The Spas of Sardinia

Springs with healing, anti-inflammatory, muscle-relaxing effects, as well as water and mud for skin and bone healing and detoxification – you can also find this exceptional gift of nature, originating from our geological history, on the island of Sardinia: The beneficial features of the springs have been known since prehistoric times and preserve all its characteristics intact to this day. It is no coincidence that in Sardinia termal, filtered by ancient vulcanic rocks and heated by the effect of geothermal forces, spring in the vicinity of prehistorical sites, the Domus de Janas and the Nuraghes. The benefits resulting from the unique composition of waters (salt-bromine-iodine or sulfur substances) have been well known since prehistoric times. The reason why they did not escape the attention of Roman conquerors, who subsequently built thermal centers in locations known already in the Nuragic age, which have survived to the present day. Today you can enjoy them in modern facilities, ideal for relaxation, wellness and body care. First to mention the baths of Fordongianus in the Tirso valley in the Oristano area, was the astronom Ptolemy in the 2nd century AD. The ancient place, then known as Forum Traiani and famous for its healing waters Aquae Ypsitanae, was built by Emperor Traianus. The sulfur springs flowing out at the temperature of 56 °C, are still sought after for their healing effects. The ancient building of the spa, which you can still visit today, also used the most modern technologies for the time. The local mud, with exceptional effects for health and beauty, when applied to the whole body in the form of warm or cold wraps, not only has stimulating effects, but also helps prevent or treat rheumatism and arthritis, detoxifies the body and reactives the immune system. Healing thermal springs and waters can also be found in other locations in Sardinia. In central Campidano, in the area of Santa Maria Aquas, there are the famous thermal baths of Sardara. Next to those stands a nuragic temple and a sacred well: the site was visited in prehistoric times and was later baptized Acquae Naepolitanae by the Romans from the nearby Phoenician-Punic colony of Naples. The baths are located in the Eucalyptus park, by the Monreale castle. Water with a temperature of about 60 degrees streams here from five springs and is used for various medical and wellness procedures. Over the centuries water and mud kept their beneficial features intact. Since ancient times, water itself has been a very important, even sacred, element. The wells, that were built all around the island, were not only places of worship, but also places, where it was possible to regenerate the body and rediscover not only spiritual well being, with the use of special rituals. These places of contemplation were built where strong magnetic energy was perceived, the stones here were usually aligned according to the movements of the sun and moon which marked the seasons, equinoxes and solstices. During certain astronomical phases, descending the steps into the water of this sacred well was considered a spiritual path of initiation and purification. Stones in conjunction with water were considered natural resources for healing procedures and energy programs. Spas and wellness centers all over Sardinia are also ideal destinations for thalassotherapy. Hippocrates, Plato, Aristotle and Cicero have already documented the positive effects in their works, mentioning bathing in sea water, which is good for the health of body and mind. Which is the reason why was thalassotherapy a very widespread practice in the ancient world, as numerous archaeological sites, private villas and public baths revealed. As visitors you can still enjoy the harmony of body and mind, thanks to the mild climate, healthy air and the beneficial effects of thermal springs or sea water, unspoiled and rich in trace elements and minerals.