Wild swimming in Europe? Make sure you hit these spots

Forget pools for just a second: this summer in Europe, we’re all about bathing in nature. Besides, Europe may be full of cultured cities and charming towns, but it’s also teaming with gorgeous places to take a dip – and in some of them, you can even embrace the oh-so-European practice of swimming in the nude.

Just remember, only swim where you're confident, always obey local warnings and leave no trace.

Golitha Falls, Liskeard, England 

Tucked away onBodmin Moor in Cornwall, Golitha Falls is a tranquil haven known for its moss-covered rocks and cascading waterfalls. On the few days a year that it’s warm enough to swim in England, you can follow the footpaths along the River Fowey, where you'll discover secluded pools and coves in the midst of ancient woodland. Fairies live here for sure.

Verzasca River, Lavertezzo, Switzerland

Dive into the turquoise waters of the Verzasca River in Lavertezzo: a picturesque village in the Swiss Alps. The waters here wind their way through narrow gorges and rocky canyons, creating idyllic swimming spots surrounded by greenery, dramatic mountains and the occasional stone bridge to jump off. At 30km long and prettier than any desktop background we’ve ever seen, the Verzasca River is a ridiculously nice place to cool off.

Soča River, TriglavNational Park, Slovenia
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The Soča River is a delicious ribbon of water that flows through western Slovenia and the north-east of Italy. Keen swimmers should head to the section in Triglav National Park, where stoney pools have been carved out by millennia of glacial activity. Good spots to park up for the day include the white stone beach at the confluence of the Soča and Lepena rivers, near to Koritnica hanging bridge and Sotočje –where the Soča River meets the Tolminka River. In summer, a bunch of music festivals take place here too, so depending on your timing, it could be quite the party.