Northern and central Italy have no shortage of places to cool off in clear natural water away from the crowds: a 15-metre Apennine waterfall reached by a short hike, a saline mineral spring that has attracted visitors since the 17th century, a glacial lake above 1,500 metres, and a series of natural river pools tucked in the Versilia hills. Here are four destinations for wilderness swimming and bathing in Italy.
Golfarone Waterfall — Val d’Asta, Apennines
The Golfarone waterfall drops 15 metres into a series of clear pools in the remote Val d’Asta in the Apennines near Civago. The approach is a 500-metre hike along an unmarked but clearly visible path from the road, followed by a wade across the Secchiello stream. The pools below the falls are remarkably clear. Trekking boots are essential — the slope is steep and sandals make for a difficult descent.
Important: Swimming and jumping in the pools has been prohibited since 2017 following a series of injuries caused by people jumping from the waterfall into the shallow water below. The site remains a worthwhile destination for its scenery and the short hike, but the prohibition on swimming is enforced.
Fonti di Poiano (Poiano Springs) — Villa Minozzo, Reggio Emilia
The Fonti di Poiano are mineral springs in the Villa Minozzo area of the Reggio Emilia Apennines. The flow is substantial — around 600 litres per second — and the water is highly saline, rich in sodium chloride in proportions that reflect the area’s geological history: some two million years ago this part of the Apennines was under the sea, and the evaporating waters left their salinity in the hills. The springs have been documented and visited for their therapeutic properties since the 1600s.
To get there, head for the Gatta bridge in Castelnovo ne’ Monti, Le Salse locality, and follow the river Secchia banks — the walk takes about two hours. The springs are identifiable by their copious white, milky flow. The area around the springs has picnic tables, shaded paths offering different viewpoints over the source, and a bar and restaurant. It is possible to bathe at the point where the stream meets the river Secchia. The springs flow year-round.
Lago Santo Modenese — Pievepelago, 1,501 m
Lago Santo Modenese is the largest natural lake in the Apennines. It sits at 1,501 metres above sea level in the Modena province, formed partly by glacial action and partly by ancient landslides. The lake is approximately 550 metres long, 1,250 metres in perimeter and reaches 20 metres at its deepest point. Three tributaries feed it.
The easiest approach is from Pievepelago on the Brenner road: take the state road towards Passo delle Radici and follow signs for Tagliole village and Lago Santo. From Abetone there is also a recently opened road via the Dogana Nuova area. A large car park sits at the lake shore. The water is cold, clear and, at this altitude, stays refreshing even in peak summer heat. Swimming, bathing and diving are all possible at the lake.
Polle di Molbacco — Versilia, Tuscany
The Molbacco pools are a series of natural river pools in the Versilia hills near Pietrasanta, reached by a short hike through woodland. The water is cold and clear, fed by the river coming down from the Apuan Alps. The pools are not always easy to find without knowing the route, and sensible footwear is recommended — stepping-stones are involved.
Two routes from Pietrasanta work well. Option one: take the road along the right bank of the river through Vallecchia, cross a bridge and turn right. Option two: from Pietrasanta head to Querceta, take the underpass at the second traffic light, then head towards Monti past Pozzi and Ripa. Both routes converge near Corvaia. At the river fork, take the left road past Seravezza, Riomago and Molbacco. About 1.2 km past Molbacco the first pool appears on the left with parking nearby. A further 2 km brings you to a signed footpath that descends about 10 minutes through the woods to the main Molbacco pools. Late morning is the best time to arrive, and bringing a packed lunch is advisable.
Frequently Asked Questions
Can you swim at the Golfarone waterfall?
No. Swimming and jumping into the pools at Golfarone has been banned since 2017 following injuries. The site is still worth visiting for the hike and the scenery, but the prohibition on swimming is enforced.
Is it safe to swim in Italian rivers and lakes?
It depends on the specific location. Mountain lakes like Lago Santo Modenese and river pools like Molbacco are generally safe for swimming. Always check local regulations before entering — some sites have bans for safety or environmental reasons, as at Golfarone. Water temperature in Apennine and Alpine locations stays cold even in summer.
When is the best time of year for wild swimming in Italy?
July and August are peak season for outdoor swimming, when air temperatures are high enough to make cold mountain water comfortable. The Apennine springs and lakes are most pleasant from late June through mid-September. Lago Santo Modenese and high-altitude sites can be inaccessible before May due to snow.
Are the Fonti di Poiano good for swimming?
Bathing is possible at the end of the stream where it meets the river Secchia. The springs themselves flow at high volume but the attraction is primarily the saline mineral water and the natural surroundings. A bar and restaurant on site make it suitable for a day out rather than just a swim.
How difficult is the hike to Lago Santo Modenese?
The hike from the road to the lake is relatively easy — the car park is close to the lake shore and the path is well-maintained. It is suitable for families with children. The altitude (1,501 m) means temperatures are significantly cooler than in the valley even in summer, so bring a layer.
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