Are there any hot springs in Sicily? I figure with all that volcanic activity, there MUST be something out there.

By the way, the two trip reports on Sicily are very enlightening. I'm going to have my wife read them tonight because the prospect of seeing a lot of garbage-strewn streets and unkempt beaches & parks, not to mention the prospect of getting lost constantly on the roads may not make it worth it for her to take in the fabulous cultural, architectural and natural beauty of the place. There are, after all, lots of fabulous destinations in Italy.

This message has been edited. Last edited by: Kim,

Do a search on Lipari.
I have not been, but should be a natural volcanic hot springs, most college kids here go and just ahng out in the warm water.
Or are you looking for a Spa?
some info
spa info

Judy
Divina Cucina Florence
Everyone should try being Italian at least once a day!!

Did you see the travel notes on Sicily:
http://www.slowtrav.com/italy/notes/phyllis_sicily.htm
http://www.slowtrav.com/italy/notes/susan_sicily.htm

And the trip reports:
http://www.slowtrav.com/trip_reports/2000_fall_shannon_pt1.htm
http://www.slowtrav.com/trip_reports/2000_spring_bob.htm

And Brian's trip report on his web site:
http://www.adam.co.nz/italy2002/index.html

Just want to be sure you read it all.

Pauline from Slow Travelers

You will find these hot springs in various places sprinkled all over Sicily. The most famous. and largest I think are in Vulcano, one of the Aeolian Islands- the first one you reach- from Milazzo. Unfortunately the island has a rather pungent sulphur smell, but the rocks there are so beautiful and colorful that it's worth a visit...the springs there are often visited. I know of a terme in Segesta too, but I have not been to either...there are plenty of sites on the internet though I am sure.
Janice

I've looked on the internet using the usual search engines. If you have any references, I'd be grateful.

Normandy Dude, dude

If you are considering visiting the most important Hot springs in Sicily, I believe that, you shouldn't miss Sciacca Terme and its renowned hydromineral resources, the famous Monte San Calogero natural vapor (sweat grottoes) and the Public thermal swimming pools.
The springs and mud in Sciacca are considered to be among the most efficient ones in the world and attract more
and more experts, patients and tourists They are thermal baths of primary importance skilfully designed to host people in search of good health and relaxation. The Regional Baths in Sciacca are open all year Thanks to an agreement with the National Health Service it is possible to obtain a series of thermal treatments every year or various series of rehabilitation therapies according to the family doctors advice.
http://www.verdetecnica.com

Thanks Dodin! Can you use these springs outside - open air - in nature, without going into the spa (terme)? Does the spa allow day visitors with a doctor prescription?

NOTE: Dodin has several vacation rental apartments in this area. http://www.verdetecnica.com/eng/index.html

Here are some links for the area and spa:
http://www.bestofsicily.com/sciacca.htm
http://www.termesciacca.it/
http://www.comune.sciacca.ag.it/

Pauline from Slow Travelers

Dittos to Pauline's questions. We'd rather be able to hike down to somewhere in nature, for example, than get into a pool with a group of German rhumatism patients. Any info?

Here are 2 websites that although they don't have specific information about Sicily's hot springs may be fun to explore. This one is for a book that covers hotsprings all over the world: http://www.innertraditions.com/titles/heaspr.htm#Book

This is a web site devoted primarily to hot springs in the US but they do have a message board that you might find useful: http://www.soak.net/

Unfortunately, it's not possible to use these springs in nature without going into the thermal spa, but you are free to visit the spa and you can use hot waters thermal pools in opening time. As for the natural sauna (steams coming from the underground)and special treatments, you need a doctor prescription. (There are several doctors on site).
Dodin

We have a natural sauna place in Colorado - Glenwood Springs Vapor Caves. Fabulous! You go down a tunnel into these caves that have the natural hot vapors.

Pauline from Slow Travelers

http://www.thermes.org/
If you speak french, this is an exhaustive site about spas and thermal pools in Europe.
Dodin