The best outdoor pools in Bologna
The best water parks and pools for cooling off just outside the city
When the summer heat hits, especially in the city, all you really want is ‘a dive where the water is bluest, nothing more’, as the classic Italian song goes. A seaside escape is not always an option when work and everyday commitments get in the way. So what can you do while waiting for that well-deserved holiday? Fortunately, Bologna has plenty of outdoor pools ready to welcome anyone looking to unwind between the Due Torri and the surrounding hills.
With slides and hydromassage pools, these venues easily rival the coast. Spread across the province or just outside the city walls, they are genuine wellness retreats. Far more than simple water parks, the spots we have selected leave nothing to chance, catering to everyone from fitness enthusiasts to families with children. You will find volleyball, table tennis and beach tennis courts, as well as dedicated children’s pools and inflatables. In true Emilian style, after a long swim, who could resist a prosciutto piadina or an ice cream by the pool? There are also more sophisticated options, from poolside farm stays to four-star hotel restaurants.
To switch off from daily stress and top up your tan, nothing beats a relaxing weekend by the water. We have selected eight of the best outdoor pools in Bologna for you to try. Next time your friends ask, ‘Where are we going today?’, you will have the answer ready.
Villaggio della Salute Più
Via Sillaro, 27, Monterenzio (BO)
A true wellness village set in the Bolognese Apennines. This is the largest water park in Europe, featuring 24 thermal pools. The grounds are waiting to be explored, from waterfalls and slides to rafting and grottos (including a scream cave to let off steam). At weekends, the anti-ageing pool stays open until 1am for a late-night swim under the stars. With pizza, farm-to-table dining, pasta and a piadina kiosk, the food caters to every palate. Pets are welcome too, with a dedicated Fido area. It easily rivals Italy’s top water parks.
Free Beach
Via dei Colli, Loc. Savigno, Valsamoggia (BO)
Swimming, sunbathing and much more await in the Bolognese hills. FREE BEACH features volleyball and table tennis courts, a TV lounge under a covered gazebo, and dining options ranging from breakfast to sunset aperitivi. A green retreat surrounded by nature, it caters to adults and children alike, complete with a 65-centimetre-deep paddling pool. Ideal for escaping the urban routine.
Relais Bellaria Hotel Bologna
Via Altura, 11/bis, Bologna
Just five kilometres from the centre of Bologna, this spot feels a world away. The pool at this four-star hotel is a peaceful oasis framed by palm trees and bonsai olive trees. Unwind in oak hydromassage barrels while staying connected with free Wi-Fi. The dining is another strong point, with poolside lunch boxes and evening aperitivi prepared by the hotel chefs.
Acqua & Fitness
Via Nardi, 2, Ozzano dell’Emilia (BO)
As the name suggests, fitness and beach-style sports take centre stage here. Alongside the pool with hydromassage jets and fountains, there is an outdoor fitness area and two courts for volleyball and beach tennis. After working up a sweat, you can recharge on the natural lawn solarium and at the bar. Plenty of sport, followed by plenty of relaxation.
Piscina Sterlino
Via Augusto Murri, 113, Bologna
A local favourite just outside the city walls. If you want a day of swimming and sunbathing on a lounger without venturing far from the centre, this is the place. Space is never an issue thanks to the 50-metre pool. An Olympic pool close to the city centre: what better way to take a break from traffic, exams and work?
Piscina Lido Conca del Sole
Via della Piscina, 19, Vidiciatico (BO)
A water park designed for family fun. PISCINA LIDO CONCA DEL SOLE features 30-metre slides alongside safe areas for younger children, while parents unwind in the relaxation zone with loungers, hydromassage jets, geysers and waterfalls. After cooling off, enjoy a picnic on the lawn and a coffee at the welcoming diner. If your children are not keen on the water, there are plenty of wooden climbing frames to keep them entertained.
Skiuma
Via Saliceto, 8, Bentivoglio (BO)
Set inside the four-star hotel Zanhotel, the quality is evident throughout. The pool features mosaic tiling, while the relaxation area offers a hydromassage tub and comfortable spots for sunbathing among the greenery. Food and drinks are refined too, with dishes prepared by the Rossi Sapori restaurant. For further relaxation, the hotel provides a thermal suite with sauna, Turkish bath and chromotherapy showers—turning a Saturday swim into a full wellness weekend.
Piscina Torre Verde
Via Lame, 296, Castel Maggiore (BO)
What could be better than a swim after a match of five-a-side football? At the Torre Verde sports complex, you can do just that. Alongside the pool, the venue features football pitches and padel courts. Afterwards, take a dip with DJ sets providing the soundtrack. For an evening swim, the pool is also open at night by reservation—an ideal destination for a weekend with friends.
