Below is a selection of open-air swimming pools 20-30 minutes drive from Irsina to escape the heat in the hot summer months...

Masseria Agrituristica Il Cardinale, Poggiorsini

Just 25 mins away from Irsina is the lovely farmhouse Masseria Il Cardinale where it is possible, if you have lunch, to spend the day by the pool, in a garden setting, as well as have free use of the tennis courts and billiard tables inside.

Booking requirements: Booking in advance is necessary to confirm availability (latest the day before). My Italian Job has negotiated special mid-week rates in exchange for a voucher:

Lunch set menu: Starter (antipasti) and Pasta dish (primo) served buffet style (selection served together) / Fruit / Water and wine included

Price: Monday - Friday €18 per person (please ask for weekend rates – depends on exact dates)

Please go to My Italian Job Agency or text +39 389 4308494 with the day and number of people you would like to book.

Distance and directions (from Irsina): Follow the high street through the new part of the town and exit Irsina. At the first crossroads take the new road turning right at the sign for Bari. At the bottom of the valley turn right for Bari and follow for 4/5 kms and then turn right at the sings for Foggia, Spinazzola and Autostrada (this is a green sign). Scenic route: At the first crossroads go straight on instead of turning right for Bari and at the bottom of the valley do as above. Distance 30 km and travel time 25 mins.

After 10 km exit for Fontana Vetere, keep to the left and take the road the runs next to the lake. Follow this over a bridge (blue railings) that crosses the damn and turn left 100 mtrs after this (do not follow road to the right). Follow this road along the other side of the lake (careful of the holes in the road) and after 11 km turn right for Poggiorsini. After 2km you will reach a junction (left Poggiorsini) go straight on for 100 mtrs and you will see the sign and gates of Masseria Il Cardinale on the right. Follow this road up to the house.

This agriturismo also has horse riding available (for all levels), plus carriage rides around the countryside and along the near-by lake. Contact My Italian Job for details.

Centro Sportivo Dinamico, Palazzo San Gervasio

This is an open air multi-sports complex open from 08,00 – 19,00 (closed Tuesdays) and equipped with:

Two open-air swimming pools: Children’s pool with games and large adult pool with hydro massage plus Aerobics and Acquagym during the day. These pools are open all year round (covered in the winter). (See www.centrosportivodinamic.it)

Price: €4 half-day/€7 full day. No swimming between 13,00 – 14,45 (pool cleaning) during which you can have lunch/sunbathe. Season: June – beg of Sept (depending on weather)

Tennis: On an astro turf sports field which is available to play tennis during the day. Price: €10 for one hour, showers available

Go-Karting: Go-karts available for both adults and children with a 950 mtr course that is also open in the evenings. Price: €10 for 15 minutes.

Restaurant/Pizzeria/Bar: Open all day and also in the evening with fish specialities on Friday. In the summer the terrace around the pools is also used for dining after sunset.

Picnics welcome and gazebos available during the day.

If you want to make a day of it, using a combination of the facilities, please contact My Italian Job for package discounts.

Distance and directions (from Irsina): Follow the high street through the new part of the town and exit Irsina. At the first crossroads take the new road turning right at the sign for Bari. At the bottom of the valley turn right for Bari and follow for 4/5 kms and then turn right at the sings for Foggia, Spinazzola and Autostrada (this is a green sign). Scenic route: At the first crossroads go straight on instead of turning right for Bari and at the bottom of the valley do as above. Distance 33 kms and travel time 30 mins.

Follow this road and 3 kms after the exit for Spinazzola you will automatically go up a ramp on your right as this road ends. At T-junction turn left for 'P.S. Gervasio'. You will pass an SP petrol station on your right and after 1.5 kms you will reach a crossroads, 'Venosa' straight on. Turn a sharp left here passing a large water fountain on your right. Sport centre found after 1.5 kms on the left.

Il Delfino Blu, Oppido Lucano

This is an open-air pool plus childrens pool open from 09,00 – 19,00 (every day). Price: €5 half-day/€9 full day. No swimming between 13,00 – 14,00 (pool cleaning) during which you can have lunch/sunbathe. Small bar with drinks/panini/pizza slices. Picnics welcome and gazebos available. Season: June – end August

Distance and directions (from Irsina): Follow the high street through the new part of the town and exit Irsina. At the first crossroads take the new road turning right at the sign for Bari. At the bottom of the valley go straight on over the bridge of the main road SS96 and follow for 'Potenza'. Scenic route: At the first crossroads go straight on instead of turning right for Bari and at the bottom of the valley do as above.  Follow signs for Genzano/Potenza/Oppido Lucano, past the exit for Taccone and 0,5 km after an AGIP petrol station turn off for Potenza (40 km) and Tolve (10 km). On to the top of the ramp turn left for Potenza taking the fly-over and immediately after you will see a building and large red/white striped bollards at the entrance. Distance 24 kms and travel time 25 mins.

Public Swimming Pool Etiquette in Italy:

• Always wear a swimming cap in the water (available to purchase at the pools)
• Flip flops must be worn at all times
• You must have a shower before entering the water