The restorative powers of the mineral waters and mud baths that bubble up from Italian springs – many of volcanic origin – have been renowned since Roman times, and the remains of Roman baths are still to be seen in a number of watering places. The accent on rest and recreation has made many spas into fashionable resort centres with excellent hotels, golf courses and theatres.
The best known spas are Acqui Terme, St.Vincent and Lurisia in Piedmont; San Pellegrino, Salice Terme, Bagni di Bormio and Sirmione in Lombardy; Abano and Montegrotto in Veneto; Merano in Alto Adige; Roncegno and Levico in Trentino; Salsomaggiore in Emilia; Montecatini and Chianciano in Tuscany; Fiuggi, close to Rome; Agnano, Castellammare di Stabia, near Naples, Ischia Porto on the island of Ischia and Sciacca in Sicily.