More than 20 amazing spa towns in Europe for your enchanting vacation

12.12.2022.

Visiting the European spa towns can unveil your wanderlust into the alternative way of travel. You may be only passing by, but there’s something non-touristic in spa towns.

Just like when my parents one year went to Harkany instead to Croatian seaside like usually. Back then, I didn’t even consider Hungary being so rich with thermal baths. Now I would like to explore some of these places.

Though UNESCO defines Great Spa Towns of Europe as a collection of 11 towns, there’s more to add. Certain places dwell in the spa spirit having the unique charm. Various events in history and nowadays includes their gardens, theatres and a special culture. Natural mineral water brings the iconic magic.

I collaborated with about 20 amazing bloggers to shine closer with your travel destinations.

Abano and Montegrotto Terme, Italy- contributed by myself

Located near Padova, you can make an excellent day trip from Venice to Abano or Montegrotto terme. Or you can stay in one of many hotels. Booking only a spa day, you’ll have a lunch included in some hotels. A fabulous choice is Hotel Terme Preistoriche in Montegrotto Terme. It’s located 15 minutes by foot from the train station.

Actually, only Montegrotto Terme can be reached by train while Abano Terme requiers to take a bus from Padova.

Relilax Terme Hotel in Montegrotto offers a dreamy pool in the shape of the beach.

Having a spa here is also possible at the public pools in Abano Terme. These are Piscina Communale and Columbus Thermal Pool.

Abano Terme also offers a hostel so you enjoy all the benefits under the budget.

Both, Abano and Montegrotto Terme are the ancient spa towns near the Euganean Hills. Filled with many hotels people come here to recharge themselves, rather than touristically. This mineral water originates properly in Euganean Hills. Mud treatments shape the essential spa therapy here.

If you stay a few days, the lovely views of Euganean Hills will enchant you with its villas, churches and waterfalls.

Bagni San Filippo, Italy- contributed by Annalisa from Travel Conect Experience

One of the qualities for which Tuscany is known in Italy and around the world is its many hot springs.
They abound in the southern part, near the border with Lazio, a land that in ancient times was home to volcanic systems. Mount Amiata is what remains of what was perhaps the highest of these volcanoes.
At its base, very hot thermal springs gush, and one of these goes to supply the thermal baths of Bagni San Filippo, among the most beautiful and least known in Tuscany.
While lukewarm water, perfect for the summer season, flows from the hot springs of the nearby and very famous Saturnia, the water temperature of the thermal pools at Bagni San Filippo is about 40-45°. The months from November to April are the best for soaking in these waters.
Bagni San Filippo is a village of about 100 souls nestled between the Val d’Orcia and the slopes of Mount Amiata.

What to expect

Just a few minutes walk from homes, inside a forest, lies one of Italy’s natural wonders. Thermal water over the centuries has shaped a large limestone wall to such an extent that it resembles the snout of a whale.
At the base of the mouth and at the corner are pools where the water collects and it is possible to bathe. As you ascend the rock and enter the whale’s jaws, you can enjoy a natural thermal shower with water pouring from the “teeth.”

Where to stay & how to reach

A relaxing place to stay while exploring the region is the Piccolo Hotel Aurora.
The best way to reach Bagni San Filippo is by private car.

Merano, Italy- contributed by Dan from Urban Abroad

Merano is a city located in South Tyrol that is known best for its spa resorts and is a pastel-colored city that sits snugly on its mountainous backdrop. Fresh air and flora make this a wonderful place to discover, especially for relaxing.

One of the best things to do in Merano that makes this city special is the pedestrian promenades that offer the perfect scenery for each and every visitor. There is a promenade for each different season that offers you a unique attraction.

Where to stay & how to reach

No matter whether you want to spend the night in a castle or have a pampered stay at one of the city’s most luxurious hotels, you have plenty of choices. For example, Hotel Therme Meran is one of the most popular hotels in the city which is connected by an underground tunnel to the Merano Terme Spa.

It is also worth noting that with the city being just a few miles south of the Austrian border, half of its residents speak German so you can expect to hear a mix of languages. The best way to get to Merano is by train Bolzano which can be reached from most cities in Northern Italy such as Verona or via plane if traveling from Germany.

Budapest, contributed by Mal and Robin from Where To Stay Bali

Known as the City of Spas, Budapest is one of the top wellness destinations in Europe. This area of Hungary was long known for its thermal waters, rich with minerals and medicinal properties. 

The first baths were built by the Romans, and today, visitors can enjoy historical public baths. The most famous are the Gellert Baths and Europe’s largest bathing complex – The Széchenyi Baths. 

Budapest, however, is not only about thermal baths. The city has a plethora of interesting things to do that warrant a longer stay. History lovers can take a guided tour of the Hungarian Parliament set on the banks of the river Danube. To get the best panoramic views of the city, head to the Fisherman’s Bastion, located on the Buda side or climb the tower of St Stephen’s Basilica. And for those that love the nightlife, Budapest is known for its quirky ruin bars.   

How to reach & where to stay

The closest international airport takes place a few kilometres outside of the city, and there are also many train connections with the main cities in the region, such as Prague or Vienna. 

Stay in Hotel Oktogon, located in the city’s centre and boasting fantastic wellness facilities and a rooftop bar. 

Balatonfüred, Hungary- contributed by Cris from LooknWalk

Stretching on the northern shore of Lake Balaton, Balatonfüred is a very charming town in Hungary. It’s also popular thanks for its exquisite spa hotels. Anna Grand Hotel Wine & Vital is an awesome choice, featuring a super spa, a wine bar, restaurant, café, and even a ballroom!

The charming little town has retained its Baroque elegance and traditional old town feel, making it an excellent day trip to escape the hustle and bustle of Budapest, Hungary’s capital.

What to see in Balatonfüred

Just a few minutes from the lake shore, you can find the colorful old town with its beautiful promenade. Both make Balatonfüred one of the most beautiful resort towns in Europe.

The best way to explore the town is on foot. To catch the town at its best, make sure to plan your trip in summer (May to August).

If you enjoy water sports, rent one of the paddling boats or sailing boats and explore the lake. And if you prefer to stay on land, put on your hiking shoes and head to the hills surrounding the town. The hikes are easy and the stunning vineyards and rolling hills make a great background for a relaxed picnic. And speaking of the vineyards, if you want to taste the wines produced here, make sure to visit Balatonfüred in August during the wine festival!

Miskolc, Hungary- contributed by Linn Haglund from Brainy Backpackers

Miskolc in Hungary is one of the most epic spa towns in Europe, famous for its cave thermal baths. The underground caves have been naturally carved through thousands of years. Now you can enjoy tunnels where you can swim or walk through healing water. Different caves and rooms with different temperatures to soak in are just so delightful. That said, the cave baths have lower water temperatures than other hot springs in Hungary with only 20-36 degrees Celsius.

What to see & where to stay

However, there are few more unique thermal baths, and the cave baths should be on anyone’s bucket list! In the summer months, there is an outdoor area too. While the unique underground thermal bath is the main draw of the city, there are many other wonderful things to do in Miskolc if you choose to stay a few days, like taking the Lillafüret train to explore lakes, waterfalls, and caves.

Stay at Ancram Spa for luxury and relaxation.

Marianske Lazne, Czech Republic- contributed by Joanna Davis from The World In My Pocket

Going to the spa in Marianske Lazne, a beautiful spa town in the Czech Republic, is a very relaxing wellness experience. Marianske Lazne is located about two hours drive away from Prague, close to the border with Germany.

Marianske Lazne is a beautiful, quiet town, in the middle of the forest. There are plenty of trails around, which you can take to connect with nature in between the treatments. The architecture of the town is Neo-Baroque, with statues decorating the buildings. One of the main attractions in town, besides the springs, is the singing fountain, which puts on a show every evening at 9PM.

Near the fountain you will find the Colonnade, a beautiful building with intricate ironwork decorations. Near it there is the Pavilion where all the springs are directed in one place.

Where to stay

There are plenty of spa hotels in Marianske Lazne, quite of a few of them belonging to Ensana. The Nove Lazne is a five stars hotel which offers all medical treatments using the spring waters, as well as the gas and the mud for which the area is famous for. They also have a wellness area with a Roman bath, saunas, jacuzzi and a vortex spa.

Zakopane, Poland- contributed by Kristin Lee from Global Travel Escapades

Another lovely spa town in Europe is Zakopane, which is accessible from Krakow and can be explored by either car or bus. The town is the perfect destination for anyone looking to take a vacation and unwind in nature’s beauty.

For example, the high altitude of the small town makes it the ideal spot for participating in outdoor activities, such as hiking and skiing. However, for those looking for something a bit more relaxing, check out the Chochołowska Baths. The venue has the largest thermal baths in all of Poland and offers guests a wide range of indoor and outdoor thermal pools.

Where to stay

And if you’re looking for a spa hotel to stay at, then consider the Aries Hotel and Spa. This 5-star hotel has everything you need for a comfortable stay, including an indoor pool with Jacuzzi and massage services.

Banja Koviljača, Serbia- contributed by Marya Sutimi from The BeauTraveler

Banva Koviljaca is one of the must-visit places in Serbia, and it’s the best place to go if you’re looking for a spa town to unwind and relax in the country. Situated between the Drina river and Mount Gucevo, Banja Koviljaca is the oldest spa town in Serbia that is well-known for its royal spa. 

Located in the western part of Serbia, Banja Koviljaca is close to the Serbia-Bosnia border. The easiest way to get there is by driving from Tuzla in Bosnia, and if you travel from the capital city of Serbia in Belgrade, the journey will take around 2 hours. 

Where to stay

Royal Spa Hotel in Banja Koviljaca is the best spa hotel you can stay in this spa town. However, I would strongly recommend staying at cheaper accommodation in Banja Koviljaca and booking a spa package at Kovilje Wellness Center instead for a more luxurious experience. 

Situated in the old building of the royal spa under King Petar I of Serbia, you can get the most out of relaxing activities. From massage, sauna, and take a thermal bath in their indoor and outdoor swimming pools, you can never run out of spa activities in Banja Koviljaca! 

Druskininkai, Lithuania- contributed by Una from Wandernity

Druskininkai is a small town in southern Lithuania known for its beautiful scenery and healing mineral springs. The town is situated on the Nemunas River and surrounded by forests, making it a popular destination for nature lovers.

The easiest way to get to Druskininkai is to fly to Vilnius or Kaunas and then rent a car. That way you can see multiple nice cities in Lithuania in one trip.

Visitors in Druskininkai can explore the nearby woods, relax in the vast Druskininkai Aquapark, or ski down the slopes of Snow Arena Druskininkai winter sports complex all year round. Druskininkai is also home to several museums, restaurants, and SPAs. 

Where to stay

If you are looking for a nice place to stay in Druskininkai, Grand SPA Lietuva Hotel has its own water park and a SPA with a broad selection of treatments. It’s also conveniently located in the center of the town, so the main attractions will be a short walk from the hotel.

Whether you’re looking to relax in stunning nature, rejuvenate in a nice SPA, or experience some adrenaline-filled activities, Druskininkai is the right place for you.

Opatija, Croatia- contributed by Martina from Places of Juma

One of the most charming spa towns in Europe is definitely the picturesque Opatija in Croatia. The coastal town was already known as a spa town in the times of the Habsburgs, and especially the nobility spent their vacations here. Opatija is still popular today and exudes a unique charm of times gone by. The whole ambience with the numerous old magnificent buildings and villas is absolutely charming. 

There are gorgeous Mediterranean gardens to relax in, a beautiful seaside promenade for walks by the sea and also the culinary offer in Opatija is top! Another highlight is the many good wellness hotels that have settled directly in the village.

When to visit, how to reach & where to stay

Opatija is particularly well suited for a break in the low season. Especially May and September are absolutely recommendable because then there are still few tourists and the beaches are super suitable for relaxing.

The arrival to Opatija is by flight either from Pula, Rijeka or Zadar. The best option is Rijeka, which is only 25 minutes away.

One of the best spa hotels and an absolute recommendation for a vacation in Croatia is the beautiful Hotel Miramar, a fantastic 4-star hotel in a prime beach location!

Bad Gastein, Austria- contributed by Paul D’Souza from Paulmarina

Bad Gastein in Austria is a spa town non-like any other. The town turned into a popular destination at the beginning of the 20th century after the Austrian emperor and other famous people, such as Sigmund Freud, visited its thermal hot springs. The result was a hotel boom during the belle époque period.

Large hotels such as the grand hotel d’Europe were built on a steep slope around a powerful waterfall. Most of these hotels are crumbling now adding to the vibe of the place. The town is known for its curing radium hot spring waters. The combination of 44 Celsius natural mineral water, a small dosage of radium and clean fresh mountain air, helps in the healing process of body and mind.

Where to stay

Just a few steps from the thermal baths is the Bärenhof, a resort with a special focus on health and wellness. From here you can access all the main attractions in the Gasteiner valley and enjoy a stunning view of the Austrian alps.

Leukerbad, Switzerland- contributed by Giorgy from G-Extreme Travel

Tucked away in the Swiss Alps, Leukerbad is a little-known spa town that is fast becoming a popular destination for travelers seeking a relaxing retreat. With its picturesque mountain setting and thermal springs, Leukerbad is the perfect place to unwind and recharge.

In addition to its therapeutic hot springs, Leukerbad is also a great place for hiking and scenery viewing in summer and skiing in winter. The town is surrounded by towering peaks and lush green valleys, making it the perfect base camp for exploring the Swiss Alps.

How to reach & where to stay

Leukerbad is easily accessible by train from both Zurich and Geneva. Once you arrive in Leukerbad, there are plenty of pedestrian-only streets and a free shuttle bus that runs between the different Thermal Baths & Hotels, so getting around is a breeze. 

When in Leukerbad, staying at Thermalhotels and Walliser Alpentherme & & Spa is a must. Which offers stunning views of snow-capped mountains, easy access to all of Leukerbad’s best attractions, and of course – world-class spa services.”

Bath, UK- contributed by myself

The historic city of Bath lies in southern England, in Somerset. It’s the only UK town that holds the title of UNESCO World Heritage Site. This pretty city is an ancient spa town holding more than 2000 years of Roman heritage.

Roman Baths are indeed the most stunning attractivity to explore here. The fascinating views of the cathedral will surpass the fact that you cannot swim here. The adjacent complex of Therme Bath Spa will give you the chance to take a dip. The rooftop pool is specially enchanting at sunset.

Cross Bath around the corner is also open to swimming like ancient Romans but is limitted to 10 people.

Other attractions in Bath

Bath is also the city of Jane Austen, where you can get the feeling of her novels. Jane Austen Centre delights with the medieval vibes and elegant costumes.

Strolling through the city, you’ll come upon the Pulteney Bridge. It’s a charming landmark of Bath with the covered shops.

Priory Gardens is the relaxing area at the outskirts of Bath, where you can admire its Palladian Bridge.

Z Hotel Bath offers the charming views in the lovely Georgian building. The popular St Christopher Hostel is your excellent budget option.

Harrogate, UK- contributed by Cristina from My Little World Of Travelling

Harrogate is a beautiful spa town located in the north of Yorkshire, England. Despite being a small town, there are fantastic things to do in Harrogate in a day.

The number one activity to do in Harrogate is to visit Harrogate Turkish Baths, England’s best-restored Victorian Turkish Baths. Visiting these baths is an amazing experience. You can disconnect from the outside world, contemplate its beautiful Arab architecture and treat yourself to a body treatment.

Other things you might want to add to your list are having a delicious afternoon tea at Betty’s Tea Room, exploring the beautiful Valley Gardens and contemplating impressive art at the Mercer Art Gallery.

If you are going to spend a weekend or longer in Harrogate, you might also want to check out nearby towns like Knaresborough, another charming town in Yorkshire, or go on a hike to Brimham Rocks.

Where to stay & how to reach

For a fantastic stay, the DoubleTree by Hilton Harrogate Majestic Hotel & Spa is a perfect option. It has a spa and wellness centre, and it is very central too.

The best way to get to Harrogate from overseas is by flying to Leeds-Bradford Airport (LBA) and getting the train to Harrogate from Leeds Train Station.

Grindavik, Iceland- contributed by Jessica Schmit from Uprooted Traveler

Grindavik, Iceland is a pretty small town but is home to one of Iceland’s most popular attractions, the Blue Lagoon Iceland Resort and Spa. Here, you’ll find a hot spring, with shockingly blue and milky waters, complete with a swim-up bar and an in-water silica mud mask bar. Just don’t forget to include a swimsuit on your Iceland packing list so you can partake in the lagoon’s steamy waters.

While the Blue Lagoon is on most travelers’ bucket lists to take a dip, it also offers an exclusive spa, the Retreat Spa, with everything from its own private hot spring to massages, float therapy, and a sauna that looks out onto the lagoon’s vibrant waters. You can even partake in the “Blue Lagoon Ritual”, which includes a rejuvenating experience where you’ll travel through three interconnected chambers as silica, algae, and minerals will be applied to your skin.

How to reach

The Blue Lagoon is conveniently located just 20 minutes away from Keflavik airport and is frequently scheduled by travelers as a stop either right after arrival to or departure from Iceland. Alternatively, you can make staying at the Blue Lagoon an overnight trip- there’s two luxurious onsite hotels to choose from. Other than this, don’t hesitate to discover some of the most amazing Iceland packages.

Casares, Spain- contributed by Linn Haglund from Amused by Andalucia

One of the best-hidden spa towns in Europe is Casares in southern Spain. Perched on top of the steep hillside overlooking the Andalusian countryside it is the perfect setting for a relaxing vacation. While Casares is said to be one of the most beautiful towns in Andalucia, its biggest draw is the Roman Sulphur Baths of Hedionda. The natural sulfur spring was used by the Romans 2000 years ago and apparently, Julius Cesar himself cured himself from a skin disease in these baths.

The historical baths by Manilva River are free to visit and are the perfect place to relax after hiking in the surrounding forests. The site gets very busy on the weekends, but if you go on the weekdays, you might just have the place to yourself since not many tourists know about this incredible place!

For ease, stay in Apartamentos Manilva Green where you can enjoy epic sea views from the outdoor pools.

Furnas, Azori Island, Portugal- contributed by Megan from Meganstarr

This lush paradise is a hidden gem of Europe: a spa town full of volcanic springs, geysers, and naturally-heated pools that offer restorative health benefits. Tucked away on São Miguel Island in the Azores, Furnas will delight your senses and refresh your body. The town is easily accessible, being less than an hour’s drive from Ponta Delgada, the island’s capital.

It is an essential stop on every Azores itinerary. There is so much to do in the area, from taking a relaxing mud bath and swimming in iron-rich, naturally-heated pools to exploring the beautiful Terra Nostra Park or hiking to the breathtaking lookout point, Miradouro da Madrugada. Make sure you try the most famous local dish, cozido, a meat and vegetable stew cooked underground using thermal springs.

Where to stay

For even longer access to the amazing thermal baths at Terra Nostra Park, book a room at the Terra Nostra Garden Hotel, where you can enjoy after-hours access to the park as well as a breakfast buffet, relaxing spa services, a gym, and an on-site restaurant and bar.

Spa, Belgium- contributed by Caroline Muller from Veggie Wayfarer

The heart of southern Belgium, in the bucolic Ardennes, lies the beautiful little city of Spa. This region is known for its mineral-rich waters around which a plethora of spas have mushroomed up over the centuries some of them dating back as far as the 14^th century. In total the town has over 300 cold mineral springs. The area and the little city are one of the most beautiful places in Belgium where one comes to rest, relax and immerse oneself in the wonderful forested Ardennes.

Where to stay

If you are looking for a hidden gem to spend a weekend end, the spa hotel Manoir de Lebioles will do the trick. Dubbed “Little Versaille” by the locals, this jaw-dropping spa hotel looks for all intensive purposes like a castle. It was built at the beginning of the 20^th century by a Belgian diplomat. Inside the hotel, you will find 16 beautifully decorated rooms and a mouthwatering gastronomic restaurant.

PIN IT FOR LATER: