THERMAL SPAS AND SEASIDE
Thanks to Monte Amiata, the extinct volcano, Chiancianello is surrounded by thermal baths that go all the way to ancient etruscan and roman times. And it’s also just over 1-hour drive to the sea-side.
Bagno Vignoni (15 km):
There is large natural thermal pool just off the town accessible year around for free. There are no services, you need to bring towels and all with you. Water temperature highly depends on the outside temperature as thermal water springs in the town center and is brought by an aqueduct some 300-400 m to the pool. We suggest you to visit it in May-Oct. You can access it easily by foot from the historic spas or by car, taking unmarked road left for about 500 m in the middle of the main road approaching the town.
Chianciano Terme (8 km):
There are thermal baths, Piscine Termali Theia, with 3 indoor and 4 outdoor pools operating all-year-round. Opening hours are 10 am to 8 pm, closed on Tuesday. Highly recommended for families with kids, esp. if you get a little unlucky with rainy weather.
Bagni San Filippo (12 km):
The calciferous formations, waterfalls and small pools of hot water surrounded by the woods just outside the small town of Bagni San Filippo will seem to take you to another world. This collection of natural thermal pools is well worth visiting even if you do not plan to take a plunge in the hot springs. The pools are warm year-around as most of them are right next to the hot spring. Access is free of charge, you just need to pay for the parking on the access road.
Seaside at Alberese beach
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If you are looking for a beach with full range of services (e.g., beach chairs and umbrellas, water sports, bars, etc.) this is just the opposite. But for us it is the most beautiful beach we have discovered on the Tuscan coast. It is part of the Maremma Nature Reserve, which includes forested hills right of the sea, separated by 6 km long sand dune. The dune forms natural habitat for many birds, but it also has beautiful old signaling towers scattered from medieval times. Both the beach and the sea are pristine clean, ideal for families or romantic couples. There are no beach services (lifeguard, sunshades, deck chairs, water sport rentals), so you have to bring it all by yourselves. There is limited refreshment available off the beach, close to the parking. Access to the paid parking at the beach is limited to about hundred cars (you should arrive before 9 am during the season) and costs approx. 2 EUR/hour. Alternatively, there is a shuttle bus every 30 min from the town Alberese, where you can also rent a bike to go through the mountain trail to the beach.
Tip: there are many dried wooden poles that people use to build makeshift shades, just bring big blankets and some rope to tie it up.
