Quick FactsOverview
About Terme di Premia
Terme di Premia, Italy is an alpine thermal spa complex in the hamlet of Cadarese, within the municipality of Premia, in the Alta Val d'Ossola in Piedmont, northern Italy. Opened in 2008, the facility was built to make use of the thermal spring at Cadarese, known as the Acqua Longia Cadarese, whose healing properties had long been appreciated in the valley. The complex covers 26,000 square metres of land with approximately 5,000 square metres of thermal and wellness facilities in an L-shaped building that encloses and faces a south-facing outdoor pool area with views of the surrounding alpine peaks.
The thermal water flows from the source at 44 degrees Celsius and is classified as hyperthermal calcium sulphate. In the
The water is maintained at 32-36 degrees Celsius in the pools. Five indoor and three outdoor pools are equipped with hydromassage jets, cervical jets, and relaxation loungers. Premia is distinctive for combining alpine scenery with year-round warm-water access, including outdoor soaking in winter snow.
The renovated wellness centre includes saunas, a Turkish bath, a salt wall relaxation room, and cold-water plunge tanks. A vascular path with alternating hot and cold sections provides Kneipp-style circulatory treatment. NHS medical treatments are available with a doctor's prescription.
Location & Access
Getting to Terme di Premia
Terme di Premia is located in the hamlet of Cadarese in the Alta Val d'Ossola, at the address Frazione Cadarese 46. By car from the south, take the A26 motorway to the Gravellona Toce exit, then continue north on the SS33 toward Domodossola and up the Val d'Ossola valley, following signs toward Premia. The journey from Domodossola takes approximately 20 minutes on the SP166 valley road. A large free car park is at the entrance. The facility is straightforward to reach by GPS using the Frazione Cadarese 46, Premia address.
By train, the nearest station is Domodossola on the Novara-Domodossola and Simplon international lines. From Domodossola, the spa offers a car rental service with driver at a fixed price for guests without their own transport; contact the facility directly to arrange this. Domodossola is served by direct trains from Milan and by international services via the Simplon Tunnel from Switzerland. From Verbania on Lake Maggiore, the drive up the valley takes approximately 45 minutes to an hour.
The surrounding Alta Val d'Ossola offers year-round outdoor activities that pair well with a spa day. In summer, hiking trails and mountain biking routes lead into the Parco Naturale Veglia-Devero and the peaks around Premia. For visitors seeking hot springs near Domodossola, Terme di Premia is the closest thermal facility and the most developed in the Ossola valley.
Suitability & Accessibility
Who Terme di Premia Suits
Terme di Premia suits a broad range of visitors including families with children, those seeking therapeutic treatments through the NHS or privately, alpine travellers wanting a warm rest day, and visitors with mobility requirements. The complex was designed with complete accessibility in mind. There are no architectural barriers in the facility, and pool entry and exit are served by mechanical elevators, making this one of the few accessible hot springs in Italy where wheelchair users can independently access the thermal water.
Families benefit from a dedicated children's thermal pool, an outdoor playground open in summer, a children's activity area next to the bar, and family entry tickets. The wellness centre is restricted to guests aged 14 and over. Holders of Italian invalidity certificates receive a 50 percent discount on admission with documentation. Towels, slippers, and bathrobes are available to hire at reception; a swimming cap is mandatory for all visitors in the pool area.
The facility is open year-round, though hours vary by season and day. In the low season it is closed on Tuesdays. On weekends, holidays, and throughout July and August, it is open every day. Advance online booking is strongly recommended at weekends and during holidays to guarantee entry, as capacity can fill. Friday evening sessions until 22:00 offer a quieter and atmospheric option.
Safety & Etiquette
Terme di Premia Safety Tips
Terme di Premia is a well-managed facility with professional staff and a proven safety record since opening in 2008. The thermal water is calcium sulphate and does not carry the strong sulphur odour associated with volcanic springs elsewhere in Italy. The pools are maintained between 32 and 36 degrees Celsius, which is comfortable for most visitors for extended periods. Those with cardiovascular conditions, low blood pressure, or other health concerns should consult their doctor before extended thermal bathing. The wellness centre saunas and Turkish baths involve higher temperatures and should be used with standard precautions.
A swimming cap is mandatory for all visitors in the pool area without exception. Poolside shoes (ciabatte) are required throughout the facility. Shower before entering any pool. NHS medical treatments including aerosol inhalation require a doctor's prescription and should be arranged through the facility's medical service in advance. Therapeutic balneotherapy sessions are conducted under staff supervision.
Advance booking is strongly recommended at weekends, during school holidays, and throughout July and August when the outdoor pools are particularly popular. Without a booking, entry cannot be guaranteed on busy days. The outdoor pools are open year-round and are heated to a comfortable temperature even in winter, when the surrounding alpine landscape provides a dramatic setting. Check the current timetable on the official website at premiaterme.com before travelling, as hours vary by season.
