Pools may not seem that big of a thing in Italy compared to some countries – probably because you’re hardly ever more than a couple of hours from the sea.
Still, if you’re looking for a quick reprieve from the heat without leaving the city or could do without the mess of sand, there are options for outdoor swimming pools.
But you can expect each pool to have its own quirks and rules, and it may be a different experience than what you're used to in your home country.
Things to know about pools in Italy
There are very strict rules that are intended to keep the pool hygienic. The most ubiquitous rule is the mandatory swim caps (cuffie), which have to be worn at most pools you'll find in Italy, with the exception of some hotels.
The swim caps are generally provided at the swimming pool or club for a small fee.
Men are sometimes asked to wear tight-fitting swimwear (speedos), and babies still in diapers may need to wear a 'containment suit' (il costume contenitivo per neonati).
Before getting into the water, you’ll often be required to shower or at least rinse your feet in a designated area. Some clubs also provide slippers to wear in the pool area.
Be prepared to pay to rent umbrellas or loungers; it’s rare that they’re included in your admission. Towels may or may not be available to rent as well – you’re better off bringing your own.
In terms of the types of pools available to the public, the majority are indoors (piscine coperte) with a sterile aesthetic. Many seem designed primarily with athletics and fitness classes in mind – divided into lanes for training – and not really for leisurely wading.
These pools are found within gym centres (palestre) or sports clubs (centre sportivo), which often require an annual membership, but some do offer day passes.
In other words, you're not going to enjoy a casual pool day at these particular public pools.
READ ALSO: What you need to know about installing a swimming pool at your Italian property
If you’re looking to spend a relaxing day poolside, you’ll want to look for outdoor pools (piscine all’aperto) that offer day passes (ingresso singolo).
These are often municipal pools – more or less community rec centres – called piscine pubbliche or piscine comunali. A day pass at one of these centres costs around €10–€15 for adults, and kids 5 and under are usually free. There may be some limited services, such as restrooms and a bar.
If you're willing to splurge a bit, you can't beat the experience of a pool at a luxury hotel. Many hotels allow non-guests to use their pools and facilities with a day pass, which can run anywhere from €35 to €70 or more depending on the hotel. This cost usually includes a chair and umbrella.
The most central swimming holes are small rooftop pools found at hotels, which tend to be on the pricey side and are often not very kid-friendly.
The best options for swimming pools tend to lie a bit outside city centres. This is unavoidable due to infrastructure and crowding, but it can make pools a bit more difficult to access if you don't have a car.
Finding a pool near you
The website In Piscina is a good resource for finding a pool within your region or city. You can filter not only by location but also amenities, such as whether there's an on-site restaurant or if pets are allowed. Some of the pools also allow you to check availability and reserve your spot online, which is a huge bonus since the best pools book up quickly.
A popular option in Rome is the Aquaniene Sporting Club in the Parioli area. They have an Olympic-sized outdoor pool that's open every day, including holidays, and day passes are €10 (weekdays) or €15 (weekends).
If you plan to go multiple times, you can sign up for a monthly membership during the summer months; they're currently running a promotion for a discounted rate and reduced registration fee.
A swimming pool with easier access from the metro is Sporting Club Ostiense. It's unique in that your admission includes an umbrella and sun lounger. You can buy a full-day pass for €12–€18 or a 4-hour pass for €9–€15, depending on the day of the week; there's a reduced rate for kids, and under-3s are free.
The pool is open every day and on holidays, including ferragosto. The downside is it's only fully open for public swim on Sundays, with just two or three lanes available the rest of the week. Separate from the main pool is a kids' pool with inflatables.
Many swimming spots in Milan are operated by Milanosport, with more than 20 pools across the metro area. The most popular is the Centro Balneare Romano, in the zona Città Studi area, which first opened in the 1920s as Europe's largest outdoor pool.
A day pass is €9 during the week or €10 on the weekend and holidays, with discounted tickets for kids and free entry for under-5s. The pool is closed on Mondays but otherwise open from 10am to 7pm with extended hours until 9pm in July.
The most iconic pool in Milan is the Bagni Misteriosi ('Mysterious Baths'), where you trade comforts like sunbeds and umbrellas for renowned 1930s architecture and the attached theatre.
The vibes cost a premium – a full day at the pool is €25 and a half day is €15. Kids under 12 and people over 65 get in for a reduced rate, and kids under 5 are free. The pool is open every day from 10am to 6.30pm.
In Florence, a common choice for outdoor swimming is the Piscina Paolo Costoli in the Campo di Marte district. The pool closed for renovations after last summer and appears to be ready to reopen for this summer. With full-price adult tickets priced at €5.50, it's among the most affordable options.
Up to 50 people are allowed in at one-hour intervals, operating on a first-come first-served basis. Free swim is from 11.30am to 1.30pm on Monday, Tuesday and Thursday, and from 9.30am to 12.30pm on Saturday. Two lanes are also open in the evenings from 6.30pm to 8.30pm, Monday to Friday. You'll need to bring ID with you to register – see details here.
A bit closer to the centre is the Piscina Le Pavoniere within the Cascine Park. A day pass is €10 on weekdays and €12 on weekends and holidays. There are also half-day passes available. Kids 3 and under are free, and those aged 4–11 get in for a reduced price. You can book in advance on the site.
If you're able to swim in the early morning or late evening, tickets are less than half price – just €5 from 8.30am to 9.30am and from 7pm to 8.30pm, Monday to Friday.
Comments (1)