Cascate del Mulino – Tuscany’s hidden gem!

The Cascate del Mulino waterfalls near Saturnia are beautiful thermal springs – in the middle of nowhere, but a very popular relaxation spot lately.

We stumbled upon the Cascate del Mulino thermal springs while planning our 2025 road trip. When I was looking for things to do near the city of SIENA, this hidden gem popped up.

Don’t be fooled, though – even though the map shows only 67 kilometres from Siena, it takes about 2 hours. You’ll only drive on the motorway for a short while, then you’ll face hairpin turns and narrow roads – but it’s nothing that even a larger SUV can’t handle, you just need to approach it with respect, the drops are steep.

As you get closer to the thermal springs, about 15 kilometres before your destination, you’ll know you’re going the right way – there are signs at every turn. You can’t drive directly to the thermal springs; there are barriers, and honestly? There’s no place to park there either, the road ends very quickly. However, you can find great accommodation nearby, and every place we saw and encountered had a wonderful atmosphere in the spirit of the local thermal baths.

So, when you see the turn-off for the Cascate del Mulino parking, you’ll know you’re in the right place. The PARKING is large, so everyone will find their spot. It costs 2.50 euros per hour, paid in advance, and two hours were enough for us. The rear machine doesn’t take cards, only cash (there’s a solitary one there). The front machine takes both cash and cards and, due to its strategic location, is a bit busier, but nothing terrible.

It’s about 300 metres from the parking lot to the thermal springs, so the walk takes about 4 minutes, 6 if you dawdle like I do. You can store your belongings in lockers there, which we appreciated – we had our car keys, phones, and watches with us. Renting a locker costs a 5 euro deposit (which they return to you), they ask for your ID, and in return, you get a cool rubber bracelet with a chip.

(Now) a fun fact? Don’t forget to take off your bracelets! I didn’t take off my Pandora bracelet, and it cost me more than one tear because it turned completely blue from the sulfur – but as it happens, my handy Czech skills cleaned the bracelet, and it’s like new.

Also, part of this complex includes refreshments, but most importantly, showers! They don’t work with classic coins, but with “their” coins. You can exchange as many as you need at the information desk – even if you take more tokens for a longer shower, I personally used two. You can return the rest, and they’ll exchange them back for money.

Free thermal springs? Of course!

Cascate del Mulino are sought after by tourists not only because they are absolutely breathtaking – but also because they are free! Besides the aforementioned parking (mandatory) and subsequent lockers (optional), there is no entrance fee. We strategically divided the thermal springs into sections – the part that is “on the side” and has large areas where you can sit peacefully and soak in the atmosphere of the thermal springs. Even though there are many people, everyone finds their own spot and doesn’t disturb each other. You can go down the weir to the beach and have a view of the entire Mulino. Or stay in the middle and climb from one small natural pool to another.

The second part is “behind the little house,” which is unmissable in the middle of the thermal springs. Directly behind it, there’s a beautiful view of a small waterfall that adds to the great atmosphere of the natural wonders. What might be a challenge for some (and was for me!) is the steeper hill behind the house. But it was worth it! I knew that the springs were flowing there, so we had our own little private thermal springs. Not many people know about it, so they stay in the “main part” of the thermal springs, and honestly, I don’t blame them for not exploring the surroundings – because that hill is really steep.

But as I said – it’s worth it. Not only are you practically alone there, but there are also no pebbles or other stones that would make life a living hell. In the lower part of the thermal springs, there are – they are beautiful, but absolutely terrible for walking in the thermal springs – no sand to soften them, just stones.

Therefore, I appeal to everyone who visits Cascate del Mulino: SHOES ARE ESSENTIAL! We almost didn’t bring them, but I told Daniel that “we don’t need them.” We did… and a lot. As karma, I got a bruise on my foot that hurt for three days – good job, Veronika!

Overall, we rate this visit very positively! It’s less than two hours from Siena and the same from Rome. So, if you’re heading to the capital, definitely rent a car and head here – everyone can find some relaxation here, and it costs almost nothing 🙂

@travelgingers FREE THERMALS AND WATERFALL 🤍🤍 SHOES ARE NECESSARY!😁 Parking 2,5€/hour 🚗 #saturnia #mulino #toscana #italy #thermal ♬ Reflections on 52nd – AGM3

As you probably know, we really enjoy travelling around Italy and are happy to share our experiences on where to stay. Daniel has therefore written an article Italy by Car: ACCOMMODATION, where we are gradually adding our reviews.