Venice undoubtedly is one of the most beautiful cities in the world. There are many places to visit in Venice, but we will recommend these two islands. Burano is the most colourful and vibrant island, and Murano is the most serene and peaceful island. These islands are perfect for a day trip.
On our first day in Venice, we decided to visit our bucket list places. So we started our day in Venice by buying the ACTV pass for the day.
Burano
Burano is one of the most picturesque locations in the world. It is known for its small, brightly painted houses, which are popular with artists. It is also known for its lace-making. Burano is the island of fisherman community of Venice.
How to reach Burano?
One Vaporetto line runs from Venice to Burano: the 12. The large, express ferry runs from Venice's San Zaccaria stop to Burano and Murano, with another stop at Venice's Fondamente Nove stop. It takes about 45 minutes and costs €6.50 per person. But in case you have ACTV pass, you don't need to buy this.
Note: Please find the timetables on actv website.
We reached Burano Island and the 45 minutes journey from Venice to the island is full of scenic views of other islands en route.
The moment our ACTV reached near Burano island, the colourful and vibrant island puts its spell on us. The island is majestic and mind-blowing. It felt like we are in some kids storybook or fairyland. The houses were looking super cute and pretty. As we started to explore the island, the more colourful it became. The adjacent houses are of contrasting colours, so each house was popping out. Divided by small canals and connected by beautiful wooden bridges, this place looks magical. Even if you come back from the island, its beauty will be there in your mind. Whenever we talk about Venice, Burano is the first place that comes to our mind. The cute, little, clean and colourful island.
The story behind the colourful homes
Fishing is one of the traditional occupations in Burano. In earlier times, thousands of fishing boats used to sail. Due to weather conditions sometimes fisherman faced problems in identifying their homes coming after a long time. People in Burano started to paint their homes in neon colours so the fisherman can recognise their home even in rains and fog. The houses in Burano follow a particular colour pattern. One needs permission from the government to change the colour of a home.
Best time to visit Burano
The best time to visit Burano is during the evening. The sunset from the island is mesmerising and tranquil, so it would be best if you plan your travel afternoon or early evening.
General Information
Location: Burano, Island in Venice
Timing: Throughout the day
Entry Fee: Entry to Murano is free
Visit Duration: 2 to 4 hours
Tips
1. Buy a water taxi pass to commute freely throughout the day.
2. Visit during afternoon or evening as the sunset from the island is mesmerising.
3. Carry camera and power banks as Burano is a photogenic location.
4. Shop the lace which is one of the specialities of Burano.
Murano
Murano is a Venetian lagoon situated about 1.5 km North of Venice. It is a group of seven islands linked with bridges and canals. The island of Murano is famous for its long tradition of glass-making. One can shop for locally crafted souvenirs.
How to reach Murano?
You can reach Murano via Vaporetto. There are multiple water lines. The waterline 12, 4.1 and 4.2 from Fondamente Nove takes about 9 mins to reach your destination. Whereas, the waterway 4.2 and 4.1 from San Zaccaria take about 40 - 50mins to arrive at Murano.
After spending our time in Burano we started for Murano and our boat took a stop at Torcello from where it is a 15-minute ride to Murano.
The lighthouse will welcome you in Murano, and it looks stunning from the boat. Murano island is in our bucket list because of the glassmaking factories and their unique glass items. As soon as you enter the island, you will notice lots of shops selling glass products. We were amazed by the streets of Murano as they were displaying a large number of glass products in numerous designs and colour. We walked from one end of the island to the other and bought the souvenirs.
Best time to visit Murano
The best time to visit Murano is during the day. All of the sights and museums would be open. You can also visit glassmaking factories and witness the art of glassmaking or even attend a workshop.
General Information
Location: 1.5 km North of Venice, Murano is the Venetian Lagoon.
Timing: Throughout the day
Entry Fee: Entry to Murano is free
Visit Duration: 2 to 4 hours
Tips
1. Buy a water taxi pass to commute freely throughout the day.
2. Visit during the day.
3. Visit the glass making factory.
4. Walk around the town.
Things to do in Burano and Murano
Burano and Murano are two small islands in Venice and yet there are so many things to do in Burano and Murano.
1. Indulge in the beauty of colourful houses in Burano
The main attraction of Burano is its colourful houses. Stroll the colourful streets of Burano and indulge in the true beauty of this fairyland.
2. Photography in Burano Island
Burano island is a paradise for photographers. One can spend long hours taking pictures of the island from different angles and spots.
3. Visiting the most colourful house in Burano
Bepi's House is the most colourful house in Burano and is a must-visit place in Burano.
4. Strolling along the main square in Burano
The main square of Burano is as beautiful as the rest of the island. The colourful streets, exquisite restaurants, lace shops, etc are eyecatching.
5. Visiting Tre Pointi in Burano
Tre Pointi is the wooden bridge that connects three canals and the most colourful streets of the island. This place is best for romantic photography.
6. Sunsets at Burano Island
Burano offers some stunning sunsets and you can wait till sunset and enjoy the most amazing sunset over the Venetian lagoon.
7. Attending the glassmaking workshop in Murano
If you like to learn the art of glassmaking, you can book a workshop in Murano and take the session with experts.
8. Visit glass factory
You can take a tour of any of the glass factory in the town.
9. Walk around the town and visit the tourist spots
There are many places in Murano to visit like Glass museum, Basilica Di Santa Maria e San Donato, St. Pietro Martire Church, Palazzo da Mula, glass factories, glass shops.
We had a great time in both the islands. After spending our day on the islands we returned to Venice.
Burano and Murano seem to be small islands but there are many things to do in Burano and Murano. We hope you will enjoy your visit to these islands. Keep these islands in your bucket list and plan your travel smartly.
Also looking for things to do in Venice apart from visiting islands, check out our this blog.
Keep travelling!
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