murano burano and torcello day trip

Plan a Day in Murano, Burano, and Torcello From Venice

Venice, Italy, is a good time, but it can also be overwhelming.

A day trip exploring the Venetian Lagoon and the islands of Murano, Burano, and Torcello can then be a welcome diversion from the chaos over there in Venice .

Our trip there was a lot of fun, despite the not-so-ideal weather we had the day of our travel. Each island has its own unique vibe and claim to fame, so you won’t get more of the same at each one.

The best part is, it’s easy to do without much pre-planning. If you can read a ferry schedule, you can make a day trip to Murano and Burano AND Torcello happen without a ton of effort.

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Can you do Murano, Burano, and Torcello in one day?

You can do Murano, Burano, and Torcello in one day. Burano and Murano are already popular on day tours from Venice, but Torcello is an easy addition for some historical intrigue .

There isn’t much to do on each island in the way of traditional attractions, so how much time you spend on each is really up to you and the ferry schedules.

How to Get to Murano, Burano, and Torcello

We had 24-hour ACTV travel cards gifted to us from the Venice tourism bureau and recommend you purchase the same for getting around Venice and the lagoon.

You won’t have to bother with multiple passes as long as you validate your cards at the very start of your journey.

Note: If you’re in Venice for a few days, you may want to check out the Venezia Unica City Pass for discounted public transportation and admission to the city’s most popular tourist attractions. There are different levels of the pass, but you’ll get a deeper discount by buying it at least 30 days before your arrival.

The transport cards on their own are 25€ each, but you’ll still save money if you’re tackling this itinerary as I’ll describe it.

We took water bus number 12 from the Fondamenta Nove ferry terminal in Venice and got off at Burano to start. We were going to start our lagoon adventure there but the fog was awful. 

To give it a chance to lift, we waited 10 minutes or so for the number 9 water bus nearby to Torcello.

The number 12 also goes to Torcello if you ask nicely, but this scenario sounded too awkward for me and connections were breezy. It’s more likely to be a standard stop in the summer months when more tourists are visiting the ghost island.

If you’d like a map of everything I’ll get into here, follow the Google link below:

GIMME MY MURANO, BURANO, AND TORCELLO MAP!

Stop 1: torcello.

As I said, we had every intention of starting in Burano on our Venetian Lagoon adventure. Unfortunately, we chose what appeared to be one of the foggiest days of the year to take our trip.

Since Burano is known for vibrant colors that would be muted by the fog, we started in Torcello, instead. It only made our stop there more atmospheric. 

There isn’t much in the way of “doing” in Torcello. It’s more about experiencing one of the first populated islands in the lagoon.

The sparse population there will tell you they were the very first.

Torcello used to be an even more important trading center than Venice thanks to its plentiful salt marshes. Thousands of people called the island home, including Ernest Hemingway at one point. 

What made Torcello such a desirable trading post turned into its slow death by the end, as transportation within the salty marshes became harder with changing water levels.

Only about a dozen people live here full-time today, including the head priest of the local church.

I loved the ghost island vibes, though. Let’s get into what you can do in about an hour or so on Torcello.

Snap a photo on the Ponte del Diavolo.

This is the Devil’s Bridge, the site of local legends involving a young girl’s pact with the devil to restore the life of her lover. 

Here’s how it went: Local girl meets Austrian boy. Family disapproval ensues. Boy dies. Girl meets witch who brings boy back from the dead on the promise that the witch will bring him the souls of dead babies on Christmas Eve for the next seven years.

This one was an even more intriguing time in the fog.

Visit the main palazzo.

This is where you’ll find most of the island’s “attractions.”

Start at the Basilica di Santa Maria Assunta, or Torcello Cathedral. You’ll pay a small fee to see the mosaics inside. Pay a few extra to climb the campanile, or bell tower, something we skipped due to the fog that day.

There are no photos allowed inside, but what you’ll see are Byzantine mosaics dating back to the 11th century, including a depiction of the Last Judgement . 

I was more impressed by the free Church of Santa Fosca next door, but I’m a sucker for free stuff. You can’t visit this way today, but at one time, the two houses of worship were connected by a portico.

The last item of note is the Museo Provinciale di Torcello, the town’s archaeological and medieval-modern art museum.

You’ll likely pop by the property anyway in search of the “Throne of Attila,” a stone chair that doesn’t actually have anything to do with the King of the Huns.

Note: The chair was placed here at least 100 years after he was dead and gone and is more likely connected to local religious folks of importance. Legend has it that if you have a seat there, you’ll return to Torcello one day.

If you’re here for learning, the museum itself houses all kinds of archaeological finds from digs in and around Venice.

See the art at Casa Museo Andrich.

This one was closed on our trip, and that may be the case for you, too. The museum has super limited hours, and you need to book ahead if you’re interested in a visit. 

That said, the former home of artist Lucio Andrich gets high marks for its collection of tapestries, glass works, and engravings. If you’re here from March to September, you can also visit to see flamingoes on the banks of the lagoon. 

That sounds quite whimsical indeed.

Try the local restaurants.

There wasn’t much open during our off-season visit, which makes sense. I told you there are like a dozen people who live here, and they’re likely not hitting the neighborhood haunts with any level of regularity. 

The big deal here is the Locanda Cipriani. The hotel and restaurant has hosted the likes of Hemingway and heiress Barbara Woolworth Hutton. 

Two other options are the Osteria al Ponte del Diavolo and Ristorante al Trono di Attila. Both serve lunch with seasonal ingredients. 

If you’re here during a slow time of year as we were, though, your next stop will have plenty of options for food.

Stop 2: Burano

Time your exit from Torcello around the next ferry. It seemed to come about every 15 minutes during our visit. It’s just a short five-minute trip back to Burano on the number 9 water bus.

You won’t need extra Burano tickets if you have that 24-hour pass I told you about.

We arrived with a persistent heavy fog but I could tell this one was still a stunner. The lack of summer tourists only made it that much more enjoyable as one of the most beautiful islands in the lagoon. 

You can see Burano well in two hours or so, including time for a seafood lunch.

I have a full guide to things to do in Burano to help you prioritize or plan if you have more time.

With a few hours, don’t miss the Lace Museum to learn a bit about the local industry and the local leaning tower , Il Campanile Storto.

From there, eat at one of the many restaurants that boast seafood from the lagoon and the sea, and take your glamour shots against the colorful houses.

Burano is famous for its colors, and they were showing off even through the fog.

The former home of  Giuseppe Toselli, a local who loved movies and painting new shapes onto his house daily, is a particularly colorful spot . You’ll see it marked on your maps as “Bepi’s House.”

Fun fact: If you want a bonus island from here, you can walk over the Ponte Longo to Mazzorbo, a separate island. This one is known for Venissa, a restaurant and winery with a Michelin star. The lauded eatery comes with four dollar signs, so you’ve been warned.

Stop 3: Murano

Murano is your last stop on your Burano, Murano, and Torcello tour. Our water bus from Burano to Murano was super crowded, so give yourself time before your desired departure to queue up.

Otherwise, you may need to wait up to 30 minutes for the next ride. 

We arrived to a view of the Murano Lighthouse. Yes, the fog was still a thing. In fact, it progressively got worse during our time in Murano, but thankfully that didn’t affect our trip back to Venice. 

Let’s get into a few more things to do in Murano, Italy, to round out your day on the Venetian Lagoon.

Visit the Murano Glass Museum.

Murano is known for its history of glassmaking. The art goes back to the late 13th century when glassmakers were forced to move to the island due to fire risks in Venice along the Grand Canal.

This museum gives you some context on the trade. I found this one much more interesting than the lace-themed version on Burano.

They had a great glass recycling exhibit on display during our trip on top of the permanent exhibit of blown glass throughout the years.

Note: You don’t need advance tickets for these places, by the way. Most travelers are visiting for the vibes and vibes alone of the islands.

See the Basilica dei Santi Maria e Donato.

This is one of the stops I didn’t mind shrouded in fog. The church, which also goes as the Duomo di Murano, boasts a pretty ideal setting against the canal. It’s no Florence Cathedral , but it does have some intrigue.

Inside, see Byzantine mosaics from the 12th century and bones that may or may not have belonged to a dragon slain by Saint Donatus of Euroeau. 

If you don’t believe in that sort of thing, you’ll see the relics of the saint inside, too. That part is confirmed.

Fun fact: If you love a good repurposed church, put The Glass Cathedral on your list. It operates out of what was once the medieval Chiesa Santa Chiara.

Get yourself some Murano glass.

We popped in a few of the shops to look for a miniature goat, but couldn’t find one.

It seemed like they have something against goats, honestly. How would you explain the toucans, donkeys, and rhinos? There were so many clowns, too!

If you’re not as particular, there are plenty of shops selling beautiful collections of Murano glass in all shapes and sizes. Ferro & Lazzarini, an artistic glass factory, had a nice selection of weird stuff, including couples in coitus, all made of glass.

Some of the shops also had workers blowing gas. You can also plan a visit to a spot like Xe Vero to watch a demo if you’re intrigued. We’ve done something like this in Asheville , and it’s an amazing thing to see.

Dine at Murano restaurants.

It was getting late from here on our Murano, Burano, and Torcello islands full-day tour, and the fog was getting worse. We were nervous about getting back, so decided to return for dinner in Venice.

If you’re luckier with the weather, you have many options for dining in Murano.

If you just need a quick nosh in the form of a classic Italian sandwich, try Osteria Ai Cacciatori. Osteria Acquastanca and Trattoria Valmarana offer solid Venetian comfort food and fresh seafood.

Day Tours to the Islands of the Venice Lagoon

Our trip was self-guided, but yours doesn’t have to be if you want a guided experience. In the high season especially, it can be more intimidating to navigate the crowds and water bus system.

Here are a few options for highly-rated tours that allow you to see the best of each island:

Love tours in Italy?

Check out my guides to food tours in Bologna , one of my favorite Italian cities , and wine-tasting tours in Chianti .

Murano, Burano, and Torcello in One Day: FAQs

Is it worth visiting torcello.

It’s worth visiting Torcello for its historical significance as one of the first (if not THE first) populated islands of the Venetian Lagoon. It’s also worth a trip for the tranquility you may not get elsewhere in Venice.

Why is Torcello famous?

Torcello is famous for being one of the first settlements in the Venetian Lagoon. Its marshy surroundings meant it was an important trading hub back then.

Is Murano or Burano better?

Murano is better if you want more amenities. It’s the bigger island. Burano is better if you’re seeking a more aesthetically pleasing place. Burano’s colorful buildings are the stuff of Instagram legend, and the story checks out.

Are Murano and Burano worth visiting?

Murano and Burano are both worth visiting as two important islands in the Venetian Lagoon. Murano is known for its glassmaking and Burano is known for lace.

The two industries were very important to Venice as the city enjoyed expansion, and remain important to the tourism industry here.

Where to Stay When Visiting Torcello, Murano, and Burano from Venice

You can stay on the Burano and Murano islands, but both are easy to visit on a day trip from Venice. Torcello accommodations are even more limited. You’ll find much less expensive and plentiful accommodations there.

We stayed at the Hotel Canaletto for four nights on our Venice vacation . The staff was kind and helpful, the decor was whimsical, and the daily breakfast was delicious and included in the cost of our stay.

It was a great base for exploring Venice and for planning our Torcello, Murano, and Burano self-guided tour.

Want to do some browsing? Check out the map below for apartments and hotels in Venice:

What are the most important Venetian islands?

The most important Venetian islands include Murano, known for its historic glassmaking tradition, and Burano, famous for its colorful houses and lace-making industry. Torcello is also notable as one of the earliest settlements in the Venetian Lagoon.

The list of Murano, Burano, and Torcello things to do isn’t long, but day trips here offer a more well-rounded picture of the lagoon vs. seeing Venice alone.

I’d highly recommend it on even long weekends to Venice, as it really can be more of a last-minute decision on your Italy trip.

Ready to Visit Murano, Burano, and Torcello?

Your Flight:  I use a variety of tools to find cheap airfare, but if you’re looking to book a vacation during a particular period of time, you should start your search on  Skyscanner .

It’s a great tool for when you’re watching airfare, too, as you can set up alerts for price drops on the site.

To get to the Murano, Torcello, and Burano islands, you’ll have to get to Venice, first. Venice Marco Polo Airport is likely where you’ll fly into if you’re coming from abroad.

Love deals? Subscribe to  Going , formerly Scott’s Cheap Flights, and get them straight to your inbox on a regular basis.

Your Accommodations:  Booking.com  is usually my first stop, followed by some comparison shopping with  Hotels.com .  Vrbo  is my preferred Airbnb alternative.

Seeking even more wallet-friendly accommodations? Try  Hostelworld . Their picks are heavily vetted and reviewed to offer you a safe experience for budget travel in Italy.

Etc.:  For general travel goodies, visit my  Favorite Things  page. For more information on planning your travel and travel tips, visit my  Travel Tools  page.

Love this guide to Murano, Burano, and Torcello? Pin me!

Traveling elsewhere in Italy? Check out these guides:

• Eat Your Way Through the Best of Parma
• A Guide to the Best of Florence, Italy
• How to Plan a Long Weekend in Rome
• A Detailed Guide to the Best of Bologna
• Florence to Lucca: Plan the Perfect Trip
• Best Things to Do in Charming Verona
• Should You Go to Rome or Florence?

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• Venice tours
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Burano Murano day trip: Tour of the 3 islands from 12 pm

Take a boat trip from Venice to explore the islands of Murano, Burano and Torcello . This organized tour offers a complete program perfect for those who have just one day to visit these iconic islands.

It’s an ideal option for discovering the glass art of Murano, the lace of Burano and the historical treasures of Torcello.

Two departure points to choose from and a multilingual guide on board who speaks French, English, Italian and Spanish.

• Fondamenta Santa Luci a (near the station and Piazzale Roma towards the KFC)
• Riva degli Schiavoni (near Piazza San Marco)
• Complete experience : The tour offers a complete exploration of the three iconic islands of the Venetian lagoon in a single day, with all transportation included.
• Specialized tours: You’ll enjoy a guided tour of a glass factory in Murano and a typical lace store in Burano, with detailed explanations of these artisan traditions.
• Flexibility: Two departure points are available, allowing you to choose the one that suits you best, depending on your location in Venice or your personal preferences.
• Multilingual guide on board: A multilingual guide will be on board to provide enriching information and commentary in French, English, Italian and Spanish, allowing you to fully enjoy the experience.

Departure from Piazza San Marco for the 3 islands excursion (Murano, Burano and Torcello):

• Full price ticket: €30
• Reduced rate – Children under 10: €15
• Student rate (under 25): €25.00

Departure from Piazzale Roma for the 3 islands tour (Murano, Burano and Torcello):

• Full price ticket: €37.50
• Reduced rate – Children under 10: €22.50
• Student rate (under 25): €32.50

Other practical information

General information:

• Please arrive at the meeting point at least 15 minutes before departure time!
• All tours are wheelchair-accessible; due to high numbers on summer weekends, people with reduced mobility are encouraged to choose a weekday tour.
• All safety equipment and materials are included.
• Dogs are allowed only if muzzled.

Departures:

• Depart from the Santa Lucia ferry terminal opposite the KFC. The guide will be waiting with a blue “lagoon tour” sign.
• Departure from San Marco Cornoldi. The guide will be waiting with a blue “lagoon tour” sign.

Spoken Languages

Included / excluded.

• Inter-island boat transport
• Guided tour of a glass factory in Murano
• Guided tour of one of Burano’s traditional lace factories
• Multilingual guide on board
• Entrance to Torcello Cathedral (€5).
• Anything not expressly indicated as “included”.

Sales Conditions

• Partial refund (25%): Cancel up to 24 hours before departure with a 25% deduction.
• Change of date: Change the date of your tour up to 24 hours before departure.
• No refund in case of no-show.
• Full refund in the event of damage or adverse weather conditions.
• Partial refund (50%) in case of long delay (more than 30 minutes).

Availability

• Child Friendly

Explore the three must-see islands of Venice’s northern lagoon – Murano, Burano, and Torcello – on a boat ride with stops on each island.

Immerse yourself in their fascinating history from the moment you depart from Venice. This experience allows you to maximize your time in just one day, uncovering all the treasures of the Venetian lagoon.

Boat trip to Murano and Burano: all the informations

This island tour we offer is an ideal option to visit Murano, Burano, and Torcello. Hop aboard a boat and uncover their unique histories and traditions:

• Murano : Includes a guided tour of a historic glass factory with a live glass blowing demonstration.
• Burano : Where you can explore the workings of a traditional lace-making workshop.
• Torcello : With free time to explore its most notable landmarks.

All transportation and schedules on each island are taken care of, so you won’t have to worry about logistics like you would with public transport.

This flexible offering provides two departure points and a comprehensive itinerary if you have just one day. You can depart at either 12:00 pm or 12:30 pm, depending on the chosen departure point, and return at 6:30 pm or 7:00 pm.

Discover the beauty and stories of each island, all in an organized fashion.

Plus, onboard, you’ll be accompanied by a multilingual guide (French, English, Italian, and Spanish) who will enhance the experience with information and anecdotes about the islands and their history.

Practical information

Departure Points (choose one):

• Fondamenta Santa Lucia (near the train station and Piazzale Roma towards KFC)
• Riva degli Schiavoni (near St. Mark’s Square)

Day Itinerary:

• 12:00 PM – Departure from Fondamenta Santa Lucia.
• 12:30 PM – Departure from Riva degli Schiavoni.
• 1:00-2:00 PM – Stop in Murano with a guided tour of the glass factory.
• 2:30-3:30 PM – Arrival in Torcello, with free visit to the monuments.
• 3:45-5:15 PM – Stop in Burano with a guided tour of the lace making.
• 6:15-6:30 PM – Return and disembarkation near St. Mark’s Square.
• 6:45-7:00 PM – Return to Piazzale Roma/Santa Lucia.

All times are subject to change. The organizing company reserves the right to modify schedules and itinerary as needed.

Burano Murano Day Trip: what to see ?

The small islands of the Venetian Lagoon, such as Murano, Burano, and Torcello, are brimming with history and fascinating treasures. Let’s embark together on a journey to discover them!

Island of Murano

Discover the island famous for its artistic glass production, a tradition dating back several centuries.

In the 13th century, Venetian glassworks were relocated to Murano to reduce the risk of fires in the main city. This gave rise to a renowned production center, where master glassmakers developed innovative techniques and perfected the art of glass blowing.

Today, Murano is still recognized as a center of glass craftsmanship, where artisans perpetuate these ancient traditions with passion and skill.

Burano Island

The picturesque island of Burano is famous not only for its colorful houses but also for its lace craftsmanship. This tradition dates back to the Renaissance when the island’s fisherman’s wives began weaving lace to embellish their homes and clothing. Over the centuries, the art of lace making has been perfected, making Burano a world-renowned center for this form of craftsmanship.

Today, Burano lace is considered one of the most precious in Europe, showcasing the expertise and creativity of local artisans.

Island of Torcello

Torcello, one of the oldest islands in the lagoon, boasts a rich and captivating history. Since antiquity, it has been inhabited, even serving as a refuge for those fleeing the Lombard invasion of the mainland in the 7th century. During the Middle Ages, it flourished, ranking among the most populous islands in the region. Despite the decline in its population over the centuries, Torcello remains today a haven of peace preserving its historical and cultural heritage.

Explore its renowned remnants, such as the Cathedral of Santa Maria Assunta, dating back to the 7th century, and the Church of Santa Fosca, a remarkable example of early Venetian architecture. Also, don’t miss the mysterious Devil’s Bridge and the legendary Throne of Attila.

Why to choose this day trip to Murano, Burano and Torcello ?

Here’s why you should choose this day trip to Murano, Burano, and Torcello:

This tour allows you to visit all three islands in the afternoon, starting from 12 PM. This means you can spend your morning time in Venice.

It’s not just a Murano and Burano boat tour, but also Torcello! You get to experience all three iconic islands of the Venetian Lagoon.

Everything is taken care of for you, so you don’t have to worry about buying tickets or dealing with the schedules of public water bus. You can simply relax and enjoy the tour.

By opting for this excursion, you get to visit Burano, Murano, and Torcello all in one day, comfortably and stress-free.

VivoVenetia, your venetian tour operator

We are a tour operator based in Venice, offering authentic discoveries of the beautiful Veneto region. Explore with us all the facets of this unique destination.

Whether you prefer classic tours or more original experiences, we have what you need. Whether you are traveling solo, as a couple, with family, or friends, we have options for everyone.

Additionally, we collaborate with businesses and schools for enriching educational and incentive trips. Our goal is to show you Venice and the Veneto in a new light, emphasizing authenticity and immersion in the local culture.

We have a broad network of local partners and a deep knowledge of the area.

Feel free to contact us with any questions. If you have a specific theme in mind that you don’t see listed on our website, we’ll see what we can do to accommodate you.

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a travel blog by renata green

MURANO – BURANO – TORCELLO: A Self-Guided Island Tour

Posted on 2023-06-25 2023-11-27 Author Renata 13 Comments

Sure, there is a lot to see in Venice’s Centro Storico, the   historic center, yet, there are also those smaller gems. In this guide, I show you how to visit Murano , Burano , and Torcello , comfortably on a self-guided tour. It’s actually pretty easy and inexpensive to visit these three islands on a day trip from Venice .

The Venetian Lagoon

Speaking about Venice, we are generally referring to the small, fish-shaped city center, the so-called Centro Storico .

However, that’s only one small island in the Venetian lagoon which spreads over 550 square kilometers and is located north of the Adriatic Sea. This lagoon emerged from the Brenta River and other waters from the Po valley around 4000 B. C. Only around 8 percent of the area consists of islands. The remaining surface consists of waters, mud flats, and marshland.

The lagoon forms the largest wetland connected to the Mediterranean Sea and has three outlets to the Adriatic Sea. This connection to the Adriatic causes strong water movements and spring tides. Therefore, the so-called acqua alta floods the Centro Storico regularly.

The northern part of the lagoon towards Torcello contains mainly fresh water. There is hardly any tidal range. It is therefore called laguna morta , which translates to dead lagoon. In contrast, the water level of the saltwater part – the laguna viva , hence, the living lagoon – rises and falls with the ebb and flow of the sea.

The Islands

As a matter of fact, there is a total of 120 islands in the lagoon. However, only 11 are permanently inhabited. Apart from the Centro Storico, there are at least three more islands you should not miss when visiting Venice:

Of all the islands in the Venetian lagoon, Murano is the third largest one – after the Centro Storico and the Lido . It has a size of a bit over one square kilometer and actually consists of seven small islets divided by eight channels and connected through bridges.

The island of Murano is located about 1.5 kilometers – or one mile – north of the Centro Storico. It once used to be an independent commune, but is now part of greater Venice.

Although there are some landmarks such as the Church of Santa Maria e San Donato, the Church of San Pietro Martire, and the Palazzo da Mula, most people visit Murano for the famous glass, sold in uncountable small stores. Another great attraction is the Murano Glass Museum, housed in the large Palazzo Giustinian.

In the 13th century, Murano was a summer resort for the Venetian aristocrats who built beautiful villas with orchards and gardens there. As the furnaces that were used for glass melting became a fire hazard to the Centro Storico, the Venetians outsourced the glass production to Murano.

This way, the island became Europe’s prime glassmaking center. The heyday of production was in the 15th and 16th centuries.

Heart of Glass

Murano wasn’t only famous for its outstanding quality. During the 15th century, the local glassmakers invented cristallo . It was almost transparent and became the world’s finest glass.

On the other hand, they also developed a white-colored glass, a milk glass called lattimo,  that looked like porcelain. Huge chandeliers, amazing mirrors, bowls and vases, jewelry, and beads were produced in large numbers.

To this date, glass is one of the most sought-after souvenirs among visitors to Venice.

In the 13th century, it took the nobles about an hour to row a boat from Venice to Murano – which, of course, they didn’t have to do themselves. Today, you can get there in about ten minutes.

Once in Murano, you need to

✔   learn about the history of glass making at the Museo del Vetro, Murano’s Glass Museum ✔   see some truly amazing contemporary art made from glass at the Fondazione Berengo Art Space ✔   attend a glass-working demonstration at the Former Church Santa Chiara – The Glass Cathedral  ✔   admire the paintings by Bellini at the Chiesa di San Pietro Martire ✔   enjoy a – yes, Bellini – on the Campo Santo Stefano under the Torre dell’Orologio

But there is much more to explore –  as you can read in my post .

Although Burano was already mentioned in 840, it remained a rather insignificant fishing island until the late Middle Ages. At that time, even Torcello and the neighboring island of Mazzorbo were more powerful.

Protecting Venice’s economic interests, fishing was heavily regulated although it was Burano’s main source of income. For instance, fishermen from Burano were only allowed to sell their catch on their own island and at the Rialto market. Trade with the mainland was banned. Obviously, this led to illegal business and smuggling.

At some point, Venice considered the security situation so pressing that Burano was divided into four quarters. It was prohibited to leave those by boat after dark under penalty of death. Hence, it’s no wonder that there were only two wealthy families on the island of Burano. The majority of the inhabitants were rather poor fishermen.

Nevertheless, men on Burano continued to make a living from fishing, while women dedicated themselves to lace embroidery. As a matter of fact, the lace school Scuola di Merletti picked up on this craft. Since 1872, it has created masterful copies of the old patterns and techniques.

In 1924, Burano became formally part of the municipality of Venice – despite the strong opposition of its residents.

Burano is located less than 10 kilometers northeast of Venice’s Centro Storico . Just like its big sisters Venice and Murano , Burano is actually a group of small isles – there is five of them – that are connected by bridges.

Today, with an area of ​​less than 2.5 square kilometers, Burano is one of the larger and with over 2700 inhabitants one of the most densely populated islands in the Venetian Lagoon.

Once in Burano, you need to

✔   learn about the history of lace making at the Museo dei Merletti, Burano’s Lace Museum ✔   take a souvenir picture in front of the colorful Casa di Bepi Suà ✔   take a good look around from the Tre Ponti bridge ✔   admiring Giambattista Tiepolo’s Crucifixion at the Oratory of Santa Barbara ✔   just stroll up and down Burano’s streets, getting dizzy from all those bold colors

As you visit the less than 0.5 square kilometers large island, it’s very difficult to imagine that Torcello gained importance as a center of politics and trade in the 7th century. Of all the important sacral buildings, today, only the Basilica of Santa Maria Assunta remains.

Yet, excavations exposed a village of wooden houses from the 10th and 11th centuries. The houses overlooked canals, and numerous furnaces indicate the production of glass. Amphorae with rests of olive oil and wine from the Mediterranean reveal trade with distant places.

After all, back then, Torcello had about 20,000 inhabitants and was wealthier than Venice.

After the 12th century, this prosperous era ended, and the island lost its significance. The lagoon around Torcello swamped, and malaria epidemics became a constant threat. As many inhabitants left the island for Venice or Murano , they took everything valuable or even useful with them.

Consequently, Torcello was almost completely demolished. Around 1860, there were only around 360 inhabitants left.

Very little remains of the once magnificent buildings on Torcello. During the island’s heyday, there were twelve parishes and sixteen monasteries, albeit including other islands in the northern part of the lagoon. Today, all that’s left are the Basilica Santa Maria Assunta and the Church of Santa Fosca.

Over the decades, Torcello’s population shrunk to an all-time low of 15 permanent residents.

Once in Torcello, you need to

✔   awe at the mosaics of the Basilica of Santa Maria Assunta ✔   visit the Chiesa di Santa Fosca ✔   trace the island’s history at the Museo Provinciale di Torcello ✔   dance on the Devil’s Bridge ✔   enjoy a snack and local wine at the Taverna Tipica

How to Get There And Around

While you can explore the Centro Storico, the fish-shaped historic center of Venice , by walking, this is not an option if you also want to visit the other islands scattered in the Venetian lagoon.

Fortunately, apart from public land transport, the ACTV transport company has also a comprehensive network of vaporetti , water buses, taking you to any place in the lagoon on a regular schedule.

There is vaporetto line #12 going from the stop Fondamente Nove on the northern edge of the Centro Storico to the islands I’m introducing in this post.

Vaporetto #12 makes its first stop at the lighthouse of Murano and continues in the early morning and late afternoon not only to Burano , but also to the island of Torcello. After 9 a.m. and before 5.30 p.m., it goes only to Burano. From there, you have to continue to Torcello by shuttle boat #9 . Conveniently, it’s going back and forth between those islands every 15 minutes.

Also, once the regular vaporetti are suspended, there is a nightly connection by line NLN ; hence, you never get stuck on any of the islands overnight.

ACTV has an excellent website and even an App for iOS and Android . To get an overview of your options, check out their very neat system map .

Which Ticket to Buy

While at 9.50 €uros, individual tickets are ridiculously expensive, there are travel passes that are actually not that bad. If you’re planning to visit the three islands from this post in one day, you definitely should opt for a day ticket.

However, the more days you buy, the cheaper are your rides. Here is a chart on how much you pay for a day pass in 2022:

Keep in mind that you can use the 24-hour ticket for two days. As a matter of fact, the clock starts ticking the moment you validate your ticket and lasts for 24 hours. With the other tickets, it’s the same, obviously.

Perfect Itinerary

Although it’s very touristy and can get really busy, a trip to the islands is a great addition to your Venice experience. Murano with its glass artisans, the fishing village of Burano with its lace industries, and the great church houses of Torcello are just beautiful.

As I said, especially during the high season, the islands can get really busy and the Vaporetti are packed with people.

You’ll have a much better and far more relaxed experience if you follow this itinerary: Take an early Vaporetto to Burano. Since most of the landmarks open only around 10.30 a.m., starting your trip around 9 should be fine.

If you’re already at the Centro Storico, you can hop on Vaporetto line #12 at the stop Fondamente Nove and go straight to Burano. However, if you’re coming from Piazzale Roma or the train station Venezia Santa Lucia, you’re better off taking the Vaporetto line #4.1 to the stop Faro on Murano and changing there to line #12 which takes you to Burano.

Once you’re on Burano, I recommend continuing to Torcello by Vaporetto #9 right away. You should arrive on the island around 10 a.m. The Basilica Santa Maria Assunta opens its gates at 10.30 a.m. so that you’ll be one of the first’n’few visitors.

On your way back, you spend a couple of hours in Burano before you end your day at Murano.

Following this itinerary, you strive a bit against the stream of visitors.

Getting There Organized

Another valid option is to visit the three isles on an organized tour. This option is even not more expensive than going by yourself. However, you have to stick to their schedule and itinerary which can be a bit of a drag. On the other hand, you don’t have to jiggle timetables and check out routes. You just hop on a boat and leave the planning and organizing to others*:

Which One is the Best?

As a matter of fact, I’m not a big fan of categorizing’n’comparing. We have different tastes and we like various things and enjoy distinct activities. So, I’d answer this question by “See for yourself”.

On the other hand, I understand that you’re in Venice for a couple of days and have limited time to explore. Therefore, I’ll give you an answer, and that would be Burano. The reasons are that it’s a bit of a drag to get to Torcello. Also, you have to go there via Burano, anyway. Unless you’re a historian and cannot live without seeing the admittedly amazing mosaics at the Basilica of Santa Maria Assunta, visiting exclusively Torcello would be a pretty bad effort-gain ratio.

Obviously, you can quickly cross the lagoon to Murano since this island is closest to the Centro Storico. However, to me, Murano is just a smaller version of the main island. So unless you want to see the cradle of the world-famous glass products, you won’t spot anything extremely different from what you see at the Centro Storico.

Burano, however, has a totally different architecture since it wasn’t home to wealthy families but to average fishermen. Instead of palaces, there are houses, and those come in all the beautiful colors of the rainbow.

Therefore, if you absolutely have to pick just one island, go to Burano.

What to Eat And Where to Sleep

Most visitors come to the smaller island on day trips which is fine with regard to the number of landmarks you’ll find there. Visiting Murano and Burano is mainly walking up and down alleys. In Torcello, visiting the landmarks takes about an hour and a half.

Yet, it is absolutely recommendable to stay the night as you get to know the places in a totally different atmosphere once the throngs of people are gone.

Here are links to some charming lodging options on Murano *, Burano *, and Torcello *.

Since the islands mainly cater to day-trippers, there are many restaurants serving all the nice treats you also get in Venice or on the mainland. Prices are approximately like in the Centro Storico.

Like in many places around Italy, you can save some money – and the environment more plastic – if you drink the water from the fountains you find in many places and on basically every square. Yes, for you Italy-rookies, those fountains might not look that trustworthy but don’t worry, unless there is a clear sign stating otherwise, it is tasty clean drinking water.

On this map, you see which places not to miss during your island hopping in the lagoon. Clicking on the slider symbol at the top left or the full-screen icon at the top right will display the whole map including the legend.

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Note: This post is being regularly completed, edited, and updated – last in November 2023.

13 Replies to “MURANO – BURANO – TORCELLO: A Self-Guided Island Tour”

Hi Renata. Thank you for this information. It’s so helpful for me as I try to plan my trip next month. I’m curious about the Hop On Hop Off option. Do the boats run frequently enough to make visiting all three islands possible? I’ve already made lunch reservations for a place on Burano, so I need to be there at a certain time. Thanks for you r help!

Hi Natalie, yes, the ferries are going so frequently that you can see all three islands in one day. However, you won’t have too much time to linger. I would take an early ferry to Burano and continue to Torcello. The trips between these two islands takes maybe ten minutes and ferries are going back and forth continuously. After maybe an hour, you go back to Burano, and after lunch, you explore Murano. Absolutely doable. I hope you’ll enjoy your day to the max! 🙂

Thank you! Are you suggesting the regular ferry (Vaporetto?) My other option is a private four hour tour. I’m not too interested in visiting a glass blowing factory, and it seems most tours include this.

I really don’t think an organized tour is necessary. Also: Three islands in four hours?! I would foresee an entire day. This way, you’ll have enough time to leisurly stroll alongside the canals, enjoy a coffee or an Aperol and take it all in. In Murano, I recommend to visit the Fondazione Berengo Art Space at Campiello della Pescheria 4 – if there is an exhibition going on so that they are open. They show absolutely incredible contemporary glass art!

These are my favorite part of Venice to see. I agree about the ticket, but did you know that sometimes you can buy it online. Sometimes the driver forgets to get to you and you get a free ride haha. Don’t follow my example! Burano is my favourite one but I like to go when it is off season and early in the morning.

Hahaha – I cannot promote criminal activities on my blog. However, the year before, it slipped my mind to buy a ticket here and there 😉

Would a three island, one day tour, work on a Sunday? Are things open on Sundays?

Yes, it works on a Sunday, too. I’d start as early as possible to have enough time. Also, everything is open on Sunday – local people live mainly from tourism 😉 Enjoy your stay – you’ll love it, I’m sure! 🙂

We only did Murano on a day trip. So it was good to know that when we head back to Venice we can plan a day trip and see Murano Burano and Tocello too. I love that each of the islands offers something a little unique. But they all look equally charming. We would have a fun day island hopping on the vaporettos on a day ticket! Or it might be fun to actually stay on one of the islands on one visit.

Yes, I might spend the night on my next visit – just to experience on of the places like a local 😉

I have a fascination with hand blown glass. Going to Murano has been on my bucket list for a while. I must admit, I hate sewing. But I think this just makes me appreciate the fine intricacies of the lace work all the more.

Then Murano would be paradise for you 🙂

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Murano, Burano, and Torcello Tour (One Day Venetian Lagoon Itinerary)

By: Author Charles

Posted on May 2, 2023

Are you headed to Venice for a few days and want to do some exploring outside of the main city?

Well, just a few short boat rides away, you will find the famous three islands of Murano, Burano, and Torcello.

During a day trip out in the Venetian Lagoon, you can spend some time seeing these islands. You will get to experience everything from glass blowing to colorful architecture to some beautiful scenery out on the water.

This guide will go over logistics, things to do, and plenty more, while answering questions along the way!

*  Affiliate Disclosure : This post may contain affiliate links, which means I may receive a commission if you make a purchase through the links provided, at no additional cost to you. Thanks for supporting the work I put into TripTins!

1) Murano, Burano & Torcello Introduction

While there is plenty to see and do in the city of Venice itself, there are also plenty of different islands spread across the area to explore as well.

The three islands of Murano, Burano, and Torcello are three of the most famous ones to visit, and this guide will get you going in the right direction so you can plan your day trip there.

Each one of these islands has its own unique history and characteristics:

• Murano : most well known for its history in the glass blowing industry
• Burano : perhaps the most colorful of islands in Italy, along with a lace making history
• Torcello : a quieter island, which was once the commercial capital of the region

When going about a day trip to these three islands, there are a few different ways to go plan it. You can either do so independently, head on a group tour, or take a private guide. Later on I will be going into more detail about each one of these options.

A day trip to these islands is a great way to experience a different side of Venice, and learn more about the history of the Venetian people.

Be sure to check out this 10 Day Italy Itinerary & 14 Day Italy Itinerary , where you can spend some time in Venice as part of your overall trip.

2) Venetian Lagoon Map

You can see on the map below the location of these three islands, and where they are in proximity to the main area of Venice.

In red is the vaporetto terminal, where you can catch the water bus from Venice, followed by the three islands pinned in yellow.

Getting between the islands is pretty simple, as you will either leverage the public boat network of Venice or be on a guided boat. I will be sure to explain all the logistics throughout this overview.

Before jumping into logistics, I wanted to first go over the three islands and give you an idea of what you can expect as you go about a day trip.

You will start off by heading to Murano, then Burano and finally Torcello, before making your way back to the main island of Venice.

The first stop of the day is the island of Murano, just a short 10 minute boat ride from the main Fondamente Nove terminal in Venice.

The main highlight of Murano is its history of glassmaking on the island. Throughout the island you will find glass artisans, workshops, and stores lining its intimate streets.

And what better way to learn all about its history than visiting the Murano Glass Museum . You will learn all about the timeline of glass making on the island, in addition to seeing plenty of glass artwork all throughout.

While you may not realize it at first, Murano is not just one island. Instead it is made up of seven individual islands. Connecting the islands are small bridges that head up and over its canals. You can spend your time wandering the canals and bridges as you explore all that the area has to offer.

Be sure to stop by a few of Murano’s highlights such as:

• Basilica dei Santi Maria e Donato
• Palazzo da Mula
• Church of San Pietro Martire
• Chiesa di Santa Maria degli Angeli

After a further 30 minute boat ride into the Venetian lagoon, you will come across the island of Burano.

Perhaps the most colorful and vibrant island in Italy, Burano is a photographer’s dream. It offers plenty of beautiful landscapes with different colored houses sprawled all throughout its waterways.

As history says, the reason why there is so much color on the island goes back to its fishing origins. Back then, fisherman had to make their way through the fog of the Venetian Lagoon. To make things easier on themselves, they painted their houses these vibrant colors in order for them to stick out.

While the colorful houses are one reason to visit, so are its lace making traditions. Murano might be known for its glass, but Burano is known for its lace.

Lace making goes back hundreds of years on the island. Today you have the chance to visit various shops that sell lacework and even visit the Lace Museum (Museo del Merletto) . You can learn more about the history and even take a look on how lace is made.

After you have had enough time at the museum feel free to continue walking along the inner canals, passing by all the colorful buildings around you and eventually back to the main port area.

5) Torcello

Last but not least on your Venetian Lagoon tour is the island of Torcello. The island is just a short boat ride away from Burano and is certainly the quietest of the three islands.

In the past, Torcello was actually one of the most bustling islands around Venice. However, over the years, much of the population has made its way southbound. It once had a population of 20,000, but today it has less than 100 people on the island. That is not to say though that it isn’t worth the visit!

There are a few main attractions on the island that should be added to your day’s itinerary. The Cathedral of Santa Maria Assunta was built back in the 7th century and has beautiful byzantine mosaic tiles all around.

Alongside the cathedral will be the Santa Fosca church, and a bell tower that you can climb to get a view from up above. The Torcello Museum is also worth the visit as you can learn more about its history as the commercial capital of Venice.

And don’t leave Torcello without a meal at the famous Cipriani restaurant . The restaurant has been around since the 1930’s, and people from all over the world come to Torcello just to experience this historical place.

Once all wrapped up with Torcello, it is then a 40 minute boat ride right back to Venice.

6) Logistics for the Day

Below are the three different options you will have when taking the Murano, Burano and Torcello day trip. For the most flexibility and lowest costs I would recommend a self guided tour.

However, if you want someone to take care of all logistics and help answer any questions you may have, then a group or private tour may be the way to go.

Whatever you decide, you are sure to have a great time exploring these three islands of the Venetian Lagoon.

A) Self Guided Tour

The first option is to do a self-guided tour and use the public water bus system to get from one place to the next. Since you will be jumping on and off the boats all day you can get a 24 hour vaporetto pass for only 25 Euro (instead of paying for each individual route).

-> Buy your Vaporetto Pass today, to get yourself all set for your trip

In order to do this you will start at the water bus station of Fondamente Nove on the northern side of the island.

• Fondamente Nove -> Murano : you can hop on the 4.1, 4.2, 12 or 13 water bus lines to the first stop of your trip – Murano. There are a few water bus stations on the island but nothing is more than a 15-20 walk away.
• Murano -> Burano : once Murano is complete make your way back to the Faro waterbus stop and catch the 12 line to Burano.
• Burano -> Torcello : after Burano, get on the 12 line that will take you to Torcello (the 9 line may work as well).
• Torcello -> Fondamente Nove : now that touring for the day is complete hop back onto the 12 line to get back to the starting point of Fondamente Nove.

​ Depending on season the schedules and routes can change so make sure to check double check the website or ask your hotel before heading out for the day.

B) Guided Group Tour

The second option wou ld be to join a group guided tour that will take you on one of their boats.

The upside for this is that all logistics will be taken care of and you will easily be able to get from one place to the next. In addition, the tours are pretty reasonably priced for what you get.

The downside is that you will be on a schedule so if you want to spend more time in a certain place, you will not be able to.

Below are two of the most popular options when it comes to Murano, Burano & Torcello group tours:

• Venice: Murano, Burano, Torcello Island & Glass Factory Tour
• Venice: Burano, Torcello & Murano Boat Tour w/ Glassblowing

C) Private Tour

The third option (and most expensive) would be to hire your own private water taxi for the day that will take you to each of the islands on your own schedule.

This way you will never feel rushed and you will be able to spend as much time as you would like at each place.

Be sure to check out this Murano, Burano, and Torcello Private Boat Tour if you interested in a private option.

7) Where to Stay in Venice

Venice is a tricky city due to the various canals, narrow streets, and small bridges.

I highlighted a few hotel options that are close by St. Marks Square, which is about a 15 minute walk to the Fondamente Nove – the water bus station to begin your day trip.

Hotels are not cheap in Venice, but here are some highly valued ones that you can find:

• Hotel Bisanzio
• Residence Corte Grimani
• Hotel Serenissima
• Hotel Mercurio Venezia
• Duodo Palace Hotel

During your time in the city, be sure to check out some of the best places to visit in Venice .

That about wraps up a day in Murano, Burano and Torcello. Take a look at the other Italy itineraries and guides to help out with any other trip planning.

Hope you enjoy your time in Italy. If you have any questions about the trip please feel free to comment below!

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Adventures in Destinations Unknown

Day Trip to Murano, Burano and Torcello

Last modified on July 27th, 2021 at 09:57

“This was Venice, the flattering and suspect beauty – this city, half fairy tale and half tourist trap, in whose insalubrious air the arts once rankly and voluptuously blossomed”~ Thomas Mann

Venice has always had a way of capturing the imagination. For centuries, the maze-like city of gondolas and canals has captivated artists, poets, writers and tourists with its uniqueness, its romance and its unparalleled charm.

It’s no wonder that nearly every country in the world claims to have a Venice of its own.

I first visited Venice in elementary school, when my mom and I met up with my friend Sophie and her family for a few days of exploring the labyrinthine city. We rode gondolas through the Grand Canal, meandered the charming, narrow streets and fed corn kernels to pigeons on San Marco’s Square. Like so many others, I fell in love with the city and dreamed that I would someday return.

So, as a flight attendant, I was thrilled the first time crew scheduling placed a Venice trip on my schedule. I looked forward to being able to see the city again through older and more experienced eyes.

Table of Contents

VENICE: A CROWDED ROMANTIC CITY LIKE NO OTHER

Venice has always been regarded as one of the most beautiful cities on Earth. It is a city on nearly everyone’s Italy bucket list . And while places around the world are quick to compare themselves to Venice, there is no city that can quite compare. Venice’s wealth of attractions comes at a price however. And that price is over-tourism. There is no doubt that Venice can be crowded–especially in summer. 

After my first few trips to Venice as a flight attendant, the crowds began to weigh on me. I sometimes found myself focusing so much on the feat of swimming through the crowds, that I forgot to enjoy Venice’s hidden gems and breathtaking attractions. There were only so many times that I could fight the throngs of tourists for a glimpse of Venice’s canals and piazzas. On some layovers, I hardly left my hotel room (something I’m almost ashamed to admit). If I did leave my room, it would be in the evenings–when day trippers returned to their hotels in Mestre, cruise ship tourists vacated the city and Venice’s side streets became eerily quiet. 

One of my favorite cities in the world was becoming a place I started to avoid. So I changed up my routine and decided to take a day trip to the islands of Murano, Burano and Torcello during one of my layovers in Venice.

DAY TRIP TO THE ISLANDS IN THE VENICE LAGOON

The Venice Lagoon is home to a handful of islands that make for a worthwhile day trip from Venice. These islands offer respite from the hoards of tourists that descend on Venice’s narrow streets each year. 

Murano, Burano, and Torcello are three of the most beautiful islands in the lagoon. They are easily accessible as a day trip, and offer numerous opportunities for shopping, sightseeing and photographing. 

For €20, I bought a full day hop-on-hop-off vaporetto pass and set out to explore some of the most beautiful islands of the Venice Lagoon.

MURANO: HOME OF THE WORLD-FAMOUS MURANO GLASS

The famous glass-blowing island of Murano was my first stop on my self-guided tour of the Venice Lagoon. From St Mark’s Square, the vaporetto line 42 travels directly to Murano before continuing to the other islands near Venice. 

Resembling a mini Venice with its waterways and canals, Murano consists of seven islands that are connected by bridges. Like Venice, Murano is best explored on foot, without a set itinerary. The island is small enough that it can be toured in a couple hours. Noteworthy things to see in Murano include the Palazzo da Mula, the Church of San Pietro Martire and the Museum of Glass. 

In the 15th and 16th centuries,  Murano flourished as Europe’s major glassmaking center. Today, shopping for Murano glass is one of the most popular activities in Murano and the island contains dozens of shops specializing in blown glass

In some shops, it is even possible to watch the artists at work.

BURANO: ONE OF THE MOST COLORFUL VILLAGES IN ITALY

From Murano, I hopped back on the vaporetto for a ride to the smaller and more colorful island of Burano . Located half an hour away from Murano, Burano is a photographer’s dream and an Instagrammer’s obsession. 

Burano is a popular day trip from Venice because of its cheerful and brightly colored houses . Legend has it that the island’s fishermen traditionally painted their houses in bright colors so that they would be able to keep sight of them while fishing in the lagoon. Today, the houses on the island represent nearly every color of the rainbow—royal purple, deep blue, bright yellow, lime green—and tourists meander down the canals, ogling at the picture-postcard views in every direction.

Lacemaking is to Burano what glassblowing is to Murano. The island’s residents have been experts at making intricate lace since the 1400s. Leonardo Da Vinci himself even used Burano lace in order to decorate the alter of  Milan ‘s famous Duomo .  

While Burano is a popular day trip from Venice, the island has some quiet canals and backstreets that are surprisingly tourist free. I was surprised to see that few people strayed from the main canal that cuts through town.

TORCELLO: A QUIET RESPITE FROM THE CROWDS

As the sun began to set, hopped back on the vaporetto in order to enjoy an evening near St Mark’s Square. On the way from Burano to Venice, I stopped for a quick visit to Torcello–the oldest center of civilization in the Venetian lagoon—with its baptistries and churches dating to the 7th century.

The Cathedral of Santa Maria Dell’Assunta is Torcello’s most popular attraction. The church, built in 639, is famous for its stunning Byzantine mosaics that depict the Last Judgement. 

Torcello is a short boat ride from Burano on vaporetto line 9. Compared to Murano and Burano, Torcello is fairly off-the-beaten-path.

Torcello was eerily quiet when I visited. The streets were deserted, the churches lay silent and the fields of grass rippled gently in the evening breeze. I reckon it was largely due to the hour of my visit, yet I couldn’t help but feel that Torcello was a sanctuary of sorts away from the crowds.

Venice is one of the most visited and heralded cities in the world. But after walking the same streets and fighting the crowds week after week, it took me a visit to its beautiful lagoon in order to remember why I fell in love with the city’s canals, colors and romantic waterways in the first place.

It is easy to get perturbed by the throngs of people and the camera-clicking crowds, but I guess everyone just wants a slice of the fairy-tale pie before its too late. For, along with an ever-growing list of other cities around the world, Venice is suffering from environmental changes and rising sea levels. And the maze-like city that has lured artists, writers and travelers for centuries is now slowly sinking below the water.

The timeless city is running out of time.

That is the irony of Venice.

______________

Additional Tips and Resources for Visiting the Venice Lagoon

• In order to avoid the crowds and heat, try to avoid Venice in July and August
• A 24 hour transportation pass to Venice costs €20. The pass is valid for for all buses and vaporettos within the Venice Municipality and include the islands of Murano and Burano. The bus pass is valid for travel around Mestre and Lido, but excludes travel to and from the Marco Polo Airport

Murano, Burano and Torcello: a diy day trip

Torcello square

Santa Fosca Church

WHAT TO SEE

Bridge of the devil, throne of attila, basilica santa maria assunta, church of santa fosca.

the interior of the Basilica of Santa Maria Assunta in Torcello

mosaics of the Basilica of Torcello

MUSEUM OF TORCELLO

In short, Burano is an authentic poem for the eyes!

typical colored houses in Burano

typical house of Burano

CHURCH SAINT MARTIN BISHOP

Museum of lace.

VISIT TO THE FURNACES

Museum of glass, duomo santi maria and donato, church of san pietro martire, the lighthouse of murano.

If you want to visit another island in the Venetian lagoon I recommend the island of Pellestrina : where the rhythm is still marked by fishermen.

HOW TO GET:

• You can tour all the islands with total freedom and you can choose the order in which to visit them. Keep in mind that Murano is the closest to Venice while Torcello is the furthest. The means to move between the various islands is the Vaporetto that starts from Piazzale Roma in Venice and if you do not have the Venice card the cost per route is 7.50 Euros and access to the service for 75 minutes so I recommend to make the daily ticket at the cost of 20 Euros. The ticket office is in Piazzale Roma which has cash machines available.
• If you do not want to do it yourself you can rely on various organized tours including Venetoinside at a cost of 25 Euros.
• In spring and summer it is full of people. I recommend visiting the islands in the early morning, not having to start in the middle of the day to make long queues to take the Vaporetti.
• Line 12 runs from Venice Fondamenta Nove to Jesolo. If you want to visit the three islands from Venice just take the vaporetto towards Punta Sabbioni.
• Line 4.2 starts from Venice Piazzale Roma and passes through Fondamenta Nove
• Line 9 runs between Burano and Torcello
• Line 3 starts from Piazzale Roma and goes to Murano.

WHERE TO EAT

On the island of torcello:.

• la locanda Cipriani Piazza Santa Fosca 29 Torcello

on the island of Burano:

• at Gattonero da Ruggero via Giudecca 88, Venezia tel. 041.730120
• Trattoria da Romano via Baldassare Galuppi 221, Venezia
• Ai Cacciatori via Santa Caterina 24, Venezia tel. 041.730848
• Trattoria alla Maddalena Fondamenta di Santa Caterina 7/b Venezia

on the island of Murano:

• Ai Vetrai Fondamenta Manin 29, Venezia tel. 041.739293
• Trattoria ai Frati Fondamenta Venier Sebastiano 4 Venezia
• Trattoria ai Piantaleoni Riva Longa 25 Venezia 041.736794

WHERE TO SLEEP

On the island of torcello.

• Locanda Cipriani

on the island of Burano

• Casa Burano Hotel
• Night Galleria bed & art
• Casa sul Cielo di Burano

on the island of Murano

• Casa sulla laguna
• Beocio Home
• Ca’ del Millefiori

Related article:

•   The fishermen’s rhythm: the island of Pellestrina

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Oh I’d love to visit all of these places! I’ve had Burano on my radar for a while because I love how colourful it is! I’d love to spend a day just strolling the streets and soaking up the colours! I’d love to visit Murano too and get some glass! I haven’t heard of Torcello before but it sounds like such a fascinating place! I can’t wait until we can travel again so I can visit these amazing places! Thanks for the great guide!

Susan M Costanza

I loved visiting these three islands. Each one has something special about it.

Good tip about getting the daily ticket. I also prefer to DIY a lot of tours! Saving for when we make it to Italy!

Oh Burano has been on my bucket list for a looong time. Just love the colourful houses. But I’ve actually never heard of Murano or Torcello before so I’m definitely adding these places to my list too. Would be a great weekend trip.

Lovely post! What incredible colors, it looks like it has so much character. Thanks for sharing!

I would love all three of these islands. So charming. I have been to Venice but didn’t take the short trips across the lagoon to visit these islands. The Byzantine mosaics in Torcello look gorgeous. The lace in Burano and the glass in Murano … just exquisite. Thanks fs for sharing.

Love this day trip! We did the exact same one when we visited Venice, and it was so much fun. Great guide!

Sandra Whitmore

All I can say is that you are a very brave young woman to have spent 11 months traveling in Southeast Asia solo. I have been to Murano but had not heard of the other places. Beautiful!

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A Perfect Day Trip to Burano And Murano From Venice

Burano and Murano – two of the most charming islands near Venice.

The former became famous mostly thanks to its colorful houses whereas the other one is renowned for its glass-making tradition.

If you’re heading to Venice and have enough time, I recommend you plan a day trip to Burano and Murano as well. They’re both not that big and thus easily visitable in one day.

(This post contains affiliate links, which means I receive a certain percentage of a sale if you purchase after clicking.)

When my sister and I planned our day trip to Burano and Murano, we weren’t sure which island to see first .

After a short discussion, we agreed on Burano as it’s been high on top of both our bucket lists. Plus we’d seen so many colorful pictures of it already and had quite some expectations!

It doesn’t really make a lot of difference which island to see first and the decision is completely up to you.

However, Burano is the more touristy one so I highly recommend you to go there in the morning.

First Stop: Burano

Welcome to Burano – the most colorful island in the entire world!

You may think that’s an overstatement but it’s 100% true, I swear.

I can still remember the first time I saw photos of this place. It looked almost unreal with the small canals and all the cute houses in the brightest colors.

Back then, I already knew I would see them with my own eyes one day.

At the end of July this year, the moment had finally come and it was even better than expected !

How to Get to Burano

Before I start going into raptures about this wonderful island, it’s better and probably more helpful for you to find out how to get there 😉

As you may know, public transport in Venice mainly consists of water buses – the so-called vaporettos .

The only water bus that goes to Burano – and Murano as well – is route 12 which departs from Fondamente Nove (Ft. Nove).

This stop is in the northern part of Venice and a 20-minute walk from St. Mark’s Square.

For the exact ferry times, check out the ferry schedule from Venice to Burano .

A one-way ticket costs €7.50 , which means a return trip costs €15.

It depends on the duration of your stay and how often you use the vaporetto but you may even want to buy multi-day tickets.

Roaming Around The Colorful Streets of Burano

No matter what favorite color you have, you’ll most likely see (at least) one house painted in it.

You may think it’s only a small part of Burano which is colorful. At least that’s what I thought. However, I quickly discovered that colorfulness can be found off the main route as well!

With only 0.2 square kilometers, Burano is a very small island and every point can be reached within 10 minutes from the waterbus station.

The best thing you can do is simply stroll around and see where the path leads you.

Make sure you explore both, the main route along the canal and also the hidden places. Otherwise, you’ll miss out on the cutest courtyards like the one pictured below.

Next to the main canal are quite a few souvenir shops selling typical stuff like handcrafted jewelry, postcards and magnets in the form of houses.

They’re really cute souvenirs to buy but there’s something more extraordinary and special you can get.

Burano & It’s Wonderful Tradition

Besides its lovely fishing houses, another thing Burano is known for is the long tradition of needle-lace making .

The real and iconic Burano lace can take a long time to make – sometimes even weeks for just a small piece! So it’s no wonder that the beautiful lace is quite pricey and a tablecloth can cost €500 or even more.

A great address for authentic lace is Emilia Burano . Another good shop is the atelier Martina Vidal with three floors of clothing, housewares and gifts.

If you want to learn more about this interesting tradition, plan a short visit to the lace museum Museo del Merletto .

Even if you plan to visit all the places I mentioned above, you’ll still have enough time to eat lunch or have a nice cup of coffee before heading to Murano.

Some good restaurants in Burano are Trattoria Al Gatto Nero and Ristorante Pizzeria Principe.

Both offer traditional Italian dishes with vegan options including vegetable pizza without cheese and pasta with tomato sauce.

Second Stop: Murano

Burano and Murano – two islands with almost the same name and yet they’re both so different.

Like Burano has its lace, Murano is known for its old glass-making tradition . I’m getting into detail about it later in this blog post but now let me tell you how to reach this island.

How to Get to Murano

If you went to Burano first, take line 12 again back to Venice. After around 25 minutes get off at the stop called Murano Faro .

In case Murano is first on your itinerary, take line 12 from Fondamente Nove – same as for Burano – but leave the ferry earlier.

The ride from Fondamente Nove to Murano Faro is approximately 10 minutes.

What to See in Murano

Murano is not only one island but consists of seven individual islands connected by beautiful bridges.

This might sound a bit overwhelming but the island actually measures only 1.5 km across and is thus easily walkable in less than 20 minutes.

Exactly like Venice, Murano has its own Canale Grande running down from one end of the island to the other. Although it’s not as big as the original one it’s still nice to see all the old buildings on each side of it.

One place you shouldn’t miss in Murano is the Church of Santa Maria e San Donato .

Apparently, this basilica contains bones of a slain dragon that can be found behind the altar. Myth or truth – I can’t tell because I didn’t even see the bones, unfortunately.

What I did see tho was the amazing mosaic pavement leading from the entrance to the altar. Whether there are dragon bones or not, the church is worth a visit simply because of this Byzantine mosaic !

The main reason many people visit Murano is neither the church nor the smaller Canale Grande.

It’s the long tradition of glass-making. Visitors from all over the world come to this island to purchase the most gorgeous things made out of the iconic Murano glass .

The Art of Murano Glass

To understand this tradition a bit better, I recommend a visit to the Museo del Vetro . There you’ll learn the story of glass through many centuries.

What makes this kind of glass so special is the unique glassblowing process that’s more than a thousand years old.

It enables extraordinary creations with the most beautiful coloring and sometimes almost surreal patterns and shapes.

Creating this kind of glass is massive work so it’s no wonder that some glass pieces can cost up to a few thousand dollars.

In case you can’t and don’t want to spend a fortune on a piece of artwork, I have some good news for you!

While walking around Murano, you’ll see many art galleries and glass & mirror shops selling more inexpensive stuff made of Murano glass such as small animal figures or jewelry .

If you’re lucky, you’ll even have the chance to watch glassmakers at work.

When we entered one of these shops we saw a woman working on tiny glass figures. The technique she used was seriously so fascinating so we stood there for a while and watched her create these art pieces.

Of course, I couldn’t leave without buying something from her. I decided to go for a small Panda figure which was way too cute to resist!

Besides animal figures, she was also selling various decoration stuff and the most wonderful handcrafted jewelry.

To end your day trip to Burano and Murano, sit down in one of the many cafés for a coffee or a refreshing drink.

Two that I can recommend are Bar Gelateria al Ponte and Crema & Cioccolato.

Aaaaand it’s a wrap! Here’s la fine of this blog post.

I really hope you found it helpful and I wish you a wonderful time exploring the two fantastic islands Burano and Murano! 🙂

Check out: – 20 Beautiful Photos of Burano to Inspire Your Trip – Bucket List Experience – Gondola Ride in Venice – 10 Best Things to do in Venice For First-Timers

Like it? Pin it!

Do you want to travel like me? Here are some of my favorite travel tips and resources:

Flights: I prefer using CheapOair or Skyscanner to book flights. The destination everywhere feature is perfect for finding some cheap deals! Accommodation: Booking.com is my favorite site to find some great hotel deals. I do love staying at a local place as well, thus I book an Airbnb every now and then. Travel Insurance: There are many reasons why travel insurance is important and I never travel without one. I use the simple and flexible one from SafetyWing that protects me against unforeseen events. Tours: I love taking tours to explore destinations like a local. My favorite website to book them in advance is GetYourGuide . Camera Gear: I use a Nikon D5300 camera with an 18-105 mm and a 10-20 mm wide-angle lens to take my photos.

Hey and welcome to my blog! I’m Alina, an Austrian travel addict and vegan food lover who has a passion for exploring new destinations and trying out the best plant-based food around the world. Come and join me as I share exciting bucket list experiences and provide helpful travel guides for your own adventures!

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22 Comments

I have been to Venice 4 times and still have not explored Burano and Murano. I really need to get to those areas next time. They are so beautiful. I would love to see the needle-lace making. I also like that it is not that pricey to get there and would make for a perfect day exploring!

Yes it’s really such a cool place to be!

In love with both of those islands and theyare must visits from Venice. Burano is so colourful and I loved watched them blow glass in Murano. Such a beautiful blog post.

Thanks a lot Nicola 🙂

I’m in love with all of your photos, Alina! I am definitely saving this for a future visit to this colorful paradise. I had no idea that Murano consisted of so many islands, how amazing!

Thanks Elena, happy you like it 🙂

These two places are stunning! I haven’t been to Venice yet, so I will make sure that I spent some time there and visit these two islands 🙂 Also, I love your photos! Those colourful buildings are so beautiful.

I hope you can go there soon Cristina 🙂

I loved Burano when I visited! The colorful houses are so pretty. Hope to get a chance to visit Murano next time!

Burano is just soooo picturesque!

I did a day trip to Murano and Burano when I visited Venice too. I also saw Torcello as well. They are such beautiful and unique islands! A fun fact is that my ancestors are actually from Burano! 🙂

Oh I missed Torcello unfortunately. And that’s so cool your ancestors are from there Taylor!

Looks almost like a second Venice from what I can see. Lovely posts, very detailed info

Yes almost! 😀

Both places look amazing but I really do love all the colors of Burano. I’m sure that’s why it’s popular so great tip about getting there early. I’d love to go to Venice, and if I do I’ll have to do this day trip too

Yes it’s definitely popular for its colors!

What a gorgeous post- loved all of your pics here esp the one with the blown glass works. I have heard of Murano glass but Burano is new for me. I guess this just goes onto my bucket list for now as travel is impossible these days. Thanks so much for the wonderufl virtual tour Alina 🙂

Happy you liked this post! 🙂

We are planning this for an afternoon while in Venice beginning of October. Would love to watch the sunset in Burano so I will probably do Murano first and Burano second. It would also be lovely on the way back approaching Venice as the darkness falls. I will have to find out when the last ferry is to time it right. Thanks for the inspiration pics!

Sounds like a wonderful plan! Have an amazing time 🙂

hi! did u find out what time the last ferry was?

Hey, I think the last ferry from Burano to Venice is just a bit after 11 pm 🙂

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Burano Island Guide

Adventurous Kate contains affiliate links. If you make a purchase through these links, I will earn a commission at no extra cost to you. Thanks!

Burano is a bright and colorful island not far from Venice, perfect for a day trip. Although it’s technically part of the city of Venice, this tiny island in the Venetian Lagoon has a slow-paced, small-town atmosphere and plenty of charm.

Burano is one of the most colorful places I’ve ever been, with picturesque rainbow-hued houses lining every street and canal on the island.

Planning your trip to Burano last minute?

Venice is an extremely popular destination, and I recommend booking accommodation and tours as early as possible.

🎭 Top-Rated Tour on Burano Island:

• Visit Murano and Burano (Two islands in one trip!)

🛌  Top-Rated Hotels on Burano Island:

• Casa Burano (Elegant rooms in a historic location)
• Venissa Wine Resort (A unique luxury experience)
• Tiffany Gold (Mid-range apartment)

Burano is extremely small, with just three canals and a handful of streets running through it. You can easily walk from one end of Burano to the other in just 10 minutes. The population of Burano is just 2,800 people, many from families who have lived on the island for generations.

There are no cars on the island, and locals get around on foot, by bicycle, or by boat — historically, Burano has been a fishing town, so many families own small boats and keep them in the island’s canals.

The only way you can get to Burano from Venice is by boat, and when paired together, Murano Island and Burano Island make one of the best day trips from Venice .

Aside from its colorful houses, Burano is famous for its tradition of lace-making. The women of the island began making lace by needlepoint in the 16th century, and it was exported all around Europe. Although lace-making in Burano has declined over the centuries, it still remains an important part of the island’s cultural identity and tourism industry.

Burano is a very special little island, and I can’t wait to show you all about it. Visiting here is one of the best things to do in Venice !

This post was published in May 2024 and was co-written by Adventurous Kate and Dale Peterson.

Table of Contents

Things to Do on Burano Island

Explore the colorful streets.

The best thing to do on the island of Burano? Spend some time simply wandering around the colorful streets and photographing everything .

Burano is filled with colorful homes painted in vibrant hues. There are several theories as to where the bright colors come from. 

One popular theory suggests that houses in Burano were painted different colors so returning fishermen could easily recognize their homes, even through the fog. Another legend says that different colors correspond to different families in Burano.

Whatever the reason, Burano is a riot of colors, with cute homes painted every shade of the rainbow, making the island a photographer’s dream. Many of the houses are painted in bright colors like magenta, turquoise, azure, and sunshine yellow, with contrasting shutters and doors making for great photos.

Just be respectful as you photograph Burano — remember that people actually live in these houses, and don’t block doorways, peek into windows, or rearrange outdoor furniture. (You’d be surprised at the bad behavior of some visitors!)

You can easily spend an hour or two just exploring the streets and canals of Burano.

Visit the remaining traditional lacemakers

Lace-making has played a huge role in Burano’s history. Up until the 16th century, the island was not very well known, a small backwater in the Venice Lagoon. However, when the women of the island began making intricate lace by hand, it put Burano on the map.

Even today, lace-making still plays an important role in Burano, and it’s a big draw for the island’s tourism industry.

There are still a number of traditional lacemakers on the island, who produce lace by hand using needlepoint techniques.

As you stroll through the streets of Burano, you’ll see plenty of lace workshops and boutiques. Many offer free demonstrations of lace making, and you’ll be able to peruse for handmade lace souvenirs to take home afterward.

If you want to buy anything made of lace while you’re in Venice, Burano is the best place to do it. You might see Burano lace for sale at cheaper prices in souvenir shops in Venice, but it’s often not authentic. I recommend spending more for high-quality lace here.

You can also learn more about Burano lace on a guided tour like this one , which includes a visit to both Burano and the nearby island of Murano, which is famous for its glassmaking history.

Learn about the history of Burano lace at Museo de Merletto

The best place to learn about Burano lace is at Museo de Merletto, the Lace Museum. Housed in a 19th-century artisan school, this small museum traces the history of lace-making in Burano beginning in the 16th century.

If you’re interested in textiles and handicrafts, this museum is worth a visit to learn more about the fascinating tradition of lace-making in Burano.

Admission to the museum is 5 EUR ($5.30 USD) for adults and 3.50 EUR ($3.75 USD) for youths under the age of 26 and seniors aged 65 and older.

Museo de Murletto is open six days a week, Tuesday through Sunday from 10 AM until 4 PM, and closed on Monday.

See the Church of San Martino

After you’ve spent some time exploring Burano’s colorful streets, take a few minutes to visit the island’s only church. The Church of San Martino is a historic cathedral dating back to the 16th century, visible from all around Burano thanks to its bell tower.

The tilting bell tower appears as if it’s about to fall over, leaning even more steeply than the Leaning Tower of Pisa — it makes for a cool photo op in Burano.

It’s free to visit this church, and it’s a great place to go and sit in the cool, quiet sanctuary to escape the heat on a hot summer’s day in Burano.

Try local seafood 

You can’t leave Burano without trying some fresh fish. Seafood is the best thing to eat in Burano because the island has historically been a fishing village.

I recommend trying some fritto misto, a popular local dish that consists of fish, vegetables, and herbs lightly battered and fried. (The only thing I don’t like is that shrimp is usually fried inside its shell. Why? Who enjoys that??)

There are tons of trattorias in Burano where you can try local seafood, but three of the most popular are Trattoria Al Gatto Nero (a renowned Michelin-starred restaurant), Trattoria da Romano, and Trattoria da Primo e Paolo.

Try Bussola Buranello for dessert

Bussola Buranello is a popular traditional dessert that comes from Burano. These buttery shortbread cookies originated on the island and are popular all around the Veneto region.

You can order these cookies for dessert in many restaurants on the island, and if you like them, you can pick up some to take home from any bakery in Burano!

(And if you head to Murano Island during your time in Venice, head to Murano Gelato Artiginale for some Bussola Buranello gelato!)

Walk across the bridge to Mazzorbo

If you have some extra time in Burano, one cool thing to do is walk across the bridge to the adjacent island of Mazzorbo. Just five minutes away from Burano, you can access this island via a wooden bridge near the vaporetto stop.

Mazzorbo was home to an ancient settlement that flourished at one time, but was eventually abandoned. There are only around 350 residents in Mazzorbo now. Although it’s so close to Burano, many tourists have no idea this island even exists.

Like Burano, you’ll find a row of colorful houses in Mazzorbo. But the real highlight is Venissa Estate, a vineyard and resort on the island. 

There’s a luxury hotel, a vineyard, orchards, and two restaurants, including the Michelin-starred Venissa Ristorante. This is a great place to enjoy a meal or try a local wine tasting.

How Long Do You Need in Burano?

How much time should you spend in Burano? A few hours is enough to see the major sites and fully explore Burano island. Burano is extremely small — you can traverse the entire island in about 10 minutes, so it’s easy to see the whole place in a morning or afternoon.

You don’t want to feel rushed in Burano, though, and I recommend allotting at least 2.5 to 3 hours to the island, if not longer, especially if you want to enjoy lunch or dinner while you’re there. Although there’s not much to “do” in Burano, it’s the kind of place where you can spend hours just soaking up the atmosphere.

The best time to visit Burano is in the morning before all the day trip crowds arrive. Most tour groups visit Burano from 11:00 AM until around 3:00 or 4:00 PM, so if you can come before or after this time, you’ll be able to miss most of the crowds.

There’s no need to get to Burano extremely early in the morning, because nothing will be open until 9:00 or 10:00 AM anyway. But if you can arrive around 9:00 AM, you’ll avoid crowds later in the day and get to enjoy the island in the calm morning hours.

Alternatively, you can visit Burano in the late afternoon and evening. At the end of the day after the day trippers have left, the island becomes calm and quiet.

And finally, the best way to enjoy Burano without the crowds is to stay overnight. More on that a bit below.

How to Get to Burano Island from Venice

There are several ways you can get to Burano from Venice. The most affordable option for visiting Burano is taking the vaporetto (water bus) from Venice.

The quickest way to get to Burano on the vaporetto is from the Fondamente Nove stop on the northern side of Venice. Fondamente Nove is a 20-minute walk from St. Mark’s Square. From there, you can take 12 vaporetto to Burano.

The vaporetto makes several stops before and after Burano, so make sure you’re paying attention and get off at the correct stop in Burano! The total travel time from Fondamente Nove to Burano is 45 minutes and the 12 vaporetto runs every 30 to 40 minutes.

Another more time-consuming option is taking the 14 vaporetto from the San Zaccaria stop which is near Piazza San Marco (St. Mark’s Square). This line doesn’t run as frequently, and it takes over an hour, but it is another option for getting to Burano.

You can buy single tickets for the vaporetto for 9.50 EUR ($10 USD) or day tickets with unlimited travel for 24 hours for 25 EUR ($26.50 USD). Multi-day passes are also available, which are the best option if you’re spending several days in a row in Venice.

A much pricier option is taking a private water taxi from Venice to Burano. But at around 130 EUR ($138 USD) each way, this is a staggeringly expensive method of transportation — I don’t recommend it unless you have a very good reason.

Another way to visit Burano is via an organized tour. This is a good option if you want to visit additional islands like Murano and Torcello in addition to Burano. Visiting multiple islands on your own on the same day is difficult to coordinate, but it’s a breeze on a tour.

This tour combines the islands of Murano and Burano into an amazing half-day trip that includes a lace-making workshop, a glass-blowing demonstration, and a wine tasting. You’ll travel the Venetian Lagoon by private boat, learning more about each island from a knowledgeable guide.

If you want to hit three islands in one day, you can take this affordable day tour which includes a visit to Burano, Murano, and Torcello. You’ll have two hours of free time in Burano, along with one hour of free time on the islands of Murano and Torcello.

Where to Stay on Burano Island

What’s the best place to stay in Burano? For such a small island, there are several hotels and apartment rentals for tourists in Burano.

Although you can certainly just visit Burano on a day trip from Venice, staying overnight in Burano is a unique experience and an option not too many Venice visitors take.

It’s nice when you can enjoy how quiet Burano is in the evenings after the day trippers have left. And if you’re a photographer, you’ll want to get shots of the island early in the morning, when the light is good and few people are out.

Here are the best places to stay in Burano:

• Top-Rated Luxury Hotel in Burano: If you’re looking for a luxurious hotel in Burano, look no further than Casa Burano , which provides elegant rooms in a historic location.
• Top-Rated Luxury Hotel in Burano: For an incredibly unique stay, check out Venissa Wine Resort . Located a 5-minute walk from Burano on the neighboring island of Mazzorbo, this luxurious hotel is surrounded by orchards and vineyards.
• Top-Rated Mid-Range Apartment in Burano: Keeping in line with the colorful theme of Burano, Tiffany Gold is a charming apartment rental in the heart of Burano that is decked out in gold and yellow hues.
• Top-Rated Mid-Range Apartment in Burano: Another apartment rental in Burano is Tiffany Home , which will make you feel as though you’ve stepped into a Tiffany box with its blue interior. This is a great place to stay if you want a little more space.
• Find deals on places to stay in Burano here.

There isn’t much variation in prices on the island; everything is about the same.

Is Burano, Italy Worth Visiting?

Is the island of Burano worth visiting? Yes, you really shouldn’t skip this small, colorful island. It’s a must-visit destination while you’re in Venice.

Go spend a day in Burano and take millions of photos. You’re going to love this part of Venice.

I hope you enjoy your time in Burano!

More on Venice:

• 35+ Best Things to Do in Venice, Italy
• 16 Cool Day Trips from Venice, Italy
• Guide to Murano Island in Venice

Planning a Trip to Italy:

• What NOT to Do in Italy
• Solo Female Travel in Italy: Is it Safe?
• Ultimate Guide to Driving in Italy
• How to Stay at an Agriturismo in Italy
• 30 Stunning Mediterranean Islands To Visit In Your Lifetime

More   Cool Places in Northern Italy:

• Three Weeks in Northern Italy: An Itinerary
• 35+ Best Things to Do in Florence, Italy
• Parma, Italy: A Colorful, Artsy, Delicious Town
• Where to Stay in Rome: Best Neighborhoods and Accommodation
• Three Days in the Dolomites: A South Tyrol Getaway
• Best Day Trips from Florence, Italy
• The Immaculate, Bursting Mosaics of Ravenna, Italy
• 25 Best Food Experiences in Emilia-Romagna, Italy
• 23 Best Things to Do in Bologna, Italy
• 30+ Best Things to Do in Venice, Italy

Best of Southern Italy:

• 28 Fabulous Things to Do in Naples, Italy
• 16 Fun Things to Do in Sorrento, Italy
• Tropea, Italy: A Spectacularly Situated Beach Town
• The Joys and Challenges of Traveling in Sicily
• 22 Beautiful Places to Visit in Sicily
• Where to Go in Eastern Sicily
• 23 Fun Things to Do in Palermo, Sicily
• Complete Guide to the Aeolian Islands, Sicily
• Aci Trezza: A Laid-Back Coastal Town in Sicily
• Visiting Sicily in the Winter: Worth it or not?
• 17 Fun Things to Do in Bari, Italy
• 17 Cool Things to Do in Matera, Italy
• The Stunning Trulli of Alberobello, Italy
• 16 Fab Things to Do in Lecce, Italy
• Experiencing the Carpino Folk Festival in Puglia, Italy

Have you been to Burano Island? Share your tips!

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Murano Glass Blowing demonstration-The Glass Cathedral provided by The Glass Cathedral - Santa Chiara

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