The Best Hot Springs Around The World For A Relaxing Getaway, According To Travelers

Hot springs have been used for thousands of years to treat a variety of ailments, get clean, and simply relax. They run the gamut: from pools in fancy spas to hidden ponds in forests, simple concrete constructions, and elaborate temples, and cover nearly all colors on the spectrum. They also offer a host of benefits. 

In conversation with The Independent, Dr. Harpal Bains, who specializes in longevity, noted that, in addition to the supposed therapeutic benefits of thermal waters and their minerals, "Hot springs are often in naturally beautiful, low-pollution environments, so you're breathing cleaner air and reconnecting with nature — both known to reduce cortisol and improve mood." They have also been linked to benefits like soothed skin, better sleep, lower inflammation, improved circulation, less stress, and even potentially longer lifespans.

Perhaps the best news, however, is that there are hot springs on every single continent — even Antarctica! Whether you're hoping for chance to plan a glowcation or embark on a spiritual journey with hot pools in nature, you're spoiled for choice on where to go. To hopefully make things a little easier, here are 13 of the best hot springs around the world for a relaxing getaway.

When you think of Iceland, you probably think of thermal waters; and when you think of thermal waters in Iceland, the first one that comes to mind is likely the Blue Lagoon. Iceland's most famous geothermal spa is must-visit for travelers to the Nordic country, and the unusual milky-blue waters have a slew of reported benefits. Plus, the surrounding lava landscape makes you feel like you're on another planet — not uncommon for Iceland, which is home to some of the most dazzling places on the planet. One Redditor reported: "I went to Blue Lagoon [at night] and it was magical!" 

While we fully believe the Blue Lagoon is worth the hype, as one local noted, "Iceland is not just the Blue Lagoon." The Sky Lagoon is a popular alternative, as is the Forest Lagoon in Akureyri, which another Redditor praised as being "Smaller, spectacular views and not very busy at all." Our recommendation? Try them all. Day visits to the Blue Lagoon start at approximately $98 per person, although various travel packages can get you a discount.

One thing's for sure about the Romans: they had a thing for hot baths, and an affinity for discovering natural hot springs, all over their vast empire. One of these is located in Saturnia, part of the famed wine region of Tuscany. While the Saturnia Hot Springs — or Terme di Saturnia — are typically associated with a pricier resort, the nearby Cascate del Mulino is a thermal waterfall in a picturesque setting that happens to be free 24 hours a day, 365 days a year. As one Redditor noted: "The pure beauty of the natural formations [at Cascate del Mulino] and the heavenly water is a perfect combination!"

According to the ancient Romans, these hot springs were caused by lightning bolts scarring the Earth during an epic battle between Jupiter and Saturn. As such, the springs were considered a gift from the gods — and it's hard to argue with this when you see the waterfall cascading down its white terraces, made from mineral deposits formed over centuries. 

Despite its appeal, it's worth noting that the sulfur-heavy waters definitely have a smell, and they can also stain clothing. So, as one local recommends: "I always use a specific old bathing suit, because it can become yellowish. Same as the clothes if you wear them without rinsing yourself with normal water before wearing them... if you know everything in advance you can enjoy the experience without any issue afterwards. It's an amazing place and a wonderful experience."

Khir Ganga — also spelled Kheer Ganga or Kheerganga — is located in the scenic Indian state of Himachal Pradesh. Although it's not the easiest to reach, the trip is certainly worth it. The springs are located in the upper reaches of the Parvati Valley, accessible via a three- to four-hour trek from the village of Barshaini, near the bigger town of Kasol. 

The hot springs, which feature separate pools for men and women, are tucked away near a Shiva temple, providing incredible views of the surrounding Himalayas. As one local noted on Quora: "It is like your own personal Jacuzzi in the mountains... Imagine sitting in a pool of hot water spring looking at snow-clad mountains at a distance! It is truly a majestic feeling."

While there are several accommodation options in the tiny village of Khir Ganga — primarily seasonally available tents — you'll find more options down the valley in both Barshaini and Kasol. Although the trail is not considered difficult, it can be easy to wander off track or take the wrong direction, so consider booking a guide — strongly recommended during the snowy and rainy seasons — or joining a group.

Travelers on a budget will be happy to know that Hungary is one of Europe's most affordable destinations to visit in 2026 — and its capital, Budapest, is known for its hot baths. So much so that it's even known as the "World's Spa Capital." As redditor u/tee2green puts it: "I went to three [thermal baths] in Budapest and they're all my top 3. They do such a wonderful job with them."

There are dozens of baths in Budapest, but one of the most iconic is the Széchenyi Baths, located in a Neo-Baroque palace near City Park (Városliget). The ornate yellow building is the perfect backdrop for a little Hungarian soak. As Rick Steves' protege, Cameron Hewitt, writes: "The Széchenyi Baths are Budapest's ultimate thermal spa experience. Architecturally, the bath complex is grand: A century-old, yellow-and-stone masterpiece, with imperial colonnades and bronze horsemen and copper domes. But it's also the most purely enjoyable of the city's two dozen spas." 

In addition to multiple pools at different temperatures, the baths also feature a circular whirlpool similar to a lazy river. Beyond that, there are daily chess circles (in the water) and spa parties ("Sparties") during summer evenings.

Türkiye is home to many popular attractions worth adding to your itinerary, including over twenty UNESCO Heritage sites. Luckily, it just so happens that one of them is also a famous hot spring. Pamukkale, also known as the "Cotton Castle" is made up of a series of tiered thermal pools that certainly look as if they're built on white, puffy clouds. Due to the high mineral content of the springs, the sediment has formed picturesque terraces, with clear blue water cascading below. Above the pools, visitors will find the former Roman and Byzantine city of Hierapolis. Combined, they make up the UNESCO site of Hierapolis-Pamukkale. A visit to Hierapolis is a must when visiting Pamukkale, especially if you're looking to explore its extensive ruins, temples, baths, and theater. 

Although the pools attract many crowds, arriving early or late in the day — or visiting in the off-season — can help you avoid them. Regardless, most visitors still find the Cotton Castle enchanting. As one traveler wrote on Tripadvisor: "[Pamukkale] is simply stunning. The water is bright blue, almost iridescent. When the sun goes behind clouds the pools almost seem to glow."

Unfortunately, the popularity of the site has damaged some of the pools, and while the remaining baths aren't very deep, they're still worth a dip. If you're craving even more water after a swim at Pamukkale, head to the Cleopatra Antique Pools. Located within Hierapolis, and requiring an extra fee, you can swim above fallen Roman columns. Just make sure to check ahead, as the site was recently closed for renovation. In addition, many hotels near Pamukkale have harnessed the area's thermal waters for their own use. 

An unassuming town deep in Colorado's Rocky Mountains is home to a world wonder: the world's deepest geothermal aquifer, known as the "Mother Spring." The Mother Spring descends at least 1,000 feet underground, and its thermal waters are renowned for their therapeutic qualities. The Mother Spring was first discovered by the Ute and other Native tribes; nowadays, the town where you can most easily access the spot, Pagosa Springs, gets its name from the Ute word for "healing waters." 

The spring's thermal waters feed pools that line the picturesque San Juan River, and several resorts within Pagosa Springs also have harnessed them for their own use. This includes the Springs Resort & Spa, where you can book day passes or overnight stays.

For the more adventurous, it's possible to embark on a hike to one of the area's backcountry hot springs, all fed by the Mother Spring. The most well-known is the Rainbow Hot Springs pool, accessible via a 4.5-mile hike. However you choose to enjoy the Mother Spring, the draw is ultimately the same: ancient, mineral-rich water that has been drawing people to this corner of Colorado for thousands of years.

From ocean to desert, mountains to salt flats, Chile's most amazing tourist attractions all prove one thing: the country is all about drama — and its most famous hot springs are no exception. Hard to reach, the Termas Geométricas, located near Pucón, are characterized by ice-cold plunge pools and thermal springs so hot you may melt into a puddle of relaxation. Dramatic, yes, but also incredible — just like Chile itself. 

Travelers on Reddit agree, with one Redditor commenting that the "Termas Geométricas in Chile is unique. It's a hot springs river and it's fully outside with multiple pools and an ice cold waterfall at the end [if] you care to jump in." Another reviewer agrees, reporting that there are "Pools of all different temperatures, waterfall cold plunges and a great cafe onsite. Fantastic afternoon trip!"

To reach the Termas Geométricas, you'll need a high-clearance car for the two-hour drive from Pucón. Alternatively, you can join a tour, which many hotels in the area can arrange for you, since there are limited public transportation options to the pools. Once you arrive, you'll walk the signature red wooden pathways through a narrow gorge, discovering the pools of your choice — from very hot to very cold, and everything in between. While the pools are lovely any time of day, some travelers recommend a visit during the evening. 

Japan is one of the world's best wellness destinations to visit in 2026, and their many onsen are a key part of this. Japan's onsen, or hot springs, are prevalent wherever you go — along rivers, in forests, on mountains, and overlooking the ocean. The country is also particularly known for its onsen towns, similar to the spa towns of Europe, and one of the best is Kinosaki Onsen. 

Considered a classic onsen town with plenty of ryokans (inns) providing private onsen experiences along with public baths — as well as access to both mountain and ocean — Kinosaki is a highlight for anyone. The charming town is home to a series of seven historic bathhouses all fed by the town's main thermal source, and which are within walking distance of each other. So go ahead and book a ryokan for the private onsen experience, then set out in your sandals and provided yukata (robe) for the town's public onsens. 

According to past travelers, winter is an especially delightful time to visit, with one Redditor reporting: "It was winter and outdoors. You're on the mountainside surrounded by deep snow and fir trees. The steam rises from the onsen and you slowly sink into it and close your eyes. Pure bliss."

Smack in the middle of the Atlantic are the Azores, a Portuguese archipelago considered the "Hawaii of Europe," and one of Portugal's top destinations to add to your itinerary. And on the western coast of São Miguel Island is perhaps one of the world's most unique geothermal waters: Ponta da Ferraria, where thermal waters meet the ocean. As one visitor commented on Reddit: "The hot spring water mixing with the cold Atlantic with every wave is fantastic."

Since Ponta da Ferraria is a natural ocean pool, and it should be visited during low tide — that is, if you actually want to experience any warm water, instead of just cold ocean water. Once you arrive, you'll quickly realize this is wild swimming at its finest: a ladder and ropes are all that anchors you to the black volcanic rocks, and nature only allows you to experience the warm water before the inevitable tide change. To reach Ponta da Ferraria, it's best to have a car, or join a tour, as the public transport in the area is limited.

Switzerland attracts wellness seekers from the world over thanks to its fresh air, beautiful scenery, and world-class spas — not to mention, it's also one of the safest countries in the world for 2026. Better yet, there are plenty of incredible thermal opportunities in Switzerland, but one of the most unique is in the charming village of Vals. 

The Thermal Baths at Hotel 7132, or 7132 Therme, designed by famous architect Peter Zumthor, have a modern yet natural design that's enough to leave anyone in awe — and that's before you factor in the therapeutic waters. Built from thousands of pieces of local stone, the sharp corners and clean lines give it a minimalist feel while managing to blend in with the landscape. One Redditor agrees, sharing: "The bath house is designed by Peter Zumthor, one of the great minimalist architects I've ever come across. Looking out over the Swiss countryside at the peak of autumn is one of my core memories." 

It's worth noting that the 7132 Therme has a strict, limited number of visitors, but day passes are available if you don't have $1,500 to spend on one night's accommodation at the hotel. If you choose to stay in a different hotel in Vals, you'll also receive a discount for the pools.

High in limestone cliffs in Hidalgo, Mexico, is one of the country's hidden gems: the Grutas de Tolantongo. Made up of natural and man-made pools warmed by a nearby volcanic river — complete with a warm waterfall, which you can also visit — the thermal waters are situated high on a mountain cliff overlooking the dramatic landscape. 

As one traveler noted on Tripadvisor: "One of the most beautiful places I ever visited. No photos makes justice to this place. The water is so beautiful and so warm, so many little places to explore inside the park!" Another chimed in, writing "It's an amazing-out of this world place," and that they recommend you spend part of the day in the pools, and part of the day in the warm river and waterfalls below. Other travelers noted that water shoes, cash, a towel, a waterproof cell phone case, and some form of light for exploring the caves are also necessary. 

While still relatively off-the-beaten-path at a roughly four-hour drive from Mexico City, the Grutas de Tolantongo are getting more popular. This means you'll likely want to avoid visiting during the weekend, otherwise you might run into some crowds.

Approximately 55 miles outside of Fairbanks, Alaska, you'll find Chena Hot Springs — a rustic thermal lake popular with visitors since 1912. Chena is also considered Alaska's most accessible hot springs, as the majority of thermal pools in this remote state can only be reached by foot; meanwhile, it's possible to drive or take tours to Chena. Once there, visitors can enjoy splashing around in the warm rock pool, with temperatures hovering around 106 degrees Fahrenheit, visiting the year-round ice museum, or relaxing with a massage. 

Chena Hot Springs is especially worth a visit between late autumn and early spring, when the chances of seeing the Northern Lights at night are highest. Winter is especially wonderful, and there's truly nothing like watching the Aurora dance above your head, surrounded by a pristine snowy land, while you relax in bubbly thermal waters. As one traveler noted on Tripadvisor: "The hot springs were amazing in itself but actually being able to see the Northern Lights took the cake."

Uunartoq are Greenland's only swimmable hot springs, and they have been used for centuries. In fact, Leif Erickson himself is said to have soaked here before continuing his journey toward North America.

Uunartoq is tucked away on its own uninhabited island, which means you'll need a boat to reach it. However, it's still a relatively easy day trip from the nearby town of Qaqortoq, and sailing through southern Greenland's coastal fjords makes the ordeal even more worth it. It's truly the epitome of remote relaxation in the Arctic, surrounded by Greenland's peaks and ocean, where you can even spot the occasional whale. Throw in the consistently hot water, and you have perfection. 

As Lisa Germany notes for Guide to Greenland: "I have to admit, soaking here in the middle of nowhere with spectacular views of impressive mountains and accompanied by the sharp cracking of enormous icebergs really is the ultimate in spa experiences." She also highlights that the sandy bottom "causes the water to sparkle in the sun," and that the persistent sulfur-eggy smell haunting many hot pools is absent here, as it's "heated by geothermal subsoil rather than volcanic activity."

We compiled this list of 13 of the world's best hot springs for a relaxing getaway using a variety of reputable sources. This includes interviews expert insights published on major publications like The New York Times, local news sources, and recommendations from seasoned travelers on sites like Reddit and Tripadivsor. The writer also relied on their personal experience, along with current information sourced from location websites, to add relevant data that helps readers plan their visit.