Cool down: 8 natural swimming spots in Tuscany

In Italy, summers are hot and sweaty. What could be better than cooling off in the cool mountain water? I honestly can't think of anything. Fortunately, there are plenty of lakes, mountain streams, waterfalls and rivers in Tuscany. Places where you can wild swim safely in crystal clear water.

1. Bozzi delle Fate at Fivizanno

Let's start in the north of Tuscany. Here you will find many natural swimming spots that differ in quality. Because the summers are getting drier, it is important that the swimming spots flow and are deep. Swimming in stagnant water is often unhealthy.

Close to Fivizanno, an ancient village Lunigiana, you will find the Bozzi delle Fate. This is a popular swimming spot among residents and tourists. It is pleasantly busy in the summer.

A little tip: don't go on your flip flops, but put on walking shoes. You park your car at the top and still have to climb down a bit. Fortunately, this walk is not too long.

The place is somewhat hidden. First drive to the village of Fivizanno. From there follow the signs for Pognana. Once in Fivizzano, enter the town and follow the signs for Pognana. Pass the town of Pognana and continue past the stone bridge. A little further on you will find the path that leads to the Bozzi delle Fate.

2. Equi Terme thermal baths 

Do you fancy a special experience? Then go to Equi Terme. Here you will find the natural hot springs that can reach 17 to 27 degrees. These waters are good for the skin because they contain sulfur.

In Equi Terme there is a water park, where you will find a swimming pool for adults and children. Do you prefer to go on an adventure? Then continue to the river, where you will find several baths with thermal water. Nice for a day with the whole family. Go during the week, because it gets busy here on weekends.

The thermal baths can be found in the center of the village. Drive to Equi Terme and park at the pools. Walk past the water park along the river, where you will find several swimming spots. The hot springs are easy to reach.

3. Bagni di Lucca: a paradise for water lovers

In the province of Lucca you will find a beautiful canyon through which the river Lima flows. It is an impressive environment, where you can swim and dive. I advise you to book a guided tour through the organization Canyon Park.

With them you can paddle board, take a zipline course or take a guided walk. This way you can be sure that you will reach the most beautiful places and have a parking space. There is not much parking space, so you have to walk a long way along the road when it is busy. Of course after all this you take a nice cooling dip in the cold water.

Bagni di Lucca is located north of the city of Lucca. You park your car at the Canyon Park. Hereafter it is clearly indicated how to get to the canyon. The staff is available to give you directions.

Always register at the reception, even if you only come to walk the free walking path. In the summer holidays it is busy here. Prefer to come in spring or autumn.

4. Saturnia hot water baths: healthy enjoyment

Do you want to go to a hot water bath where you can enjoy yourself all day long? Then be sure to visit the hot springs of Saturnia.

The sulphurous water is really warm at 37,5 degrees and rises from the ground. There are several baths that you can easily sit in. Put on swimsuits that can smell bad, because the sulphurous water has a strange smell. Fortunately, you get used to it after a short time.

Access to these resources is free. There is a restaurant and there are several spas where you can book treatments. If you want to relax for a day, this is definitely worth it. Please note: in the summer it is also a busy affair here. Rather visit this place in the early or late season.

You will not find the hot water baths in the town of Saturnia itself, but just south of Terme di Saturnia. There is a large parking space where you can park the car all day for 6 euros. Are you coming with a camper? Then you have to put it on the special camper parking space.

👉 You can find more of the best and most beautiful thermal baths in Tuscany in this article.

5. Discover the Cecina Valley

At Masso delle Fanciulle there is fresh and crystal clear water, surrounded by beautiful nature. You will find this place along the river Cecina, between the municipalities of Pomarance and Volterra. This time no spectacular waterfalls, but a beautiful riverbed. This place is an ideal place for a refreshing swim. After this you will immediately discover the rest of the nature reserve of the Cecina Valley.

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=OkoKpuLXIY0

How do you get there? Take the road towards Lancaia. Along this road you will find a parking lot where you can park your car for free. From here there is an easily accessible path that leads to the river. Find a nice spot and swim in the lovely river Cecina.

6. Swimming in the water of the Farma 

The Canaloni del Torrente Farma in the Colline Metallifere park are the best sights of the natural park. The local population of Roccastrada regularly cools down here in the summer. There are small waterfalls that lead the water to deeper places. You can swim well there. There are also plenty of places where you can lay down a towel and relax.

The swimming spots are only accessible via hiking trails. From Follonica take the E80 and then continue towards Grosseto. Take the Gavorrano exit, direction Roccastrada. After this town, continue in the direction of Monticiano, past Torniella, until you find a bridge over the River Farma.

Leave your car here or drive on an unpaved road for about 4 km. Follow the red and white signs here. Park your car at the end of the dirt road and continue on foot on an easy path that soon leads to the Canaloni.

7. Parco della Rana: cooling off near Florence

Are you near Florence and want to escape the hustle and bustle of the cities? The Parco della Rana is easily accessible from the village of Stia. Park your car in the center of and walk to the river. This is a short 5 minute walk. Here you will find the entrance to the Rana Park. This is a true green oasis, in which there are many statues: from large frogs to wild boars.

The pride of the park is the river Arno. Walk along the water and you will find many swimming spots with beautiful waterfalls. There is also an Adventure Park, where you can book various activities. Here you can enjoy a relaxing day in the summer, because there is plenty of shade and cooling. An ideal place for the whole family.

8. Take a dip in the Corsalone 

The Corsalone is one of the best rivers in Tuscany for swimming. Swimming is almost always possible here, although the shallow parts are empty during dry summers. Fortunately, there are a number of deep pools where you can always find refreshment. The place is especially popular because it is located directly on a small road. This makes it easy to reach and you don't have to work up a sweat for a cold dive.

Take a swim, sit by the river and enjoy the Italian families who spend their free hours here. Bring something delicious and have a picnic along the waterfront. The possibilities are endless!

The Corsalone is a tributary of the Arno and is located in the municipality of Bibbiena in the Casentino. To reach the 2 main swimming areas, you have to reach the village of Corsalone. This is not far from Bibbiena.

Follow the road along the river. After the village of Campi the road turns into a dirt road. After about 2,5 km you have to turn right before the transition to the paved road. Follow the side road for 2 minutes and you will be at Ponte Rosso.

Wild swimming tips in Tuscany

1. Ask the locals for tips on undiscovered spots. They tell you immediately whether the water is clean and safe.
2. Wear water shoes so that you can easily get into the water. Walking over stones is annoying for your feet.
3. Go in the morning or evening. Avoid the hottest hours of the day so that you are not in the strong sun for too long. Moreover, it is wonderful to cool off before or after a hot day.
4. Count on some climbing and scrambling to get to the spots. Wear hiking boots and figure out how to get to the site beforehand.
5. Bring anti-mosquito spray, because mosquitoes also like the damp places. Sunscreen is also not a superfluous luxury.