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8 things to do at Milan's Idroscalo during summer 2022 | Belstay Hotels

Milan's Idroscalo: much more than a park

 

Milan's Idroscalo is one of the most popular attractions during the Milanese summer and is a real leisure centre for the whole family, full of activities for adults and children seeking fun, sports and pure relaxation!

 

Thanks to its special natural characteristics and its social vocation, the Idroscalo is a true excellence in the Lombardy metropolitan area, an oasis of well-being suitable for all and with a strong tourist vocation, thanks also to its strategic location not far from the centre of Milan, close to Linate Airport and the municipality of Segrate. Let's get to know its history, interesting facts and attractions and discover the most exciting things to do at Milan's Idroscalo this summer 2022!

 

WHAT IS MILAN'S IDROSCALO?

 

Idroscalo is an artificial lake of 800,000 square metres, fed by spring water about 10 metres deep and uniquely certified by ARPA (Regional Environmental Protection Agency) and the CAP Research Centre as clean water. Designed as a water airstrip in the late 1920s - hence the name Idroscalo - today it is a popular sports and leisure venue open 365 days a year, where families, amateurs and professionals stroll, sunbathe or practise sports of all kinds: running, cycling, canoeing, water-skiing, surfing, rugby, sailing, horse riding, skateboarding, climbing and much more!

 

Sport and more, but also art, entertainment and fun are the main attractions of the park. In short, a multi-purpose, innovative and sustainable location, that is also unique from an environmental point of view, and the perfect destination for a relaxing trip near Milan with children and away from the urban chaos.

 

You can swim at the Idroscalo!

 

Did you know that the quality and cleanliness of the Idroscalo waters offer the possibility of swimming inside the park? It is no coincidence that this destination is also known throughout the region as the 'sea of Milan'! For reasons that are purely related to the safety of guests and children, bathing is only possible along the shores of Punta dell'Est, in an area marked by coloured buoys indicating water depths of up to 1.6 metres. Swimming is, however, strictly forbidden at all other points in the basin, with the exception of all water sports that are regularly practised in the area.

 

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MILAN'S IDROSCALO: A BIT OF HISTORY

 

Although the first seaplane to land in these waters dates back to May 1930, the official inauguration of the Idroscalo Provincia di Milano took place on 28 October 1930. The idea of carrying out this work arose in the second half of the 1920s, when it began to be considered that due to its geographical location, air passenger and cargo traffic could develop predominantly over the sea, giving greater priority to runways for seaplanes over land-based airports.

 

Surveyor Gino Utili was appointed for its realisation, and his project was later improved with the aim of enlarging the basin to turn the Idroscalo into a popular centre for sports activities such as rowing and swimming. The demands for the sporting use of the basin built up within a few years and led to the construction of a large grandstand for the public. Important international competitions were hosted for the first time, such as the European Rowing and Powerboating Championships in 1938.

 

In 1960 Idroscalo entered film history. In fact, some of the most famous scenes of the film Rocco e i suoi fratelli, by the multi-awarded director Luchino Visconti, were set on its basin. The new challenge of sustainability, safety, quality and wellbeing dates back to 2010, which led to Milan's Idroscalo being recognised by the institutions as the second site of EXPO 2015, together with Rho Fiera. Finally, in 2019, the Istituzione Idroscalo di Milano (Milan Idroscalo Institution) was established to guide the enhancement and development of the park.

 

WHAT YOU CAN DO IN MILAN'S IDROSCALO: 8 ATTRACTIONS FOR SUMMER 2022

 

1. EuroPark Idroscalo: Milan's most popular rides!

Over 35 attractions, a bowling alley with 8 lanes, a world of rides and a sea of adrenaline for adults and children of all ages: all this is EuroPark Idroscalo Milano! The permanent amusement park offers free admission for a single ride. Alternatively, you can purchase a wristband that grants unlimited access to all available rides. Here are some of the unmissable attractions you will find at Milan's EuroPark:

  • Bumper car
  • Lasergame
  • Jamming
  • Go karting
  • Ghost train
  • Swinging galleon
  • Glass Labyrinth
  • Water bumper cars
  • Rollercoaster
  • Apple caterpillar ride
  • Ferris wheel
  • House of horror

 

And not only that! Here it is also possible to organise unforgettable birthday parties, graduation parties and events of all kinds, with designated staff members ready to cater for every request. Watchword? Fun guaranteed!

 

EuroPark Idroscalo Milan: wristband-pass prices 2022

  • Saturday-Sunday-holidays: € 22;
  • Monday-Friday: € 18;
  • Wednesday: € 15;
  • Tuesday and Thursday: no wristband, all rides € 1 per ride;
  • Children less than 100 cm tall: € 10;
  • Children less than 130 cm tall: € 15;

 

Visit the official website to find out more about admission times, the rules for purchasing wristbands and all the rides at EuroPark.

 

2. Gud Beach: the beach at Idroscalo

Gud Beach Milano is one of the most organised and busiest private beaches in the entire area, and a real landmark for young and old. Overlooking the eastern side of the Milanese Riviera, GUD Beach Idroscalo attracts numerous visitors every summer, thanks to its lidos and their bathing waters(a privilege in these areas!) and its more than 2,000 square metres of finely landscaped lawn. Sports, entertainment, dining and wellness are perfectly intertwined in this exotic summer oasis far from the hectic metropolitan chaos. An unmissable stop? A sunset aperitif at Gud Milano Idroscalo, a bar with a kitchen and magnificent terrace on the lake ready to make you dream. Life is GUD!

 

3. Acquaplay Water Park

Let us introduce you to the top choice of summer fun for children, a unique attraction with water features stretching 100 metres wide! Acquaplay Idroscalo in Milan is the largest indoor water park in Italy, with its 5,000 square metres of pure adrenaline and its amazing attractions:

  • Trampolines
  • Inclined ramps
  • Slides
  • Tunnels
  • Platforms
  • Inflatables

 

This new floating park is certainly the ideal place to treat yourself and your family to a day of rest and relaxation, indulging in leisure time in the lush greenery of the surrounding forest. Don't miss the Ultima Spiaggia Kiosko with its sunbathing area, beach with sunbeds and umbrellas, fitness trail and children's play area with trampolines, play area and zip line. The floating inflatable park reopened on 21 May 2022 and is waiting for you!

 

4. Riviera EST and La Villetta: swimming pools at Milan's Idroscalo

Fancy a dip to cool off? At Idroscalo di Milano there are two pools waiting for you this summer: the Piscina Riviera EST and the Piscina La Villetta! These two Milanese swimming pools are certainly among the park's hottest locations: three pools for adults, two shallow-water pools for children, sunbathing areas with sun loungers, a bike rental area, a kiosk bar and a splendid panoramic terrace for enjoying an aperitif at sunset or fresh ice cream, slushies and draft beers. A world of peace and relaxation in a verdant landscape, where you can reconnect with yourself in harmony with nature. Unleash your style!

 

Milan Idroscalo swimming pools: entry times

  • DAILY DAYS: daily 10 a.m. - 7.30 p.m.; afternoon 3 p.m. - 7.30 p.m.;
  • HOLIDAYS: daily 10 a.m. - 7.30 p.m.; afternoon 3 p.m. - 7.30 p.m.

Milan Idroscalo swimming pools: prices

WEEK-ENDS, PREFESTS and HOLIDAYS

  • daily: € 13,00;
  • afternoon (3.00 p.m. to 7.30 p.m.): € 10,00;
  • 4-10 years and over 65 years: € 10,00;
  • up to 3 years of age: free.

 

FERIAL DAYS

  • daily: € 10,00;
  • afternoon (from 4.30 p.m.): € 6.00 for all;
  • 4-10 years and over 65 years: € 8,00;
  • up to 3 years of age: free.

 

Cost of the lounger: € 5.00 + € 1.00 deposit, returned on exit.

 

Do you want to secure a place in the pool for you and your family in advance? Book directly online and skip the queue!

 

5. Wakeparadise Milan Idroscalo

Welcome to Italy's largest watersports park! Wakeparadise Milano is a unique full-size Cable facility in Italy, which allows you to practice the art of surfing and SUP and the most adrenaline-pumping water games such as wakeboarding and water skiing. The facility is located south of the Idroscalo and allows you to enjoy a fun-filled day, in total safety, while benefiting from a stimulating and familiar environment.

 

What will you find here? State-of-the-art facilities, a 50,000-square-metre cable-park, artificial waves and a qualified staff eager to meet you. You will feel like you are on holiday in Hawaii (or almost so)! Find out more about prices and all you need to know about membership (compulsory to access the facility's services) on their official website.

 

6. The Chiringuito

Did you say happy hour? So don't miss the magical atmosphere of the Chiringuito la Villetta at Idroscalo Park! In this vibrant location surrounded by nature, reflected in the clear waters of the nearby eponymous pool, you can enjoy your favourite drinks in the company of those you love and your whole family. A friendly, young and always smiling staff is ready to welcome you with cakes and brioches, salads, piadinas, sandwiches and cold dishes; and for the watchful, there is no shortage of excellent fruit salads, centrifuges and smoothies!

 

If you love to hang out and enjoy real summer vibes, the venue is open 7 days a week from 9.30 a.m. to 9 p.m. - It really is summer here all year round!

 

7. Art Park

Fancy a stroll by the lake, lulled by immense green meadows and walking through an atmospheric forest decorated with works of art? Then you are in the right place! Art Park is a true permanent open-air museum, set up in collaboration with the Brera Academy of Fine Arts in a beautiful natural setting, which will accompany you for over a kilometre on your walk.

 

Sculptures by internationally renowned contemporary artists made Idroscalo Park a unique centre of art and catharsis on the Italian scene, providing an artistic exhibition that grows richer and richer over time, welcoming with open arms new works and new artists seeking visibility. If you are looking for a place to find harmony, inspiration, peace and nature, you really cannot miss these gardens!

 

8. Children's Village 

Idroscalo is a place that really cares about the happiness and fun of your children. The Children's Village is a magical playground with free access, entirely dedicated to the little ones. Water and land games, but not only that, the park also offers the possibility of organising small picnics in a dedicated area with outdoor tables: your kids will not want to leave! Moreover, its structures are made of entirely recyclable materials, to emphasise the importance of environmental sustainability and teach it from an early age. There are also games designed especially for differently abled children. Opening hours? From 7.30 a.m. to 9 p.m.

 

IDROSCALO MILANO: TIMETABLES, ENTRANCE AND PRICES FOR SUMMER 2022

 

Idroscalo Park is open daily, from 6:30 a.m. to 9 p.m. Monday to Friday, and from 7:30 a.m. to 9 p.m. on Saturdays, Sundays and holidays.

 

The pedestrian entrances to the Idroscalo are free of charge and distributed on both the west and east banks of the park, and the ticket price varies depending on the activity one intends to carry out once inside. The gates are equipped with paid parking and those open at the moment are:

  • Grandstands (steps)
  • Porta Maggiore
  • Villetta
  • Riva Verde
  • Testata sud
  • Bosco
  • Riviera est

 

Parking for disabled is always free of charge. You can find all useful information on the official Idroscalo Italian website.

 

Click HEREU to visit the Idroscalo's official wesite and find all additional information you may need.

 

HOW TO GET TO MILAN'S IDROSCALO

 

Idroscalo is located east of Milan close to Linate Airport, between the municipalities of Peschiera Borromeo and Segrate. Whatever your origin, the park can be reached very easily by car or public transport. Did you know that by staying in one of our rooms at Belstay Hotel Milano Linate you can reach Milan's Idroscalo in less than 2 minutes? In fact, our facility is only a few metres from the park's southern entrance (Testata Sud)!

 

ATM buses to Idroscalo are:

  • line 73 and 73/ from San Babila (Milan) towards Linate, getting off at Strada Rivoltana/Idroscalo Tribune;
  • line 183 from Linate Airport, active during the summer period, with stops at the parking area or Idroscalo Tribune;
  • line 923 from the San Raffaele Hospital with Segrate station terminus, Idroscalo Tribune stop.

 

To reach Idroscalo by train, on the other hand, the railway lines are Line S5 (Varese - Treviglio) and Line S6 (Novara - Pioltello/Treviglio) starting from the Segrate FS/Trenord station. You can even bring your own bicycle on both lines!

 

STAY A STONE'S THROW FROM MILAN'S IDROSCALO WITH BELSTAY HOTELS!

 

Looking for a hotel close to Idroscalo di Milano? You really are in the right place! Hotel Belstay Milano Linate is the ideal solution for accommodation a few steps from Linate Airport and the Idroscalo: a 4-star hotel surrounded by greenery and strategically positioned for business or leisure trips with the whole family. Classic rooms for the budget-conscious or Superior rooms to give you the ultimate in comfort: choose the one that best suits your needs and enjoy a true Belstay Experience of good food and warm, welcoming and professional service.

 Live contemporary, travel clever.

 

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