10 best UNESCO spa towns of Europe where people visit for wellness and healing

Spa towns in Europe were drawing kings, aristocrats, artists, and tourists well before wellness tourism became a global phenomenon. Built around natural thermal and mineral-rich springs that were thought to be capable of curing various ailments, these spas later became luxurious places with well-developed bathing facilities, promenades, gardens, gambling rooms, and expensive hotels. In other words, these were resorts to which visitors came not only for healing purposes but also to relax and participate in cultural events.
According to UNESCO, in 2021, some of these resorts were recognised as “The Great Spa Towns of Europe” due to their influence on medicine, architecture, and the culture of well-being on the continent. Despite that these spas are old constructions, they are still considered some of the most beautiful places in Europe to visit and use for relaxation. Below are 10 great examples of these UNESCO recognized spas.

Bath is considered one of Europe’s most legendary spa cities and possibly the most renowned thermal spa city apart from ancient Rome. The city has been developed around natural hot springs which have been utilised for more than two thousand years by both the Romans and the Georgian elite class. Today, tourists can explore the incredibly well-preserved Roman Baths, where mineral-rich steamy water continues to flow beneath the city. Other than being known for its wellness culture, Bath is known for its beautiful honey-coloured Georgian architecture and crescents and its connections with the author Jane Austen.

One of Europe’s most spectacular spa towns, Karlovy Vary has attracted wellness tourists since the fourteenth century. Located amidst the picturesque hillside forests, the spa town is noted for its thermal mineral springs, stunning colonnades, brightly painted buildings, and Belle Époque architecture. Traditionally, royalty from Europe, composers, and intellectuals have flocked to the town due to the curative qualities of its waters. Some of the most notable features of Karlovy Vary include drinking mineral water from special porcelain spa cups while walking between the springs.

Situated near the edge of the Black Forest, Baden-Baden emerged as the epitome of luxury wellness during the 19th century. This town turned into a luxurious getaway for the elites of Europe, where emperors, aristocrats, artists, and writers flocked to relax in the hot springs. Even now, the renowned bath houses of Friedrichsbad and Caracalla Spa attract visitors who want to have a taste of hydrotherapy, saunas, thermal baths, and wellness treatments based on the Roman-Irish bathing tradition.

Due to its mineral-rich waters, Vichy emerged as an internationally renowned destination known for its wellness culture and rich history. During the 19th century, it changed into a major spa town in France, offering visitors elegant boulevards, luxury hotels, bath houses, and landscaped parks to attract wealthier clients seeking health treatment. For centuries, the hot spring water in the town has been used for digestive and curative purposes.

The Belgian town of Spa became so influential in the field of wellness and well-being in Europe that the name of the place later became synonymous with wellness retreats throughout the world. Located in the Ardennes Forest area, Spa became famous many years ago due to the mineral springs located there, which brought noblemen and wealthy travellers seeking health benefits and relaxation.

Mariánské Lázně is also called Marienbad and may be regarded as one of the most luxurious and elegant spa resorts in Europe. Nestled amidst the hills and forests, the town includes beautiful parks, colonnades decorated with sculptures and fountains, and many historical hotels that remind tourists of its history and past. The popularity of the resort increased in the 19th century when many composers and aristocrats came there to treat themselves with mineral waters.

Bad Ems is located next to the River Lahn, and it served as an internationally renowned resort destination for health and well-being treatment in Europe during the 19th century. It was famous due to its mineral water sources used for respiratory treatments, as well as its numerous bath houses. In modern times, it has become much less crowded than some popular spa towns in Europe.

Františkovy Lázně is a small town characterised by its beautiful parks and architecture. Its mineral spas contain significant amounts of carbon dioxide and iron, and this resort town remains relatively quiet, thus making it a perfect place for prolonged stay at a spa. Františkovy Lázně specialise in classical European spa treatments and mud therapy.

Situated in the very center of Tuscany, Montecatini Terme is an exquisite combination of Italian luxury and time-tested tradition of therapeutic bathing and spa treatments. It gained international recognition in the Belle Époque period because of the grand spas and beautiful landscape of the town. Nowadays, tourists visit the place to enjoy hydrotherapy, spa treatments, and wellness holidays with Italian food, wine, and rural scenery.

Bad Kissingen earned a reputation as one of the leading spa resorts of Bavaria due to its mineral waters and magnificent architecture of spa facilities. The town became popular among aristocrats and politicians in the 19th century as a resort where it was possible to have restorative spa treatment. Nowadays, tourists come to the place to use the hydrotherapy facilities, mineral baths, spa parks, and riversides.