Tuscany is the largest region in Italy attracting more than ten million visitors annually! It's no surprise—the region has plenty of beautiful sites such as the enchanting capital of Florence, the vineyards of Chianti, the Uffizi art gallery, and amazing natural hot springs.
Fosso Bianco is a tiny natural hot spring with high levels of calcium and sulphur. It is located in Bagni San Filippo in the Orcia valley. To get there, you need to overcome a muddy path through the village. Once there, don't be surprised by the warning signs like "Danger; No climbing; No bathing". These were set up by the council of Castiglione d’Orcia in case the calcium rocks ever started to fall apart. The signs do scare visitors, making the place calm and deserted.
Fosso Bianco is definitely worth the visit. For those who love modern facilities, there're several privately owned spa & hotels in Bagni San Filippo operating from May to October. But speaking of Fosso Bianco, the best time to visit is from November to April,—when spa centres are closed, the wild pools receive more waters. Besides, there're no crowds, so you will have an excellent opportunity to enjoy the silence and be in close contact with nature.
Practical info
What are some notable features of Fosso Bianco's hot springs?
Fosso Bianco is a charming natural hot spring that is renowned for its stunning views of the Orcia valley. The water's high calcium content gives it a milky white appearance, which is perfectly complemented by the grey rocks and bright green moss. It is unique in having large calcium terraces made of white limestone formations, similar to those found at the Mammoth Hot Springs in Yellowstone National Park. Show more
What is the way to go to Fosso Bianco if I am staying in Bagni San Filippo?
The recommended way to reach Fosso Bianco is to drive or take a bus to Bagni San Filippo, then proceed along the "Strada Provinciale 61" towards Abbadia San Salvatore. After about 2-3 km, take the small dirt road (frazione Incangelo) on the right and drive for a few hundred meters until you encounter a raised wooden walkway. You can park your car on the sides and continue walking on the path to reach Fosso Bianco. Show more
When is the best time to visit Fosso Bianco, and what makes it ideal?
From November to April is the optimal time to visit Fosso Bianco. In this season, the pool waters are replenished by winter and spring rains, crowds are scarce, and it is great for a personal experience. Additionally, most nearby spa facilities are still closed, and you can enjoy an authentic visit. Visiting during peak season has disadvantages such as long queues, fewer opportunities to take photos or explore the surroundings, and may ruin the experience. Show more
What are some nearby lodging options in and around the Orcia Valley?
A range of lodging options, from campsites to traditional rustic lodges and family-run hotels, can be found in Bagni San Filippo. Popular lodging options include Spa Hotel Resort San Filippo and Podere San Bartolomeo. Additionally, neighboring towns like Abbadia San Salvatore, Pienza, and San Quirico d’Orcia offer several lodging options to accommodate all budgets and travel styles. Show more
Besides Fosso Bianco, what other natural attractions are there to visit in Tuscany?
Tuscany features a wealth of natural attractions apart from Fosso Bianco, such as the spectacular Saturnia hot springs located in southern Tuscany. The Chianti wine region is a popular area in Tuscany, known for its pretty vineyards and charming countryside. For nature enthusiasts, the Maremma National Park is an ideal choice with its vast coast and rich wildlife. Finally, one should not miss the extraordinary marble quarries of Carrara, which are among the most remarkable quarries globally. Show more
