Barcis​

Latest page update: 25 May 2025
By: Dion Protani

Where to Stay

Where to Stay in Barcis
Accommodation options in Barcis are limited, with most stays centred around small lakeside guesthouses and family-run lodgings. Travellers who prefer established hotels with fuller facilities will find a stronger and more reliable selection in nearby towns within the Province of Pordenone, particularly in Spilimbergo, which is within easy driving distance and offers several well-reviewed properties.
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In Spilimbergo, Grand Hotel President is a leading option, providing comfortable rooms, on-site dining and a convenient base close to the historic centre (€€). Albergo Roma offers a traditional hotel setting with well-kept rooms, friendly staff and steady guest feedback for comfort and value (€€). For a countryside alternative, Albergo Belvedere in nearby Sequals delivers a peaceful atmosphere, welcoming hospitality and positive reviews for its relaxed setting (€€).

Where is

Where is Barcis?
​Located close to the border with Veneto in north-western Friuli Venezia Giulia, the town of Barcis sits on the shore of the lake of the same name. 

It was once governed under the former Province of Pordenone but now comes under UTI delle Valli e delle Dolomiti Friulane of which Maniago is the central town. 
Comune di Barcis
Territory: UTI delle Valli e delle Dolomiti Friulane

Region: Friuli Venezia Giulia
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​Population: 227​​ (in 2024 - source)

​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​Size: 103 km²

Close by: Erto e Casso, Poffabro, Maniago, Spilimbergo, Sacile

Recommended accommodation: Agriturismo Pian dei Tass
Awarded the Bandiera Arancione (Orange Flag)

1 of 4 in Friuli Venezia Giulia listed by Touring Club Italiano

What People Ask About Barcis, Friuli Venezia Giulia

Is Barcis worth visiting?
Yes, Barcis is worth visiting for its turquoise lake, alpine scenery, and outdoor activities. It is popular for hiking, water sports, and relaxation in the natural setting of the Valcellina Valley.
How do I get to Barcis?
Barcis is around 45 minutes by car from Pordenone via the SS251 road through the Valcellina Gorge. The nearest train station is at Maniago, from where you can continue by bus or car to the village and lake.
What are the main attractions in Barcis?
The main attraction is Lake Barcis, known for its vivid blue waters and mountain backdrop. Activities include canoeing, windsurfing, and walking trails, while nearby Valcellina Gorge offers dramatic scenery and guided routes.
When is the best time to visit Barcis?
Summer is the most popular time, with warm weather and water sports on the lake. Spring and autumn are ideal for hiking in pleasant temperatures, while winter is quieter and suited to those seeking a peaceful atmosphere.
How long should I stay in Barcis?
A full day is enough to enjoy the lake, take a walk, and explore nearby valleys. Staying overnight is a good option if you want to enjoy more outdoor activities or a relaxing break by the water.
Related links

Discover

Discover Barcis
Barcis is a mountain village in Friuli Venezia Giulia, located in the Cellina Valley within the Friulian Dolomites. It is set on the shores of Lake Barcis, an artificial lake created in the mid-20th century that has since become the defining feature of the settlement. The surrounding landscape is marked by steep forested slopes and rocky peaks, giving the village a dramatic alpine backdrop.
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The lake is the focal point for local activities, including water sports, fishing and walking along its banks. In the village, the Parish Church of San Giovanni Battista reflects its historic roots, while nearby trails lead into the Friulian Dolomites Natural Park, offering access to gorges, caves and mountain paths. Barcis is connected by road through the Cellina Valley to Maniago and Pordenone, making it both a natural and cultural gateway into the Dolomite area of Friuli Venezia Giulia.

Things to Do

Things to Do in Barcis
  • Lago di Barcis is an artificial alpine lake with bright turquoise water, surrounded by forested slopes and walking trails. It’s popular for kayaking, paddleboarding, and lakeside picnics. The promenade offers benches, scenic viewpoints, and direct access to the water.
  • Centro Storico di Barcis is a small village centre with stone houses, quiet lanes, and a few traditional cafés. It reflects the rural character of the Valcellina area. The main square often hosts events, and the nearby riverside paths connect to viewpoints around the lake.
  • Sentiero del Dint is a marked trail that begins above the lake and leads to panoramic terraces overlooking the Valcellina gorge. Along the route are geological features, cliffs, and interpretive signs. It’s a short but rewarding walk, suitable for families and casual hikers.
  • Riserva Naturale Forra del Cellina is a protected gorge created by the Cellina River, featuring sheer rock walls and emerald waters. The old road through the gorge is now a pedestrian and cycling route. A visitor centre explains the area’s geological and ecological significance.
  • Guided canyoning experience in the Cellina Gorge takes visitors into the heart of the reserve, descending through rock pools and narrow channels. Tours are led by professionals and include wetsuits and helmets. It’s a unique way to explore the natural landscape up close and safely.

Tours and Activities

Barcis Tours and Activities

Photo Gallery

Friuli-Venezia Giulia Top 10 - My Recommended Destinations 

1. Trieste
2. Lakes of Fusine
3. Udine
4. Grado
5. Cividale del Friuli
6. Spilimbergo
7. Palmanova 
8. Aquileia
9. Sacile
10. Muggia

​👉 Explore the Top 10 Places to Visit in Friuli-Venezia Giulia

How to Get to [Place Name]

How to Get to Barcis
By Rail: Barcis does not have a railway station. The nearest station is in Maniago, about 20 kilometres away, on the Sacile–Gemona line. From Maniago, regional trains connect to Sacile in around 40 minutes and to Udine in about 1 hour and 20 minutes. Onward travel to Barcis is possible by car, taxi, or limited bus services.

By Road: The village is located in the Valcellina valley, beside Lake Barcis. From Maniago, the distance is about 20 kilometres, with a driving time of roughly 25 minutes. From Pordenone, the journey is around 35 kilometres and takes about 45 minutes. From Udine, the distance is approximately 75 kilometres, with a driving time of about 1 hour and 30 minutes. Parking is available near the lakefront and in the centre of the village.

Nearest International Airports:
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  • Trieste – Friuli Venezia Giulia Airport: Around 95 kilometres from Barcis, with a driving time of about 1 hour and 30 minutes. It offers domestic and several European connections.
  • Venice Marco Polo Airport: Approximately 110 kilometres away, taking around 1 hour and 40 minutes by car. It is a major hub for European and long-haul routes.
  • Treviso Antonio Canova Airport: Roughly 100 kilometres from Barcis, with a journey time of about 1 hour and 40 minutes. It mainly serves low-cost carriers with European destinations.

Private Transfers

Barcis Private Transfers
A private transfer provides a convenient way to reach Barcis, a lakeside village in the Friulian Dolomites, or to continue your journey to other destinations in the region. You’ll be collected from the location you choose and taken directly to your destination by a professional driver, without the need to manage connections or drive on mountain roads yourself.

From Barcis, transfers can link you with Trieste – Friuli Venezia Giulia Airport, while longer routes are also available to Venice Marco Polo Airport and Treviso Airport. They are equally practical for travelling to nearby towns such as Maniago, Spilimbergo, and Pordenone, or for continuing further into the Dolomites and other parts of Friuli Venezia Giulia.
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To request a quote or check availability for a private transfer, just fill out the short form below and we’ll get back to you with all the details.

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