Terme Ptuj

The indoor section of the thermal park operates year-round. Seven pools include a large 25 m swimming pool that connects to an outdoor pool, two massage pools with jets, a children's pool, and an indoor waterslide with visual effects. The indoor zone also houses 5 saunas: Turkish, two Finnish, a Finnish sauna in a wine barrel, and an infrared sauna. Water temperatures range from 28°C to 36°C.

The outdoor section is open from May to September and includes an Olympic-size pool, relaxation pools, a wave pool, a lazy river, and Slovenia's largest waterslide system – 7 slides of varying height and speed. Children have dedicated shallow areas and play zones. Nearby are a volleyball court, outdoor fitness equipment, and a mini-golf course.

Grand Hotel Primus (4-star) offers guests the separate Vespasianus pool complex – tranquil thermal pools not accessible to day visitors. The Valens Augusta spa is styled after ancient Rome: the Imperium zone (body and facial treatments), Flavia (saunas with chromotherapy, mud and salt saunas, Kneipp pool), and the private VIP sauna Antinoos. Signature treatments include a grape massage and wine bath.

Pools – 12 pools totalling over 4,200 m², with indoor pools (year-round) and outdoor pools (May–September)

Waterslides – Slovenia's largest system: 7 outdoor slides plus an indoor slide with special effects

Thermal water – from a spring at 39°C, beneficial for joint, muscle, and musculoskeletal conditions

Saunas – 5 saunas in the thermal park (included in admission) and a separate Flavia complex in the hotel

Wellness – Valens Augusta spa in Roman style: grape massage, wine bath, Med Contour, Reviderm treatments

Location – 1 km from Ptuj's historic centre, beside the Drava River and an 18-hole golf course

Thermal springs in the Ptuj area were known to the Romans – the city of Poetovio was renowned for its bathing culture. The modern resort was founded in the 1980s, making Terme Ptuj one of Slovenia's youngest thermal spas. The first pools and treatment centre were built near the site where underground thermal water was discovered.

In the 2000s, the resort joined the Sava Hotels & Resorts network. Grand Hotel Primus was built with its exclusive spa. In the 2010s, the outdoor zone was expanded with new slides, a lazy river, and a wave pool. The indoor section is undergoing renovation – an upgraded water park is planned for the coming years. In 2023, two new outdoor waterslides were added.

From Ptuj centre (1 km, 5–15 min):

– On foot via Pot v toplice – 15–20 min

– Taxi – ~€5 (~$5)

– By car – 5 min, free parking

From Maribor (30 km, 25 min):

– By car via A4/E59 – 25 min

– SŽ train to Ptuj (37 min, €4–11), then walk or taxi

From Ljubljana (130 km, 1.5 hrs):

– By car via A1 through Celje – 1.5 hrs. Motorway vignette required

– Train to Ptuj – 2 hrs 15 min (€12–28 / ~$13–30)

By bicycle:

The resort sits on the Drava Cycling Route (Drauradweg). From Maribor along the river – approximately 30 km.

Season: Indoor section – year-round. Outdoor zone with waterslides – May–September (weather dependent). Best time for the full complex: June–August.

Time of day: Pools open at 8:00–9:00. Mornings (before 10:00) are calm – ideal for swimming laps in the 25 m pool. Slides and attractions typically operate from ~11:00 to 17:00–18:00.

Duration: At least half a day. For a full experience – a whole day.

Avoid: Summer weekends and holidays – peak crowds. Some slides may not operate outside peak season.