Craving a holiday that’s equal parts relaxation and indulgence? Europe delivers on both, with spa towns steeped in wellness traditions and wine regions brimming with flavour. Whether you dream of soaking in healing thermal waters or sipping award-winning vintages in sun-drenched vineyards, these spa and wine pairings offer the perfect way to unwind.
In this guide, we spotlight Europe’s best spa towns located near renowned wine regions — ideal for travellers who want to soak and sip their way to bliss.
Baden-Baden, Germany – Spa Sophistication Meets the Baden Wine Route
Baden-Baden is one of Europe’s most elegant spa towns, famed for its Roman-Irish bathhouses and chic casino scene. After soaking in the opulent Friedrichsbad or relaxing at Caracalla Therme, head into the rolling vineyards of the Baden wine region.
Wine to try: Pinot Noir (Spätburgunder) from the Ortenau district
Don’t miss: Wine-tasting along the Badische Weinstraße, Germany’s longest wine road
Perfect pairing: A thermal spa day followed by a vineyard picnic with a bottle of local Riesling.
Budapest, Hungary – Thermal Capital with a Tokaji Twist
Budapest’s bath culture runs deep, with iconic spots like Széchenyi and Gellért Baths offering geothermal relaxation in grand style. Just a few hours northeast lies the Tokaj wine region, famous for its golden sweet Tokaji Aszú.
Wine to try: Tokaji Aszú – Hungary’s “wine of kings”
Don’t miss: A cellar tour in Tokaj village followed by sunset views over the Bodrog River
Perfect pairing: Alternate thermal dips in the city with a weekend escape to Tokaj for tastings and vineyard strolls.
Aix-les-Bains, France – Alpine Waters & Savoyard Wines
Set on the shores of Lake Bourget and framed by the French Alps, Aix-les-Bains is a thermal haven with Belle Époque charm. Just a stone’s throw away, the Savoie wine region offers crisp whites and rare grape varietals.
Wine to try: Jacquère or Roussette de Savoie
Don’t miss: A lakeside tasting paired with local cheeses and charcuterie
Perfect pairing: Morning spa treatments, afternoon wine cellar visits, and alpine air in between.
Montecatini Terme, Italy – Tuscan Thermal Bliss in Chianti Country
Montecatini Terme is a gem in central Tuscany, where thermal water therapies have drawn visitors since the Renaissance. It’s also perfectly placed to explore the Chianti and Montepulciano wine areas.
Wine to try: Chianti Classico or Vino Nobile di Montepulciano
Don’t miss: A thermal mud wrap followed by a vineyard lunch in the Tuscan hills
Perfect pairing: Wellness mornings and lazy vineyard afternoons with sweeping countryside views.
Piestany, Slovakia – Spa Healing & Lesser-Known Wine Delights
Piestany is Slovakia’s leading spa town, famed for sulphur-rich thermal waters and therapeutic mud treatments. Nearby, the Lesser Carpathians wine region is gaining fame for its aromatic whites and earthy reds.
Wine to try: Grüner Veltliner, Frankovka Modrá (Blaufränkisch)
Don’t miss: Small family-run vineyards with authentic tastings
Perfect pairing: Unwind in Piestany’s iconic Spa Island before discovering hidden wine gems in the surrounding hills.
Évora, Portugal – Alentejo Hot Springs & Bold Red Wines
A bit off the beaten path, the Alentejo region is home to both rustic thermal springs (like those at Termas de Sulfúrea) and some of Portugal’s boldest red wines. Évora, a UNESCO-listed city nearby, is the perfect base.
Wine to try: Aragonez (Tempranillo) or Antão Vaz
Don’t miss: Sunset at a countryside vineyard after a morning spa soak
Perfect pairing: Rural relaxation with rich reds and olive groves as far as the eye can see.
Karlovy Vary, Czech Republic – Bohemian Baths & Moravian Wine
Karlovy Vary is one of the West Bohemian Spa Triangle’s crown jewels, where hot springs bubble beneath grand colonnades. Although not a wine region itself, it’s easy to combine a spa visit here with a wine detour to Moravia.
Wine to try: Müller-Thurgau, Grüner Veltliner
Don’t miss: A vineyard stay in Mikulov with views over Pálava Hills
Perfect pairing: Bohemian spa tradition meets Czech wine country charm.
Tips for Planning Your Spa & Wine Escape
Timing matters:
Many wine regions hold harvest festivals in late summer or autumn — ideal for combining spa escapes with local celebrations.
Go slow: Spa towns often pair best with leisurely travel. Give yourself time to enjoy both the wellness side and the wine experiences.
Pack smart: Bring a swimsuit, water bottle, and comfy walking shoes. You’ll go from steamy pools to cool cellars with ease.
Final Thoughts
Combining thermal wellness with world-class wine isn’t just indulgent — it’s a holistic way to travel. These spa towns and wine regions invite you to slow down, savour the moment, and let your body and tastebuds thank you.
Whether you’re planning a romantic escape, a solo recharge, or a girl’s getaway, these European destinations prove that the best trips really do involve a soak and a sip.
Inspired to plan your own Soak & Sip holiday?
From thermal spa towns to nearby wine regions, I create tailor-made itineraries that blend wellness, culture, and flavour - If you’re dreaming of a hot springs and food-themed escape, I’d love to help you plan it.
Get in touch today to start designing your perfect spa and wine getaway.