Going on holiday to Italy? There's a good chance you'll take a dip in the pool a few times. But be careful: many Italian campsites have strict swimwear rules. In some pools, tight-fitting swimwear is required, and in almost all cases you also have to wear a swim cap. It sounds strict, but with a little preparation, you'll soon be enjoying the water.
Why are tight-fitting swimwear and swim caps required in Italy?
It's all about hygiene. Italian swimming pools want to prevent dirt from outside - such as sand, sunscreen or sweat - from getting into the pool water. You often wear loose swim shorts all day: at the beach, at the campsite, on your air mattress... and that means they bring dirt into the pool more quickly.
You usually wear tight-fitting swimwear (such as swim briefs or swim boxers) only for swimming, and it fits closely against the skin. It's more hygienic and safer, especially at campsites with slides and attractions.
In addition, many Italian swimming pools require a swim cap, even if you don't have long hair. It's simply a rule you have to get used to - and once you know about it, it's easy to comply.
Swimwear rules by region in Italy
Below, we list the rules and tips for each popular region, including a selection of well-known campsites where tight-fitting swimwear (and often a swim cap too) is required.
Lake Garda
One of the most popular holiday destinations among Dutch people. But did you know that many campsites around Lake Garda have strict pool rules?
Campsites requiring swim caps and/or tight-fitting swimwear:
- Camping Bella Italia (Peschiera del Garda) – Swim cap required
- Camping Cisano San Vito (Bardolino) – Swim cap recommended, tight-fitting swimwear advised
- Camping Weekend (San Felice del Benaco) – Tight-fitting swimwear strongly recommended
- Camping San Francesco (Desenzano del Garda) – Swim cap recommended
- Camping Europa Silvella (San Felice) – Rules vary by pool area
- Camping Fornella (San Felice) - Tight-fitting swimwear recommended
- Camping del Garda Village & Camping (Peschiera) - Swim cap required
Good to know: in Lake Garda itself (public swimming water), you can simply wear regular swim trunks or swimshorts.
Lake Maggiore
Tight-fitting swim trunks are also more the rule than the exception in campsite pools around Lake Maggiore.
Popular campsites with dress codes:
- Camping Isolino (Verbania) - Swim cap required
- Camping Village Lago Maggiore (Dormelletto) - Tight-fitting swim trunks recommended
- Camping Conca D’Oro (Feriolo di Baveno) - Swim cap required
- Camping Solcio (Lesa) - Tight-fitting swim trunks recommended
- Camping Continental Lido (Verbania) - Swim cap required
- Camping Orchidea (Feriolo) - Swim cap recommended
In the lake itself, you can simply swim in swimshorts. This applies to beaches, lakes and natural waters.
Tuscany & Tuscan coast
Swimming with views of cypress trees, vineyards or the sea - Tuscany has it all. Here too, you need to pay attention to what you wear in the pool at many campsites.
Campsites with tight-fitting swim trunk and/or swim cap rules:
- Norcenni Girasole Club (Figline Valdarno) - Swim cap required
- Camping Park Albatros (San Vincenzo) - Swim cap not always required, tight-fitting swim trunks recommended
- Orbetello Camping Village (Orbetello) - Tight-fitting swim trunks recommended
- Camping Le Capanne (Bibbona) - Swim briefs or swim trunks recommended
- Camping Toscana Bella (Vada) - Swim cap required
- Camping Etruria (Marina di Castagneto Carducci) - Swim cap recommended
On the coast - at public beaches - there are no dress codes. You can simply enjoy going into the sea in your swimshorts.
Veneto (including Jesolo & Caorle)
The Adriatic coast is home to some of Italy's largest and most popular campsites. Here too, tight swimsuits are often required in the pool.
Well-known campsites with swimwear rules:
- Union Lido (Cavallino-Treporti) – Swim cap required
- Marina di Venezia (Punta Sabbioni) – Swim cap required
- Camping Pra’ delle Torri (Caorle) – Swim cap and tight swimsuit required
- Ca’ Pasquali Village (Cavallino) – Swim cap required
- Sant’Angelo Village (Cavallino) – Swim cap and close-fitting swimwear required
- Camping Capalonga (Bibione) – Tight swimsuit recommended
- Camping Garden Paradiso (Cavallino) – Swim cap required
At the beach in Jesolo or Caorle? No problem: you can simply go into the water wearing your swim shorts there.
What should you take on holiday to Italy?
✔️ At least one tight swimsuit (swim brief or swim boxer)
✔️ A swim cap – silicone or fabric, as long as it fits snugly
✔️ Optionally, a separate swim short for the beach or lake
That way, you won't be faced with any surprises at the swimming pool!
Need a tight swimsuit?
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View our swim briefs and swim boxers. Going to another country? Read the swimwear rules abroad, or find out what applies in France and Belgium.
