Illustration: the harbour and old town of Sciacca
Illustration: the harbour and old town of Sciacca
Guide · Italy · Sicily · Sciacca

Heated pool in Sciacca: swim without the shivers

Sciacca is a port town on the south-west coast of Sicily, facing the Strait of Sicily, and has been known since antiquity for its thermal waters. That tradition of hot baths lives on today in the spas of coastal hotels, with heated seawater pools. Here are the places where a heated pool lets you swim in warm water, even when the sea is cool. I've selected 5 places, all rated at least 8/10; the top-rated is Panoramic House Between Sea and Nature Sicily (4.85/5).

5places with a heated pool
8/10minimum guest rating
°C ?ask for the temperature

The places

Places are ranked from highest to lowest rated. The yellow bubble shows the advertised water temperature, when it's known.

Verification
Hot tub

5 places shown

Panoramic House Between Sea and Nature Sicily

Menfi, country house between the sea and the vineyards
°C ?ask
Advertised onlyHeated in winterHouse for rent · AirbnbJacuzzi
4.85/5171 reviews · Airbnb

The pool. Pool with hydromassage, advertised as heated in winter and cool in summer; the listing also mentions a heated jacuzzi.

The hot tub. Heated jacuzzi with hydromassage.

The jacuzzi is mentioned in 27 traveller comments, according to the listing page, though I don't have the text.

Guide's tip. Sleeps 4 at most: ask the host about the water temperature in winter.

Sources: Airbnb

Il Marchese Hotel & Spa

Sciacca, spa town on the south-west coast
°C ?ask
Indoor poolIndoor poolHotelJacuzzi
8.8/1042 reviews · Travelocity

The pool. Indoor pool, plus an outdoor pool open from May to September (9:00–18:30). Spa with sauna, hammam and hot tub.

The hot tub. Hot tub at the spa.

I haven't yet found guest reviews that mention the water temperature. Guests list the pool, in general terms, among the highlights.

Guide's tip. Out of season, only the indoor pool is open: ask about its temperature before booking. The spa is off-limits to under-16s.

Sources: Travelocity

Mangia's Torre del Barone Resort & SPA

Sciacca Mare, contrada Sovareto, above the sea
°C ?ask
Indoor poolIndoor poolClub hotel
8.8/10120 reviews · Orbitz

The pool. One indoor pool and one outdoor pool; spa with sauna and hammam. Several travellers mention a sulphurous thermal pool.

Travellers mention an indoor thermal pool and the site's sulphurous water; one reports a strong smell of sulphur near an outdoor thermal pool. None gives the temperature.

Guide's tip. Ask which pool is thermal and when it's open: the smell of sulphur can come as a surprise.

Sources: Orbitz

Verdura Resort, a Rocco Forte Hotel

South-west coast, near Sciacca, between golf courses and the sea
°C ?ask
Confirmed by a reviewerHeating period not specifiedHotel
9.1/10495 reviews · Kayak

The pool. In the spa, four open-air thalassotherapy pools heated to different temperatures and a 20 m indoor pool for swimming. The large 60 m outdoor pool isn't advertised as heated.

A journalist who stayed there describes the four heated thalassotherapy pools, each at its own temperature. He also notes that they show some signs of wear. Kayak doesn't publish any reviews on the water temperature.

Guide's tip. For a warm swim, head for the spa (thalasso pools and indoor pool) rather than the big outdoor pool, which can be windswept depending on the season.

MClub Cala Regina

Sciacca Mare, seafront hotel complex
°C ?ask
Indoor poolIndoor poolClub hotel
8.0/1021 reviews · Hotels.com

The pool. Indoor pool in addition to the outdoor pool and a children's pool; kids' club.

I haven't yet found guest reviews that mention the water temperature. One guest finds the pool a little old-fashioned but clean.

Guide's tip. The rating is right on the threshold: read the recent reviews and get confirmation that the indoor pool is open on your dates.

Sources: Hotels.com

Frequently asked questions

What is the best place to stay with a heated pool in Sciacca?

In my selection, the top-rated is Panoramic House Between Sea and Nature Sicily (House for rent · Airbnb), with 4.85/5 (171 reviews · Airbnb). Next come Il Marchese Hotel & Spa (8.8/10) and Mangia's Torre del Barone Resort & SPA (8.8/10).

Is the pool heated all year round in Sciacca?

None of the places selected in Sciacca clearly advertises a pool heated all year round. At Panoramic House Between Sea and Nature Sicily, heating is seasonal (heated in winter). Il Marchese Hotel & Spa, Mangia's Torre del Barone Resort & SPA and MClub Cala Regina have an indoor pool, sheltered from the wind. Either way, ask for the heating dates before you book.

What is the water temperature in Sciacca?

None of the places selected in Sciacca gives a precise temperature. Ask the property before booking, especially out of season.

Is there a place to stay with a hot tub in Sciacca?

Yes: Panoramic House Between Sea and Nature Sicily and Il Marchese Hotel & Spa also have a hot tub in addition to the heated pool.

Can I rent a house with a private heated pool in Sciacca?

Yes, one villa is selected: Panoramic House Between Sea and Nature Sicily. Heating is sometimes charged extra: check the listing.

How I check

The word "heated" on a booking page isn't enough. Every place must have a rating of at least 8/10 (or 4/5) and carries one of these four levels.

Confirmed by guests

Guests mention the heated water in their reviews, with the season when they say so.

Confirmed by a reviewer

A journalist or guide who stayed there describes the heated pool.

Advertised only

The hotel or the platform says so, but I haven't yet found a review that confirms it.

Indoor pool

Heating isn't specified, but the water is sheltered from the wind and cold air. Ask for the temperature before you book.

Places I left out

I left these out because guests report water colder than advertised, or because no heating or indoor pool is mentioned.

PlaceWhat the sources sayRatingReason
Hibrido Boutique Hotel & SpaNo pool; one guest paid €150 for the hot tub and found it cold.9,4/10Water colder than advertised
Tenuta Carabollace (Levante)Shared jacuzzi, advertised as not heated; seasonal shared pool.4,92/5Jacuzzi not heated

Sources: Expedia, Airbnb.