Can’t escape to the Tuscan coast or to the hills? Don’t fret. Florence has many pubic and private swimming pools, offering the summer urbanite an aquatic paradise. Whether for a quick afternoon dip or a daylong bout of poolside relaxation, a great way to beat the August heat is to make a splash in one of Florence’s many public pools.
With more than 40 public swimming pools in and around Florence, there are plenty of places to practice your backstroke. Open until late September, most city pools are open from 10am to 6pm (the season started in late May), and entrance fees usually range from 6 euro up. For more information, see www.uisp.it.
Park and pool Le Pavoniere
Nestled in the city’s vast green oasis in Cascine park, Le Pavoniere is by far the city’s largest pool to dive into-day or night. By day, both adults and children can put their water wings to the test in this open-air urban aquatic centre. Le Pavoniere also boasts an aquatic gym for the sports-minded, while less serious swimmers can stretch their limbs in the L-shaped basin. For information about the restaurant and late-night bar, call 333/1297725; for information on the pool and services, contact Le Pavoniere, via della Catena 2, Cascine Park, tel. 055/362233, www.uisp.it.
Paolo Costoli pool
Located near the Franchi stadium, this is the largest and, perhaps, most popular public swimming venue in town. However, overcrowding, noise and general chaos can make for a less-than-serene experience. If you can embrace the lively atmosphere for the sake of your tykes, Costoli pool will be thoroughly enjoyable for children of all ages. For more information, contact Costoli Pool, via Pasquale Paoli 9, tel. 055/6236027.
Nannini Bellariva
Another great swimming centre is the Nannini Bellariva complex. The lush, green grounds are teeming with trees, and grass lawns are great places for sunbathing. With an abundance of lounge chairs poolside, a rooftop terrace restaurant that serves pizza and fresh summer fare, it boasts an Olympic-size pool, as well as a children’s pool area. For information, contact Nannini Bellariva, lungarno Aldo Moro 6, tel. 055/677521, www.fiorentinanuoto.com.
Other swimming pools:
The Flog
via Mercati 24/B, Poggetto (FI)
tel. 055/481285; www.flog.it
Club Fiorentina Nuoto
via di Ripoli, 70
tel. 055/687758; 055/6580033
Health Center Vivarium
via Accursio, 4
tel. 055/2047471
Klab Marignolle
via Ferrone, 5
tel. 055/7184300; www.klab.it
Micropiscina Comunale I.T.I
via dei Caboto
tel. 055/410681
Micropiscina Comunale Isolotto Nuoto Club
via B. Bandinelli
tel. 055/710479; 055/7398079
Piscina G. Raspini – Rari Nantes Florentia
lungarno F. Ferrucci, 24
tel. 055/6812141
Piscina Comunale San Marcellino – Fiorentina Nuoto
via Chiantigiana, 28
tel. 055/6530000
Piscina Comunale Paganelli
viale Guidoni
tel. 055/4379787
Club Tropos
via Orcagna, 20/A
tel. 055/678381; www.troposclub.it
Zero Uno
via dei Caboto, 30
tel. 055/430275; 055/430703
Virgin Active Firenze
via Gen. Carlo Alberto dalla Chiesa, 11
tel. 055/6505671
