It’s not just about sandy beaches and lidos in Italy. Head inland or off the map, and you’ll stumble across emerald rivers threading through Tuscany, sun-bleached islands like Sardinia, icy Dolomite pools, and lakes so clean you’ll want to bottle the water. Local families and city escapees know that the best places to swim in Italy are often hidden away from the crowds, where the only noise comes from dragonflies and the odd whoop from a fellow swimmer.
Picking the right spot depends on your kind of swim. Up north, you get those postcard lakes—crystal clear, surrounded by mountains. Many say South Tyrol or the Veneto have the cleanest of the lot. Down south and in the centre, you’ll find steaming thermal pools, secret turquoise rivers, and wild island corners that most tourists never see. Here’s a line-up of Italy’s wild swimming highlights—from open water to natural pools and river dips.
Lago di Garda, Veneto/Lombardy/Trentino
Lake Garda is one of the most popular spots for open water swimming and is the largest lake in Italy, so there's plenty of space for all. The lake is located in northern Italy, between Brescia and Milan. The water is clean (especially at the northern and eastern shores), with beaches and little coves dotted all around. Check out Jamaica Beach and Torri del Benaco's little pebbly strip.
You’ll often spot locals taking an early morning dip—even in spring. Beyond wild swims, there’s paddleboarding, windsurfing and lakeside walks. Plus, the town of Limone sul Garda is excellent for scenery and fewer crowds.
Lago di Molveno, Trentino-Alto Adige
Often voted the cleanest lake in Italy for swimming, Lake Molveno is famous for its startling clarity, lush Alpine backdrop, and quiet beaches. On a sunny day, the water turns turquoise, reflecting the Brenta Dolomites. Lifeguards and facilities make it family-friendly, but it also feels thoroughly wild at the fringes.
It’s a top pick for a cooling swim after a hike and a proper spot for open water swimming enthusiasts in Italy.
Lago del Turano, Lazio
A great lesser-known spot for wild swimming away from the usual regions is Lake Turano in Lazio. Tucked into the Sabine hills about 80km northeast of Rome, this lake feels properly off the beaten track. It's surrounded by forested slopes and medieval hilltop villages like Castel di Tora and Colle di Tora. You’ll find quiet pebble beaches where the water is clean and clear, reflecting the dramatic hills that slope straight down to the lakeshore.
There are plenty of places to stretch out after your swim, and the views of the stone towns perched above the lake are some of the best you’ll find in central Italy. Local trattorie serving hearty food are just a stroll from the water.
The easiest way to get there is by car from Rome, winding through the countryside to reach the water’s edge. If the sea is more your thing, there are also some great beaches near Rome that you can reach by train.
Torrente Lima, Tuscany
Wild swimming in Tuscany doesn’t get much better than the Torrente Lima, near Bagni di Lucca. This winding river carves out natural pools with jewel-like clarity, cool even in midsummer. The canyon is a stunner, with boulders for sunbathing and even a few gentle rapids for the more adventurous who fancy going rafting.
The area is easy to reach from the Lucca province, and there’s parking by Ponte a Diana—bring water shoes and don’t expect many amenities.
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Fosso Bianco, Bagni San Filippo, Tuscany
Slip into Italy’s natural pools in the woods above Bagni San Filippo, in southern Tuscany. The Fosso Bianco area is a wild stream with mineral deposits, forming white limestone terraces and hot pools. The thermal waters keep it warm even outside the summer, perfect for an early spring soak.
The hot springs are free, and you’ll often meet locals, but weekends get busy. It's a good idea to go early or late in the day to beat the midday heat and enjoy quieter swims.
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Trebbia, Emilia Romagna
Down by the river Trebbia in northern Italy, the water is famously clear and the banks are wild and gravelly, with hidden pools between Bobbio and Marsaglia. Located almost on the border with Lombardy, Italians rave about its beauty, and Ernest Hemingway called it “the most beautiful river in the world.” Wander along the riverbanks to Bobbio beach for a good spot for a dip.
Access can be a little rough. Park near San Salvatore or Marsaglia, and follow worn paths down to the river. Great for a summer escape.
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Cala Luna, Sardinia
Wild swimming in Sardinia means turquoise sea and caves, and Cala Luna might be its poster child. Set against dramatic limestone cliffs on the Gulf of Orosei, the bay is only reachable by boat or a long hike from Cala Fuili. The swimming is superb, and the caves offer shade after a salty dip. Snorkelling here is renowned, as the bay’s floor slips quickly into deeper blue. The nearby seaside town of Cala Gonone is a great place to have as a base as you explore the eastern coast of Sardinia.
Laghetti di Cavagrande, Sicily
The Cavagrande Canyon near Avola, Syracuse, offers a slice of paradise located in the Cavagrande del Cassibile Nature Reserve. Cascading natural pools in Sicily’s wild countryside. Reaching them means a steep downhill walk (and an even steeper climb back up), but the swim is worth every step. Deep, cool turquoise water, surrounded by wildflowers and dragonflies.
Bring a good pair of trainers and avoid high summer afternoons as it tends to be busy and sweltering.
Laghetto Qualido, Lombardy
An Alpine treat for wild swimming near the Swiss border in Val di Mello, Qualido Lake is one for the more adventurous. The river here carves deep, cold pools amongst granite boulders, with backdrops straight from a fairy tale. The area is a favourite for climbers, hikers, and swimmers seeking solitude. The water is clear, icy, and utterly refreshing in summer.
Stay in the peaceful hamlets of San Martino or Val Maino for access to the valley trails and mountain peaks.
Lago di Bilancino, Florence
Bilancino beach is a bit of a hidden gem tucked offering wild swimming near Florence without the chaos of the Tuscan coast. Set on the shores of Lake Bilancino, in the Mugello valley, it’s a favourite with locals when the heat kicks in. The water’s clean and surprisingly inviting, and there’s plenty of space to roam if you fancy a quieter spot away from the main stretch.
You’ll find a mix of sandy and grassy areas, plus a few lakeside bars for an afternoon spritz or gelato. The beach is especially popular with families, but you’ll see everyone from cyclists to Florentine students making the trip up for the day. It’s easy to reach by car—just 40 minutes from Florence, with parking close by and spots to rent kayaks or pedalos if the mood strikes.
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