Public Pools Under the Florentine Sun
With the summer heat at its height in Florence, there is no better way to cool off than by visiting one of the city’s top outdoor pools. From serene sanctuaries perfect for unwinding to more vibrant spots with family-friendly activities, these pools offer an invigorating escape right in the heart of the city. Whether you are looking to lounge by the water, swim some laps or watch an open-air film, there’s an option for everyone. Each pool is equipped with various amenities, including cafes, bars, and seating. Discover the spot best suited to your needs to beat the heat and make the most of your Florentine summer.
Bellariva Pool
Lungarno Aldo Moro, 6
Bellariva offers a spacious 50 metre pool, complete with a cafe, bar, restaurant and a spacious garden with plenty of shade and seating. Sun loungers are available to rent for a small fee and the location also has toilets, showers and large changing rooms. A children’s pool is also available on-site and is included in the entry fee.
To reach Bellariva it is possible to walk about 40 minutes from central Florence along the river Arno or catch bus 14 and get off at Aretine De Gasperi. The pool is open 10:00 am to 6:00 pm Monday to Friday and 9:30 am to 7:00 pm on Saturdays and Sundays. Entry is €8.00 weekdays, €9.00 on weekends and holidays.
Pavoniere Pool
Viale della Catena, 2
Located in the Cascine park, about a 15 minute walk from Florence city centre, is the Pavoniere pool which sits against the backdrop of an expansive historic villa. Open until September 8, weather permitting, the Pavoniere also offers visitors a restaurant, a pizzeria and a bar. An escape from the noise of the city centre and also from the summer sun, the Pavoniere provides a welcome tranquility in the shade of its trees. In the evening, the pool also becomes an events location with DJ sets, live music, and other events. A children’s pool is also available making the location suitable for a family day out.
Prices start from €5.00 for free swimming between 8:30 am and 9:30 am and 7:00 pm to 8:30 pm. Aquafitness sessions are available on Tuesday and Thursday evenings from 7:30 pm to 8:15 pm for €6.00. Daily weekday swimming is from 9:30 am to 6:30 pm with full entry costing €9.00 and €7.00 reduced entry for children between 4-11 years, over 65s, USIP members, FFAA and Law Enforcement. From Monday to Friday, it is possible to enter the pool from 3:30 pm to 6:30 pm for €7.00.
Entry on Saturday, Sunday and public holidays from 9:00 am to 4:00 pm is €12.00 and €10.00 for children 4-11 years, Over 65s, UISP members, FFAA and Law Enforcement, or entry after 4:00 pm.
Free entry for children 3 years and under, people with disabilities, armed forces and police (for the first 5 entries).
Entrance to the pool from via della Catena 2.
FLOG
Via Michele Mercati 24
FLOG, the first outdoor pool established in the Florence area, is located in Poggetto just outside of the city centre.
Until August 31, Flog will also be hosting open-air film showings from 9:30 pm, with tickets for Italian and European films at €3.50 and tickets for non-EU films costing €6.50 full price or €5.50 for reduced tickets.
Flog also has a fully gluten-free Pizzeria on site, serving pizzas inspired by the Tuscan culinary tradition, made only with high quality ingredients and catering well to those with food intolerances or dietary preferences.
This summer the pool is open until September 1 (weather permitting), swimming hours are 10:00 am until 6:30 pm in preparation to exit the facility at 7:00 pm, and free swim Monday to Friday from 9:00 am to 9:50 am and 7:00 pm to 7:50 pm. Entry to the pool Monday to Friday is €9 then €7 from 2:45 pm. On Saturdays, Sundays and public holidays entry is €12 then €9 from 2:45 pm. For a relaxing evening, Flog offers entrance to the pool and a spritz from 5:30 pm until closing for €7.50 on weekdays and €8.50 on weekends.
It is also possible to make the most of the summer by booking multiple entries in advance and enjoying a discount. Free swimmers usually pay €7.50 for their session but they can opt to pay €35 for 5 entries. Reduced entry fees are applicable for those over 65, children aged between 3 and 12 and students under 26 years, children under 3 years enter for free.
To reach FLOG from Florence city centre, take the T1 tram from Santa Maria Novella to Poggetto and walk a short distance to the pool located on Via Michele Mercati 24.
Costoli
Piazza Enrico Berlinguer, 2
Costoli pool complex is located in Florence’s Campo di Marte area and is open until August 31. Reachable on bus 6 by exiting at the D’Annunzio Ramazzini stop, the location offers two pools, one with diving boards and another dedicated just for swimming. Also available is a small cafe for drinks and food, changing rooms, toilets and a green garden area for lounging in the sun or having a picnic. Swimming caps, which are mandatory for entering the water, can be purchased upon entry for €2.20 and sunbeds can be hired for €3.00.
To enter the pool you must provide a valid ID, and you should also be prepared for holidays and particularly hot days as the pool sometimes reaches full capacity resulting in queuing. Open to the public Mondays from 2.00 pm to 6.00 pm (afternoon ticket price), Tuesday to Friday from 10.00 am to 6.00 pm and Saturdays and Sundays from 10.00 am to 7.00 pm. The ticket office closes one hour before the pool closes. Adult tickets are €8.00 on weekdays and €9.00 on weekends and holidays. Afternoon tickets, for entry after 3.00 pm are €5.00. Over 65s enter for €6.50, children accompanied by a paying adult enter for free (under 6 years old), reduced tickets are €5.50 on weekdays and €6.00 on weekends and holidays, information about who this applies to can be found here. (Lucy Turner)
