Top 10 wild swims in Italy
Dip into more than 200 wild swims from Lombardy to Sicily with the latest book from wild-swimming experts Wild Things. Wild Swimming Italy uncovers the prettiest places to swim out in the open in Italy, with insider tips on waterside restaurants, where to pitch a tent and how to get to each swimming spot.
Here are 10 swims to kick off with
Best for Hot Springs: Fosso Bianco, Bagni San Filippo, Tuscany
Hidden in the woods, a hot spring flows down the huge white calcareous rock face into a set of stunning hot pools. Just relax and enjoy this magical place, in winter or summer.
Best for Blue Pools: Laghetti D'Avola, Syracuse, Sicily
Two perfect rocky pools with an incredible colour, surrounded by a breathtaking canyon full of waterfalls, wildlife and flowers. The best place for river scrambling and an aquatic mini adventure.
Best for Waterfalls: Cascata Plera, Tolmezzo, Friuli-Venezia Giulia
A waterfall drops into a true blue pool over the this funnel of rock. The air is always fresh, with the small droplets suspended in mid-air.
Best for Jumping: Torrente Ceronda, Valleys of Turin, Piedmont
In the middle of a wild and quiet forest, hold your breath and dive between the rocks into a large turquoise pool.
Best for Waterside Food: Lago di San Domenico, L'Aquila, Abruzzo
In the magnificent scenery of the Gole del Sagittario, this enchanting green lake is perfect for a picnic. Most eerie and magical at sunset.
Best for Skinny Dipping: Spiaggia della rocca di Manerba, Lake Garda, Lombardy
Swim in green-blue water under a white cliff, or sunbath on this secluded and wonderful beach. It's a lovely walk over gentle hillside and through olive trees.
Best for Kids & Families: Le piscine dell'Auro, Metauro Valley, Le Marche
In this magnificent valley the river Auro flows from one waterfalls to the other, in a series of easily accessible natural pools. The rocks are great for sun bathing and the water is warm and pleasant.
Best for Canoeing & Boats: Lago di Ledro, Trentino
Exploring the beaches of this beautiful lake by canoe, the best way to enjoy the stunning valley.
Best for Wild Camping: Foppiano, Fiume Taro, Emilia Romagna
In one of the most beautiful valleys of the Appennini, the River Taro's clear water offers a great opportunity to dive and swim. There are many beautiful villages around and wild camping in the forest.
Best for Canyons: Torrente San Michele, Lake Garda, Lombardy
Start your adventure in Campione del Garda and paddle up through the gorge of San Michele, where small pools, waterfalls, and rock channels are great fun.
'Wild Swimming Italy: Discover the most beautiful rivers, lakes, waterfalls and hot springs of Italy[/i]' by Michele Tameni is out now (£16.99; www.wildthingspublishing.com)
[RelatedContent##default.34877##Display¬Normal##Wild swimming in the Lake District]
[RelatedContent##default.42575##Display¬Normal##Wild swimming the West Country]
[RelatedContent##default.43666##Display¬Normal##Wild swimming in Europe]