Belgirate
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Latest page update: 26 May 2025
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By: Dion Protani
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Where to Stay
Where to Stay in Belgirate
Belgirate has a small but established hotel scene, reflecting its quiet lakeside setting on the western shore of Lake Maggiore. Most accommodation is positioned close to the waterfront or the lake road, giving visitors easy access to ferry services, local walks and nearby resorts such as Stresa and Arona. The best-reviewed hotels focus on traditional lakeside hospitality, comfort and views across the water.
Among the top options, Hotel Villa Carlotta offers a classic lakeside stay with a pool, gardens and steady guest satisfaction for its setting and facilities (€€€). Relais Casali della Cisterna, just outside the centre, provides an elegant villa atmosphere, well-appointed rooms and consistently positive feedback for service, comfort and lake views (€€€€). For a simpler base, Hotel Milano offers a central position on the shore, friendly hospitality and reliable standards of cleanliness and convenience (€€).
Among the top options, Hotel Villa Carlotta offers a classic lakeside stay with a pool, gardens and steady guest satisfaction for its setting and facilities (€€€). Relais Casali della Cisterna, just outside the centre, provides an elegant villa atmosphere, well-appointed rooms and consistently positive feedback for service, comfort and lake views (€€€€). For a simpler base, Hotel Milano offers a central position on the shore, friendly hospitality and reliable standards of cleanliness and convenience (€€).
Where is
Where is Belgirate?
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The lakeside village of Belgirate is situated in the Verbano Cusio Ossola Province, on the shores of Lake Maggiore. It has a population of around 500 residents and is located 134 kilometres north east of Turin, the regional capital of Piedmont.
It has a Lake Maggiore ferry port, while nearby places of interest include Lesa, Stresa, Meina, Baveno, Isola Bella and Isola Madre. |
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Comune di Belgirate
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Province: Verbano Cusio Ossola
Region: Piedmont Population: 479 (in 2024 - source) Size: 8 km² Elevation: 199 metres Transport options: ferry, train Close by: Lesa, Stresa, Meina, Baveno, Isola Bella, Isola Madre |
What People Ask About Belgirate
Is Belgirate worth visiting?
What can you do in Belgirate?
How do you get to Belgirate?
What is Belgirate known for?
When is the best time to visit Belgirate?
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Discover
Discover Belgirate
Belgirate is a village in the province of Verbano-Cusio-Ossola, located on the western shore of Lake Maggiore between Arona and Stresa. Its historic centre rises from the lakeside promenade into narrow stepped lanes, where stone houses and small squares reflect its medieval origins. Villas with gardens line the waterfront and hillside, many developed during the 19th century when Belgirate became a favoured resort.
The parish Church of Santa Maria, with Romanesque foundations, is among the village’s landmarks, along with chapels scattered across the slopes. Belgirate is also noted for its literary associations, having hosted writers and artists who were drawn to the scenery. Road and ferry connections link it with nearby Stresa and Arona, while the surrounding hills provide walking paths and panoramic viewpoints.
The parish Church of Santa Maria, with Romanesque foundations, is among the village’s landmarks, along with chapels scattered across the slopes. Belgirate is also noted for its literary associations, having hosted writers and artists who were drawn to the scenery. Road and ferry connections link it with nearby Stresa and Arona, while the surrounding hills provide walking paths and panoramic viewpoints.
Things to Do
Things to Do in Belgirate
- Lakeside Promenade and Pier run along the waterfront with benches, flowerbeds, and views across Lake Maggiore. The promenade connects to the boat landing stage, where ferries operate seasonally to other towns along the lake. It is a peaceful area lined with villas and small cafés, ideal for walks and lake access.
- Church of Santa Maria stands just above the village centre and dates back to the 11th century. The Romanesque building features a stone façade, arched portico, and a bell tower with lake views. The interior includes frescoes and carved details and is often open to visitors during events or guided tours.
- Historic Villas and Gardens are found throughout the village, many built in the 18th and 19th centuries as summer residences. While most are privately owned, their façades and landscaped gardens are visible from the main road and lakeside paths. Villa Cairoli and Villa Carlotta are among the most notable.
- Walking Path to Lesa follows the shoreline southwards, offering a flat and scenic route between the two villages. The path runs past gardens, boat docks, and occasional small beaches, and is suitable for walking or cycling. It is part of a larger network of lakeside trails in the area.
- Belgirate Beach and Swimming Area is a small public beach near the village centre, with a mix of gravel and grass and easy lake access. Facilities are limited, but the beach is within walking distance of shops and bars. It is popular in summer with both locals and visitors.
Tours and Activities
Belgirate Tours and Activities
Photo Gallery
Belgirate Photo Gallery
Lake Maggiore Top 10 - My Recommended Destinations
1. Isola Bella
2. Villa Taranto
3. Isola Madre
4. Verbania
5. Stresa
6. Laveno-Mombello
7. Santa Caterina del Sasso
8. Isola dei Pescatori
9. Luino
10. Baveno
👉 Explore the Top 10 Places to Visit on Lake Maggiore
1. Isola Bella
2. Villa Taranto
3. Isola Madre
4. Verbania
5. Stresa
6. Laveno-Mombello
7. Santa Caterina del Sasso
8. Isola dei Pescatori
9. Luino
10. Baveno
👉 Explore the Top 10 Places to Visit on Lake Maggiore
How to Get to [Place Name]
How to Get to Belgirate
By Rail: Belgirate has its own small train station on the Novara–Domodossola line, operated by Trenitalia. Regional trains connect the town with Novara in about 50 minutes and with Domodossola in around 1 hour and 10 minutes. From Milan, services take approximately 1 hour and 20 minutes, usually with a change at Arona. The station is located close to the lakefront and within walking distance of the centre.
By Road: Belgirate is situated on the western shore of Lake Maggiore, between Arona and Stresa. From Milan, the distance is about 80 kilometres, with a driving time of around 1 hour and 20 minutes via the A8 and A26 motorways. From Novara, the journey is approximately 50 kilometres and takes about 1 hour. Parking is available along the lakefront and in designated areas around the centre.
Nearest International Airports:
By Road: Belgirate is situated on the western shore of Lake Maggiore, between Arona and Stresa. From Milan, the distance is about 80 kilometres, with a driving time of around 1 hour and 20 minutes via the A8 and A26 motorways. From Novara, the journey is approximately 50 kilometres and takes about 1 hour. Parking is available along the lakefront and in designated areas around the centre.
Nearest International Airports:
- Milan Malpensa Airport: About 35 kilometres from Belgirate, with a drive of around 40 minutes. The nearest airport, offering extensive European and intercontinental services.
- Milan Linate Airport: Approximately 95 kilometres away, with a driving time of about 1 hour and 30 minutes. Serves mainly domestic and European routes.
- Turin Caselle Airport: Roughly 140 kilometres from Belgirate, taking about 1 hour and 45 minutes by car. Provides domestic and European connections.
Private Transfers
Belgirate Private Transfers
A private transfer is the most straightforward way to reach Belgirate or continue your journey from the town, removing the need to organise public transport connections or drive the busy lakeside roads yourself. You’ll be collected from your chosen location and driven by a local, professional driver, ensuring a reliable and comfortable service.
From Belgirate, the nearest hub is Milan Malpensa Airport, which can be reached in about 45 minutes, a distance of 40 km. Milan Linate Airport is around 1 hour 15 minutes away at 85 km, while Turin Caselle Airport can be reached in roughly 1 hour 30 minutes, covering 120 km. A transfer to Milan city centre takes around 1 hour 15 minutes with a journey of 75 km. For longer trips, Genoa Cristoforo Colombo Airport is about 2 hours 10 minutes away, a distance of 170 km.
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.
From Belgirate, the nearest hub is Milan Malpensa Airport, which can be reached in about 45 minutes, a distance of 40 km. Milan Linate Airport is around 1 hour 15 minutes away at 85 km, while Turin Caselle Airport can be reached in roughly 1 hour 30 minutes, covering 120 km. A transfer to Milan city centre takes around 1 hour 15 minutes with a journey of 75 km. For longer trips, Genoa Cristoforo Colombo Airport is about 2 hours 10 minutes away, a distance of 170 km.
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.
