Visiting Italy was one of the most amazing travelling experiences for me to date. On my adventures through Italy, I visited the most colourful city I’ve ever been to: Burano. It was like walking into a storybook.
About Burano
Burano, is an island in the northern section of the Venetian lagoon and is located approximately 1-hour (by water bus) from St. Mark’s Square. The island itself is quite small in comparison to the island of Venice and has a population of less than 3,000. Historically, fishing was one of the main sources of income for the island, and this remains true today. We were told that the houses were painted in bright colours so the fishermen knew which house was theirs after returning from their fishing trips – and trips to the bar. In addition to fishing, the island is known for the intricate lace products that are handcrafted by locals.
How to Get to Burano
Getting to the island of Burano is quite simple – just look for the number 12 water taxi. Costs for the water taxi are approximately 8 Euros each way, but passes can be more cost effective. Alternatively, you can take a private boat or a tour that will take you to the island. It is approximately 45-minutes to 1-hour each way to the island, so make sure you build the travel time into your itinerary. Be sure to check water taxi schedules so that you don’t get stranded!
Things to See & Do
Colourful Homes: Burano is famously known for the colourful homes. Take a walk through the streets and canals of Burano to enjoy the sites of these lovely neighbourhoods. It is definitely a photographers’ paradise!
Dine at a Restaurant: Since the island is known for their fishing industry, you can get very fresh seafood for a fraction of the price in Venice.
Shop for Lace: The lace industry is very famous here. You can purchase some very interesting items handcrafted in the lace shops including doilies, table runners, table cloths, place mats etc. But you can also purchase clothing items made of lace, bedding and accessories.
Enjoy a Snack: There are many small shops selling gelato, authentic Italian cookies and pastries, meats, cheese, wine and more that you can take to go. Enjoy the snacks while you wander the streets of Burano.
Burano Summary
Burano is a beautiful little island without the hustle and bustle that you experience in Venice. If you find yourself in Venice, head over to the island of Burano to experience this quaint island in person! Check our my other posts about Italy for more tips! Tuscany in 1-Day, Rome in 4-Days, 10-Day Italy Itinerary and 15 Tips for Visiting Rome.
11 comments
I love Burano and the brightly colored houses. I went many years ago. It is so worth taking a vaporetto from Venice to see this pretty place and spending a few hours here. Learning about the lace industry is interesting too. Lovely post.
Italy itslef is an amazing place and top on my bucket list. I loved the way you described your journey in Burano, looks like you guys had lot of fun.
I’m hoping to visit Venice in the next couple of years. Just pinned to my Italy board.
I love find small cities off of the main tourist areas. Burano looks absolutely delightful! All the colors of the homes are beautiful but the reasons behind the vibrant colors is a little humorous 🙂 Venice is on my bucket list. I’d love to visit Burano when I go.
Burano has been on my radar for quite sometimes now. I just love the colorful houses it definitely gives the city it’s own unique charm. I never knew that the houses were painted in a different color because to distinguish between them. Amazing post
Ah I wish I would’ve had more time in Venice than 48 hours so I could have visited Burano! It looks even more vibrant than Venice itself. Reason to go back!
I’ve never heard of Burano but it sounds like an excellent day trip from Venice. It sure does look like a colourful place. I’ll have to keep this in mind next time I’m in that part of the world.
I would LOVE to go to Burano! I can’t believe how colorful it is. I bet if you asked little kids to design a town it would be just like this. Grabbing some snacks and wandering around sounds like a great way to spend an afternoon!
Heard about it and love how it looks on the photos. Definitely an outstanding place to visit from Venice. Most importantly, it doesn’t look that crowded. Wish I can make it there.
Never been there but hope to see that in person one day. Love your photos too.
After spending 2 whole minutes to reading your blog its amazing thanks for the information I come to know about new places in venice