Rome's best outdoor swimming pools

Best Pools in Rome for Summer 2024.

The Roman summer is in full swing and as temperatures rise locals can be found spread across lounge chairs on rooftops, on the grassy lawns of sports clubs and at the edge of waterslides … if, of course, they haven’t managed to escape to a beach.

In recent years swimming pools have been cropping up more and more in the city as demand for a cooling respite has increased.

In addition to country clubs and sports centres - where families can enjoy pool days by becoming members or purchasing day passes - hotels have begun to seriously put to use outdoor spaces for eating, drinking and swimming.

From olympic-sized to hotel terrace views to new addresses, here is a selection of the best outdoor pools in Rome to cool off in this summer.

Aldrovandi City Suites

A small and very select city-centre oasis, La Ranocchia (meaning “little frog”) is shaded by overhanging palms and huge cream parasols. Arrive early as space is limited around this pool. Open during the summer 10.00-19.30. Mon-Fri €50, Sat €60, Sun €60. Prices include 1 drink. 10-entry subscription, excluding Sundays and holidays, €300. Free entry for kids under 2 free, kids aged 3-12 €25.

Address: Via Ulisse Aldrovandi 11 (Parioli), tel. 063223993, website.

Photo Credit: Aldrovandi Residence City Suites

Belle Arti

Worth a mention for its fantastic central location tucked behind a church on Via Flaminia, Belle Arti puts emphasis on swimming - rather than relaxing and splashing about - with designated swimming lanes. A low-key atmosphere and the restaurant and snack bar makes it one of the best for those with young children. Mon-Fri 07.00-15.00 / 19.00-20.30. €20. Sat-Sun 08.00-10.00 / 19.00-20.00. €25. Children aged 7-13 accompanied by adult pay €10 weekday /15 weekend. Kids under 7 free. Address: Via Flaminia 158 (Flaminio), tel. 06 3226529, website.

Rome Cavalieri

This Olympic-sized outdoor pool-with-a-view is the crème de la crème of Rome’s pools if you like serious swimming. It’s large, luxurious and well worth the trip to Monte Mario. With a separate children’s pool, it's defnitely a destination where you can lounge all day. Daily 09.00-19.00. Mon-Fri daily rate €80 adults, €40 children (6-11 years). Sat, Sun, public holidays €150 (adults), €75 (children 6-11 years).

Address: Via Alberto Cadlolo 101 (Monte Mario), tel. 0635091, website.

Photo Credit: Rome Cavalieri, A Waldorf Historia Hotel

Circolo Valentini

Slightly shabby but friendly, family-run pool, used by locals which keeps the price fair. The adjoining restaurant will whip up a lunchtime salad for around €5. Open daily from 09.00-19.00. Weekdays €13, half-day €9, Sat-Sun €20, half-day €13. Kids 3-6 years €6.

Address: Via della Marcigliana 597, corner of Via Bufalotta (Talenti/Prati Fiscali), tel. 0687120207, website.

Photo Credit: Circolo Valentini

Grand Hotel Gianicolo

Part of a luxury hotel, this pool is located in elegant surroundings with palm trees from the Gianicolo hill. From May to September you can enjoy dishes from the hotel's restaurant poolside for both lunch and dinner. You can also come here to enjoy the sunset while sipping a cocktail. Open daily from 9.00-19.00, for booking options and rates contact hotel, tel. 06 58333405 or at reception@grandhotelgianicolo.it.

Address: Via delle Mura Gianicolensi 107 (Janiculum Hill), website.

Photo Credit: Grand Hotel Gianicolo

Sky Blu Terrace at the Aleph Hotel

The terrace houses a scenic infinity pool whose blue water blends with the blue of the sky, against the unmistakable Roman skyline.Open to non- hotel guests, although it is not possible to reserve, so just show up early to grab a spot. The price of entry includes a drink and an appetizer from the hotel menu. Open daily from 10.30-18.30. For booking information and prices contact tel. 064229001 or email FCOAH_FB@hilton.com.

Address: Via di S. Basilio 15 (Barberini), tel. 064229001, website.

Photo Credit: Aleph Rome Hotel, Curio Collection by Hilton

Hydromania

Think miles of water slides, wave machines, pools, South-Pacific-style thatched bars, shops and a mini-club. It is a bit outside of the city but reachable by bus.Weekdays 09.30-18.30, weekends 09.30-18.30. Daily adult rate €18, kids up to 12 years €15. Half day rate €15.

Address: Casal Lumbroso 33 (Aurelio), tel. 0666183183, website.

Photo Credit: Hydromania

Borgo della Mistica

Borgo della Mistica is located in the Roman countryside in the eastern quadrant of the city.An old farmhouse has been renovated and the beautiful swimming pool overlooks an expanse of olive trees. Open daily 10.00-19.00. Entrance plus sunbeds and umbrellas (for two people) is weekdays €20, weekends €40. Kids €8.

Address: Viale Marisa Bellisario 300, tel. 0669398505, website.

Photo Credit: Borgo della Mistica

Hotel Anantara Palazzo Naidi

All-inclusive treatment at an enviable location in the heart of Rome. A tranquil rooftop pool overlooks Piazza della Repubblica. Access to the gorgeous pool requires booking a spa package that comes with a 50-minute massage. Open daily from 10.00-18.00. Prices from €160 per person.

Address: Piazza della Repubblica 47 (city centre), tel. 06489381, website.