GUEST AUTHOR: Anna Affranio, Spotahome Student Ambassador
We all love Milan, but spending the hot summer months in a big city can be hard. Here we want to give you some tips to stay fresh and have fun in the torrid Milan.
Summer Festivals
Milan gets crazy in the summer: music festivals are everywhere. Whether you like pop, jazz or rock, you’ll find easily the perfect concert and they’re usually in beautiful open-air venues.
In the area of the Castello Sforzesco there are shows almost every night, from classic tragedies to jazz performances.
Source: Pexels.com
In San Siro, at the Ippodromo SNAI (in July) the most famous rock artists gather to perform, Marilyn Manson, Carlos Santana, Iron Maiden, Chemical Brothers are among the guests for 2018. Finally, don’t miss Milano Rock, in the area of the former Expo, from the 7th to the 9th of September: Thirty Seconds to Mars, The National, Imagine Dragons, Franz Ferdinand will perform in the Open Air Theater!
Bagni Misteriosi
Via Carlo Botta 18, 20135 Milano
Did you know there was a huge outdoor swimming pool in the heart Milan?
In Porta Romana, between offices and nice cafés you’ll find Bagni Misteriosi, a huge newly renovated area with public swimming pools and a park (entrance ticket is about 15 euros). The swimming pools are surprisingly clean, there’s good music and a yummy cafè that offers healthy meals and snacks ( never too late for getting a bikini body).
Don’t miss out on the aperitivo by the poolside under the stars, every Thursday at 7pm!
Source: Pexels.com
Idroscalo
Also known as “the sea of Milan”, the idroscalo is a huge artificial lake that used to be an airport for seaplanes. Now this enormous area hosts a park, sporting facilities (such as a bike rental, a skating park and an area for free climbing) and the lake where you can swim ( it looks much better than the Darsena, I promise!).
Source: Pexels.com
You can also go kayaking, canoeing, sailing and rowing. You’ll forget you are in Milan for a day! The place is located in the eastern part of Milan, close to Linate airport and it’s easily reached by public transport.
Parco Sempione
Pack a blanket, frozen beers and snacks, then find a spot in the shade next to the trees in Parco Sempione.
You’ll enjoy a wonderful view on the Castello Sforzesco, surrounded by the ponds with ducks and turtles and the relaxing nature. This is also a great place to meet new people, as international students are often having picnics here!
Source: Wikipedia
Liguria
You can no longer stand the city madness? Tired of seeing people heading to their offices wearing a suit when it's 35º outside? Are you dreaming of taking a stroll barefoot by the sea? Well, you can do that! Milan is lucky enough to be less than a couple of hours away from beautiful Liguria.
Source: Unsplash.com
You can take a regional train from Stazione Centrale to various destinations, but I personally suggest Portofino if it’s your first time in Liguria. The train costs about 30 euros (round trip) and stops in Santa Margherita Ligure. From here you can take a bus to the city of Portofino or opt for a 20 minutes walk. On your way you will find Paraggi Bay, with its crystal clear blue water. Stop here if you want to swim or sunbath, as it is the only sandy beach in the area, and there are various public and private beach clubs where you can relax.
To avoid getting sunburnt, take a break from the beach and walk all the way to the top of the hill and visit the stunning Portofino, with its famous harbour and lighthouse. You can also rent a boat or a kayak to enjoy the landscape from the sea. Don’t forget to wear sunscreen!
Finally, don´t forget that when in Italy during the summer, the heat is a perfect excuse to indulge yourself in a refreshing and delicious gelato!