Near Venice: Visit the island of Burano
The small island Burano is perhaps not quite as well-known as the famous Venice, but in any case just as beautiful. It is considered to be the most colourful island in the world and everyone who visits it will understand why. The reason for the colourful ecstasy is the many colourful fishermen’s houses that line up along the canals of the island. Each of the houses is painted in a different colour.
The reason for this is that on their way home, the fishermen were able to discover their house so quickly and also head for the right mooring with their boat.
Venice is certainly one of the highlights on every trip to Italy, but the colourful Burano should not be missed!
Where is the island located?
The colourful little island is only 45 minutes away by boat from the world-famous lagoon city of Venice. The island is located northeast of Venice in the Venetian lagoon.
It is actually divided into four small islands separated by canals. Bridges connect the individual islands with each other.
How to get to the isle of Burano?
Burano is a car-free island that can only be reached by boat. There is the possibility of transportation with the public water buses or in the context of a classical island tour. The hop-on hop-off boat tour also docks in Burano.
These daily sails to the three most beautiful islands of the lagoon of Venice, Murano, Burano & Torcello. More about this at the end of the text with various tour suggestions.
Tip in advance: Murano glassblowing & Burano lace-making tour
Water Buses
► Line 12, a departure from ‘Fondamente Nouve’ in the north of Venice, stops among others at Murano (stop: Faro) and Torcello, departure every 1 to 1.5 hours, travel time about 45 minutes. If you are planning a short stopover in Murano, you can also take lines 4.1 and 4.2 to Murano and later take line 12 to Torcello or Burano.
► Line 14, from St. Mark’s Square, ferry terminal S. Marco-S.Zaccaria, there is a departure to Burano about every 2 hours via Lido, journey time 75 minutes.
Single tickets for the water buses, which allow a longest travel time of 75 minutes, are expensive with a base price of €7.50, difficult to purchase and not very practical. For travelers who want to visit the most famous islands in the Venice Lagoon, it is therefore always best to get advance day or multi-day tickets for all public transport in Venice.
Those who want to get around a lot should also consider purchasing the Venice City Pass, which includes the use of public transport throughout Venice, including trips to the islands, as an option. Here you will find the booking options for typical means of transport in Venice:
Venice’s public transport: Water and city buses
For holders of the Venice City Pass, the use of public water buses is already included in the price, as already mentioned. Interested parties can find further information here.
Historical background of Burano
The small island has a long history. It has been proven that it was inhabited already in the 1st century BC. The most interesting part of Burano’s history is related to the production of the famous lace of Burano. The production of lace began on the island as early as the 14th century.
The fact that this special lace became so famous is largely due to the Dogaressa Morosini Morosini. She opened a lace-making workshop (initially in Venice) with 40 lacemakers. From here the lace was exported to many parts of the world.
After the death of Dogeressa, the production of lace was transferred to Burano. Over time, however, the craft was somewhat forgotten until it was revived by Countess Andriana Marcello in 1872. One of the few women who still mastered the art of lacemaking passed on her knowledge to a few students at the lace-making school.
Lace embroidery – The handicraft of the Buranos
The lace embroidery is the hobbyhorse of the island. It is well known for its handicrafts and apart from the pretty colourful fishermen’s houses, lace art is one of the main reasons why tourists come to the island. The lace is made using the Reticella needle-point technique.
A bobbin lace technique that is considered very complicated. The loop stitch is executed with linen thread and needle and thus the beautiful pattern is created. First, the pattern is drawn on parchment.
Then the complex work with needle and thread begins. At the very end, the parchment is removed again. In the 18th century, expensive needle tips were exported all over the world. The boom ended with the machine production of lace in the 19th century.
In the Museo del Merletto the visitors of the island can admire today the unique lace. Combined ticket with the glass museum in Murano also possible.
Monuments on the island of Burano
In addition to the lace museum, there is much more to discover on the island. First of all, there are colourful fishermen’s cottages along the canals. They are one of the favourite motifs of many painters and photographers who come to the island.
Here you can spend the day strolling along the canals, enjoying the colours and sipping a cup of espresso. During a walk around the island, you will sooner or later come across Piazza Baldassare Galuppi.
Tip: The Secret Corners of Burano – Walking Tour
This small square was dedicated to the composer Baldassare Galuppi. He was born in Burano in October 1706 and is probably the most famous son of the island. Also, a visit to the church San Martino, which is located directly at the piazza, should not be missed. Inside the church, you can admire an impressive crucifixion scene created by the artist Giovanni Battista Tiepolo.
If you don’t make it to Pisa during your trip to Italy, you can also admire a leaning tower here. The bell tower of the San Martino church is said to be even more sloping than the Leaning Tower of Pisa.
Tourism in Burano
Today, tourism is one of the most important sources of income for the island. Most tourists come by water bus from Venice to Burano. With this bus, the island can be reached by water in approximately 45 minutes. Most visitors only come to the island for a day trip.
If you want to spend more time here, you can of course also book a room in one of the pretty little hotels on the island (a few tips below). Here is a general tip for all tourists: many street vendors and small shops sell lace that was supposedly made on the island. This is often not the case. Many of the souvenirs are delivered directly from Asia to the island.
Far more popular than the water buses are the daily island tours of the various providers. At a cost of 20,00 € for adults, you will get to know the three most famous islands of the lagoon of Venice in 4 to 5 hours. One does not lose too much time with a round tour to Murano, Burano and Torcello, in order to continue then its inspection route in the centre of the lagoon city.
Here are some suggestions for island tours. The information about Murano and Torcello can be found in separate articles, as well as other tour suggestions.
| Island tour | Duration | Tickets |
|---|---|---|
| Murano und Burano & Torcello | 4,5 hours | Book online |
| Murano, Burano | 5 hours | Book online |
| Three Islands Circuit | 6 hours | Book online |
Information on the meeting point and all other details can be found on the provider’s website.
Overall impression of the island Burano
The colourful island radiates Italian joie de vivre. La Dolce Vita can really be lived here. Relaxed strolling through the streets, enjoying the day without stress and enjoying Italian delicacies in small cafés and restaurants. Burano is altogether clearly less hectic and overcrowded than its big sister Venice.
If you can’t get enough of island life, you can also pay a visit to the two neighbouring islands: The island Murano is known for its works of art made of blown glass. Here you can shop for some wonderful souvenirs made of coloured glass. The island Torcello is also only a stone’s throw away.
Is a visit to the island worthwhile?
The island of Burano is simply beautiful: the colourful houses not only make the hearts of all amateur photographers beat faster and there is a lot to discover. Whether alone, with friends, the family or a local guide – a wonderful day is guaranteed and therefore a trip to the island is worthwhile in any case!
My tip: Those who want to stay overnight here will find the Casa Burana, a collection of centrally located typical houses with all comforts. WLAN, breakfast included in the price. 13 rooms, double room from 145,00 €.
If you want to enjoy the peace and quiet of the island of Burano and taste the excellent Italian cuisine with its unique and tasty seafood every day in a local restaurant, you can also rent a holiday apartment Tiffany Home or maybe Casa Bepi.
