The Best Places to Swim in Lombardy

Lombardy is the Italian region with the largest river basin, and with a pleasant day trip, you can easily reach beautiful natural spots to cool off with refreshing swims.

But where to go for a swim in Lombardy when the scorching summer arrives?

Nestled in the stunning setting of Val Seriana, in the province of Bergamo, about 70 km from Milan, Val Vertova is a picturesque natural area enriched with crystal-clear waterfalls, natural pools, giant's kettles, and lush vegetation.

The path leading to the waterfalls is a shaded and flat trail suitable for everyone along the canyon carved by the Vertova stream.

The trail is filled with streams and small waterfalls, with cool and crystal-clear water ideal for refreshing baths.

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The small village of Erve, in the province of Lecco, is the starting point to reach numerous cool water pools at the foot of Mount Resegone.

An easy trail runs alongside the Gallavesa stream and leads to natural pools of clear, icy water that are an ideal antidote to the city heat.

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These large, shallow water pools surrounded by pebble beaches offer refreshing and safe swims even for young children.

Continuing along the trail, one can reach deeper basins carved into the rock up to San Carlo spring which yields natural mineral water.

One of the most enchanting places to take a bath in Lombardy is the beautiful Acquafraggia waterfalls, located in Borgonuovo di Piuro in Val Chiavenna (SO), reachable from Milan in just under two hours by car.

These fantastic natural pools, even mentioned by Leonardo da Vinci in the Atlantic Codex, originate from the waterfalls of the Aquafraggia stream, which diverges into two striking twin cascades at the final drop.

For their significance and beauty, the Acquafraggia waterfalls have earned the title of "natural monument of the Lombardy Region."

A true natural spectacle that allows you to take a refreshing swim in the lake below, cool off with the mist of the falling water, and explore various trails suitable for everyone that traverse the area.

The Ferrera waterfall is a hidden gem in Lombardy, specifically in the province of Varese.

It's easily reachable thanks to a scenic trail that starts from the populated center; the waterfall suddenly appears with an imposing drop of 30 meters from the Margorabbia stream, which flows from the caves of the Cunardo gorge, plunging into a crystalline, swimmable lake.

Adding to the magic is an unspoiled natural setting where the relaxing sound of water cascading from above prevails.

In the province of Bergamo, we find the Buche di Nese (also called Pozze di Burro): a series of small cold water pools created by the Nese stream.

To get there, you need to walk a challenging path that leads to these ponds in the Orobic Pre-Alps near the hamlet of Alzano Lombardo (Burro).

The path winds through the wooded nature up to the watercourse, alternating between a series of pools and small natural waterfalls. This trail is not suitable for everyone, especially children, with whom it is advisable not to go beyond the first pool, the most accessible.

More experienced and well-equipped individuals can continue to the last hole, known as Paradis, and enjoy a well-deserved refreshing swim.

The entire area is also ideal for a pleasant outdoor picnic.

Val di Mello is a fantastic Nature Reserve within Val Masino in the province of Sondrio.

In this small oasis, streams and clear water pools abound, such as the famous lake called "Bidet della Contessa," nestled in a breathtaking backdrop of mountains and forests.

Walking in nature in Val di Mello allows you to discover highly impactful landscapes, in harmony with the watercourses, small waterfalls, and pools where one can bathe and relax while fully connecting with the pristine surrounding nature. A perfect destination for a day trip with refreshing bathing included.

The Lake Garda is rich in swimming edges and beaches where one can sunbathe. Sirmione particularly combines a historic village of great charm with several lakeside beaches like the famous Jamaica Beach, where the light-colored rocks on the bottom create spectacular shades with the blue water.

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Other interesting beach destinations near Sirmione include Lido delle Bionde, Spiaggia Punta Grò, Lido Brema, and Lido di Lugana, all very scenic and equipped with various services for bathers.

In addition to its internationally renowned attractions, Lake Como boasts a series of charming beaches, both free and equipped, where it is possible to swim surrounded by a landscape of rare scenic beauty.

The village of Lenno has two beautiful beaches, one with fine sand, the other with pebbles and rocks. Also notable are the famous Lido di Cernobbio with luxury services and high-end restaurants, Bellagio beach, and Menaggio Lido.

In Domaso, there's a long shoreline dotted with free beaches and lidos that offer the opportunity to practice water sports, with bars, restaurants, and numerous lakeside campsites for accommodation.

Moving to the Lecco branch, one can choose to swim at the Bellano lido, which, a short distance from the beach, also allows visits to impressive natural gorges and gigantic kettles with spectacular waterfalls.

Lake Iseo also offers various destinations for a refreshing swim like the large green areas of Lido Fontanì and Lido Fosio near Sarnico.

On the Brescia side of the lake, one can visit the beaches of Sale Marasino and Iseo where there are equipped lidos or Monte Isola, which offers gardens with free access to the lake.

In Marone, there is a free beach known for the transparency of its waters. The pebble beach is reachable on foot but may not be particularly suitable for children, given the depth of the bottom just a few steps from the shore.

In the locality of Cornate d'Adda, in the province of Monza, the local community has created the so-called Piscinette on the Adda, small pools designed to allow children to play and have fun safely in the waters of the Adda river, which is usually rich in eddies and strong currents.

These small stone pools are surrounded by a series of bridges and wooden pathways that help to move from one side to the other right in front of the Medolago beach located on the other bank.