A swim camp Riccione trip takes your club to one of Italy’s great sports towns. Riccione lies in the Rimini district on the Adriatic coast, has around 40,000 inhabitants and has hosted several major swimming and athletics competitions.
Here is a full overview of the town, the swimming centre and the hotel.
Swim camp Riccione at a Glance
Here are the key facts for a swim camp Riccione trip, so you can compare it quickly with other training camps:
- Accommodation: 3-star hotel
- Training: 50 metre outdoor pool
- Meals: Full board
- Accommodation: Accommodation during the training camp is at the family-run Hotel Poker in Riccione, located just 20 metres from the beach in Riccione. Hotel Poker has a heated swimming pool with a pleasant garden. All rooms at the hotel are furnished with satellite TV, a minibar, air conditioning, shower/WC, tiled floors and a balcony. All meals are served at the hotel’s restaurant, which serves both national and international cuisine.
- Training: Training takes place at the local swimming centre which has two Olympic-sized pools. The indoor pool is open all year round. The 50 metre outdoor pool is open from June to September each year. Riccione has hosted many swimming competitions over the years, including the World Master Swimming Championship. The swimming centre is about 1.5 km from the hotel.
- Price: on request, depending on dates, group size and room types
Why Swim Camps in Riccione Work So Well
The Rimini district is one of the most visited tourist areas in Italy, and Riccione has a six-kilometre sandy beach, a pleasant centre and many restaurants, several of them right on the beach. The town is also home to one of the largest water parks in Europe.
Most importantly for swimmers, Riccione is a real sports city. It has hosted many swimming competitions, including the World Masters Swimming Championships, and the facilities reflect that experience.
The Swimming Centre
Training takes place at the local swimming centre, which has two Olympic-sized pools. The indoor pool is open all year round, while the 50-metre outdoor pool is open from June to September.
That means spring and autumn camps can use long-course indoor water, while summer camps can enjoy outdoor long-course training. The centre is about 1.5 kilometres from the hotel.
Hotel Poker: Family-Run, 20 Metres From the Beach
The group stays at the family-run Hotel Poker, just 20 metres from the beach. The hotel has a heated pool and a pleasant garden.
Rooms have satellite TV, a minibar, air conditioning, shower and toilet, tiled floors and a balcony. All meals are served in the hotel restaurant, which offers both Italian and international dishes, as part of full board.
San Marino and the Local Vineyards
San Marino, one of the smallest countries in the world, is very close to Riccione and makes a memorable excursion for the lighter day. A visit to one of the local vineyards can also be arranged for adult groups.
For younger swimmers, an afternoon at the water park is a popular reward at the end of a hard training block.
Recovery, Food and Sleep During Training Camps
Double sessions in a 50-metre pool are demanding, and the gains from a swim camp come only when swimmers recover between workouts. Full board makes this much easier, because the group eats at set times and nobody has to search for food after training.
Encourage swimmers to eat a real breakfast before the morning session, refuel within an hour after each swim, and drink water throughout the day, especially in warm climates. A short nap or quiet rest after lunch is worth more than an afternoon on the beach in full sun.
Sleep is the most underrated part of any training camp. Agree on a lights-out time, keep evening activities short, and plan the lighter day of the week so that the group can catch up on rest without losing momentum.
Dryland Ideas That Need Little Equipment
Not every destination has a big gym, and you do not need one for useful dryland work. Short, focused sessions before or after the water keep swimmers strong and reduce the risk of shoulder problems.
- Activation with resistance bands before every swim: external rotations, pull-aparts and scapular work.
- Core circuits: planks, side planks, dead bugs and hollow holds.
- Mobility for thoracic spine, hips and ankles after the afternoon session.
- Light jumping and skipping for younger groups to build coordination.
Keep dryland to 20-30 minutes so it supports, rather than competes with, the water training.
Team Building Between Sessions
A swim camp is also one of the best ways to bring a squad closer together. Swimmers who train in different lanes at home spend a whole week sharing meals, rooms and long sets, and that shared effort builds loyalty that lasts through the season.
Plan one or two short group activities that fit around the training rather than competing with it: a walk through the old town, a beach session with games, or a team dinner with a small awards ceremony at the end of the week. Let the older swimmers lead some of the activities, which builds leadership in the group.
Keep the activities short and low in intensity so that they support recovery rather than add fatigue.
Coach Checklist Before Departure
Good preparation at home makes the camp itself far calmer. Before you travel, agree on goals with swimmers and parents, and make sure that everyone understands that a swim camp is a training trip first and a holiday second.
- Confirm pool times, lane numbers and whether the pool is long course or short course on the dates you travel.
- Plan dryland sessions that need little equipment: bands, mats and a skipping rope cover most needs.
- Pack spare goggles, caps, fins, paddles and a waterproof whiteboard for set writing.
- Agree on sleep, phone and meal routines so that recovery is consistent.
- Bring a simple first-aid kit and the group’s contact list.
With those basics in place, the coaches can spend their energy on coaching rather than on logistics.
Budgeting and Booking Tips
A swim camp is a big investment for most clubs, so it pays to plan the budget early. Prices depend on travel dates, group size, room types and pool time, which is why most offers are given on request rather than as a fixed price.
- Book early to secure lane time and the best flight prices.
- Compare room options: larger shared rooms often reduce the cost per swimmer.
- Check exactly what full board includes and whether drinks are extra.
- Plan fundraising activities months ahead so that every swimmer can join.
- Ask about travel guarantees and insurance before paying a deposit.
Transparent planning keeps parents on board and makes it easier to repeat the camp next year.
More Training Camps and Sports Camps
If you are comparing destinations, take a look at our overview of swim camps in Europe. Clubs that travel with several teams can also explore our football camps and other sports camps. Related guides:
- Swim Camp Limassol: Harmony Bay Hotel and Olympic Pool
- Swim Camp Koper: Seaside 50m Pool on Slovenia’s Coast
- Swim Camp Mallorca: Best Swim Centre in Colonia de Sant Jordi
Swim camp Riccione: Frequently Asked Questions
When is the outdoor 50m pool open in Riccione?
From June to September. The indoor Olympic-sized pool is open all year.
How far is the hotel from the pool?
About 1.5 kilometres.
How close is Hotel Poker to the beach?
Just 20 metres.
What major events has Riccione hosted?
Several swimming and athletics competitions, including the World Masters Swimming Championships.
Final Thoughts
A swim camp Riccione week gives your group the right mix of quality facilities, full board and a destination that athletes remember. Request a tailored offer with your dates and group size, and start planning a training camp that moves the whole club forward.