Where to Swim Near Florence: 15 Rivers and Lakes
When the asphalt in Florence starts to melt and stepping outside in the afternoon feels like a survival test, there is really only one thing to do: go find some cool water. And no, you don’t necessarily have to sit in traffic on the FI-PI-LI expressway all the way to the coast. Less than two hours from the city you’ll find swimmable lakes, crystal-clear streams, waterfalls, and natural pools that are perfect for escaping the summer heat. So here is a guide to the most beautiful places to take a swim near Florence.
Before you set out, one caveat: the amount of water in many of these spots can change a lot over the course of the summer. During dry spells some pools may be partly dry or reduced to a trickle. That’s why our advice is always the same: check current conditions before you make the trip.
Another word of advice concerns respect for these places. Many of the streams, waterfalls, and natural pools in this guide are fragile ecosystems, often inside nature reserves or protected areas. In recent years some of them have had to contend with ever heavier crowds, and not always with good results. Always carry out your trash, skip the loud music, don’t light fires where it isn’t allowed, and stick to the trails while respecting the plants and wildlife. In other words: leave the place exactly as you found it, or maybe a little better. That’s the only way these spots can stay wild, clean, and open to everyone in the years to come.
Mugello and Alto Mugello
Lake Bilancino
If you’re after something quick and close, without too many miles behind the wheel, Lake Bilancino is probably the easiest choice. Just over half an hour from Florence, this large Mugello lake has become one of Florentines’ favorite summer destinations over the years. You’ll find free public beaches, beach clubs, water sports, and plenty of room to relax.
📍 Barberino di Mugello
🚗 Distance from Florence: about 40 km (25 mi) – 40 minutes
Moraduccio Waterfall
On the border between Tuscany and Emilia-Romagna hides one of the most spectacular spots in the Apennines. A roughly thirty-meter drop plunges into a large natural pool of emerald water. Arrive early, especially on summer weekends: by now it’s one of the best-known places in the area.
📍 Firenzuola
🚗 Distance from Florence: about 75 km (47 mi) – 1 hour 20 minutes
Casentino and the Apennines
Parco della Rana
Near the source of the Arno, at Stia, there’s a small riverside park that’s great for families, too. The water is cool, the setting is peaceful, and the green areas make it easy to spend a whole day away from the city heat. It’s also ideal for a picnic, with plenty of benches and picnic tables.
📍 Stia (Arezzo)
🚗 Distance from Florence: about 55 km (34 mi) – 1 hour
The Corsalone
In the municipality of Bibbiena, the Corsalone stream forms a few lovely natural pools set in the greenery of the Casentino. It’s less famous than other spots, which is exactly why it tends to be quieter.
📍 Bibbiena (Arezzo)
🚗 Distance from Florence: about 70 km (43 mi) – 1 hour 20 minutes
Acquacheta Falls
Here the swim is almost a reward for the hike. Reaching the most famous waterfall in the Apennines takes a walk of about an hour and a half from San Benedetto in Alpe. The water? Freezing. But after the trail, that might be exactly what you need.
📍 San Godenzo (Florence) – access from San Benedetto in Alpe (Forlì-Cesena)
🚗 Distance from Florence: about 85 km (53 mi) – 1 hour 40 minutes
Around Prato
Rio Buti and the Pozzo della Morte
On its steep descent from Monte della Calvana, the Rio Buti creates a series of small cascades, little caves, and natural pools tucked into the woods. Exploring the stream is especially pleasant on the hottest days: between one climb and the next, you can stop for a refreshing dip in the many pools you’ll come across along the way.
The water is clear and ice-cold, while the sun only partly filters through the leaves overhead. Don’t let the shade fool you, though: when the heat sets in, a swim here is more than welcome.
The first true natural pool you reach as you head upstream toward the source is the famous Pozzo della Morte (literally “Pool of Death”), so named because of a handful of accidents over the past two centuries. For that very reason it’s important to stay alert at all times and avoid taking risks.
📍 Prato
🚗 Distance from Florence: about 50 km (31 mi) – 1 hour
Garfagnana, Versilia, and the Apuan Alps
The Renara Stream
In the woods above Massa, the Renara stream offers up a run of natural pools with crystal-clear, ice-cold water. Its beauty, combined with how easy it is to reach, has made it one of the busiest spots of the Tuscan summer over the years.
That easy access is one of its strengths, but also the reason you’ll rarely find it deserted: on weekends, and often midweek too, the stream gets very crowded. So the advice is to arrive early in the morning, especially in July and August.
📍 Guadine (Massa-Carrara)
🚗 Distance from Florence: about 140 km (87 mi) – 2 hours
Polle di Malbacco
Probably the most famous place in Tuscany when it comes to river swimming. The Polle di Malbacco, at the foot of the Apuan Alps, are a string of natural pools carved into the rock. The most celebrated is the Pozzo della Madonna. On summer weekends the advice is simple: get up early.
📍 Seravezza (Lucca)
🚗 Distance from Florence: about 120 km (75 mi) – 1 hour 50 minutes
Candalla Falls
A few kilometers from Camaiore, the Candalla Falls are the right spot for anyone who loves ice-cold water and woodland trails. Along the way you’ll also pass old mills and the remains of former ironworks, buried in the vegetation.
📍 Camaiore (Lucca)
🚗 Distance from Florence: about 110 km (68 mi) – 1 hour 40 minutes
The Lima Stream and the Blue Lagoon
If you’re after transparent water and postcard scenery, the Lima stream is a must. Born in the mountains around Abetone, this watercourse is famous for its clear waters and for the many springs that feed its course.
Near the village of Cocciglia, the stream wedges into a narrow gorge of limestone rock shaped by water over the centuries: these are the spectacular Stretti di Cocciglia (Cocciglia Narrows). Here you’ll find the famous Laguna Blu (Blue Lagoon), a natural pool with incredible turquoise shades that opens up inside the canyon. Even though the road runs just above, once you arrive it feels like another world. Overlooking the lagoon there’s also a small pebble beach where you can relax or dive into the icy water.
For an even bigger adrenaline rush, right nearby you’ll also find Canyon Park, a one-of-a-kind adventure park that lets you explore the gorges from the inside via rope bridges, suspended walkways, and zip lines.
📍 Bagni di Lucca
🚗 Distance from Florence: about 85 km (53 mi) – 1 hour 30 minutes
Stretti di Giaredo
More than a simple day at the river, this is an adventure. The Stretti di Giaredo, in the Lunigiana, are spectacular gorges carved by the Gordana stream between high rock walls. Cold water, canyons, and incredible landscapes: a little Tuscan Grand Canyon. Worth the trip even if it runs a touch over two hours!
📍 Pontremoli (Massa-Carrara)
🚗 Distance from Florence: about 170 km (106 mi) – 2 hours 30 minutes
Valdelsa and the Pisan Hills
SentierElsa
The Upper Val d’Elsa River Park is a summer classic by now. Small cascades, rapids, natural pools, and a trail deep in the greenery make it one of the most beloved spots for anyone chasing cool water without straying too far from Florence.
📍 Colle Val d’Elsa
🚗 Distance from Florence: about 55 km (34 mi) – 50 minutes
The Evola Pools
In the area around Montaione, the Evola stream forms a series of small natural pools set in the Tuscan countryside, reached by trails through the woods. It’s still little known compared to more famous places, which is exactly why it’s so prized by anyone seeking quiet.
A word of warning, though: during the hottest, driest stretches of summer the pools can shrink considerably or, in some cases, dry up almost entirely. So it’s always best to check on the stream’s condition before you leave.
📍 Montaione
🚗 Distance from Florence: about 60 km (37 mi) – 1 hour
Masso delle Fanciulle
Between Volterra and Pomarance, in the heart of the Berignone Nature Reserve, the Cecina River delivers one of the most beautiful swimming spots in Tuscany. Big rocks to dive from and views deep in nature make Masso delle Fanciulle one of the most beloved summer destinations for Tuscans.
To reach the river, count on a fairly long walk that’s largely exposed to the sun. So the advice is to bring plenty of water, a hat, and insect repellent.
In recent years access to the area has been regulated to curb roadside parking and protect this delicate ecosystem. The main parking lot is in the Sant’Antonio area, and in summer the available spaces may be capped. In high season it’s worth planning ahead and checking for any updates before you set off.
📍 Pomarance (Pisa)
🚗 Distance from Florence: about 90 km (56 mi) – 1 hour 40 minutes
The Pavone Stream and the Pozza Verde
Less known than the nearby Masso delle Fanciulle, the Pavone stream hides a striking emerald-green pool set in the Tuscan countryside. Ideal for anyone after a more secluded spot.
📍 Rocca Sillana area
🚗 Distance from Florence: about 90 km (56 mi) – 1 hour 40 minutes
Il Ghiaccione
The name leaves little doubt (ghiaccione roughly means “the big freeze”): the water here is genuinely cold. The Ghiaccione Falls sit along the Carbonaia stream, near the medieval village of Chianni, in the province of Pisa, and are one of the most striking destinations in the Valdera.
A trail through the woods leads to a first small waterfall, but it’s by pressing on that you reach the most spectacular point: the Tonfo degli Ebrei, a roughly ten-meter waterfall that plunges into a deep natural pool of icy water.
📍 Chianni (Pisa)
🚗 Distance from Florence: about 90 km (56 mi) – 1 hour 30 minutes
Siena and the Maremma
The Merse River
Some of the most beautiful waters in Tuscany run through the Alto Merse Nature Reserve. Little sandy beaches, shady woods, and green water make this one of the favorite destinations for anyone seeking calm and nature.
📍 Alto Merse Nature Reserve
🚗 Distance from Florence: about 90 km (56 mi) – 1 hour 30 minutes
Canaloni del Farma
Between Monticiano and Roccastrada, the Farma stream has carved out spectacular natural pools with incredible green shades over time. Reaching them takes a walk through the woods, but the scenery amply repays the effort.
📍 Torniella
🚗 Distance from Florence: about 100 km (62 mi) – 1 hour 40 minutes
📌 A safety tip: for the more demanding or remote hikes, we always suggest checking the official routes of the CAI (Club Alpino Italiano, the Italian Alpine Club). Before you set out, make sure to download GPS tracks and offline maps to a dedicated app: cell coverage deep in the gorges and thick woods is often nonexistent, and having a reliable track will save you from nasty surprises.
Wherever you’re headed, remember one thing: these are not beach resorts but natural environments, often delicate ones. Respect the people around you, always carry your trash home, and leave the place exactly as you found it. If we want to keep discovering and enjoying these spots without turning them into yet another mass-tourism destination, the best way is to take care of them.
