Diving into Florence’s Public Pools, Summer ’21

The forecast calls for heat, heat and more heat. As temperatures in Florence reach the high 90s, jumping into a cold swimming pool is absolutely refreshing.

Whether you prefer swimming or lounging, Florence’s public pools provide the perfect spot to cool off. Offering food, beverages and a place to relax, the public pools are accessible to both residents and visitors at the daily cost of €10 or less. Complying with post-lockdown guidelines, the summer 2021 pool scene continues with social distancing mandates, reservations and the swim cap requirement. Even though each pool is accessible by bus and provides the same familiar friendly atmosphere, there’s a few key differences. 

Let’s dive into four of Florence’s most popular public pools: Costoli, Pavoniere, Flog and Bellariva. 

Piscina Costoli

Piazza Enrico Berlinguer, 2. Open Monday 2 to 6 pm; Tuesday, Wednesday, Thursday and Friday 10 am to 6 pm; Saturday and Sunday 10 am to 7 pm. Adult tickets: €8 (€9 on Sunday and holidays). Over 65 years: €6.50. Reduced tickets: €5.50 (€6 on Sunday and holidays). Afternoon tickets (from 3 pm onwards): €5. Children up to 6 years: free.  Public transport: Bus 10, Stop Piscina Costoli 01 or Bus 6, Stop Lungarno L’Affrico

Lounge under the sun or enjoy a splash in one of Costoli’s three pools: an Olympic sized pool, one for diving and a shallow children’s pool. The swimming complex’s spacious grounds and crystal-clear blue water are refreshing on a hot summer day and not overcrowded. Similarly, the pool deck provides enough space for those looking to tan or play games. Chairs and tables are not provided; so, guests must bring their own. Food, drinks and ice cream, however, can be purchased at Costoli’s two snack kiosks. These treats as well as outside food and drinks are allowed but must be enjoyed off the pool deck.

Reservations are required. Admission is paid directly at the pool. Valid photo ID is required. For more information contact: piscinacostoli@comune.fi.it or 055 6236027.

Piscina Pavoniere

Viale della Catena, 6. Open Monday to Friday 9:30 am to 7:30 pm; Saturday and Sunday 9 am to 7:30 pm. Full tickets: €8 (€11 on weekends and holidays). Reduced: €6 for seniors over 65 years, children from 4 to 12 years, law enforcement officials, UISP members and after 2 pm. (€8 on weekends and holidays). Children up to 3 years: free.  Public transport: Bus 17C or Tram Stop Cascine.

Located in the Cascine Park, the Pavoniere offers guests the full experience. Shaded by the park’s trees, guests can enjoy a relaxing day around the historic Pavoniere swimming pool or enjoy an active day in the park. The large pool is surrounded by sunbeds and tables with umbrellas for guests to utilize. Additionally, the pool offers fitness classes as well as other water activities throughout the week. Since the changing rooms are not open, guests should come dressed and ready to swim. When guests are not swimming, they can enjoy the park’s skate or bike rentals, or travel to Pavoniere’s restaurant to enjoy a bite to eat. The restaurant offers breakfast, lunch and dinner every day starting at 8:30 am and brunch on Sundays. Aperitifs and cocktails are also available at the restaurant. 

Reservations are not mandatory but recommended. Admission is paid directly at the pool. Valid photo ID is required. For more information contact: 334 521 0999.

Piscina Poggetto-Flog

Via Michele Mercati, 24. Open Monday to Sunday 10 am to 7 pm. Full price tickets: €8 (€10 on weekends & holidays). Reduced tickets: €6 for students up to 26 years, seniors over 65, children from 3 to 12 years (€8 on weekends & holidays). Children up to 3 years: free.  Public transport: Tram Stop Poggetto or Bus 20.

The next swimming complex is the smallest of the four but includes a newly renovated infinity edge pool. Comparatively, Poggetto-Flog is more relaxed and less crowded due to the 35 people max in the pool at one time. Changing rooms are also limited to a max of five people at the same time and sunbeds must remain socially distanced. The small complex welcomes those looking for a little bit of everything. Guests can enjoy food at the Flog’s pizzeria or café next to the pool. The site even has sports facilities, a theater space and an outdoor cinema offering evening screenings.. 

Reservations are not mandatory but recommended. Admission is paid directly at the pool. Valid photo ID is not required for admission but needed to receive student discount. For more information contact: 366 876 9021.

Piscina Bellariva

Lungarno Aldo Moro, 6. Open Monday to Friday 10 am to 6 pm; Saturday and Sunday 9:30 am to 7:30 pm.  Full tickets: €8 (€9 on weekends & holidays). Reduced tickets: €5.50 (€6 on weekends and holidays). Over 65 years: €6.50.  Public transport: Bus 14, Stop Sella Bellariva.

The fourth and final public pool, Bellariva, is the most popular in eastern Florence. The complex consisting of two pools–an Olympic sized one and a baby pool–appeals to both families and groups of teenagers and adults. Outside of the pool, guests can spend their day on the lawn or enjoy a meal at the bar and restaurant. If a guest is planning on swimming, they must shower beforehand. 

Reservations are required. Admission is paid directly at the pool. Valid photo ID is not required. For more information contact: 055 626 6007. (rachel pellegrino)