Best Swimming Spots in Rome

Best Swimming Spots in Rome

Originally published by Natalie in August 2019 and Updated by Ruth in August 2022

Roman summers can get hot and sticky; one finds it difficult to concentrate on anything other than diving into a cold body of water.

Thankfully we have an array of public and hotel pools scattered across the city, and even some beaches nearby if you’re willing to make the journey. Swimming in Rome will cost you a few euros per person; the more central the pool, the steeper the daily fee.

Ostio Lida Beach – by Arnaud 25 – Wikimedia Commons

Having spent numerous summers in the Eternal City, I’ve done my fair share of public swims and these are my personal top spots…

Nuoto Belle Arti in Rome

This fitness center is easy to get to from the city center, only about a twenty minute journey north . It sits right on the edge of the River Tiber and included on the center grounds is an olympic sized swimming pool.

This is definitely one of the better kept pubic pools in the city. The water is always crystal blue and the facilities are noticeably clean, both on weekdays and weekends.

Rates to enter depend on the day of the week. For adults, its €15 on a weekday and €25 on a weekend. For kids aged between 7 and 13, its €10 during the week and €15 on the weekend. Kids under 7 years old enter for free at all times.

Nuoto Belle Arti in Rome – by Nuoto Belle Arti – Uploaded by them

What’s great about Nuoto Belle Art’s pool is that there are public swimming classes and workshops available as well. Children must be accompanied into the center by an adult, but they can join a class once inside.

For parents who don’t want to swim, there are loungers around the pool where one can relax and read to their hearts content.

PRACTICAL INFORMATION

Opening Hours: Monday to Sunday – 7am to 9pm

ADDRESS: Lungotevere Grande Ammiraglio Thaon di Revel, 3, 00196 Roma RM, Italy

Club Lanciani in Rome

Club Lanciani is more of a journey to get to, situated quit far out of the center into the natural valleys that surround Rome.

It’s a fabulous little tennis club with a beautiful garden pool, and entry is surprisingly reasonable. Just €10 for adults on weekdays, €15 on weekends. €7.50 for kids on weekdays and €10 on weekends. That’s what you get for leaving the center of the city!

The pool is surrounded by loungers and umbrellas that can be claimed by entire families. Unfortunately these come at extra charge in addition to the entrance fee.

Club Lanciani in Rome – by Club Lanciani – Uploaded by them

This pool remains one of the lesser visited spots by tourists, and almost all of the families that come here are local Italians.

Getting from the metro to the pool and back will require you to stroll through a small Roman village. There are a bunch of great pizzerias and trattorias on the main road (you’ll pass by en route) that are a great spot for authentic Italian dinner before heading back to the center — just a thought.

PRACTICAL INFORMATION

Opening Hours: Monday to Sunday – 7:30am to 10pm

ADDRESS: Via di Pietralata, 135, 00158 Roma RM, Italy

Metro Station: Quintiliani

Hydromania in Rome

Hydromania is a day trip out of Rome, and is worth every second.

This is Rome’s famous waterpark equipped with multiple wave pools, slides and water based activities. In addition to this there is an entertainment complex with restaurants, bars and retail stores.

It’s fun for the whole family and as affordable as spending your day at a regular public pool in Rome. Entrance is just €22 for adults and €17 for kids. Thins gives you access to all the attractions within the park for an entire day.

Hydromania – by Hydromania – Uploaded by them

The park is surrounded by grass, which is great to laze and picnic on. There are lifeguards and medias all around the facility so you’re assured your kids can wander around safely.

It takes about 45 minutes to an hour to get to Hydromania from the city center using public transport. Slightly less if you have a car. I definitely recommend going early and getting a spot before the park gets too crowded; waiting in line at the entrance in the heat is also not fun!

PRACTICAL INFORMATION

Opening Hours: Monday to Sunday – 9:30am to 7pm

ADDRESS: Vicolo del Casale Lumbroso, 200, 00166 Roma RM, Italy

Aldrovandi City Suites in Rome

Most of the 5 star hotels in Rome have swimming pools on site. They are generally happy for non-guests to come and make use of them, but there is usually a fee.

Given what these hotels charge per person just to have a dip in their pools, I usually tell people to rather save their money and make the day trip out to any of the swimming pools mentioned above. But if you can’t travel and you’re going to splurge on a day at a hotel then it should be the Aldrovandi.

Aldrovandi City Suites in Rome – by Aldrovandi City Suites – Uploaded by them

The pool is everything a Roman hotel escape should be; surrounded by nature and hidden like an oasis in the ancient city.

To enter it is €55 on a weekday and €60 on a weekend. That is per person, yes. Those intending to do a lot of swimming while in Rome can purchase a weekly pass from the hotel for €350.

PRACTICAL INFORMATION

Opening Hours: Daily

ADDRESS: Via Ulisse Aldrovandi, 11, 00197 Roma RM, Italy

Metro Station: Lepanto

Ostio Lida Beach near Rome

There are actually many coastlines close to Rome that make for a great day trip to the beach.

Ostio Lida is by no means the most beautiful beach in Italy, but it is the one closest to the city center and it’s perfectly lovely for swimming and tanning.

Ostio Lida Beach – by Arnaud 25 – Wikimedia Commons

Known for its dark sand and clean waters, Ostio Lida beach is about a thirty minute journey from the Porta S Paolo station in Rome central.

Purchase a roundtrip ticket for a few euros and catch the Ostio train to the Ostia Lido Centro stop. The beach is a short walk from the station. Be sure to check what time the last train back to Rome departs or you’ll be stranded on the coast!

PRACTICAL INFORMATION

Opening Hours: Daily

ADDRESS: Via Ulisse Aldrovandi, 11, 00197 Roma RM, Italy

Metro Station: Lepanto

Cavalieri Hilton in Rome

This large hotel on the top of Monte Mario has an outdoor swimming pool where visitors can go and spend the afternoon.

The hotel is refined with warm rooms that come with balconies and sitting areas, plus marble bathrooms with designer toiletries.

Outdoor Swimming Pool and Gardens – Wikimedia Commons

Airy suites add opulent furniture and artwork, and some feature VIP elevators and/or rooftop balconies with whirlpool tubs.

 The hotel commands a stunning position overlooking Rome, so while you’re getting there, expect to be blown away by the views.

PRACTICAL INFORMATION

OPENING HOURS: DAILY

ADDRESS: V.LE DELLE MURA GIANICOLENSI, 107, 00152 ROMA RM, ITALY 

METRO STATION: TERMINI

Piscina Belle Arti in Rome

This pool is near enough to the city center to get there but just far away to keep out the crowds and keep the price down.

The pool is a short ride on the number 2 tram from Piazza del Popolo. 

Swimming pool – Wikimedia Commons

It’s one of the best pools in Rome to stay cool at. It is also the cheapest pool around, at €12 during the week (€8 for kids) and €15 during the weekend for the whole day.

The swimming pool at Belle Arti also offers a family packet for €32, which pays for 2 adults and 2 kids. The pool is open from 7:00 am to 9:00 pm.

PRACTICAL INFORMATION

OPENING HOURS: DAILY

ADDRESS: LUNGOTEVERE GRANDE AMMIRAGLIO THAON DI REVEL, 3, 00196 ROMA RM, ITALY 

METRO STATION: MUSEO ETRUSCO VILLA GIULIA 

Grand Hotel Gianicolo in Rome

Part of a luxury hotel, this pool is located in elegant surroundings with palm trees from the Gianicolo hill.

From May to September you can enjoy dishes from the hotel’s restaurant poolside for both lunch and dinner. 

Swimming pool – Wikimedia Commons

You can also come here to enjoy the sunset while sipping a cocktail. There is a reservation option on the website. They open daily from 9.00-19.00.

PRACTICAL INFORMATION

OPENING HOURS: DAILY

ADDRESS: LUNGOTEVERE GRANDE AMMIRAGLIO THAON DI REVEL, 3, 00196 ROMA RM, ITALY 

METRO STATION: CARINI/BONNET