Located in southern Tuscany, the antique town of Bagni San Filippo is certainly to astonish travelers. Tucked between the Val D’Orcia countryside and the majestic Monte Amiata, Bagni San Filippo offers multiple options to satisfy any kind of explorer’s necessity. It is well-known for its fascinating landscapes, white limestone conformations, and hot thermal baths surrounded by wild vegetation and cascading waterfalls.
With a population of only 91, you can admire Bagni San Filippo’s beauties quietly and on foot, as most spots or thermal water sediments are based in the historic center. Moreover, you will be able to cross pedestrian paths which will allow you to enjoy places of worship, including Church of San Filippo, historical monuments and so much more.
Read on to find out what to do, where to eat and how to reach the majestic Bagni San Filippo.
How to Get to Bagni San Filippo
Just about 1 hour from Siena, Bagni San Filippo is easily reachable by car and public transportation. Anyway, due to its proximity to lush woods and its distance from the main train stations, we definitely recommend traveling by car or taxi.
- Car: From Florence, you can go to Bagni San Filippo by driving through A1 highways and by taking the Chiusi-Chianciano Terme exit. After that, you only have to follow the signs for Monte Amiata and Cassia towards your destination. Once you arrive, it is possible to park along the adjacent street by paying a cheap ticket (1,70 euro/1h, 5 euro/3h or 10 euro/1 day).
- Public Transportation: The nearest train station is in Chiusi-Chianciano Terme. There, you need to take a rental car or a bus (SR2 Cassia line or Santa Flora line).
What to Do in Bagni San Filippo
1. See The White Whale
The White Whale (from Italian ‘la Balena Bianca’) is a huge and timeless white limestone mass. Its suggestive shape reminds visitors of a sea whale. Moreover, its thermal waters’ temperature can even reach 48 degrees.
As the water comes out of the mouth of this complex, people can also admire the play of lights between the crystalline blue of the spring and the green of the nearby woods.
Read More: Chianciano Terme – Enjoy the City of Wellness in Valdichiana
2. Visit The Church of San Filippo
Located in a cave, the Church of San Filippo is a little structure with a stone altar and a black wooden bust dedicated to the saint. The latter was built by Filippo Benizi, who was born in 1233 and came here not to risk being named successor to Pope Clement IV.
According to the legend, San Filippo Benizi hid in this cave around 1250 and created a stream of healing waters to thank Bagni San Filippo’s local inhabitants for their kindness and welcoming attitude.
Hot Springs in Bagni San Filippo
Bagni San Filippo is, nowadays, a wild locality rich in naturalistic points and mostly famous for the presence of free and 24/7 open thermal baths such as the White Whale and overall the Fosso Bianco.
You can reach the latter by following a tortuous path and by entering into a huge ditch created by the thermal waters. It is possible to find artificial pools with streams of hot water and mud useful for skin treatments and to cure respiratory and immune systems diseases.
Experiences in and around Bagni San Filippo
SPA Hotels around Bagni San Filippo
Central luxury villa
At Adler Spa Resort Thermae, you can choose between many picturesque accommodations and use their private thermal pools and wellness services. Moreover, this is such a great place for those visitors who love relaxation, cycling tours and proximity to Bagno di Vignoni’s center.
Renaissance resort in Val d’Orcia
Built in 1600, Fonteverde lifestyle & thermal retreat offers huge rooms, typically Italian breakfast and an extensive beauty area full of beauty and massage experts ready to satisfy any request. This is the ideal stay for those who are planning to go to Siena or the Etruscan village Chiusi-Chianciano Terme.
Rural Castle in the countryside
At Castello di Velona, you can live a private experience among Tuscan hills. This structure offers intimate rooms with any kind of utility and an adjacent SPA with a winery. A perfect place for those who want to easily reach Pienza, Siena or Montepulciano.
The Best Restaurants in Bagni San Filippo
Osteria lo Spugnone
A few steps from the center of the village, this rustic restaurant offers traditional Tuscan delicacies. We suggest you try the cheese and salami platters and the pici cacio e pepe.
Mimmo e Barbara
Not so far from the hot springs, this inn offers a restaurant area with excellent quality food, and trained and professional staff. We advise you to taste homemade pasta, pici with Chianina meat, and artichokes.
Day trips from Bagni San Filippo
Bagni San Filippo boasts a strategic position and it’s not very far from cities like Rome (116 miles) or Florence (62 miles). Indeed, you can organize a day trip and reach these metropolitan gems by car or public transportation.
To go to Florence, you can drive through A1 highway/E35 and take the Florence exit. Alternatively, it is possible to take a bus from “Bagni S.Filippo-Bv. Campiglia” bus stop to Firenze Autostazione. It takes about 1 hour and 45 minutes. To go to Rome, you can go through A1 highway/E35, after a few km enter A24 and take the Roma/Aquila/Teramo exit. On the other hand, you can reach Florence train station and take a Frecciarossa or Italo train. It takes about 1 hour and 30 minutes.
What to See nearby Bagni San Filippo
Radicofani
Located in the southern province of Siena, Radicofani is a village full of history and culture. Here, you should definitely visit the Church of Sant’Agata, Piazza della Giudecca, and Pieve di San Pietro.
San Quirico d’Orcia
San Quirico d’Orcia is a cultural and naturalistic beauty in the Val d’Orcia. Here, it is full of must-see spots like Horti Leonini, Pieve dei Santi Quirico e Giulitta, and the iconic Madonna di Vitaleta chapel.
Montalcino
Famous for its wineries and Brunello production, Montalcino offers many things to see such as Fortezza di Montalcino, Piazza del Popolo, and Concattedrale del Santissimo Salvatore.
Montepulciano
Known for the Nobile red wine production, at Montepulciano you should visit Piazza Grande, the Temple of San Biagio, and the Cathedral of Santa Maria Assunta.
Siena
Known for the annual Palio, Siena is a must-see town. We really suggest you visit Duomo, Piazza del Campo, and Torre del Mangia.
Saturnia
Famous for its thermal waters, at Saturnia you can relax at the hot springs, and visit Porta Romana and the Church of Santa Maria Maddalena.
Explore more: San Casciano dei Bagni: A hidden gem in the Tuscan countryside
FAQs by travelers who want to visit Bagni San Filippo
How Much Do the Thermal Baths of San Filippo Cost?
The thermal baths of San Filippo (including pools for kids and families) are completely free.
How Do You Access Bagni San Filippo?
You can easily access Bagni San Filippo by walking through Via Fosso Bianco, which is adjacent to SP61 and is the main street to reach the village center.
What to Bring to the Thermal Baths of San Filippo?
Once you arrive at the thermal baths, we recommend you bring a towel to dry out and a pair of flip-flops, but also a pair of comfortable shoes to reach the place.
When is the Best Time to Go to Bagni San Filippo?
Bagni San Filippo thermal waters’ high temperatures allow bathing every time of the year. However, we suggest you go there from April to November.
