Wellness in Naples: complete guide to the Terme di Agnano (swimming pools, SPA, San Germano stoves, schedules and practical tips)

Imagine a place where time slows down, thoughts vanish in hot vapors and you regenerate as if in an embrace of the earth itself. The Terme di Agnano, nestled in the green volcanic basin of the Phlegraean Fields, are all this and much more. Their thousand-year history dates back to Greek and Roman times: already two thousand years ago, natural baths and saunas were built here to exploit the precious thermo-mineral springs that boiled underground. Not surprisingly, according to a local legend, a bishop named San Germano recovered right here from arthritis and skin ailments thanks to the beneficial vapors of the caves: since then those caves bear his name, the famous San Germano Stoves. When you enter these ancient sauna caves, carved into the tuff rock and saturated with natural dry heat, you really feel that you are participating in a ritual unchanged over the centuries. You sit on stone benches and let your sweat wash away toxins and negative thoughts — a unique experience in the world, which only Agnano can offer.

But the Terme di Agnano are not only history: today they are a modern and efficient wellness park, ideal for disconnecting from city life. As soon as you cross the entrance you are greeted by a large lush garden (you will be surprised, because we are still on the outskirts of Naples, but here it feels like being in the countryside!) with outdoor thermal pools surrounded by trees. The thermal water, rich in sulfur and minerals, flows naturally hot between 35° and 40°C, feeding both outdoor and indoor pools. You can swim even in the middle of winter under the sky, with the steam that rises from the water and perhaps the eye that sees the uncontaminated nature of this ancient crater. Inside, in addition to the most intimate thermal baths, you will find two Finnish saunas and relaxation areas where you can relax on comfortable beds while sipping an herbal tea (yes, there is also free herbal tea — essential hydration!). The beauty is that tradition and modernity coexist here: you can alternate a high-tech thermal whirlpool with a session in the San Germano Stoves, which are instead the equivalent of a Turkish bath... in a natural cave from the 18th century!

Another special reason why we recommend Terme di Agnano is the “local” atmosphere: unlike more glossy spas, here you meet many Neapolitans who come on weekends to relax, local couples who treat themselves to a different evening, groups of cheerful friends. In short, it is an authentic experience in the Neapolitan culture of well-being. Don't expect monastic silence everywhere: in the outdoor pool there is also background music and chatter, while in the caves, of course, an almost mystical quiet reigns. This mix makes the day here pleasant and genuine, with that human warmth typical of our land

.

The Terme di Agnano are open all year round with the exception of Monday (closed weekly for maintenance). The opening hours deserve attention, because they vary during the week: from Tuesday to Thursday the entrance is from 9:30 to 19:00, while on Friday and Saturday the complex extends the opening even until 1 at night! Imagine the magic of taking an outdoor thermal bath under the stars on Saturday night, perhaps toasting with an aperitif in a bathrobe — yes, it really happens, there are those who celebrate bachelorette parties or birthdays in an original way immersed in warm water at midnight. On Sundays they close a little earlier, at 20:00, so the last entry in the late afternoon

. ). . more crowds.

Going to the Terme di Agnano does not require much preparation, but a few precautions will make your experience more comfortable. First, bring a bathing suit, slippers and a cap with you. The swimming cap is mandatory to access the pools (if you forget it, don't panic: they can sell you one on site, but it's better to have one from home). Even slippers are a must to walk between pools and changing rooms in safety and hygiene. A kit with a bathrobe and towel (included in the daily admission ticket) will be provided at the entrance, so there is no need to bring towels unless you want an extra one. Bring a small padlock if you want to lock the locker in the changing room (sometimes the locks on loan may run out)

. outside at night. During to drink. hot car!

yourself be lulled by the silence and scents of the hills. soul.