** Updated June 2021 **
With the arrival of summer and the first days of scorching heat in Milan, the search for outdoor pools, where you can go to sunbathe and swim. Unfortunately, I have the distinct feeling that the heat always comes earlier and the swimming pools, in contrast to the trend, always open too late! This year (2021) the municipal swimming pools opened on June 3rd and you will have to buy your ticket online before going there through this site.
In Milan there are several municipal seaside resorts and, in most cases, these are very large outdoor pools built between the 20s and 60s and never touched (or almost) again. They are somewhat dilapidated pools but not without charm, at least for myself. There are some more beautiful than others (the only ones I will tell you about) but the level of comfort and the fauna that frequents them does not change that much.
Here you find thelist of all municipal outdoor pools, on the other hand, I will only tell you about the ones I frequent (or have attended). If, on the other hand, you have more time and want to go for a swim on the lakes or the sea near Milan, you will find all the info in the article Milan: where do you go for a swim out of town?
Roman Seaside Center (Città Studi area)
I couldn't help but start from the swimming pool that I frequent the most, being close to home: the Roman seaside resort that we in the area simply call Ponzio. It is an immense swimming pool, the pool is 100 meters long (4000 square meters) and is of increasing height. There is also a smaller pool for children with very shallow water. The pool is surrounded by a small patch of lawn with some trees. The part of the pool opposite the entrance is notoriously "dedicated" to the gay public. There is an immense bar and changing rooms that are decidedly vintage. I adore!
Roman Bathing Center - Via Ampere 20 - Hours: from 10am to 19pm - Closing: Wednesday
Evening admission (last year there was, we hope it will be confirmed again this year!): from 18:30 to 21:00 from Monday to Friday (without reservation) for 3,5 euros… a gem!
Buy your ticket online
Prices: Monday-Friday 7 euros - Saturday, Sunday and holidays 8 euros
Argelati Seaside Center (Navigli area)
In this center near the Navigli there are two outdoor swimming pools on different levels, among trees, flower beds and patches of lawn. There is also a solarium of about 500 square meters and the bar. In summer it is also often used for events.
Argelati Seaside Center - Via Segantini 6 - Hours: from 10am to 19pm - Closing: Tuesday
Buy your ticket online
Prices: Monday-Friday 7 euros - Saturday, Sunday and holidays 8 euros
Mysterious Baths (Porta Romana area)
The mystery is soon revealed, it is the old Caimi Seaside Center which has been beautifully renovated thanks to a project that involved the citizens of the neighborhood, the Pier Lombardo Foundation and various other partners. It is by far the most beautiful swimming pool in Milan (at least among the outdoor swimming pools accessible to all mere mortals); it costs a little more than the municipal swimming pools but it is absolutely worth it. The large pool is 50 meters long and the small one (low, for children) about 30. There are large changing rooms with lockers, showers and hairdryers. Inside there is also a bar, with a decidedly hipster menu, where between 18pm and 30pm you can enter to have an aperitif by the pool (as long as you take off your shoes). The entrance in this case is from Via Sabina.
Mysterious Baths - Via Carlo Botta 18 - for timetables and reservations consult the website -
Prices: starting from 12 euros
Saini Sports Center (Parco Forlanini)
If you want to stay out of the chaos of the city and don't want to see a building around you, this outdoor pool is for you. The Saini Sports Center is in fact located inside the Forlanini Park, near the Idroscalo. In addition to the outdoor pool there are indoor pools, a plunge pool, tennis courts, and several other facilities covering an area of 160 square meters. The outdoor swimming pool is surrounded by a nice lawn with some trees.
Saini Sports Center - Via Corelli 136 - Hours: from 10am to 19pm - Closed: Monday
Buy your ticket online
Prices: Monday-Friday 7 euros - Saturday, Sunday and holidays 8 euros
Idroscalo- the Sea of Milan (Idroscalo area)
Continuing on Via Corelli, not far from the Saini, you reach the seaplane base, a large lake on the outskirts of the city. The bathing area is limited to ensure constant vigilance and safety for everyone and the water is clean (beyond what you might think!). Have I bathed in it several times?
Access to the beach adjacent to the bathing area is completely free and free.
Sea of Milan - Riviera Est entrance - Timetable: from 10am to 19pm
Prices: free
