Abano and Montegrotto Thermal Spas

Just a short drive south-west of Padua, the neighbouring towns of Abano Terme and Montegrotto Terme form one of the oldest and largest thermal districts in Europe. Rain that falls on the nearby mountains travels underground for years, heats up deep in the earth and returns to the surface as mineral-rich water, which has been used for bathing and treatment for more than two thousand years. The Romans built baths and a theatre here, and the remains can still be seen in Montegrotto. Today the area is full of spa hotels with indoor and outdoor thermal pools, saunas, steam rooms and treatment centres offering mud therapy, massages and wellness programmes. A typical day might include a soak in a warm outdoor pool surrounded by gardens, a fango mud application for muscles and joints, and a massage, followed by a light lunch. Some hotels offer day passes to non-guests, while others focus on residents, so it is worth checking in advance. The towns themselves are low-key and leafy, with pedestrian streets, cafes and parks, and a quiet pace that suits recovery after sightseeing. Visitors come for relaxation, for traditional treatments recommended for rheumatic and muscular conditions, or simply for a day of warmth and quiet. In cooler months, the steaming outdoor pools are especially atmospheric, and the surrounding hills add a scenic backdrop.

Think about what kind of spa experience you want before you choose. Some visitors stay in a thermal hotel and use the pools as part of their stay, while others make a day trip from Padua and pay for entry to a spa. Treatments such as mud applications and therapeutic massages are often offered by appointment, and some require a medical consultation, so reserve ahead. If you have health conditions such as heart problems, high blood pressure, pregnancy or skin conditions, check with a doctor before using hot springs and tell the staff.

Bring a swimsuit, flip-flops and a towel if required, and check dress codes, as some areas follow European customs on nudity in saunas. Pools are generally kept warm all year, and the experience changes with the seasons: summer evenings in an outdoor pool are lovely, while winter soaks under steam feel especially cosy. Many hotels have a wellness menu that includes aromatherapy, scrubs and facials, plus restaurants that serve light meals.

If you want a cultural angle, visit the Roman remains in Montegrotto, which bring the thermal story into focus. Combining a spa day with a wine tour or a morning in Padua makes a balanced itinerary. Children are often welcome at family-friendly pools, though some spa areas are adults-only, so confirm the rules. Allow a half day at minimum and avoid rushing the experience. The towns are small, so a taxi or a short bus ride is usually enough to move around.