Last updated on June 22nd, 2024
Are you planning a trip to Southern Tuscany and looking to spend a day in San Casciano dei Bagni?
I have lived just down the road from San Casciano dei Bagni for over ten years now and have helped plan trips here for friends, families and clients countless times
In this article, I will guide you through the best planned one day itinerary in San Casciano dei Bagni, providing you with all the details to have the best possible experience.
There is so much to see and do in Tuscany so don’t waste a single minute. With my one day guide to San Casciano dei Bagni, you will see it all, eat some of the best food in Tuscany and even get a chance to take a dip in the San Casciano dei Bagni thermal baths and hot springs.
And if you are lucky enough to have more time in San Casciano dei Bagni, don’t miss my Two Day Itinerary to San Casciano dei Bagni.
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Morning Hike Or Bike In San Casciano dei Bagni
Hiking or biking through San Casciano is one of the best ways to see Southern Tuscany and enjoy this tiny village.
Pre-book an e-bike tour with Val D’Orcia EBike, offering a variety of routes anywhere from 3 to 7 hours long depending on what route you choose, your level and what you would like to see. This is a one day itinerary, so stick with a short ride, which will keep you local and give you plenty of time for other activities.
If you prefer to walk, choose from one of the four suggested routes by the town of San Casciano dei Bagni. Visit the tourist information for specific routes indicated in their maps “San Casciano Active” and read more about hiking in San Casciano.
Depending on what route you choose, you may want to consider leaving early and leaving a bit of time to walk up to the city hall, just three minutes up from the main square. Stop and visit the free Museo Il Santuario Ritrovato – Le Stanze Cassianensi, documenting the archaeological discoveries in San Casciano dei Bagni.
Good To Know: The San Casciano dei Bagni statues that were recently excavated from the archeological site are currently on exhibition in Rome. The current plan is for them to return to San Casciano dei Bagni in December 2024.
Lunch at Fontanella
The best way to reward yourself after a morning of touring around San Casciano dei Bagni is with bowls of homemade local pasta by Nila at La Fontanella.
This restaurant is just down the road from the actual village of San Casciano dei Bagni and although it’s right on the road, the food is worth it. My family thinks this is the best homemade pasta around and the menu is always seasonally changing, which we love.
Be sure to call and book one of the few tables outdoors.
Afternoon At The San Casciano Dei Bagno Thermal Baths Or Hot Springs
San Casciano dei Bagni is most famous for the thermal baths and hot springs just below the village. Relax and unwind with an afternoon soaking in the San Casciano dei Bagno thermal baths before transitioning into the evening.
For a special treat, indulge at the various indoor and outdoor pools within the Fonteverde Spa and Hotel Resort. If you do choose Fonteverde, you can also book one of their many spa treatments.
Good To Know: Children under three years enter at Fonteverde for free. Older children benefit from a reduced price.
If you are looking for something more casual, choose to visit the free public thermal baths, which are accessible by foot. You can park your car closer to the pools or walk directly down Via della Fontaccia from the village. Read my full guide to Visiting the San Casciano dei Bagni Hot Springs.
Walk down five minutes to the first pool on the right, where you will find a covered pool with warm waters. The second pool, another five minutes down the road, is warmer and larger. I prefer the second pool because one of the three ‘tubs’ is shallow so my kids can go in without flotation devices or me.
You can also access the San Casciano dei Bagni hot springs via the suggested hiking route “Le Sorgenti” (n.01) from the historic center.
Aperitivo at Bar Centrale
End your day with a drink at Bar Centrale in the main square of Piazza Matteotti, overlooking the stunning Val d’Orcia. This outlook is considered by most, including my family, one of the best panoramic views of Southern Tuscany.
Good To Know: If you decide to visit the thermal baths at Fonteverde in the afternoon on Saturday or Sunday, your ticket also includes an aperitivo. If this is the case, enjoy your aperitivo at the spa and be sure to book a table outdoors at Daniela’s. This way you won’t miss the panoramic view in San Casciano dei Bagni.
Dinner At Ristorante Daniela
Dinner couldn’t be easier and more elegant than at Ristorante Daniela in San Casciano dei Bagni. Our family enjoys eating outdoors, weather permitting. Note that even if it rains lightly, the outdoor terrace is covered.
Serving up Tuscan classics such as pici all’aglione, pappardelle al ragù, tagliere di formaggi e misti, wild boar stew and hearty winter ribollita. These are just some examples of what you might try at Ristorante Daniela.
Alternatives To Hiking
If for any reason you are not up for hiking or biking, opt for a wine tasting just outside of San Casciano dei Bagni at one of the many local vineyards.
My family’s favorite is Ravazzi winery, run by a sweet family from Palazzone (part of San Casciano dei Bagni). Founded in 1956, the cantina has been family owned and run ever since. Their various wine collections have expanded over time and today, the winery offers two wine collections plus dessert wines and after dinner digestivo. There is something for everyone!
For a more upscale experience, visit Podernuovo, just 5 minutes from Ravazzi.
Learn More: Read more about Where to Drink Wine in Italy, Where to Buy Wine in Italy, and Wines to Try in Tuscany.
One Day In San Casciano Dei Bagni FAQ
Yes, you absolutely can. Children under three years enter for free while older children are granted a discounted price.
The answer will depend on what kind of environment you are looking for. The Fonteverde Spa is extremely well looked after and manicured. The public hot springs, on the other hand, are much more rustic and because they are small, can easily feel overcrowded. If you are only in San Casciano dei Bagni for one day, I would book an afternoon at the Fonteverde Spa.
