Things to do in Burano & getting there from Venice

Are you trying to escape the grey sky and busy reality? Then, Burano Island near Venice might be a perfect place for you. This picture-perfect island with colourful houses will surely raise a smile on your face. Its painted houses and beautiful canals could almost trick you into believing you fell through a rabbit hole into a fantasy world. Almost.

The secret’s out: This once-quiet fishing island is now an Instagram sensation, captivating visitors with its colorful charm.

 

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Why is Burano Island in Italy famous?

Burano is famous because this island is one of the most popular day trips from Venice. This small island has its own leaning tower, and lacemaking is the main craftsmanship on the island. But, the main reason why tourists flock here is that it’s the most colourful island of the Venetian Lagoon.

FUN FACT:

You do not need us to convince you that this is the most beautiful island in the Venetian Lagoon. Did you know that many international magazines included it among the most colourful places in the world?

Only a few places in the world are as colourful.

 

You are right to think that Burano Island may not be the first place that springs to mind when considering a short getaway to Venice. In fact, this pretty island sits in the shadow of infamously crowded Venice.

Did you know this pretty island lies only a 45-minute Vaporetto ride away from Venice?

 

Is it worth a visit?

Even though it is tiny, Burano Island is worth a visit on a day trip from Venice. This small archipelago of 4 islands, with fewer than 3,000 inhabitants, does not have many attractions. But it has an unspoiled vibe, and its charming restaurants offer delicious meals for a fraction of the cost.

All you need is a few hours to explore this beautiful oasis.

 

Also, it’s slower pace and relaxing lifestyle appeal to those who want to escape from its energetic sister island. In truth, there isn’t much to do, which is why you come here. Burano Island does not have any luxurious hotels or Venice-style attractions. Also, most visitors are gone by dusk. But it does not mean that you will not find tourists here. The crowds are typical here, and the main street may be busy, especially during the summer.

While colourful houses might be the most common expectations, this island offers more than that.

 

Things to do in Burano, Venice

There are no cars on this island — locals get around on foot, bicycle, and boat.

 

1. Explore the colourful streets

It is easy to see why exploring the streets is one of the best things to do in Burano. The island is the most famous for its vivid streets – each twist and turn offers coloured delight. That is why tourists flock here from far and wide to capture the photogenic streets. This pretty island has only a few main roads, but it also has numerous side streets. They provide beautiful photo opportunities. Get lost in the colourful side streets and find a quiet corner for yourself.

 

FUN FACT:

Did you know that the colours of houses on the island follow a specific system? The owners of the houses cannot just choose the colour they wish to paint their home with. Instead, they must ask the government for permission.

And here’s where it gets juicy: Burano’s colourful history dates back numerous centuries. The fishermen started to paint their houses with different shades in the 16th century. The reason is simple: they wanted to find their homes easier in the thick fog, which is common in the lagoon.

 

2. Tre Ponti

No trip to to this island would be complete without finding its gorgeous wooden bridge. Why, you may ask?  It’s because it offers the best views of the boat-filled canals. Also, this pretty bridge has made the island famous. That’s why finding Tre Ponti Bridge is one of the best things to do in Burano. 

3. Authentic Burano lace

Apart from being very photogenic, this island is also famous for its tradition of needle-lace making. In the 16th century, local women started producing high-quality lace for export. Yes, that is correct – the fine Burano lace was the most sought-after in Europe. The wealthiest European families and kings owned the Merletto di Burano – the most famous lace in the world. Even Leonardo Da Vinci purchased lace cloth for part of the altar for Milan’s Duomo Cathedral.

Buying the island’s authentic lace is one of the best things to do in Burano because it is unique. Lacework is very time-consuming. In fact, it takes a team of seven to produce a small lace table centrepiece a month. Because of that, the original lace is expensive. 

Burano’s lace is a most precious craft

 

GOOD TO KNOW:

Nowadays, delicate handmade lace is hard to find. The majority of lace you can see in the shops is not authentic. Hence, look for the tags indicating the item is not made in China.

 

4. Lace Museum

Next, visit the Lace Museum located in at Piazza Galuppi. The Lace Museum is one of the best places to visit on the island if you want to learn about Venetian lace tradition. This small lace museum traces the history of its famous lace. When you explore it, you can see some fine examples of the local lace. Also, the Lace Museum offers lace-making demonstrations from the local women.

GOOD TO KNOW:

The Lace Museum is open every day except Monday, from 10 am until 4 pm. The entry ticket to the Lace Museum costs 5 euros, as of May 2024. Visit early in the morning for the best experience.

 

 

5. Piazza Baldassarre Galuppi

Piazza Baldassarre Galuppi

 

One of the first things many tourists do is that they head to Piazza Baldassarre Galuppi. This pretty square is one of the island’s top attractions because it is the only square on the island. But it was not always like that.

Did you know the locals created this square after they filled in one of the island’s canals? Today, this charming place, lined with restaurants, is one of the best things to see on the island. It is a perfect place to grab a snack or refreshing drink.

Piazza Baldassarre Galuppi, the liveliest part of the island

 

6. The Leaning Tower of Burano 

It is not Pisa, but the Leaning Tower of Burano! The locals refer to this 16th-century tower as Il Campanile Storto.

 

Did you know Burano Island has its own leaning tower? The bell tower of St Martin’s Church is a lot less famous than the one in Pisa, but it does not mean you should miss it. The Bell Tower of St Martin’s Church is 53 metres (173 feet) tall and is visible from much of the island. It leans 1.83 metres due to land subsidence. It tilts even though it has undergone several restorations over the centuries.

Seeing the Leaning Tower of St Martin’s Church is one of the best things to do in Burano because this tower is one of the symbols of the island.

TIP:

Find Terranova’s marble bridge or Giudecca Street. You can see the best views of the Leaning Tower from those two locations.

 

7. Bepi’s House

La Casa di Bepi

 

Another iconic landmark you can’t miss is Bepi’s House. The locals refer to it as La Casa di Bepi. You can find it behind the more crowded Via Galuppi. You don’t need us to tell you that Bepi’s House is the island’s most colourful house. This gorgeous building with geometric shapes used to have a different look before Bepi passed away.

 

Now you know what the best things to do in Burano, Italy are!

 

How to get from Venice to the island

The public transport system in Venice is cheap and reliable. There are a few ways to get to the island from Venice. You can take a Vaporetto, a private water taxi or a guided tour. Before you decide, you should know that the Vaporetto water busses are the most affordable way of getting around the Venetian Lagoon. Their transport system is excellent. The Vaporetto water busses serve Venice and also most of the nearby islands.

 

You can take Vaporeto line 12 from the Fondamente Nove stop. You can find it in around 20 minutes walk from Piazza San Marco (St Mark’s Square). It takes about 45 minutes to reach it from Venice. One way ticket costs €9.50 (a ticket for a journey of up to 75 minutes, including a change). However, if you want to visit Murano Island (and maybe Torcello), get a 24-hour travel card. It is a cheaper option and costs 25 euros (as of May 2024).

TIP:

Use Google Maps to find the most convenient route. Check out the Vaporetto line maps and timetables.

 

For better value for your money, get a day or multi-day travel card with unlimited use of the city’s water buses. As of May 2024, the cost of the tourist travel cards are:

• 1 day €25
• 2-day travel card €35,
• 3-day travel card €45
• 7-day travel card €65.

GOOD TO KNOW:

Don’t forget – you must validate a ticket before using the Vaporetto. Children less than 6 years old can travel for free. However, those over 6 years old must pay the full adult fare. For more information, visit their site.

 

Rolling Venice Card

Remember, anyone between the ages of 6 and 29 can purchase the Rolling Venice Card. It is valid for one year and has special benefits on public transport. The cost of the Rolling Venice Card is 6 euros, alongside a 3-day ticket for the reduced price of 27 euros, as of May 2024.

 

Alternatively, you can take a private water taxi from Venice to the island. Prepare to pay for it around 130 – 140 euros one way. 

 

Book a guided tour of the island from Venice.

Alternatively, you can book a guided tour of Burano Island. There are different tours available. Most of them also stop at the nearby Murano and Torcello islands. Guided tours have a multilingual guide on the boat. This way, you can get a taste of three islands at once. Also, you don’t have to spend your energy learning to use local transport – the Vaporetto. But you should know that if you visit islands on a guided tour, you can only briefly explore each island.

 

Burano or Murano: Which Venetian Island is best?

Despite their similar names, Burano and Murano are two different islands in the Venetian Lagoon. 

 

• MURANO

Did you know Murano Island is famous worldwide for its glass-blowing?

 

Many people call Murano Island “the Glass Island of Venice”. If you don’t know, Murano has been the centre of the glassmaking industry since the 13th century. At that time, the authorities moved the furnaces from Venice to Murano due to the fire risk. Today, most tourists visit Murano for its glass-blowing and craftsmanship. You can see live demonstrations in the various factories on the island. 

 

• BURANO

The rainbow island

 

Much like Venice and Murano, Burano Island has a system of tiny canals connected by bridges. As you already know, this island is world-famous for its lace and the brightly coloured facades of the houses. Also, it is more authentic than its nearby islands.

The colours of the island

The tradition of painting houses on the island continues through the present day. The locals take pride in painting and repainting their rainbow-coloured homes. The consistent colour-coding system ensures that no two nearby houses will be painted with the same colour.

 

Pin a day trip to Burano Island from Venice for later!

 

 

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