16, 47011 Terra del Sole FC
Tel. +39 0543 412711
www.termedicastrocaro.it

[photo credits: Luca Tosini, FAI]