Siena travel guide: where to stay, what to do and where to eat in Siena, Tuscany, Italy.
Top beaches
A ranked editor’s shortlist of the coastline worth planning a day around in Siena.
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- Rustic, informal and busy on summer weekends
- Free natural travertine pools
- Paid spa with thermal pools nearby (entry reported at EUR 15, about $17)
- Roadside parking (limited)
Terme di Petriolo (Free Hot Springs on the Farma River)
Free sulphur hot springs at about 43 degrees Celsius flowing into travertine pools beside the Farma river, with a separate paid spa nearby.
Editor’s tip. Visit on weekdays or off season to avoid crowds.
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- Historic spa village, quiet and scenic
- Historic thermal pool square (Piazza delle Sorgenti)
- Parco dei Mulini footpath
- Posta Marcucci outdoor pools open to day visitors
- Restaurants and cafes
Bagno Vignoni and Posta Marcucci Thermal Pools
A village built around a steaming thermal pool square, with paid day access to outdoor pools at Posta Marcucci and a free walk through the Parco dei Mulini.
Editor’s tip. Do not assume the free pools allow bathing; follow signs and fines apply (EUR 25-500 reported).
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- Natural and informal
- Free thermal stream with white calcite formations (Fosso Bianco)
- Small village with a few restaurants
- Paid thermal pool at a nearby hotel
Bagni San Filippo and the Fosso Bianco
A free warm stream with white calcium deposits near the village of Bagni San Filippo, popular with locals in cooler months.
Editor’s tip. Wear water shoes; calcite is slippery.
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- Relaxed spa town
- Several thermal spas with open-air pools
- Travertine quarries and baths
- Restaurants in the village
Rapolano Terme Thermal Pools
The nearest developed thermal spa area to Siena, with several pay-to-enter spas using warm travertine-rich water.
Editor’s tip. Check each spa's website for prices and opening hours.
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- Italian family beach resort, busy in July and August
- Long sandy beach
- Beach clubs and free beach areas
- Promenade and restaurants
- Parking
Follonica Gulf Beach (Nearest Sea from Siena)
A sandy Tyrrhenian beach town on the Gulf of Follonica, the most convenient seaside option from Siena for a long day trip.
Editor’s tip. Leave Siena early in July and August to avoid traffic.
Things to do at the beach
Beyond swimming and sunbathing — the activities that make a coastal day in Siena memorable.
Practical beach info
What to know before you head to the coast — season, getting there, facilities, and what it costs.
Best season
Sea swimming runs from June to September; thermal pools are best from October to April, though paid spas operate year-round.
Transport
A car is the practical choice for all options. Rapolano Terme is on the Siena-Chiusi rail line. For other sites check Autolinee Toscane on at-bus.it and Trenitalia timetables.
Cost
Free thermal sites cost nothing (Petriolo and Bagni San Filippo). Paid access: Petriolo spa about EUR 15 (~$17), Posta Marcucci day pass reported from about EUR 20 (~$23); beach club prices at Follonica vary by club.
Booking
Reserve beach club loungers in July and August. Check each spa for day-pass booking rules and current prices before travelling.
What to bring
A short packing list for a comfortable beach day — adjust for season and the specific spot.
- Sun protectionHigh-SPF sunscreen, hat, polarised sunglasses, light long-sleeve cover-up.
- HydrationReusable bottle, salty snacks for longer days, electrolyte sachets if it’s hot.
- FootwearWater shoes for pebble or rocky entry, flip-flops for sand, dry pair for the trip home.
- Swim & coverQuick-dry towel or sand-resistant mat, change of swimwear, light cover-up for restaurants.
- Cash & valuablesSmall notes for beach clubs and rentals; waterproof pouch for phone, keys, cards.
- ExtrasReef-safe sunscreen near protected coastline, a book, a small first-aid kit for jellyfish or scrapes.
Beach safety
Hard-earned guidance — read this before you swim, especially if you’re unfamiliar with the coast.
Critical
Swim where lifeguards are posted and follow flag warnings — green is safe, yellow is caution, red means no swimming. Rip currents are the leading beach hazard worldwide.
Caution
Watch for tide changes and marine life — jellyfish blooms, sea urchins on rocky entries, occasional shark or stingray advisories. Don’t swim alone, especially at dawn or dusk.
Tip
Reapply sunscreen every 90 minutes and after every swim. Take shade between 11 am and 3 pm — the sun is harsher than people expect, even when the air is cool.
Practical
Keep valuables out of sight or back at the accommodation. Beach theft is a small-but-real risk at busy beaches; never leave bags unattended while you’re in the water.
Common questions
Quick answers to the questions we get asked most about Siena’s coast.
Are the Petriolo pools free?
The riverside pools are described as free; a separate spa charges entry (about EUR 15, roughly $17, reported).
From the Terme di Petriolo (Free Hot Springs on the Farma River) editorial.
Are there changing rooms?
Not at the free section.
From the Terme di Petriolo (Free Hot Springs on the Farma River) editorial.
Can I swim in the main square pool?
No, bathing in the Piazza delle Sorgenti pool is forbidden.
From the Bagno Vignoni and Posta Marcucci Thermal Pools editorial.
How much is Posta Marcucci?
A day pass is reported from about EUR 20 (roughly $23); verify with the hotel.
From the Bagno Vignoni and Posta Marcucci Thermal Pools editorial.
Is it free?
The Fosso Bianco stream is described as free to visit; confirm locally.
From the Bagni San Filippo and the Fosso Bianco editorial.
Is there parking?
Roadside parking near the village is limited.
From the Bagni San Filippo and the Fosso Bianco editorial.
Can I reach Rapolano by train?
Yes, on the Siena-Chiusi line; check timetables.
From the Rapolano Terme Thermal Pools editorial.
How much is entry?
Prices were not verified; check each spa.
From the Rapolano Terme Thermal Pools editorial.