Imagination

A country not often popping up on this blog is that of North Macedonia, as it is currently officially called. Through the years, there has been the odd reference here and there, but nothing more detailed. And that is now about to change.

Sascha has been out and about and in some coming posts he'll share his experiences.

Even though North Macedonia is not very well known for its soaking qualities, this smallish (but mountainous) country racks up 10 mentions in the Wikipedia List of Hot springs page. Unclear of course, whether or not we are talking about wild hot springs. Or just the health sanatoriums. 

My own list mentions 4,  while Travelmacedonia notes (Feb. 13, 2021) 5 Thermal spa centers. There's a question on Tripadvisor forums from 3 years back, specifically concerning the more wilder soaks, but answers not always clear. 

There's a scholarly reference to six "geothermal zones", though by no means is it clear how this adds up to potential soaks. 

The figure below is from another scientific reference; with the red squares denoting geothermal projects. Again not concluding there is anything soakable.

Finally,  Fromrusttoroadtrip have blog entries on two Macedonian hot springs.

Over now to Sascha.

Cracks

Covid-19 does not stop a serious hot springer to explore the natural hot springs in Europe. In February, I traveled to North Macedonia, one of the few destinations in Europe that at that time were easy to travel. The Northern Macedonian capital's Skopje Airport has a lot of Wizz Air connections, cheap and direct flights are easy to obtain. 

The living costs are quite low (rental car for 1 week cost me 70€, roughly the same for a night's stay in the Hilton Hotel of Skopje). 

The little town of Katlanovo is not far from Skopje, just roughly 30 minutes by car. There’s even a bus that goes from Skopje. 

Wikipedia notes that nearly 20 years ago Katlanovo did not even count 800 inhabitants. 

In fact, it is more a kind of renovated sanatorium with some houses around.

Travel2macedonia has some more information:

'The Katlanovo thermal spa is situated 20 km to away from Skopje, on the Skopje-Veles (E-75) road, in the Katlanovo village. The favorable influence of the waters of this spa-resort was recognized for the first time by the Romans, as testified by the remainders of constructions from Roman times found in the area of the spa-resort: obviously the ancient population of this area, also used to exploit the waters. In the immediate vicinity of the spa-resort there are numerous springs with hot and cold mineral waters. Each of them is characterized by a completely different chemical composition, temperature and quantity of water. The water in the hottest spring is 500C high, and is used for therapeutic purposes. 

Near the spa-resort, there are long cracks which reach 350 m and from where hot steam and hot water emerge. There are sulfur, alkali-coal and cold earth-alkali acid waters.

...

The waters of Katlanovo spa are believed to be curative of many rheumatic diseases, neurological and orthopedic diseases, chronic diseases of the digestive organs, of kidneys and of the urinary tract, diabetes in mild forms, as well as chronic gyneacological diseases'.

Sascha continues:

On the internet, it was written that also a hotel exists, but I could not find one. 

But the spa resort does have a website, even though it's not too clear on what's on offer. It even has a Facebook page.

But I'm looking for the natural sources. 

The staff in the sanatorium were not particular friendly and told me that they honestly did not know where the natural hot springs are located. 

Well, nothing easier than that. Just park the car on the parking place, go to the sanatorium and take the path up the hill and follow the pipeline. After 200m the path goes further up and separates from the pipeline. Continue around 200m and you will get to the warm pool. 

I forgot my thermometer, but I estimate the temperature to around 36-38°C. The bottom is muddy and some algae are around. However, the view in the pool is wonderful (see photo at lead of this entry), in particular in winter when the snow covers the mountains in the surroundings. Another advantage to go there in winter, is that the snow covers all the garbage that visitors left.

Fifty meters behind the pool is a cave with the hot spring inside. 

Here the water is warmer, I guess 39°C, perfect to stay for long time inside. In fact, it is a natural cave with a man made concrete entrance to create a kind of steam sauna. 

I was there on 2 different days and I was never alone. On the second day, people had to wait to get into the cave. Without masks, of course.

There's some additional experiences to share on Katlanovo hot spring.

NtheSSIS has visited some hot springs both in Greek Macedonia as well as in North Macedonia. There's an entry on Katlanovo (Jul. 12, 2013), though it doesn't add to the above.

Thdk has an experience (2016) of the spa itself:

'Katlanovo is not so well known for tourists, but Macedonians know the place very well. When you enter the building is looks more like a hospital than a spa resort. Luckily, very quickly an English speaking girl showed us where we could take a bath in the natural spring water. We opted for the two person version. With some imagination this bath looks indeed close to the western spa'.

Rusttoroadtrip has made a youtube film from winter last year.

Finally a good pointer is to how to get to the springs by voyage.en.van:

View this post on Instagram

A post shared by TwoFrenchies (@voyage.en.van)

Hanging

asasteinars

Can’t think of anything better then hot-spring-hangs with this one, chatting and watching sunset. Life is beautiful 💛 #Iceland

A short photographic feature on Iceland hot springs, randomly presented. All singular. 

The above refers to (East) Iceland, it might though be more westwards ...

Following another wintery soak? From the cave of Grjótagjá, northeastern Iceland.

p.zaju

G O T J E S K Y N Ě

Mám tu nějaké fanoušky Game of Thrones? Já mezi ně úplně nepatřím, ale tuto jeskyni jsme si nemohli nechat ujít ☺️ Má neuvěřitelnou atmosféru, která vás přímo svádí hupsnout do té křišťálově čisté a krásně teploučké vody. Bohužel je to několik let zakázané. Opět krásná ukázka toho, jak turisté ničí Island. My jsme se ale nedali a našli jsme si kousek vedle svojí vlastní jeskyňku, která nebyla zdaleka tak romantická a ani horká 🙈 Ale byla naše a zážitek hluboký 🌊

Tyhle fotky od 📸 @joseph.novak

mám moc ráda 🖤💋

#expeditioniceland #PPnacestach #gotfan #cave #reflection #nudeswimming

Mythical

nakenbad.nu

#oops #påkommen #hoppsan #nakenbad #varmakällor #island #vandring #badanaken #skinnydipping #naked

maison_fish

Tooti fruiti geothermal soaking. Nudity is by no means compulsory on retreat, but we do find that once one person bares their bottom, pant lines tend to drop like dominoes. Putting your clothes back on is perhaps a little trickier... ;) .

.

#rememberingiceland#lifehighlights#yogaretreatinspo#themagicisreal

#barebottom#bodypositive#geothermal#maisonfishiceland

Greenery, above Reykjaldalur (both), following, I'll have to give a miss.

annefause

• Lady of the Lake •

#iceland #visiticeland #icelandtravel #icelandtrip #icelandhotsprings #norsewoman #ladyofthelake #faery #faerie #fae #huldra #kilderå #nordicmythology #mermaid #merfolk #fairfolk

Breezy

nxtaalie_

hot water, cold breeze. 📷 @svenjalehmler

More wintery, above Landbrotalaug, following as well, but the adjacent soak. Rounding off this brief posting with Gudrunarlaug.

eva.janczak

3 lata temu ❄️

Gorące źródło pośrodku niczego, -20 stopni i bezchmurne niebo 🙏🏼

Super się siedziało w gorącej wodzie, gorzej było z wyjściem 😅

Piękne wspomnienie 🖤

#iceland #westiceland #icelandtravel #icelandicmoments #hotspot #hotsprings #hotspringsiceland #gorąceźródła #wheniniceland #icelandroadtrip #icelandadventure #wildhotspot

juliadalros

Er að læra leika mér uppá nýtt 🧚‍♀️

Frelsið í nektinni minnir okkur á sakleysið og að við erum öll svo tengd. Takk móðir 🌍🍃✌️

Mæðradagur 10/4

Escapism

roman_sivokoz at Guamka (Krasnodar, Russian Fed.):

Изучаю номинал монет на дне этого фонтана, стоя в кипятке! Это не биткоин майнить, а живые деньги!!! Напиши в Директ, расскажу как зарабатывать не парясь! Уйди из сетевого и майнинг-ферм!!! #стартап#бизнесмолодость #горячиеисточники#гуамскоеущелье #гуамка #кипяток#кипятокчелендж #поездкавгоры#турвыходногодня #фотодня #горы #пар#вода #сфильтром #instaboy#photooftheday #tagsforlikes

Come New Year everybody is looking forward / backward. Past highlights / coming intentions.
Me? I'm just glad that I can still hang on to this spinning planet ...

But anyway, nearly six months back (Jul. 28), Fromrusttoroadtrip had an overview  of their best hotsprings visited on the European landmass:

'In our two years of travelling the continent, we’ve been lucky enough to visit an extensive number of natural, wild and free hot springs across Europe, and we thought it was about time we shared our knowledge and experience with other travellers!

They made a list of 12 hotsprings visited, from 8 countries, based on such as  Appearance, Temperature, Location and Odourless. 

The latter one I feel is a bit strange. Sulphur may by far from odorless but is a good grade of medicinal value of spring water; i.e. the less odor the less medical benefit? 
Also tips on etiquette for soakers.

Finishing first in their listings, with perfect marks is Prats Balaguer (Pyrénées-Orientales, France), second is Santa Fé (Andalucía, Spain) and Rupite (Blagoevgrad, Bulgaria) third.

Fabiola Castro‏  at Prats Balaguer:

Escapadeta de cousins!! #termes #natura #fontpedrouse#menjantnoslamona #cousins

Hmmm, all three are certainly very, very good. 
I always find it difficult to compare. No two visits to the same springs are the same; so you could visit one of the three above and have a poorer experience, with giving lower marks. I for instance would include Icelandic hotpots in the listings, however if you've not been there ...

Anyway, Fromrusttoroadtrip have some very important general concluding remarks to share:

'It's worth remembering that these sites are free to use, just as nature intended. As a result, there are often no facilities at these sites. Please ensure you respect the locations mentioned above.

• Take rubbish home.
• Respect the surrounding area.
• Respect the locals and their customs.
  

Don’t use any products in the water that will cause damage to the delicate eco-systems in and around the water'.

siemoturkka at Santa Fé:

Hipit on rautaa ja Kärpät on kultaa! Oulussa syntyneenä uin kuin kuka tahansa hippi kuumissa lähteissä👍Ekassa altaassa jossa nautin ansaitun Alhambra special oluen lillui kanssani paikallinen hippi ja Malagan kaksi Helvetin Enkeliä. Siitä saisi jo perheen hullunkuriset perhepelikortteihin😁 Paikassa plussaa sen aito hippi meno ja olin vähemmistöä kun käytin ujona uimahousuja🙈 Paikka on yllättävän helppo löytää vaikka ei sitä missään mainosteta ja vain 20min Granadan kaupungista. Voin suositella näin toisen kerran käynnin perusteella😊🇪🇸 ja paikalla hitokseen koiria joka on aina parasta matkakohteessa🐶#hippies#thermalbath#granada#santafe#luonnonkylpylä#relax#auringossa#visitgranada#nakedhippies#olivetrees

Slipped
Off the continent, Soakpodcast has an interesting special about Ireland's pursuit of seaweed soaking. In the podcast:

'... we explore seaweed bathing, Ireland’s only indigenous bathing tradition, and how this edible sea vegetable has played a role far beyond the bathtub. We trace seaweed’s slippery history from an essential crop on the emerald isle, to it falling out of favor with the arrival of the potato, to its vogue as a vitamin rich tonic in Edwardian seaweed baths'.

Over to England. 
The trial to use geothermal water for a pool upgrade in Penzance (Cornwall, UK) has seen a drilling come up with hotter than expected water.
Cornwalllive (Nov. 15):

'The Jubilee Pool geothermal spa will be hotter than expected and that means the water will reach temperatures of up to 30C.Geothermal Engineering Ltd, the company which has been drilling holes into the earth below the famous Jubilee Pool to tap into the earth's natural heat, said it found a warm water 'geothermal vein' 410 metres deep into the rock below Penzance's iconic sea water open air Lido.The company, which is also involved in building the UK's first ever geothermal power plant at United Downs near Redruth, where it is drilling two 4,5km deep holes into the earth's crust as part of a £18m EU-funded project with the potential to power 3,000 homes, said the hot water will now be tapped up to heat a section Jubilee Pool all year round'.

Note that the geothermal involvement will result in higher pool temperatures,  the waters are not to be used as pool water itself.

A nice find. 
Sheexploreslife (Oct 10) has a women's take on the baths of Bath and the city itself. 

It takes on Jane Austen, Bath's role in the suffragate struggles, Mary Shelley, cocktails and for the morning after: the hot spring baths.

Self-love
Back to the continent. 
While not really concerning hot springs, it does involve bathing etiquette. La sex en rose visits a spa in Köln (Apr. 18):

'Now I tell you what it feels like to relax naked in Neptunbad and Claudius Therme, the two Spa centres in Cologne with only one thing in common: the wristband.
...
Why naked?
Because there’s nothing more natural.
Because it’s a way to temporarily forget all the social and cultural constraints we’re used to, and embrace an ideal of freedom and naturalness.
Because showing ourselves to others with no veils means communicating with honesty and no shame.
Because your body absorbs the sauna heat evenly and releases toxins by sweating free of the swimsuit.
Because nudity is not about voyeurism and exhibitionism here, but rather self-love and body care. As well as it’s nothing to do with sexual arousal and the orgy as an inevitable outcome'.

iosug at Tiermas (Navarra):

➕Mid week spoiler & hot springs➕•••#wintercamping #desert #hotsprings#patagonia #photography #wild #nature#van #vanlife #campvibes #winter #mountain#naturephotography #doggo#basquecountry #fun #adventure#adventurephotography

From the informative tierrassinfronteras (Nov. 6): they head to the Alicun thermal bath surroundings. With 28ºC these are more warmer than hot. Lots of good info, would have come in handy when I was here a couple of years ago.Google translated:

'Is it worth going to this place? Well, for us, yes, it is always a pleasure to enjoy hot springs in the middle of nature. In addition, the Raja de Alicún has the charm of being in a small canyon surrounded by rivera vegetation, a small oasis in a semi-desert environment of spectacular beauty.
...
The temperature of the water resembles more the Balsa de Cela in Almería. What we mean by this, is that these natural thermal baths are ideal for sunny days in the fall and spring season. If we choose the winter season, it is better to decide on other hot springs with higher temperatures, such as those mentioned above'.

Saved

mirabilisviola at Saturnia (I think) Toscane:

Hot Springs in Winter! Save the nature!#nature #nude #hotspring #hotsprings#sfxartist #makeupartist #model #dreads#dreadhead #tattoos #ink #nomink #piercing#travel #traveladdict #workandtravel #skin#artist #weldingartist #savethenature

Tusciaweb reports (Oct. 14) on the procedures on Viterbo - Lazio (Italy) hot springs. Google translate:

'Summing up, the college rejects the complaints proposed by Antiche Terme and Le Masse, confirms the order of 26 January 2018 and condemns the complainants to reimburse the costs of the dispute at Free Time for 4 thousand euro, along with other lump sums. Another piece of an infinite story'.

Meanwhile ThinkGeoenergy reports (Oct. 15):

'Among the many examples offered during a recently held conference on Perspectives and impact of the green economy, organized in Pisa within the International Robotics Festival, is a project that cultivates geothermal energy and spirulina, having created around 100 jobs in Tuscany/ Italy'.

Last

chrisbierl

Iceland, Torfajökull Caldera, 2018
On our 9th day of hiking through stormy weather in the southern highlands of Iceland we turned eastwards. Refuges and busroutes were closed already after the summerseason and offpath we just felt like the last humans on earth. The temperatures dropped quickly, the wind and rain raised. What could be better than a lonesome hot spring to take a bath and warm up, before we @svetlanabierl continued our longest day-march of the tour? . ...........#iceland #hiking #trekking #lonesome #far#hotspring #hotpot #travel #highlands#valley #mountains #photography#landscape #landscapephotography #island#photographer #nature #naturephotography#nakedbath #naturebath #backpacking#nakedhiker #naked #icelandtravel#iceland.explore #vulcanic #exploreiceland#natgeo #natureart #nakedwoman #fujifilm

Likewise another personal experience. 

Photographer Romydermout (Nov. 4) heads for a unique experience in the otherwise well-trampled Reykjadalur hot river, Iceland. Tip you might need google translate, but basically two friends head up in the dark and are the sole soakers early morn, so ...:

'Het plan was om naar de hotsprings te gaan bij Reykjadalur. Onderweg daarnaartoe merkten we dat de sneeuw erg plaatselijk was gevallen want al snel reden we weer door het vertrouwde groene gebergte. In het donker begonnen we aan onze klim naar de hotsprings. Het eerste stukje was zwaar maar te doen. Maar naarmate we hoger kwamen hoe meer sneeuw er op ons pad lag. We waren de eersten want er waren geen sporen in de sneeuw zodat we die konden volgen en dus moesten we goed uitkijken niet van het pad te raken en in een ravijn naar beneden te glijden. Elke keer dachten we dat we er waren, maar na de zoveelste bocht zonder resultaat begonnen we ons een beetje af te vragen of we wel goed gingen. En net toen we dachten we moeten maar omkeren zagen we in de verte een bord staan. We moesten toen nog een kleine 5 minuten hiken en daar was het dan! We waren helemaal alleen en dus besloten we gewoon lekker in ons blootje erin te springen. Dat scheelde weer natte badkleding in onze rugzakken. Het voelde hemels om daar in het warme water te liggen tussen de besneeuwde bergtoppen, even bijkomen van de hike naar boven'.

CupofTJ has a slightly older vlog:

'ICELAND TRAVEL VLOG DAY 5. Head into the North on the Ring Road around Iceland. Discovered the falls Gufufoss and geothermal cave Grjótagjá near Myvatn!' 

Brisk

And now for the Icelandic topicals.
The Reykjavik Grapevine reports (Oct. 26) on some less exciting news:

'The Environment Agency of Iceland has announced that blood flukes, a type of parasitic flatworm, have been discovered in the geothermal springs of Landmannalaugar.
In this case, the parasites were likely borne to the waters by ducks, in particular mallards and greater scaups. Visitors to Landmannalaugar should be aware that they may contract this parasite by bathing in the geothermal pools, and therefore caution is strongly advised'.

ThinkGeoenergy (Oct. 25) reports on yet another new geothermal bath in Iceland:

'With several geothermal baths and spas all over the country, with the Blue Lagoon as the most known, there are now several other bathing facilities being built or planned in Iceland.
The newest, as reported by Icelandic national TV station RUV, is now being built at Lake Urridavatn near the town of Egilsstadir in the East of Iceland.
...
Around 1,000 guests per day will be able to bath in the running pool'.

Basalt Architects are in the design business, they also announced that they have added a hot spring pool at Akranes: 

basaltarchitects

Today was the much anticipated inauguration of Guðlaug nature sea baths in Langisandur, Iceland. The sea swimming club were the first to give it a try after a brisk swim in the December sea. Guðlaug is now open to the public free of charge. Come to Akranes and enjoy bathing in warm geothermal water at the edge of the Atlantic ocean.#basaltarchitects #guðlaug #akranes#mannvit #liska

A Facebook post from 3 years ago reveals what the idea was:

'The beach is a popular common space for the people of Akranes who both simply pass by to enjoy the vista as well as using the beach for a variety of activities. The baths are open to the public and play a supporting role, for example as a gathering point for ocean swimmers in dire need of warming up. The formal expression of the baths is inspired by the naturally occurring pools of seawater that form around rocks sitting on the beach as the tide flows in and out. It is composed of three platforms, the top as a viewing deck/roof, the middle as the Guðlaug bath itself that flows into the bottom, a shallow pool at beach level'.

Flashed

zurragamundi

Enjoying #icelandic nature at its purest 🗻•#iceland #islandia #ísland #westiceland#hotspot #hotsprings#landbrotalaug#icelandicnature #exploreiceland #fireandice#roadtrip #traveller#instatrip #inlovewith🇮🇸

Getting naked in Iceland is a titillating title presenting an article by Guide to Iceland; seems pretty current.

'Attitudes towards nudity in Iceland are very relaxed.
...
It is, however, perfectly legal to be nude in public in Iceland, as long as you don't offend anyone.
...
Shy travellers face both a blessing and a curse when it comes to nudity and swimming pools in Iceland.
On the one hand, swimsuits are mandatory in all public pools (not including bikini tops), so you don’t need to worry about getting flashed while you’re trying to relax. On the other, you are obligated to shower and wash your naked body before you enter the pool.
...
Iceland is a geothermal wonderland, dotted with bursting geysers, churning mud pools, and steaming hot springs. Many of these have the perfect temperature for bathing, and some are so remote that you can jump in naked without worrying about other people seeing you.
Before indulging in the wonders of nude bathing in Iceland’s naturally heated waters, however, there are a few things to be aware of.
...
Many hot springs, however, are perfectly safe to enter in the nude and some can be found without anyone around. There is no judgement from Icelanders for this kind of skinny-dipping, even if you are caught. Not only is naked bathing seen as a wonderful way to connect with nature, it’s a smart way to keep your clothes dry and lighten your laundry load'.

linelotta22

#hrunalaug #hotpot #hotspring#nature #naturephotography #naturelovers#me#bug #reykjavik #naked #iceland #travel#whatsonrvk #igersiceland #tattoo#inked#inkedgirls #wonderlusticeland#exploreiceland#exploringiceland#icelandlove #home #travelling #traveller#move #moving#icelandtravel#wheniniceland #icelandexplorer#icelandexplored@wakeupreykjavik

Reykjavik Grapevine reports (Dec. 5) on (another?) geothermal beer:

'This is the story of Ölverk, a brew pub and pizzeria in Hveragerði, just a short drive from Reykjavík over the dramatic Hellisheiði mountain pass. The town is mostly known for the Reykjadalur “hot river” bathing spot, and the plentiful geothermal energy that helps run large greenhouses that glow brightly throughout the dark winter, but Ölverk is seeking to put itself on the map.

...

“We use geothermal energy in the process,” he says, venting one of the tanks dramatically. “The steam is piped in at 150 degrees, and it heats up the freshwater, barley, hops and yeast.”

Finally, just a no-nonsense picture: soaking in Georgia.

vani_hostel

Spa 3km from our house!#Spa #Resort #countryspa #Countrywellness#Georgianwellneas #Wellness#Countrywellnesa #Sparesort #Hotsprings#Healthysprings #sparemedy #Women #Bath#Bathing #bania #Sulori #Vani#კურორტისულორი #ვანი #სპა#ველნეს

Fabled

This would be the final posting on Pantelleria's soaks, at least that's the intention.

All three remaining "soaks" are located on the west coast of Pantelleria. 
Starting north to south, heading out of Pantelleria village proper (well maybe it's a town) the first hot spring is that of Saturia, about half way down the west coast. 

The background concerning this soak is special. Viverepantelleria.it on Sataria:

'Legend has it that here is where Ulysses and Calypso loved eachother'.

Papuscia.com : 

'Recent studies have identified the cave as Homer’s ‘Calypso’s cave’ on the island of Ogygia'.

The context (Wikipedia):

'Calypso is remembered the most for her role in Homer's Odyssey, in which she attempts to keep the fabled Greek hero Odysseus on her island to make him her immortal husband. According to Homer, Calypso kept Odysseus prisoner at Ogygia for seven years,^[6] while Apollodorus says five years^[7] and Hyginus says one.^[8] Calypso enchants Odysseus with her singing as she moves to and from, weaving on her loom with a golden shuttle. During this time they have sex together, although Odysseus soon comes to wish for circumstances to change'.

Overlooked
Sataria doesn't see much traffic in the sense of soakers apparently; there are at least very few parking spaces directly available on the perimentale road. Possibly a mismatch?

From these parking spaces it's down a long line of concrete stairs and you arrive at what at first looks like a tidal pool. But in the cliff side itself is a cave with what was presumably once a grander bathing affair complete with a booth for a ticket seller / life saver (?). See below:

 

A description of what to expect: the Rough Guide to Sicily (2017):

'... Sataria, where concrete steps lead down to a tiny square-cut sea-pool, ideal for splashing around in. In the cave behind are more pools where warm water bubbles through, reputed to be good for curing rheumatism and skin diseases: a handful of people can usually be found jumping from pools to sea. There’s room on the concrete apron around the pool to lay out a towel, and it’s the only place for kilometres around with any shade – a nice place to eat your picnic'.

Viverepantelleria.it on Sataria:

'Sataria's thermal springs are found to the south-west along the perimetral road. Located in a little creek and hidden in a beautiful cave, it is one of the most interesting spots on the island. 
... 
Here you will find pools of curative spring water that soothe arthritis and rheumatisms and you will be able to pass the whole day freely enjoying the beneficial effects of its waters'.

Papuscia.com :

'A natural cave by the sea, Grotta di Sateria offers three easily accessible covered pools, into which hot springs flow at a temperature of around 40°C'.

Shameless
We venture on. 
On the far (and dark) side of the cave are a few pools from which the thermal waters emit. 
Alas, as I hadn't had the fortune to be blessed by the weather gods on my island visit, again the sea was in a sorry state and during the night it had flooded the entire cave, so the available waters were coolish and even the hotter pool was jam packed with seaweed. 

No one around though to spoil good dip, but if I had wanted to enter the tidal pool, I was in serious contention to be sucked out to sea.

Tripadvisor does have an entry on Sataria:

#3 of 3 Spas & Wellness in Pantelleria 

Based on 2 reviews (in Italian) it rates Sataria with 3 stars. One translation (ouch):

'I speak of a state of abandonment resounding with filth and stench of pee. It looks like a homeless dormitory. SHAME ON YOU'.

More info from the Pantelleriaguide website:

'The Sateria name comes from the Greek "Soterìa" and means a health cave'.  

Under sail
Heading further down the coast there is a hot spring in the port of the village of Scauri. 
I had asked around, but no one knew for sure where it was, so I decided not to scout the whole port area for what would have been an elaborate quest. 
It's there. 
There are a few references with little guidance, f.i. the earlier mentioned ViverePantelleria.

A couple hundred meters down from the port near La Vela restaurant, right under the cliff of Scauri village itself, is another minor (?) hot spring. 
Well, it was warm but not much flow. Nor much space. And tides washing in. A collectors item? 
Interesting though are the Byzantine ruins on the cliffs directly bordering the shorelined rocks (and hot spring). See Italian website visitpantelleria.

The location is also a foodies haven. La Vela is nice enough, higher up on the cliff La Nicchia is termed as the island's best (we beg to disagree) while next to the port is Altamarea,  another delight. 
Rough Guide on this hot spring:

'Scauri Porto is a wonderful place to while away summer days, with good swimming in the harbour, and two tiny hot pools just along the coast (5 min walk from la Vela)'.