Cascate del Mulino

What an incredible, hard to believe it's real, place this is. From the moment I first saw it in a picture I was hooked and knew I had to see it in person. The history alone is enough to make one want to visit. I mean, the Etruscans came to these very same waters….AND the ancient Romans. And then there is the legend that these waters and falls exist in one way or another (there were a few different stories) because of the God of Saturn. Hence the name Saturnia. Along with the history though, another reason for visiting is that you actually get to sit in these magical healing thermal waters rushing from the earth and falling from the grasses behind an ancient Italian mill, and the stair stepping aqua blue infinity pools with green and white perfectly round rocks covering the waters floor, and all this with a view of the Tuscan countryside. There is just too much unique beauty and history to pass up! I hope that people come and enjoy this place and treat it as it should be treated, because I want to return over and over again…whenever I can!

I have been lucky enough to visit twice now. Once in March of 2017 and then again in November 2019. Both times the weather has been a little on the chilly side but totally worth the visit anyway. It honestly wasn’t too bad getting undressed and heading into the water, and once in the water it was very comfortable. Getting out while wet definitely took a little courage…my son even threw a huge shivering fit about it…haha! I’d say poor kid, but not really, he just got to sit and play in some Italian thermal bathes that Etruscans used to relax in:) And really, we all had a great time, and the shivers were worth it. I’m already looking forward to the next time, and also hoping it is just a smidge warmer outside!

If you ever happen to find yourself in this area of Tuscany, or if you are not even close but have to see it, which I would recommend, below is some information to help make your visit the best it can be.

INformation for your visit

Cascate del Mulino, which means “waterfalls of the Mill” in Italian, is located in Southern Tuscany, in the province of Grosseto. It is approximately 3 hours south from Florence and a little over 2 hours north from Rome. My family and I made our way here as a day trip from northern Lazio, both times.

Address - Via della Follonata, 58014 Saturnia, Manciano GR, Italy

This is NOT Therme di Saturnia - that is a spa/resort. It is up the road towards the town of Saturnia, and according to one source I read, is where the “spring pool” is, the source of all of the thermal waters of Saturnia.

Closest towns - Saturnia and Montemerano. If you are coming from Montemerano, there will be the best few (pictures below) of the mill and pools from up above. There is a place to pull of the road on the left hand side and take pictures.

Parking - There is a large parking lot I’m guessing that is for the busy season. I saw a site say that it was open year around but that has not been the truth both times I have been. When we were there you could park on the main road. You used to be able to park on a side road leading down past the cafe and heading to the falls but it is closed off now. Be prepared to walk a little bit to get there depending on the amount of people.

Arriving - If you are parking in the lot then you can walk down the road by the cafe, you will not be able to miss the falls! You can also use this road if you are parking out on the main road. There is a barrier to keep cars out but you can walk in. From the main road you can follow the river of hot water towards the sound of the falls. A little warning though…if you take this way you will need to climb down a rocky hill. We did it with our kids this last time but it wasn’t as easy as the road and wouldn’t recommend it if you were carrying a lot.:)

Cost - It is free

Temperature of the pools - Approx 98.6 degrees(37 C). 

Depth - Most of where we were at in the pools was around 18"- 22" deep. Comfortable to sit in. Walking into the pool there are much shallower parts.

Where to sit - The higher the better. The water from the falls cascades down at a rate of approx. 212 gallons (800 liters) a second and is the hottest at this point. Pretty much the closer you are to the waterfall the warmer the water :) There are people that climb up and sit on the falls or right under it too, if you are feeling adventurous or need a good hot water massage this might be just the thing!

Restrooms - Not during March or November. Maybe during summer if the little bar/cafe is open.

Dressing rooms - No. We undressed and re-dressed by our car. There were lots of people just changing wherever they found a place off to the side…remember you are in Europe and this is much more acceptable then it would be in the US.

Food - Not during March or November but there was a bar/cafe that looked to be seasonal.

Shoes - The ground around the pools is rocky so I would recommend walking to the pools with some sort of shoes. It can be a little tricky getting in and out of the larger pools and I’m sure that a water shoe would help with this. We didn’t have any. We just walked slowly and gingerly and made our way in fine. Once you are in the larger deeper pools there is sand, round rocks and grasses. If you go to some of the outer edges there are more grasses and for me I didn’t like it because it felt slimier.

Kids - We have taken our kids at ages 5 and 1 and then again at almost 4 and 8. Both times it has been very comfortable and people do not think anything of it. We try to be courteous of other of course, and keep the splashing and noise down as much as possible. We were there for about 2 1/2 - 3 hours with them and they did great.

Hours - It is open 24 hours a day. I do not know if anything is lit up at night. I didn't seem like it. Maybe one light on the mill. Most likely it would be very dark at night as this is out in a very rural area. I bet looking up at the stars from the pools is amazing!

Amount of time to give - I'm sure you could just go for a quick dip, but who wants to do that here! If you are going to take the time to come visit, then make the time to stay and enjoy. I would give it at least 2 - 3 hours

Additional information - Here is a link the an official page in case you would like to learn more Here 

A presto,

Lonielle

All of the pictures below are from March 2017. Our last visit I left everything in the car so….no pictures…but a lot of peace and time with my family :)

Photography from Cascate de Mulino, Saturnia

These last 3 pictures are the view if you are coming from Montemerano…pretty beautiful huh!