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Montecatini Terme soothes with its therapeutic spring waters and belle époque elegance. This UNESCO-listed resort was once a restorative retreat to the likes of Giuseppe Verdi and Luigi Pirandello; visitors today still soak up the refined atmosphere of the Grand Dame spa hotels overlooking the town’s park and unwind in the thermal waters of the historic baths. Montecatini Terme is also a perfect base for exploring the Tuscan destinations of Florence, Lucca, Pisa, Siena, Sam Gimignano, and the Chianti wine country or the Cinque Terre and Portovenere on the coast.
Montecatini Terme’s thermal baths and spas are open year-round, and many have both indoor and outdoor facilities suitable for all seasons. For a more relaxing soak without the crowds, aim for midweek in fall and spring, as most Italians take the waters in summer, winter, and weekends. Spa passes generally range from half-day to multiple days, so you can opt to stay for a brief soak or a full overnight retreat.
This spa town stands apart both for its elegant architecture and easy logistics, as it sits along a major rain line and highway. Montecatini Terme is about halfway between Florence and Pisa, both of which have international airports. It takes less than an hour by train or car from either city. Once here, navigate the compact spa circuit on foot. There is a funicular that connects the spa area in the valley to Montecatini Alto, the medieval hill town above.
Though a spa visit may seem like a VIP indulgence, soaking in the healing waters of thermal mineral baths is a common Italian pastime. Admission fees to most public baths are very affordable—the price goes up with add-ons like private massages or treatments, meals, and overnights—and you’ll see visitors of all ages and walks of life. Bring your own swimsuit, but most spas offer towels, robes, slippers, hair coverings, lockers, and other services for an additional fee.
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In her three decades of living in Italy, writer Rebecca has wholeheartedly embraced the local tradition of “taking the waters.” One of the closest spa towns to her home in Assisi, Montecatini Terme, draws her regularly.
book a massage. You don’t need to reserve entrance to the local spas in advance, but any extra pampering requires booking ahead of time.
begins by soaking your cares away in one of the town’s mineral water baths, followed by a relaxing massage. Then stroll through town to admire the grand dame spa hotels overlooking the park that earned Montecatini Terme its UNESCO listing.
Terme di Tettuccio, the town’s landmark circa 1920s marble baths. Meander along the elegant colonnade, stopping to partake in the curative waters that flow from the original brass faucets as locals have done for a century.
linger over a morning cappuccino in one of the coffee bars that line the central Piazza del Popolo. Perfectly placed to catch the first rays of sun in the morning, this square is the town’s bustling heart.
take the cherry-red funicular up the steep slope to Montecatini Alto (the upper part of town) for hilltop views of Montecatini Terme in the valley below.
is thinking that Montecatini Terme offers nothing beyond its spas. The town has excellent luxury shopping, a historic theater, a world-class contemporary art museum, and a rich roster of annual events and festivals.
Yes, Montecatini Terme is worth visiting. This pretty Tuscan town is known for its therapeutic waters and spas. Other things to do include taking a scenic ride on the funicular, visiting the contemporary art museum, shopping at an outdoor market, or indulging in the quality Tuscan restaurants.
...MoreThe Tuscan town of Montecatini Terme is best known for its thermal waters and spas. For centuries, people have traveled to this town to experience its therapeutic waters. Today, other things to do include exploring the town’s parks, markets, museums, and theaters, and going for a scenic ride on the funicular.
...MoreThe scenic town of Montecatini Terme is located in the hills of Tuscany, away from the coast. While the historic town has thermal waters and spas to offer, people looking to relax on the beach will need to drive west, beyond Lucca, to the beach at Torre del Lago.
...MoreMay and Sep. are the best months to visit Montecatini Terme. During these months, the weather is warm and pleasant, but the crowds of summer are absent. Some travelers prefer to visit the spas in winter to maximize the warming effects of the thermal waters.
...MoreVisit a day spa for a soak in the thermal waters on a visit to Montecatini Terme. Other things to do in this Tuscan hill town include climbing aboard the funicular for a scenic ride, exploring the local art museum, and relaxing over a Tuscan meal at a restaurant.
...MoreThe top attractions in Montecatini Terme are its relaxing spas and thermal waters. Other popular things to do in this historic town include a ride on the scenic funicular, a visit to the contemporary art museum, a night out at the local theater, or an exploration of local Tuscan restaurants.
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