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When one is planning a vacation during the winter months, there are really two ways that you can choose to go: embrace the cold by planning a ski break or try and fight the cold by going to a warm destination or a place where you can get warm readily. In the latter case, the naturally-occurring thermal springs located all around Italy mean that even if temperatures outside are not that high, the soothing, therapeutic, relaxing mineral-rich waters in these hot springs are sure to warm you up, right down to your bones!

So, if you're someone who is always trying to fight the cold and you are looking to enjoy a relaxing spa getaway this winter, we highly recommend heading to one of these destinations. Plus, if you want to combine a bit of both ways of coping with the cold – embracing it and enjoying winter activities and soaking in thermal waters to warm up afterwards – many of the same towns where thermal springs are found also have ski facilities themselves or ski resorts located close by. Here are our picks for the top thermal spa destinations to discover on vacation in Italy this winter...

If you were considering booking a vacation rental in Lombardy and were hoping for some spectacular less obvious gems in the region beyond its famous capital, Milan, and beloved Lake District then you are very much in luck. While those two destinations alone are more than enough reason to plan a holiday in Lombardy as soon as possible, there is much more to the region, many surprises and wonderful treats and fantastical beauties. For example, as this northern region of Italy abuts the Alps and Switzerland, it is an ideal place to go if you want to weave some excursions to those famous peaks and stunning landscapes while also enjoying days in the most cosmopolitan part of the already ever-chic Italy, fun by the lakes, the wonders of Italian cuisine and culture, and much more besides. Simply get in the car early some morning and head to the town of Tirano where you will find the most extraordinary adventure awaiting you and then return back to a lovely villa with pool in Lombardy with incredible lake views at the end of the day afterwards...the best of all worlds in one wonderful trip!