Cooling Off at Florence’s Public Pools, 2022

Photo of the Le Pavoniere pool at twilight by Olivia Synek

Escape Florence’s summer heat at one of the four public pools, located in different city neighborhoods and easily accessible.

Here is Magenta’s 2022 pool roundup.

Piscina Pavoniere

Viale della Catena, 2. Mon-Fri: 8:30 am – 8:30 pm. Sat, Sun, holidays: 9 am – 7:30 pm. Depending on the day and time, prices vary between €5 and €12. Reservations can be made for the pool (pay in advance and skip the line) on the website. The onsite restaurant takes reservations for lunch and dinner via WhatsApp chat, with more information here. Easily accessible via the 17C bus or the T1 tram.

Le Pavoniere’s website features the hashtag #NotJustAPool (#nonsolounapiscina), which could not be truer. Beyond the outdoor pool located in the middle of the beautiful Cascine Park, Le Pavoniere also boasts a bar, an open-air restaurant, a playground, rollerblading, bike trails, water fitness classes, and more.

To see a video, click here.

In addition to the main pool, there is a children’s pool that allows for swimmers of all ages to enjoy the water. The poolside features free sunbeds and tables with umbrellas, and just steps away is a bar that’s always open during facility hours. During the day, the bar serves coffee, breakfast, sandwiches, and ice cream and later in the day one can opt for aperitivo (drinks and finger-food). In the evenings the pool turns into an event location with live music, DJs, and other special events.

It is important to note that Le Pavoniere has some obligatory rules for pool-goers, including the use of a swim cap (available for purchase for €3 at entry). Guests should note that making pool reservations online can be difficult. That said, if you’re looking for an experience that includes more than just a quick dip, Le Pavoniere offers numerous activities all in one convenient location.

Reservation not required but recommended on weekends and other busy days to ensure entry. Valid photo ID required. For more information contact info@lepavoniere.it or +39 392 172 4859.

Piscina Bellariva

Lungarno Aldo Moro, 6. Open Monday to Friday 10 am to 6 pm; Saturday and Sunday 9:30 am to 7 pm. Entry: €8 (€9 on Saturdays & holidays). Accessible via Bus 14, Stop Sella Bellariva.

Piscina Bellariva is an extremely popular option, featuring an Olympic sized adult pool, a shallow children’s pool, a bar/restaurant, and a beautiful lawn for lounging on a hot summer’s day.

Apart from the adjacent pizzeria and café for pool guests, the facility has inaugurated ParkArno, a new locale that opens at 8 pm where guests are seated on the lawn.  ParkArno offers platters of cold cuts or vegetarian/vegan/gluten free options with a bottle of wine for four or drinks accompanied by live music at sunset from Wednesday through Friday.  Reservations required via WhatsApp at +39 338 3678904.

Given the facility’s accessible location and large main pool, it is very popular in the summer and can tend to get quite crowded. Piscina Bellariva also offers a variety of swim courses and camps, which also bring large numbers of swimmers to the pool throughout the day.

Guests should note that the locks are not provided for the lockers in the changing rooms, so anyone bringing along valuables should also bring a lock from home. Pool rules state that all guests must shower before entering the pool, and not everyone will be comfortable with the open, multi-person showers found in the locker rooms. Another pool rule to note is the mandatory use of a swim cap.

No photo ID or reservation is required. For more information contact: +39 055 626 6007.

Piscina Costoli

Piazza Enrico Berlinguer, 2. Open Monday 2 to 6 pm (afternoon price); Tuesday through Friday 10 am to 6 pm; Saturday and Sunday 10 am to 7 pm. Adult tickets: €8 (€9 on Sunday and holidays). Reduced tickets (for children, disabled adults, and military): €5.50 (€6 on Sunday and holidays). Afternoon tickets (from 3 pm onwards): €5. Children up to 6 years: free. Accessible via Bus 10, Stop Piscina Costoli 01 or Bus 6, Stop Lungarno L’Affrico

Piscina Costoli is a great option for families, offering three different pools: an Olympic sized pool, a diving pool, and a shallow children’s pool. There is a large green space surrounding the pools, perfect for sunbathing. Chairs and tables are not provided, but guests can bring their own.

Costoli has two snack stands that sell food and drinks and guests are also allowed to bring their own, but pool rules state that guests cannot eat or drink on the pool deck. Another obligatory rule requires guests to wear a swim cap while in the water (which can be purchased for €2.20 upon entry).

Reservations are not required. Valid photo ID is required. For more information contact: piscinacostoli@comune.fi.it or +39 055 623 6027.

Piscina Poggetto-Flog

Via Michele Mercati, 24b. Mon-Sun: 10 am to 7 pm. Adult tickets: €8 (€ 11 on Sat, Sun & holidays). Reduced tickets (for students, seniors over 65, and children from 3-12 years old): €7 (€9 on Sat, Sun & holidays). Afternoon tickets (from 2:45 pm onwards): €7  (€8 on Sat & holidays). Reduced afternoon tickets: €6 (€7 on Sat, Sun & holidays). Children under 3 enter free. Accessible via Tram Stop Poggetto or Bus 20.

Piscina Poggetto-Flog is the smallest of the four public pools in Florence but is still well worth a visit given the site’s many other attractions. Like many of the other pools, Poggetto-Flog offers multiple meal options, with a poolside café and a pizzeria. Beyond these basic amenities, Poggetto-Flog also boasts sports facilities, a theater, and an outdoor cinema that features nightly movie showings during the summer.

Guests are required to shower before entering the pool, which can be done either at the outdoor shower or in the changing rooms. Unlike most pools, Poggetto does not have lockers in the changing rooms, so keep that in mind when deciding what to pack. Pool rules also require guests to wear a swim cap, which can be purchased upon entry for €3. Guests can also rent a sun bed for €4 or a chair for €3.  (ann webb)