8 Unbelievable Wild Swimming Spots in Italy

Less widely known than the nearby Saturnia Hot Springs, the completely free-to-access Petriolo Thermal Baths are public; set between two nature reserves; and sit next to a small river, making them ideal for hot and cold plunges. Find these hidden gem swimming holes off the main road between UNESCO-listed Siena and foodie destination, Grosseto: watch for signage, look out for a stone bridge, and park near the ruins of an ancient wall. Monticiano is the nearest town, but travelers can easily soak sore muscles here after a Tuscan hiking tour or an e-bike excursion that includes a wine tasting from Siena. Better yet, visit Petriolo in the morning and then head to head to Saturnia for a sunset picnic.

With deep pools, cascading waterfalls, and emerald waters, the Torrente Fer (torrente means “torrent” or “cascade” in Italian) is popular among canyoners but also has swimming holes that rival what's considered the best natural swimming holes in Italy. The cascade is next to the Dora Bàltea River in the Aosta Valley, a small region in northwest Italy known for wine-tasting and mountain sports including multi-day skiing trips and white-water rafting experiences. While some of the more popular swimming holes here get crowded during summer, insider's know (wink, wink) it’s just a short hike to the more secluded upper pools.

These natural swimming pools formed by the Meduna River are inside the Friulian Dolomites Nature Park (Parco Naturale Dolomiti Friulane), roughly 2.5 hours north of Venice and its famous canals by car. Surrounded by forests and boulders tailor-made for sunbathing, they’re considered one of Italy’s most remote swimming holes. The nearest village is Tramonti di Sopra, but the pools are in the heart of an unusually remote region, surrounded by the UNESCO world heritage site of the Dolomite Mountains and multiple national parks for a full-day hiking excursion, the nearest being Dolomiti Bellunesi National Park (Parco Nazionale delle Dolomiti Bellunesi).

Seven serene swimmable coves lie along the shoreline of the Zingaro Nature Reserve, a protected area laced with marvelous paths to the sea. Sicily’s first nature reserve is located one hour west of Sicily’s capital, Palermo, by car—the southern entrance can be found just past the Tonnara di Scoppelo, a medieval tuna fishery-turned-museum and public beach. Reach the coves from the water on a boat tour of the reserve or explore neighboring San Vito lo Capo; spend a full day biking and snorkeling the area; or admire it from the medieval town of Erice, as you tour Segesta Erice and nearby salt pans.

This beach within the Monte Conero Regional Park (Parco Regionale Naturale del Conero) keeps the tourist crush at arm’s length, as it’s accessible only by sea. One of Italy’s most remote beaches, it was also recently christened the most beautiful swimming hole in the region, winning out for water quality, cleanliness, and surrounding beauty. Reach the “two sisters” on kayaks rented from San Michele Beach (Spiaggia di San Michele) or on a sailboat tour from Numana. Otherwise, paddle out at sunset with a tour group, sail the neighboring coastline on old-fashioned sailboats, or hike to Mount Conero for a scenic breakfast overlooking the beach.

At the tip of Sicily’s Cape Milazzo, a secluded path leads past olive groves, ruined watchtowers, and lighthouses to the Pool of Venus, a seawater pool protected on three sides by a rocky inlet. Though relatively small, the refreshing swimming hole is isolated and especially beautiful during sunset—after nightfall, bathers sometimes watch eruptions from the Island of Stromboli’s volcano, visible across the water. Locals take travelers on full-day fishing trips in the surrounding waters, while visitors can stop for a dip before cruising out to the Aeolian Islands after a private tour of the town of Milazzo.

In northeast Sardinia, on Mount Nieddu above San Teodoro, the Rio Petrisconi canyon hides a waterfall and hidden natural pools that seem purpose-built for a cool canyoning adventures. The largest of these, called the “infinity” pool, takes swimmers to a cliff edge overlooking a 70-foot (22-meter) waterfall. There isn’t a wilder swimming spot in all of Sardinia, a region already known for trekking adventures and some of the best beaches in Italy. Nearby, explore the Sardinian hinterland surrounding the medieval city of Orosei and Onifai on all-terrain vehicles or head north to the ancient town of Olbia for carefree beach days and island kayaking and snorkeling trips.

Gaiola Island makes our list for the best wild swimming because it offers travelers the chance to swim among submerged Roman ruins. Just ahead of Virgiliano Park (Parco Virgiliano) in the Posillipo neighborhood, the Discesa Gaiola descends toward Gaiola Beach—from there, it’s a short swim through the Gaiola Underwater Park (Area Marina Protetta Parco Sommerso di Gaiola) to the island and its secluded swimming holes. While locals swim and snorkel here nearly year-round, travelers can choose to embark on a wild kayaking excursion along the coast; explore the nearby Pausilypon Archeological Park; or head farther afield on the Gulf of Naples snorkeling trip, as far as the historic Castel dell’Ovo.

What is wild swimming? Nothing could be more primal and relaxing than bathing or wading in a cool natural swimming pool, that’s why wild swimming’s popularity has grown in recent years. Simply put, any swimming performed in the ocean, a lake, or a natural pool counts as natural swimming. While some thrill-seekers take a more extreme point of view, Italy’s beautiful swimming holes attract vacationers, canyoners, and adrenaline junkies alike.

What is a swimming hole? Usually found in a river, creek, spring, or other inland body of water, many of Italy’s most striking swimming holes are located along its scenic coastline. Whether positioned in a canyon or cove, all the wild swimming pools in our list have been carved by nature, offering unrivaled beauty and one-of-a-kind experiences.

Is wild swimming safe? This activity is more suited for competent swimmers. Make sure to take safety precautions like going with a friend or buddy, pay attention to warning signs, as well as monitor ever-changing conditions.

This piece was originally published in June 2022 and has been recently updated by Luke Spacey.