The 7 Best Hot Springs and Thermal Spas in Europe

The Ancient Romans were definitely onto something here, as it’s thanks to their bathing practices and ‘thermae’ that thermal pools have reached their popularity today. We've got a mix of hot springs and thermal baths here, but whether it's natural or handmade, you'll leave feeling relaxed and rejuvenated. And with minerals that do wonders for your skin, the softening benefits are just as good as the soothing effects. From wild hot springs to full spa resorts with thermal mineral-rich waters, let’s take a look at 7 of the best hot springs and thermal spas in Europe.

The best hot springs with mineral-rich waters

7. Loutra Edipsou Thermal Springs – Evia, Greece

This hidden gem in Evia, Greece, is one of the best places for wild swimming and bathing in natural hot springs. Loutra Edipsou is known for its thermal spas and stunning rock formations, with the thermal hot springs rife with minerals that are thought to give the pools their healing properties. Steeped in mythology and legends, the springs are said to date back to Ancient Greek times and are thought to play an important part in the story of several revered Ancient Greek gods, who were said to have bathed in the springs. 

The temperatures of these springs can range from 30-70°C, so expect them to be bustling with locals and well-informed tourists. The pools themselves are free to use, but if you want to make a full spa experience out of it, there are a number of nearby hotels that overlook the beach where you can also find an abundance of wellness programmes and spas. 

6. Thermae Bath Spa – Bath, UK

The ancient Roman baths are actually where Bath gets its name. The Roman Baths are for admiring only, as the water is thought to be contaminated. However, Bath has taken its claim to fame and used it to create a place that is open for public use in the form of Bath Spa Thermae. 

Here, you can enjoy the benefits of the natural thermal spring water that supplies both the Roman Baths and the Thermae Spa, only the water in the Thermae is much cleaner and safer than the Roman Baths. Live like a Roman and bathe all day in the Thermae Spa, complete with a rooftop pool offering citywide views. The water here is around 30°C, which makes it difficult to want to get out. 

5. Caracalla Spa – Baden-Baden, Germany

You might not originally associate Germany with being a top place to find thermal spas or springs, but the country is actually known for its collection of such. One of the most famous thermal spas is the Caracalla Spa in Baden-Baden. These Roman-built thermal baths supply the spa with more than 500,000 litres of mineral-rich bathing water which forms a collection of pools that attract a plethora of tourists each year. 

Caracalla Spa takes relaxation to new heights, and whether it’s winter and you see the steam rising off the outdoor pool, or it’s summer and you want to relax in the warm, you’re guaranteed to feel amazing once you leave the spa. 

4. Cascate del Mulino Spa – Tuscany, Italy

Tuscany is really showing off with its collection of internationally-renowned wine and vineyards, art scenes and food, and now its thermal baths too. The town of Saturnia is where you’ll find the largest and most famous collection of thermal spring baths, known as ‘Terme di Saturnia.’ 

These pools are as aesthetically pleasing as they are physically healing, as the water is known for its beneficial healing and soothing properties, and what’s more, they’re free, meaning you don’t need to fork out a fortune to feel rejuvenated and refreshed. Definitely a must-visit destination in Tuscany. Why not leave the wine tours and sunbathing behind and instead experience this natural spa?

3. Széchenyi Thermal Bath – Budapest, Hungary

Budapest is often cited as the thermal bathing capital of both Europe and the world, with a large collection of thermal springs that attract the masses every year. Thanks to Budapest’s stunning architecture that forms the backdrop of the famous Széchenyi Thermal Baths, the site also offers stunning views of the city. 

The spa offers several packages and several pools, all of which have their own uses and purported medical properties such as muscle healing and illness prevention. The thermal water is rich with helpful minerals that are thought to boost your health, and the indoor pools promote relaxation and healing. 

2. Pamukkale Thermal Pools – Pamukkale, Türkiye 

Probably the most visually stunning hot springs, Pamukkale is a true natural wonder. While it's technically in the Asian part of Turkey, we couldn't not include it in this list as it is so unbelievably stunning. A UNESCO World Heritage Site, the historic Pamukkale is a sight to behold, its main claim to fame being the pools of spring water that offer a smorgasbord of health benefits. Bathe, relax, enjoy the sensation and feeling of the limestone on your bare feet, or simply just sit and gaze at the natural beauty of Pamukkale.

1. Blue Lagoon – Reykjavik, Iceland

We had to put this at number 1 simply because of its iconic reputation and amazing reviews. Iceland is the home of geothermal energy, which takes shape in the form of numerous hot springs, geysers and thermal spas, most notably of which is this world-famous blue-tinged pool. The water gets its colour thanks to a combination of silica and algae, both of which are considered to be incredibly beneficial to the skin. 

The lagoon offers refreshment stations and a mask/beauty station, where you can try out different skin masks that contain an amalgamation of the Blue Lagoon’s prime minerals to create the ultimate skincare. Also, did you know that the Blue Lagoon is synonymous with helping to heal skin conditions like eczema and psoriasis thanks to the water’s skin-soothing properties? Whether you want to help improve your skin, reap the benefits of the silica and minerals or simply want to just relax, the Blue Lagoon is truly an unmissable experience.