The Most Spectacular Hot Springs in the World

We have all thought about going to a spa to relax and disconnect from everyday life, but there are places where you can experience this naturally, with breathtaking views. Around the world, we find hot springs located in very different places and with varied characteristics. No one should miss these amazing creations of nature; that's why, in the magazine VIAJAR, we bring you the 10 most spectacular hot springs in the world.

This is one of those places that we think could only exist in dreams. In Tuscany, Italy, there is one of the most beautiful hot springs in the world. The Saturnia hot spring erupts from a river born from an extinct volcano on Mount Amiata. Its waters can reach temperatures of 38°C and were already being used in the Middle Ages. Saturnia hides a legend that says these hot springs emerged after Saturn's anger with humans, and he decided to punish them by throwing lightning that formed the springs.

Pamukkale has a great history; thanks to its therapeutic properties, known since the 1st century BC, the famous city of Hierapolis was founded beside it. The tectonic movements in the area formed this stunning place whose translation means "cotton castle." Its spectacular beauty awarded it UNESCO World Heritage status in 1988. Its waters are at an approximate temperature of 40°C and are rich in bicarbonate and limestone. From its pools, you can enjoy stunning sunsets.

These natural water pools are located at an astonishing 264 meters below sea level, in Jordan. Its curious location makes the 63 springs an ideal spot to immerse yourself. The waters, at over 60°C, emerge from the top of a basalt mountain heated by underground lava. Three cascading waterfalls flow into the Ma'in Hot Springs.

Not all hot springs are easily visible or large; Bagby Hot Springs, in Oregon, United States, is hidden in a large forest. These thermal springs are located in the Cascade Mountains and were built in 1920. Used for many years by the local natives, this place has three springs with temperatures between 60°C and 49°C, and the waters collected in tubs are rich in natural elements like sodium, perfect for relaxation and health improvement.

This incredible place located in Japan is known as the "Japanese hell" due to the extravagant colors of its pools. However, this hot spring is very special because it is not possible to bathe in it as the temperature of its pools can reach up to 99°C. Therefore, they are called "hells" instead of ponds, pools, or tubs. The most famous is the red hell in the Shibaseki area, as it is the oldest and its intense red color is produced by the components in its waters filled with magnesium and iron oxide. It is undoubtedly a place one must visit at least once in their life.

In colder countries, this type of place to relax and enjoy warm waters is always sought after. The Blue Lagoon, in Iceland, is considered the most beautiful hot spring in the world by its visitors, even though it is not completely natural due to its proximity to a geothermal plant in a lava area. This spectacular spa opened its doors in 1987, and since then, no one wants to miss its silica-rich waters that give it a bright blue color.

With a large waterfall as the main feature, the hot springs of Santa Rosa de Cabal in Colombia are among the most famous in the world. To the west of Bogotá, waters rich in healing mineral salts emerge from the mountain and can reach temperatures of 70°C. Along the way, the temperature drops to reach the natural pools at approximately 40°C. These hot springs are well-known due to the belief that their medicinal mud helps care for the skin.

In one of the coldest places in the world lies this spectacular indoor pool accompanied by a large lake that forms the Chena Hot Springs in Alaska. Thousands of travelers visit it each year in search of the sensation of immersing themselves in waters that are a staggering 76°C. This impressive natural space also holds one more surprise. From its baths, you can delight in the stunning northern lights.

One of the most famous hot springs in Europe can be found in Budapest, Hungary. At the Szechenyi Spa, you can enjoy 15 very different pools. Three are outdoor and the rest indoor, with various sizes and temperatures and a spectacular classic-style decor. It was built in 1913 with the aim of helping alleviate visitors' joint ailments with its mineral-rich waters.

This is a very special place for Spain, as it was the first Arab bath in the country. After being closed for five centuries, it reopened in 1998 for the pleasure and enjoyment of its visitors. Located in Granada, very close to the Alhambra, this site built in the 13th century is located just behind the Church of Santa Ana. In Hammam, there are pools of warm water (36°C), hot (38°C), and cold (18°C). During archaeological excavations carried out there, pools that had been used centuries ago were discovered.

No one wants to miss these wonders that our planet offers and that more and more people visit in search of disconnection and often with the intention of improving their health through the healing properties of water that springs directly from the earth. These are just ten of the thousands of hot springs spread across the world, which each year amaze tourists who come to see them.