10 Budget-Friendly Spa Towns Across Europe

For centuries, Europe’s thermal towns and wellness destinations have been a cornerstone of cultural heritage and rejuvenation. From ancient traditions of thermal therapy to contemporary wellness seekers exploring their benefits, these healing sanctuaries have consistently offered refuge and renewal. Today, these destinations harmoniously combine historic charm with modern therapeutic practices, making them accessible and appealing even for travelers on a budget.

In this blog, we uncover some of Europe’s most remarkable wellness destinations, offering affordable indulgence where nature, culture, and healing intersect.

1. Hévíz, Hungary

Getting There:

• From Budapest: Drive (~2 hours via M7) or take a direct bus from Népliget Bus Terminal.
• From Budapest Ferenc Liszt International Airport (BUD): Drive (~2 hours via M7) or take a train to Keszthely, followed by a short taxi/bus ride.

Spa Overview:

• Hévíz Thermal Lake: Open to visitors aged 10+; features thermal lake bathing, mud therapy, and wellness programs.
• Lotus Therme Spa & Wellness: Open to all visitors; provides massage therapies, remove the undeline here saunas, and thermal pools.
• Hotel Spa Hévíz: Open to hotel guests and day visitors; offers private thermal baths, hydrotherapy treatments, and medical wellness programs.

Average Cost Estimate:

~ $600 USD including hotel, restaurant, transport, and spa service  expenses. Subject to change based on spa treatments and other activities. 

Best Time to Visit:

• Spring (April-June): Pleasant weather, blooming gardens.
• Autumn (September-November): Fewer tourists, ideal for peaceful spa visits. 

Where to Stay:

1. Lotus Therme Hotel & Spa: Luxury retreat with an extensive wellness center, thermal pools, and mud therapy facilities.
2. Hotel Europa Fit: Mid-range family-friendly wellness resort with a variety of spa treatments.
3. Erzsébet Hotel: Affordable option close to attractions, offering comfortable stays near the lake.

Where to Eat:

• Caffe Macchiato: Hungarian-European fusion overlooking Lake Hévíz.
• Kocsi Csárda: Traditional Hungarian dishes with views of Lake Hévíz.

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2. Saturnia, Italy

Getting There:

• From Rome: Drive (~2 hours via E80) or take a train to Grosseto, followed by a bus to Saturnia.
• From Florence: Drive (~3 hours via SR2) or take a train to Grosseto, then a bus.

Spa Overview:

• Terme di Saturnia: Open to all visitors; famous for sulfur-rich thermal pools with anti-inflammatory properties.
• Cascate del Mulino: Open to all; free natural hot springs with cascading waterfalls. 
• Saturnia Spa & Golf Resort: Open to hotel guests and day visitors; offers private thermal pools, spa treatments, and golf facilities.

Average Cost Estimate:

~ $550 USD, including hotel, restaurant, transport, and spa service expenses. 

Best Time to Visit:

• Spring (April-June) & Autumn (September-November)

Where to Stay:

1. Terme di Saturnia Natural Spa & Golf Resort: Luxury stay with direct access to private thermal pools.
2. Hotel Saturnia Tuscany: Mid-range boutique hotel offering wellness programs.
3. Window on Rome: Mid-rangeAffordable accommodation with comfortable amenities and city views in Rome.
4. Agriturismo Le Cascatelle: Affordable countryside accommodation near the waterfalls.

Where to Eat:

• Ristorante All’Acquacotta: Traditional Tuscan cuisine overlooking the rolling hills.
• Trattoria Il Rifugio: Cozy eatery near the hot springs, serving local specialties.

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3. Loutraki, Greece

Getting There:

• From Athens: Drive (~1 hour via E94) or take a suburban train to Corinth, followed by a short taxi or bus ride.
• From Athens International Airport (ATH): Take a train or bus to Corinth, then a short taxi ride to Loutraki.

Spa Overview:

• Loutraki Thermal Spa: Open to all visitors; offers hydrotherapy, thermal pools, saunas, and wellness treatments.
• Pozar Thermal Baths: Open to all visitors; features outdoor and indoor thermal pools with natural mineral waters.
• Loutraki Resort Spa & Wellness: Open to resort guests and day visitors; offers high-end spa treatments and hydrotherapy.

Average Cost Estimate:

~$500 USD, including hotel, restaurant, transport, and spa service expenses.

Best Time to Visit:

• Spring (April-June) & Autumn (September-November)

Where to Stay:

• Club Hotel Casino Loutraki: Luxury beachfront resort with a spa and casino.
• Hotel Pappas: Mid-range accommodation with sea views and modern amenities.
• Mantas Seaside Hotel: Affordable, comfortable stay close to the beach.

Where to Eat:

• Maistrali: Seafood restaurant overlooking the Gulf of Corinth.
• To Rigani: Traditional Greek tavern with seaside seating.

 

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4. Mariánské Lázně, Czech Republic

Getting There:

• From Prague: Drive (~2 hours via D5) or take a direct train.

Spa Overview:

• Central Colonnade Spa: Natural mineral springs and carbon dioxide therapy. Open to all visitors. Offers balneotherapy, mud treatments, and hydrotherapy.
• Roman Baths at Nové Lázně: Historic spa with luxurious thermal treatments. Open to adults. Includes mineral water therapies, Finnish saunas, and hot stone massages.
• Spa Resort Hvězda: Modern wellness center offering mud baths and mineral water treatments. Open to hotel guests and day visitors. Services include inhalation therapy, electrotherapy, and lymphatic drainage.

Average Cost Estimate:

~$500 USD (hotel, food, transport, and spa services).

Best Time to Visit:

• Summer (June-August) & Autumn (September-October).

Where to Stay:

• Falkensteiner Spa Resort: 5-star wellness retreat with healing pools.
• Four Seasons Hotel Prague: Luxury riverside accommodation offering spa and wellness services with views of the Vltava River.
• Hotel Olympia: Spa-focused hotel near mineral springs.
• Pension Elektra: Affordable stay with a homey atmosphere.

Where to Eat:

• Villa Patriot: Elegant dining with local Czech cuisine.
• Zlate Koule: Traditional Czech dishes with an old-world ambiance

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5. Furnas, Azores, Portugal

Getting There:

• From Ponta Delgada: Drive (~45 minutes) or take a bus to Furnas.

Spa Overview:

• Terra Nostra Park: Thermal pools and botanical gardens. Open to all visitors. Services include volcanic mud masks, mineral-rich hot baths, and body scrubs.
• Poça da Dona Beija: Open-air geothermal baths. Open to all visitors. Offers natural mineral baths, warm water relaxation pools, and hydrotherapy.
• Caldeira Velha: Natural hot springs in a lush rainforest setting. Open to nature lovers and wellness seekers. Services include forest bathing, waterfall massages, and sulfur spring soaks.

Average Cost Estimate:

~$600 USD (hotel, food, transport, and spa services).

Best Time to Visit:

• Spring (April-June) & Autumn (September-November).

Where to Stay:

• Hotel Marina Atlântico: Modern waterfront hotel with spa amenities and ocean views. 
• Terra Nostra Garden Hotel: Luxury boutique spa hotel inside a botanical garden.
• Hotel Vale Verde: Comfortable stay near hot springs.
• Furnas Lake Villas: Affordable nature-centric lodging.

Where to Eat:

• Tony’s Restaurant: Famous for traditional Cozido das Furnas.
• À Terra Furnas: Farm-to-table Portuguese cuisine.

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6. Varaždinske Toplice, Croatia

Getting There:

• From Zagreb: Drive (~1 hour via A4) or take a train.

Spa Overview:

• Aquae Vivae Spa: Modern thermal pools and wellness treatments. Open to all visitors. Offers hydrotherapy, massage therapy, and saunas.
• Special Hospital for Medical Rehabilitation: Therapeutic mineral baths with medical supervision. Open to individuals seeking rehabilitation and wellness.
• Hotel Spa Villa Magdalena: A boutique wellness retreat with rooftop thermal pools. Open to hotel guests and day visitors. Services include holistic treatments and mineral bath therapies.

Average Cost Estimate:

~$550 USD (hotel, food, transport, and spa services).

Best Time to Visit:

• Spring (April-June) & Autumn (September-November).

Where to Stay:

• Hotel Minerva: High-end wellness hotel with thermal pools, saunas, and spa treatments.
• Park Boutique Hotel: Mid-range boutique hotel featuring elegant rooms, a wellness center, and easy access to local attractions.
• Pansion Bernarda: Affordable guesthouse offering comfortable rooms and a relaxing atmosphere near the spa facilities.

Where to Eat:

• Bedem Restaurant: Elegant dining with Croatian specialties.
• Restoran Bernarda: Traditional cuisine in a historic setting.

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7. Miskolctapolca, Hungary

Getting There:

• From Budapest: Drive (~2 hours via M3) or take a train to Miskolc, followed by a short taxi/bus ride.

Spa Overview:

• Miskolctapolca Cave Bath: a unique thermal spa inside a natural cave system: open to all visitors: services include thermal bathing, hydrotherapy, and wellness massages.
• Ellipsum Spa & Wellness: a modern wellness center with thermal pools, saunas, and relaxation therapies: open to families and individual visitors: features salt chambers and aromatherapy treatments.
• Hungarospa Hajdúszoboszló: one of Europe’s largest bath complexes with indoor and outdoor thermal pools: open to all visitors: provides medical spa treatments, physiotherapy, and aqua fitness programs.

Average Cost Estimate:

~$500 USD (hotel, food, transport, and spa services).

Best Time to Visit:

• Spring (April-June) & Autumn (September-November).

Where to Stay:

• Avalon Resort & Spa: Luxury wellness resort near Bükk National Park.
• Calimbra Wellness Hotel: Comfortable accommodations with thermal pools.
• Hotel Kitty: Affordable stay close to the cave baths.
• Budapest Marriott Hotel: Upscale accommodation with views of the Danube River.

Where to Eat:

• Avalon Ristorante: Italian-Hungarian fusion cuisine with a scenic terrace.
• Diósgyőri Vár Étterem: Traditional Hungarian dishes with a medieval castle view.

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8. Ischia, Italy

Getting There:

• From Naples: Ferry (~1 hour) from Molo Beverello or Porta di Massa.
• From Naples International Airport: Taxi or shuttle to the port, then ferry.

Spa Overview:

• Poseidon Thermal Gardens: Open-air thermal pools, hydrotherapy, and mineral mud baths. Open to adults and children above 12. Offers thalassotherapy, water aerobics, and anti-aging treatments.
• Negombo Thermal Park: Hot spring pools and therapeutic treatments. Open to all visitors. Includes aromatherapy, reflexology, and detoxifying baths.
• Castiglione Thermal Park: A collection of natural hot pools with panoramic sea views. Open to adults. Offers private mineral baths, spa massages, and sauna therapy.

Average Cost Estimate:

~$550 USD (hotel, food, transport, and spa services).

Best Time to Visit:

• Spring (April-June) & Autumn (September-November).

Where to Stay:

• Mezzatorre Hotel & Thermal Spa: Waterfront luxury with a private thermal spa.
• Hotel Hermitage & Park Terme: Wellness-focused hotel with thermal pools.
• Hotel Solemar Terme: Comfortable accommodation with spa services and thermal pools. Waterfront luxury with a private thermal spa.
• Hotel Noris: Affordable, cozy hotel near the beaches.

Where to Eat:

• Ristorante Il Monastero: Scenic dining with Mediterranean cuisine.
• Trattoria Il Focolare: Farm-to-table dishes with local ingredients.

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9. Edipsos, Greece

Getting There:

• From Athens: Drive (~2.5 hours) or take a ferry from Arkitsa.

Spa Overview:

• Edipsos Thermal Springs: Mineral-rich waters with public and private spa facilities. Open to all visitors. Includes thermal mud therapy, seaweed wraps, and hydrotherapy pools.
• Thermae Sylla Spa & Wellness Hotel: One of Greece’s top spa resorts. Open to hotel guests and day visitors. Services include rejuvenation massages, detox baths, and aromatherapy.
• Aidepsos Hydrotherapy Center: Therapeutic thermal baths known for arthritis treatment. Open to seniors and individuals seeking medical wellness. Offers aquatic physiotherapy, hot spring soaking, and body rehabilitation programs.

Average Cost Estimate:

~$500 USD (hotel, food, transport, and spa services).

Best Time to Visit:

• Spring (April-June) & Autumn (September-November).

Where to Stay:

• Thermae Sylla Spa & Wellness Hotel: High-end retreat with full spa amenities.
• Palatino Hotel: Comfortable stay with spa access.
• Ilion Spa Hotel: Budget-friendly, near the beach.

Where to Eat:

• Ouzeri O Mitsos: Traditional Greek seafood by the waterfront.
• Ta Kochylia: Fresh Mediterranean cuisine with sea views.

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10. Karlovy Vary, Czech Republic

Getting There:

• From Prague: Drive (~2 hours via D6) or take a direct bus from Prague Florenc.
• From Václav Havel Airport (PRG): Take a bus or train to Prague City Center, then a direct bus to Karlovy Vary.

Spa Overview:

• Elizabeth Spa (Alžbětiny Lázně): Open to all ages; offers thermal pools, hydrotherapy, and mud baths.
• Castle Spa: Open to adults; exclusive treatments, saunas, and mineral water therapies.
• Thermia Palace Spa: Open to all visitors; offers customized wellness and rehabilitation treatments.

Average Cost Estimate:

~ $500 USD, including hotel, restaurant, transport, and spa service expenses.

Best Time to Visit:

• Summer (June-August): Warm weather, festivals.
• Autumn (September-October): Fewer tourists, beautiful foliage.

Where to Stay:

• Four Seasons Hotel Prague: Luxury riverside accommodation offering spa and wellness services with views of the Vltava River.
• Grandhotel Pupp: Luxury hotel along the Teplá River, featuring world-class spa services.
• Hotel Dvorak Spa & Wellness: Mid-range riverfront spa hotel with excellent wellness programs.
• Rezidence Moser Apartments: Affordable accommodation near the Teplá River, 
• offering self-catering options.

Where to Eat:

• Restaurace Le Marché: Riverside Czech-European dining with views of the Teplá River.
• Charleston Restaurant: Traditional Czech cuisine with views of the Teplá River.

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Ready to experience Europe’s most affordable thermal spas and wellness retreats? From the mineral-rich waters of Hungary to the volcanic hot springs of the Azores, these destinations offer relaxation without breaking the bank. At Waterviews Travel, we can help you plan your perfect wellness getaway with access to budget-friendly pools, mud baths, massages, and rejuvenating beauty treatments. Whether you’re looking for a scenic retreat or a cultural wellness escape, we’ve got you covered. Contact us today at service@waterviewstravel.com or call 1-800-735-9790 to personalize your trip and embark on a journey that’s as unique as you are. 

Photo Credits: Pixabay Photos. E&Os excluded.