Wellbeing in Sicily: an open-air spa

Want to experience something more exhilarating? Immerse yourself in the icy waters of the Catafurco Waterfall (in the Parco dei Nebrodi),  the Alcantara Gorges or the Tiberio Gorges (in the Parco delle Madonie). It will be like being reborn a second time! The benefits of thermal shock are numerous, and the cascading water provides a natural, energising massage that boosts vitality, reinvigorates the body and mind and, most importantly, combats stress! Allow yourself to be inspired.

The Stagnone Nature Reserve in Marsala is a place of stark, crystalline beauty. As you walk along the salt pans, you come to special pools containing water that is three times saltier than seawater. Thanks to its properties, a salt bath is a fantastic remedy for water retention and cellulite-related blemishes. Immerse yourself and let the salt do its work; once out of the water, lie on the salt crust, let the sun kiss your skin and relax. The trivial problems in your life will evaporate until they disappear.

However, for those seeking well-being, Sicily is also the ideal destination thanks to its natural (and other) thermal spa facilities, which are among the best in Italy.

Here are the island's most renowned spa resorts.

In the province of Trapani, between Alcamo and Castellammare del Golfo, you will find the Terme di Segesta (Terme Sagestane). A few kilometres from the archaeological site of Segesta, in the open countryside, the waters of the Terme di Gorga reach a temperature of 52°C.

In Montevago, in the province of Agrigento, not far from the Terme di Sciacca, also known as the 'Stufe di San Calogero', you will find the famous Terme Acqua Pia.

In Termini Imerese, in the province of Palermo, water flows from the ancient thermal baths, which date back to the foundation of the city by the Carthaginians.

In the province of Messina, Alì Terme is home to the Sorgente Marino, a natural spring whose water flows at a temperature of around 39°C. Meanwhile, the Terme di Venere in  Terme Vigliatore offer sulphurous waters that flow at a temperature of around 34°C.

You can also visit the thermal baths on the island of Pantelleria.
The Grotta di Benikulà is a veritable natural sauna comprising two rooms: an outdoor area with stone seats that can accommodate up to 6 people, and an indoor section from which steam rises at temperatures of up to 40 degrees Celsius. The sauna is free of charge; all you need is your swimming costume, a pair of flip-flops and a towel.
The thermal spring in the Lake of Venus flows at a temperature of between 50 and 60 degrees Celsius. According to legend, Venus loved to admire her reflection in its crystal-clear waters before each amorous encounter with Bacchus. What makes this volcanic lake basin so special is the presence of algae that can withstand the high temperatures of the thermal spring water, which are essential for the formation of the precious natural mud, which is greenish-black in colour. You will notice a strong smell of sulphur, but when applied to the skin, it has the effect of a miraculous natural scrub.

Our  wellness tour on the island of Pantelleria continues with the natural pools of Cala Gadir, pools carved into the rock, where the temperature ranges from 40 to 55°C. On the walls of these pools grows an algae that is used to treat sinusitis, colds and minor respiratory problems. Even the Phoenicians tested its healing properties.
The large Grotta di Sateria (from the Greek for 'health') is an incredible place, famous for more than just its thermal springs. According to legend, this is where Ulysses met the goddess Calypso. The vault of the cave is formed of pumice stone, while the floor is made of bricks. The water reaches a temperature of 40°C and flows into two pools, one of which is connected to the sea.
The thermal water spring at Cala Nikà gushes out from the cliff and, immediately mixing with the seawater, reaches a temperature of between 85 and 100°C. The water also flows into small natural pools marked out by rocks, where you can bathe and enjoy its therapeutic properties.
You can reach the cliff by land, via a long, steep path, or, if you enjoy diving and snorkelling, by swimming or by boat.

Please note: Before setting off, we always recommend checking that the sites are accessible and open to the public.
Contact our tourist information offices in Sicily!

You can also discover Sicilian facilities listed on the italcares.it portal, Italy's platform for medical and wellbeing tourism.