Salsomaggiore Terme: town of Liberty architecture
The triumph of Art Deco in Emilia-Romagna’s most famous spa town Read more
The many spas that Emilia-Romagna has to offer are places where you can pamper yourself and experience pure relaxation.
Whether it be immersing yourself in a heated thermal water pool, a whirlpool with exotic essential oils or a purifying aromatic steam bath, a day at the spa always promises to be a relaxing experience and, when in Emilia-Romagna, can be transformed into a true getaway.
In fact, it couldn't be easier to combine the therapeutic effects of thermal water with a trip to one of Italy's art cities, a tour around a castle or a food and wine tasting experience.
Here are some ideas to get you started with planning your next wellness break, divided into the region's various provinces.
Famous for the sodium, chloride, bromide and iodide found in its water, one of nature’s highest in mineral salts, and mentioned as far back as Roman times, Salsomaggiore Terme is the best-known town in Emilia-Romagna for its thermal baths.
With its Liberty-style buildings, Salsomaggiore lies at the heart of two important itineraries, one being the Terre Verdiane and the other the Castelli del Ducato [Duchy's castles].
As for the spas, you are spoilt for choice: the most famous is Terme Berzieri, set in an Art Deco-inspired building that offers wellness treatments and emotional baths.
Alternatively, you can visit the Terme Baistrocchi, where you can unwind in thermal baths and salt rooms. Not far from Salsomaggiore, you will find the Terme di Tabiano, known as the breathing spa due to the thermal water said to be beneficial for the bronchi, ears, nose, throat and skin.
If you head towards Montechiarugolo, 10 km from Parma, you will come across the Terme di Monticelli, with its array of thermal pools with a whirlpool and a modern SPA, whilst the Medesano hills are home to the Terme di S. Andrea offering specialist therapeutic treatments.
In the Reggio Apennines, well-being is that of the Terme di Cervarezza, immersed in the greenery of the Tuscan-Emilian Apennines National Park, a stone's throw from the Cerwood adventure park.
The Terme della Salvarola spa lies close to Modena and is famous for its “divine” water, where you can try an ayurvedic treatment, or one of the various Sentieri del Benessere treatments, also suitable for couples.
Emilia-Romagna's capital also has a range of spas to choose from. The Terme Felsinee and the Terme San Luca are close to the centre, whilst the Terme San Petronio spa is set right in the heart of the city: all these spas belong to the Mare Termale Bolognese group.
The province of Bologna is home to the Terme di Porretta, nestled in the natural landscape of the Apennines, and the Castel San Pietro Terme, set in lush greenery, just a stone’s throw away from the Via Emilia.
Lastly, the Terme dell'Agriturismo, nestled in the hills of Bologna, features a spa, water park and much more.
During the warmer months of the year, why not take time to unwind at the wellness centre with a spa treatment at the Thermae Oasis - Comacchio spa in Lido delle Nazioni? Located on the Ferrara coast, it is surrounded by the natural landscape of the Po Delta Park.
Ravenna boasts two nearby wellness destinations: the Terme di Brisighella and the Terme di Riolo, the latter featuring an entire wing offering national health service-accredited treatments for children.
If you're considering combining a break on the Emilia-Romagna Riviera with wellness treatments and well-being, the Terme di Cervia, with its saltwater pool you can float in like the Dead Sea, the Terme del Mare on the promenade of Cervia just a few metres from the Adriatic Sea, or the Punta Marina Terme, right on the beach, are just what you're looking for.
Nestled in the Casentinesi Forest National Park, Bagno di Romagna affords three accommodation facilities with spa centres: Ròseo Euroterme Wellness Resort, the Grand Hotel Terme Roseo and the Hotel delle Terme Santa Agnese.
The Grand Hotel Terme della Fratta is not too far away either and lies on the route of the famous Nove Colli bike race in Bertinoro.
Heading towards Forlì, you will come across the well-known Terme di Castrocaro, where you can experience the unique combination of wellness and vinotherapy.
Lastly, there’s Rimini: Emilia-Romagna’s summertime destination par excellence. Here, you can choose between the Riminiterme, which has a thalassotherapy centre, and the Riccione Terme.
