5 Must-Visit Water Parks in Italy
Italy may be world-famous for its food, art, and historic cities — but come summer, locals and tourists alike are chasing something cooler. Across the country, water parks offer a perfect blend of fun, relaxation, and just enough chaos to keep things exciting. Here's a guide to five of the best water parks in Italy, each with its own unique flavor, fan base, and reason to visit.
Aquafan Riccione – Icon of Italian Summer Fun
Aquafan has been entertaining visitors since the 1980s and has built a reputation as Italy’s most famous water park. It's not just big — it’s iconic.
The park features over a dozen major slides, including the Extreme River, which feels more like whitewater rafting than a water ride, and the StrizzaCOOL, a group slide that twists and turns for over 250 meters. Teenagers and twenty-somethings love the wave pool area, which doubles as a dance floor during summer DJ nights.
It’s not just about the slides, it’s the vibe. You can spend the whole day and not get bored
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Aquafan combines thrill rides with a lively social scene, and for many, it's a summer tradition.
Le Caravelle Water Park – Ligurian Charm with Family Spirit
Tucked into the Ligurian hills just a short drive from the sea, Le Caravelle feels more like a giant coastal resort than a theme park. Families especially appreciate the calm environment, shaded picnic areas, and manageable size that lets kids roam without getting lost in a maze of attractions.
Highlights include the Rio Bravo river ride, a gentle but entertaining current that winds through tropical landscaping, and Multipista, a multi-lane racing slide that brings out competitive streaks in visitors of all ages. There's a strong focus on family zones, with pirate-themed splash areas, shallow pools for toddlers, and interactive water games.
Beautiful and super fun! Suitable for the whole family, full of dining options and bars. Staff helpful and friendly, ample parking.
Mirabeach – A Tropical Escape in Northern Italy
Attached to the massive Mirabilandia amusement park, Mirabeach feels like stepping into a beach resort. With its fine white sand, cabanas, palm trees, and turquoise pools, it leans hard into the tropical aesthetic — and it works. It’s one of the few water parks in Italy that really emphasizes relaxation alongside high-adrenaline attractions.
The big draw here is Vuelta Vertigo, a high-speed slide with a nearly vertical drop, plus family favorites like the Laguna del Sol, where younger children can play safely under the spray of colorful fountains. Guests consistently praise the cleanliness, layout, and quality of the facilities.
You can rent sunbeds or full cabanas, making it ideal for visitors who want both thrill and comfort.
Acquaworld Milano – Indoor, All-Season Splashing
Just 30 minutes outside Milan, Acquaworld is Italy’s only fully indoor water park, and that alone makes it stand out. Whether it's scorching summer or rainy spring, it stays open all year round, drawing visitors from across northern Italy.
The park splits its offerings between thrill-seekers and wellness lovers. Attractions like the Turbo Slide and Kamikaze bring high-speed thrills, while the adult-only thermal pool, salt grotto, and hydrotherapy zones make it a haven for relaxation. It’s particularly popular with couples and small groups looking for a full-day escape from the city without needing perfect weather.
It’s the only place where I can take my kids for wild rides and then unwind in the spa without leaving the building.
Aqua World of Cinecittà – Movie-Themed Fun in the Capital
Aqua World is part of Cinecittà World, Rome’s film-themed amusement park, and it brings a splash of cinematic drama to every slide. With its amphitheater-style wave pool, enormous movie props, and set-like surroundings, the park feels like part water park, part Hollywood set.
Popular attractions include the Vortex, a high-speed tunnel ride that winds through giant thematic scenery, and the Paradise Lagoon, a calmer area with artificial beaches and lush plantings. The layout makes it easy to explore, and families enjoy the mix of imaginative theming and practical design.
Our kids couldn’t believe they were swimming in what looked like a Roman arena. It was the perfect day out while in Rome.
For visitors staying in or near the capital, it’s an easy and unusual way to cool off while enjoying something completely different.
These five water parks each offer something distinct — from Aquafan’s electric energy to the relaxing elegance of Mirabeach or the all-weather convenience of Acquaworld. They show off Italy’s playful side and offer memorable alternatives to the usual sightseeing circuit. Next time you're in Italy and the temperature rises, skip the museum line and head straight to the water.