Campania is a volcanic land, and where there is a volcano there are almost always hot springs. The Romans already built baths and villas here to heal and rest. Today the region offers thermal parks, wellness centres, hotel spas and treatment centres: a wide choice that is worth knowing before you leave.
Ischia, the island of waters
Ischia is Campania's most famous spa destination. The island has a great many springs, many of which feed thermal parks with pools at different temperatures, often overlooking the sea. The towns of Casamicciola Terme, Lacco Ameno and Forio are the most closely tied to this tradition. Many hotels on the island have thermal pools and areas for mud therapy and treatments.
The Phlegraean Fields
West of Naples, between Pozzuoli and Bacoli, the Phlegraean Fields are an active volcanic caldera. This was one of the Romans' favourite holiday spots: at Baia you can still visit the remains of the ancient baths. Today the area combines archaeology, sea and a few spa facilities.
Inland: Contursi, Telese and Agnano
- Contursi Terme, in the Sele valley, is known for its hot sulphur waters and open-air thermal pools.
- Telese Terme, in Sannio, has a historic thermal park with sulphur waters, surrounded by hills and vineyards.
- Agnano, in the west of Naples, has a thermal park inside an ancient volcanic crater, easy to reach by public transport. Castellammare di Stabia, the historic "city of waters", closed its spa establishments in 2015.
Spas, wellness centres and retreats
Alongside the thermal baths there are hotel spas, city wellness centres and a new range of retreats: stays of a few days with yoga, walks, healthy food and treatments. In our Where to stay and eat section we are collecting spas, wellness centres and properties with wellness services, town by town.
How to choose and when to go
- For spa treatments (mud, baths, inhalations) choose accredited centres and ask your doctor first.
- For pure relaxation choose a thermal park or a hotel with thermal pools.
- When: spring and autumn are ideal. Many thermal parks close in winter, so check opening dates.
