The Colli Euganei (Euganean Hills) near Padua sit on a geothermal anomaly that pushes water to the surface at 87°C. The Romans built baths here (Aponus was the god of healing water). Today, the towns of Abano Terme and Montegrotto Terme form the largest thermal district in Europe: over 80 hotels, each with its own thermal pool, fango (therapeutic mud) department, and spa. The fango di Abano — volcanic mud matured in thermal water for 60 days, applied to the body at 42°C — is a PDO-recognized treatment for arthritis, osteoarthritis, and muscular conditions. Even if you're not seeking therapy, the combination of hot pools, mud treatments, and the gentle Euganean Hills landscape is one of the most relaxing experiences in Italy. Padua guide → · Veneto →
Plan my thermal trip →Choose a thermal hotel (not a spa day-pass). Unlike most Italian thermal towns where you visit a central spa facility, in Abano-Montegrotto each hotel IS the spa. You check in, put on a bathrobe, and spend your stay moving between thermal pools, fango treatments, massages, and meals. Most hotels offer half-board or full-board packages that include daily fango + thermal pool + massage. 3-night packages: €300-600/person depending on hotel category. Day visitors: some hotels accept non-guests for pool access (€25-45) but the full experience requires staying. Top hotels: Hotel Terme Venezia (4-star, €90-150/night half-board), Grand Hotel Terme (5-star, €150-250), Hotel Terme Bristol Buja (4-star superior, exceptional fango department).
The Colli Euganei are volcanic hills (max 601m) rising from the Veneto plain, covered in vineyards, chestnut forests, and medieval villages. Between treatments: hike Monte Venda (the highest, 601m, panoramic views to Venice and the Alps), visit Arquà Petrarca (the village where the poet Petrarch died in 1374 — his house is a museum), cycle the Anello dei Colli Euganei (bike route circling the hills). Wines: Colli Euganei DOC — Moscato (sweet, fragrant), Fior d'Arancio (orange blossom wine), and reds from Merlot and Cabernet blends.
Getting there: Padova station (30min from Venice, 2h from Milan), then bus or taxi to Abano (15min). Stay: 2-4 nights minimum for the full thermal benefit. Best time: year-round. Autumn and winter are peak thermal season (the heat is most welcome). Spring: combine with the hills' wildflowers. Combine with: Padua (Scrovegni Chapel, Sant'Antonio, 15min), Venice (40min by train), Verona (1h).