Swimming pools in Florence: the best ones to try in summer

A dip in the blue among scenic locations, exclusive designs and quiet corners perfect for escaping the heat

A dip in the blue with a view of Brunelleschi's Dome, or immersed in the quiet of ancient Florentine parks: even a simple day by the pool in Florence can turn into a unique experience. Whether you're looking for a refreshing break during the summer in the city, a relaxing spot between art and nature, or a panoramic pool to enjoy the sunset, the Tuscan capital offers solutions for every taste. Here are the most beautiful pools in Florence not to be missed, perfect for experiencing the cooler (and chicer) side of summer.

Bagno Al Fresco
Borgo Pinti, 99
ph. +39 055 2626450

In the green heart of the Giardino della Gherardesca, Four Seasons Hotel Firenze transforms summer into a refined celebration of Italian style, thanks to Bagno Al Fresco: a pool area reinterpreted with elegant red and white stripes, evoking the legendary seaside resorts of the Riviera and the retro charm of la dolce vita. Here, amid signature cocktails and poolside relaxation, summer takes on the authentic flavor of Italian-style vacations. To complete the experience, Trattoria Al Fresco is confirmed as the reference point for summer cuisine with a genuine taste, served in the regenerating silence of the centuries-old park. This year, the offer is enriched with a new collaboration of excellence: the protagonist is Lo Spela, an iconic pizzeria in the hamlet of Ferrone, in the heart of Chianti, awarded 3 slices by Gambero Rosso. Its gourmet pizzas, served for dinner under the stars, transform simplicity into culinary art, between impeccable doughs, selected ingredients and fine dining aesthetics. Next door, the Josper grill brings to life meat, fish and vegetable dishes cooked to perfection, paired with a sought-after selection of local wines and signature cocktails. The spa, overlooking the new urban lido, is the ideal retreat to rejuvenate: from July 1 to Sept. 11, every Tuesday and Thursday morning you can participate in an Aquafitness session, from 8 to 9 a.m., to start your day with energy and lightness. For a deep beauty treatment, the JetPeel (50 minutes, 285 euros) offers a non-invasive solution to hydrate the skin, stimulate lymphatic drainage and smooth fine lines, with an immediate lifting effect. Finally, the glam appointment with Sapore di Mare, the event that enlivens the terrace of Palazzo del Nero with a series of exclusive evenings of music and coastal cuisine. Paying homage to the '60s, '70s and '80s, between DJ sets and atmospheres of yesteryear, each evening (July 3, Sept. 4) is a true multisensory immersion thanks to the Onde restaurant, where the flavors of the sea meet the vermouth-based cocktails by Bar Berni.

Bagno Al Fresco

Villa Cora
Viale Machiavelli, 18
ph. +39 055 228790

Villa Cora stands within a centuries-old park overlooking the Boboli Gardens. A place suspended between art, history and charm, where eclectic late 19th-century architecture-signed by Pietro Comparini-meets the refined hospitality of a 5-star hotel of excellence. An aristocratic residence inaugurated during the period when Florence was the capital of the Kingdom of Italy, Villa Cora has welcomed great personalities of the cultural and international scene over time, becoming a symbol of Florentine high society. Since 2016 it has been part of the prestigious collection The Leading Hotels of the World. The hotel's pride and joy is its outdoor swimming pool, surrounded by greenery and reserved exclusively for guests, to ensure maximum relaxation and privacy. It is right here, by the pool, that during the summer one of the most anticipated events of the season comes to life: Pizza & Champagne. A gourmet rendezvous where the crispness of pizza meets the elegance of Maison Ruinart bubbles, all accompanied by the live music of resident artist Nino. The event is held every Wednesday from 8 p.m., on the evenings of June 25, July 2, 9, 23 and 30 - August 6, 20 and 27: the perfect opportunity to experience the Florentine summer in an exclusive and relaxed atmosphere. Rounding out the experience: the Le Bistrot restaurant, the Santa Garden Cocktail Club and a sumptuous spa also open to outside guests.

Villa Cora

Villa La Massa
Via della Massa, 24 - Candeli
ph. +39 055 62611

Overlooking the placid waters of the Arno, with a breathtaking view that embraces the Chianti hills, this historic mansion transformed into a charming resort is immersed in a private park of ten hectares, an authentic oasis of peace and privacy just minutes from the city center. Here the summer season is experienced in all its essence, among nature, elegance and well-being. The heated outdoor pool, surrounded by greenery, is the ideal place to relax away from the hustle and bustle, perhaps after a treatment in the spa, dinner under the stars or a walk in the gardens. Impeccable service and an intimate atmosphere make Villa La Massa the perfect choice for a Tuscan summer of luxury and tranquility.

Villa La Massa

Relais Villa Olmo
Via Imprunetana per Tavarnuzze 19 - Impruneta (FI)
ph. +39 055 2311311

If you dream of a day by the pool immersed in the Tuscan countryside, just 20 minutes from Florence, Relais Villa Olmo is the ideal address. Nestled in the hills of Impruneta, this refined boutique hotel welcomes guests in a charming atmosphere, with twelve elegant units including rooms, suites and villas with private pools. The heart of the summer experience is the panoramic pool, framed by centuries-old olive trees and overlooking a bucolic landscape that smells of Tuscany. It is open not only to those staying at the resort, but also to those who want to experience a day of relaxation and good food, thanks to the Eat & Swim package. The package includes access to the pool with reserved sun lounger and towel, and a two-course lunch of your choice from the à la carte menu, complemented by dessert, water and coffee. The pool is open daily from 9 a.m. to 6:30 p.m. Rates vary depending on the day: during the week the cost is 70 euros for adults and 25 euros for children aged 5 to 12, while on weekends it rises to 90 euros for adults, remaining unchanged for the little ones, to whom a special menu is dedicated. Availability of the package is subject to resort occupancy, so reservations are mandatory.

RELAIS VILLA OLMO

The Social Hub
Viale Spartaco Lavagnini, 70
ph. +39 055 0621855

The Social Hub-in the heart of Florence, a stone's throw from the station-conquers with its contemporary soul and breathtaking views. Housed in a majestic 1864 building, the former Railway Palace, also known as the Palazzo del Sonno, is now a creative and dynamic hub that combines hospitality, co-living and co-working under one roof. The style is eclectic, vibrant, somewhere between pop and industrial, with 22,000 square meters spread over 390 rooms - from standard rooms to mini-apartments - designed for an international community of students, travelers, professionals and the curious. The real treat? The rooftop overlooking Brunelleschi's Dome, also open to outsiders for a sunset aperitif among cocktails, chopping boards and the Florentine skyline. The pool, reserved exclusively for hotel guests, is the perfect retreat for those seeking relaxation in style, above the rooftops of Florence.

The Social Hub Firenze

Grand Hotel Minerva
Piazza di Santa Maria Novella, 16
ph. +39 055 27230

Located in the heart of Florence's historic center, this boutique hotel offers 97 rooms with a warm and welcoming atmosphere. The interiors, with wood floors, delicate tones on the walls and contemporary artworks from prestigious galleries in Florence and Pietrasanta, create a refined ambiance with attention to detail. The rooftop terrace offers breathtaking views of the city and is the perfect place to relax in the 28°C heated pool, accessible to guests from April to October. From May to September, every evening from 7:30 p.m., the poolside cocktail bar also opens to the outside public, offering a charming atmosphere in the heart of the Florentine summer.

Grand Hotel Minerva

Sina Villa Medici
Via Il Prato, 42
ph. +39 055 277171

The prestigious 5-star Sina Villa Medici hotel combines the charm of history with timeless elegance, continuing to welcome illustrious personalities from around the world. On the ground floor, the lobby, gallery and lounge bar are embellished with modern antique furnishings and original photographic works by artist Marco Lanza, depicting Caterina de' Medici and details from the Uffizi picture gallery, created especially for the hotel. What makes this quiet corner in the heart of Florence unique is its enchanting private garden, which houses Harry's Bar The Garden and a splendid swimming pool. The latter is exclusively reserved for hotel guests.

Sina Villa Medici Harry's Bar The Garden