Alternative summer: where to take a plunge in Florence

The definitive guide to surviving the hotter months in Florence…with a little imagination!

If one thing is certain, it’s that Florentines are divided into two very clear parts: those with a house by the sea and those without. It’s a truth you get used to from an early age when, after school, the piazzas suddenly became deserted like the Wild West. The poor unfortunates left in Florence were left to fill the boredom of those stifling hot days by inventing games.

But never fear our fellow unfortunates! We are with you.

Summer in Florence is a test of courage and physical endurance that only heroes trained from an early age can easily overcome ... but there are also positive aspects! Most importantly, there are many ways you can pretend to have a house by the sea while remaining in Florence.

Florence for the few

After a world health emergency that has abruptly stopped, closed and emptied cities, it’s strange to see Florence without its usual frenzy, traffic and queues. It has turned into Sleeping Beauty ... or perhaps more like dozing off after a hearty lunch! It’s as beautiful as ever, and perhaps even more so. Museums, restaurants, and terraces with a view are all to be enjoyed more slowly and intensely.

The Florentine "sea"

With a little imagination, even in Florence you can have the feeling of being on the shore. There are various points by the Arno such as Rondinella, Rime, Zecca, Anconella and Cascine, where you can lay down a towel and sunbathe, enjoying the breeze that can only be found on the river bank (from a certain time onwards), even on the hottest days. Whie yes, a sunset over the sea is undoubtedly spectacular, being along the banks of the Arno with a crisp glass of white wine in hand when the sun disappears behind Pontevecchio is a like a real life painting.

For those who (understandably) can’t resist jumping in when they are by water, just hop in the car and drive for a short distance! You can head to Parco dei Renai and explore the large Bilancino Lake where you can try your hand at canoeing, kayaking, sailing and windsurfing. There’s also Castelruggero Lake a few kilometers from Grassina where you can even spot a few nudists! Lake Londa is adjacent to the Ricine Forest Complex for those who love to immerse themselves in nature.

In the absence of salt water, why not get familiar with fresh water?

Photo credits: https://www.gonews.it/2018/06/08/lago-bilancino-lavori-migliorare-la-passeggiata/

Swimming pools

We conclude our guide for an alternative summer with some of the most beautiful swimming pools in the Florentine area. Immersed in Chianti is the swimming pool at Relais Villa Olmo. It’s accessible to anyone who books a table for lunch or dinner. The swimming pool of Tenuta di Artimino is ideal for a day out, situated in the Medici park next to Villa Medicea La Ferdinanda. The summer pools of the Klab Marignolle charm with a spectacular sunset visible while nestled in some of the most exclusive hills in Florence. Finally, there’s the Pavoniere if you want to stay in the center and still be surrounded by greenery!