Imagine stepping into nature’s hot tub and feeling your stress melt away. It becomes even more amazing with the beautiful scenery around you. Nothing beats the relaxing feeling after soaking in natural geothermal springs. So, let’s explore some of the best hot springs in the world—from natural streams in lush landscapes to luxurious manmade pools, these places offer ultimate relaxation.
Best Hot Spring Destinations in the World – Overview
– Blue Lagoon, Iceland
– Thermae Bath Spa, Bath, UK
– Szechenyi Baths, Budapest, Hungary
– Pamukkale, Turkey
– Sao Miguel, the Azores
– Terme di Saturnia, Italy
– Benja Thermal Baths, Albania
– Kheerganga, India
– Banjar Hot Springs, Bali
– Hakone, Japan
– South Island, New Zealand
– Travertine, California, USA
– Spencer Hot Springs, Nevada, USA
– Idaho, USA
Blue Lagoon, Iceland
Take a dip in the mineral-rich waters of this famous lagoon while enjoying the stunning scenery of winding mountains. The Blue Lagoon is perfect for a therapeutic escape, with its light blue waters and soft steam rising from the surface. The minerals, especially silica and salt, give it its unique color. With a temperature between 37-39°C, it’s ideal all year round. The water’s rich minerals are known to improve skin condition, making it one of the best hot springs to visit.
Thermae Bath Spa, Bath, UK
Located in the historic town of Bath, Thermae Bath Spa offers more than just hot springs. It’s steeped in history, dating back to 8,000 B.C. The spa features various types of pools, from Roman-themed steam baths to a rooftop pool with a magnificent view of Bath’s historic buildings. You can even explore the Roman Baths. With so much history and beauty, Thermae Bath Spa is one of the top hot springs in the world.
Szechenyi Baths, Budapest, Hungary
When in Budapest, a visit to its thermal baths is a must. Szechenyi Baths, located in a grand Neo-Baroque plaza, is the most famous. It draws travelers with its large pools, relaxing waters, and Instagrammable Baroque architecture. With 18 pools, both indoor and outdoor, as well as various spa facilities and wellness treatments, Szechenyi Baths is a renowned wellness center and one of the world’s best hot springs.
Pamukkale, Turkey
Pamukkale, Turkey, is a hot spring that looks like something out of a fairy tale. The white limestone walls, or travertines, form an asymmetric ladder-like structure filled with mineral-rich, iridescent blue water. Known as ‘Cotton Castle,’ these waters are rich in calcium, beneficial for muscle and skin health. With 17 thermal pools ranging from 35°C to 100°C, you can soak in the comfort and enjoy breathtaking views of Pamukkale’s meadows and historic town.
Sao Miguel, the Azores
Blessed with geothermal sources, the Azores have some amazing hot springs, especially on Sao Miguel. Volcano vents heat the mineral-rich springs and pools, which are surrounded by lush vegetation and small waterfalls. Head to Furnas village to find some of the best hot springs, including the forest-covered pools of Parque Terra Nosta, for a truly relaxing getaway.
Terme di Saturnia, Italy
Tuscany is known for its fantastic wine, delicious food, and rich culture, but it also boasts brilliant geothermal springs. Terme di Saturnia, located in southern Tuscany, features bright blue travertines and waters rich in sulfur and calcium carbonate at around 37.5 °C. Part of the luxurious Terme di Saturnia Resort, it’s an excellent spot for a relaxing vacation in Italy.
Benja Thermal Baths, Albania
Nestled in Albania’s stunning mountains, Benja Thermal Baths, or Llixhat e Bënjës, is a hidden European gem. With mineral-rich waters at 30℃ and picturesque turquoise-blue pools, it’s no wonder this spot has been cherished since the Ottoman Empire. The natural beauty of the mountains and forests makes it one of the world’s best hot springs.
Kheerganga, India
Kheerganga, India, is a hidden gem known for its towering mountains, lush valleys, hiking trails, and hot springs. Though it takes a 3-4 hour hike to reach the springs, the journey is worth it. The hot waters help to soothe muscle aches and fatigue, making Kheerganga one of the best hot springs in the world.
Banjar Hot Springs, Bali
Bali is already famous for wellness getaways and water springs, but Banjar Hot Springs in Buleleng Regency is a must-visit. The milky-aquamarine waters at 38℃ are rich in sulfur and housed in manmade pools with dragon statues. Often used for traditional healing, Banjar Hot Springs is one of Asia’s best thermal baths.
Hakone, Japan
Hakone, Japan, is renowned for its onsens. With its natural beauty, theme parks, and fantastic hot springs, Hakone offers both open-air onsens and hot pools in ryokans. Luxurious hot spring resorts in Hakone provide top-notch experiences, making it a prime hot spring destination worldwide.
South Island, New Zealand
Thanks to its location on the Australian fault line, New Zealand’s South Island is filled with hot springs. Geothermal energy heats these pools, offering relaxing thermal baths with breathtaking views of mountains, valleys, and forests. Some of the best spots are Hammer Springs, Tekapo Springs, and Onsen Queenstown.
Travertine, California, USA
Travertine in California is iconic, especially popular among road trippers. Located off Jack Sawyer Road, it’s a quaint spot with small pools surrounded by jagged rocks. The geothermal-heated waters offer a soothing experience, making Travertine one of the best hot springs in the U.S. and the world.
Spencer Hot Springs, Nevada, USA
In the wilds of Nevada, Spencer Hot Springs offer a unique retreat. These hot tubs, made from metal cattle troughs, are filled with steaming water from local springs. Though it may seem extreme to soak in a hot spring in the desert, cooler morning or evening visits provide the best experience. Finding these springs might be tricky, but it’s worth the effort for a relaxing soak.
Idaho, USA
Idaho boasts some of the best hot springs in the U.S., featuring beautiful and therapeutic spots amid pristine landscapes. From natural streams to luxurious spas, Idaho’s hot springs, such as Miracle Hot Springs, Kirkham Hot Springs, and Boat Box Hot Springs, are perfect year-round, from spring to winter.
If you’re looking for a relaxing getaway that soothes your mind and body, hot spring vacations are a great choice. JoinMyTrip offers fantastic group trips worldwide, led by experienced TripLeaders, who can take you to epic geothermal baths from Budapest to Japan!