Burano Island Venice Italy Walking Tour
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A walkabout around Burano Island will likely be one of the prettiest and most relaxing you ever experience. Pretty; because the humble fishing village is sometimes called the most colorful town in the world. Relaxing; because the streets of Burano are car-free. Use our Burano Island Venice Italy walking tour to discover this interesting (and adorable) Venetian Island.
On our Burano Italy walk, canal-side paths lead you past vendors selling locally crafted lace and homemade Bussolai cookies. The stroll takes in the village’s busy piazzas and quiet residential streets – all lined with rainbow-colored houses. It is said that the villas were originally painted so brightly so that the local fishermen could find their way home.
In this article learn where Burano Italy is, how to get there, and the best time to go. Read our suggested walking route for touring the island, and details for a worry-free day.
THINGS TO DO IN VENICE ITALY
WHERE IS BURANO ITALY
Burano is one of the outlying Venetian Islands. About 45 minutes away from Venice Italy by vaporetto (water taxi), Burano “island” is made up of 4 islets. The islets are connected by a series of pedestrian bridges that span narrow canals.
The island supports a community of around 3000 residents. Burano traces its roots back to the Roman-era. Historically, it has relied on fishing and lacemaking as its industries. Today, tourism is also a major economic driver.
BURANO ISLAND VENICE ITALY WALK DETAILS
Walk Distance: 1.5 miles (2.4 km)
Walk Duration: Without stopping this walk would take around 33 minutes. With time built in to visit the Lace Museum, shop for souvenirs, and enjoy a meal – plan for a 3.5 hour outing.
Directions: GPS may not work in the tiny village. There are few street signs. Hence, we have used visual landmarks on this walking tour.
Dress: Sturdy, comfortable shoes for stone walkways. A hat and sunscreen. Covered knees and shoulders if you plan to visit churches (men and women).
Time of Day: Any time of day. Fewest crowds on weekday mornings.
Language: Italian, but English is widely spoken
ATMs & Restrooms: There is an ATM at the Burano Post Office. There are public restrooms in Piazza Galuppi ($1.5 E).
Accessibility: Those with mobility impairments may find the brick walks and bridge stairs challenging. However, most terrain is flat and the Vaporetto boats are wheelchair accessible.
MURANO AND BURANO ITALY TOURS
Many travelers will pair a visit to Burano Island with an outing to neighboring Murano Island (known for its glassmaking tradition). There are many guided tours and transportation-only tours.
Here is a sampling of Murano and Burano tours:
VENETIAN ISLAND HOTELS
Burano Island is particularly charming in the early morning and late afternoon, before and after the crush of tourists. However, be aware there is little to do before/after the shops and restaurants have closed. Consider an overnight in Burano if you enjoy a quiet locale; otherwise book a room in Venice and do a day trip to the island.
Consider these well-reviewed hotels in the Venetian Islands:
Hotel Marconi: Value hotel near Rialto Bridge. (Venice)
Hotel Rialto: Good location, good value, breakfast included (Venice)
Hotel Locanda Vivaldi: Boutique hotel overlooking Riva degli Schiavoni (Venice)
Casa Burano: Charming guest house in Burano
VENICE ITALY WEATHER
The Venetian Islands have a Mediterranean climate with warm summers (high 80’s F in July) and cool winter (high 40’s F in January). There is high humidity and frequent rain year round. Occasional flooding occurs between October and January.
Burano Italy experiences a lot of fog. The haziest months fall between November and February. (Legend has it that the fishermen’s wives painted their houses such vibrant colors to lead their husband’s home through the fog.)
BEST TIME TO VISIT THE VENETIAN ISLANDS
The best time to visit the Venetian Islands and Burano is during the months of April, May, June, and September. During these months the weather is pleasant – not too hot or humid. Businesses are open for the season, crowds are below peak level, and there is less chance of flooding and fog.
VENICE ITALY TOURS & ATTRACTIONS
HOW TO GET TO BURANO ISLAND VENICE
It is easy to get to Burano Island from Venice. The three most popular ways to make the trip across the Venetian Lagoon are by Vaporetto (water bus), by private water taxi, or on a tour.
By Vaporetto: Take Line 12 from Fondamente Nove; 40-45 minute ride. Or, take Line 14 from San Zaccaria (by St. Marks Square); 70 minute ride.
By water taxi: Venice, Murano, and Burano Water Taxi Tour
WALKING MAP OF BURANO ISLAND
BURANO ISLAND WALKING TOUR ROUTE
STOP 1: BURANO ACTV MAIN STOP
Address: Fondamenta del Pizzo, 30142 Burano
Begin your walking tour at the Burano Ferry Terminal (Burano “C” Vaporetto stop) on the southwest side of Burano Island. This terminal connects Burano to Venice (Fondamente Nove stop) and Murano Island via Line 12.
Leaving the pier, head to a small park next to the ferry dock. In the park, admire the Atessa di Pace (Waiting for Peace) statue. The sculpture, depicting an anguished woman, was created by Remigio Barbaro to illustrate a person waiting for loved ones to return from the sea.
STOP 2: VIALE MARCELLO
Passing the statue, continue down the main path which takes you to Viale Marcello (the street next to the big red Martina Vidale lace shop). Continue walking toward the center of the island past shops and cafes. As you stroll, you will pass a number of “calle.” Calle are narrow pedestrian-only streets and alleys which are sandwiched between rows of buildings.
Veer off the main road to explore some of the calle. They are packed with lace shops, bakeries, and boutiques. Take your time as you make your way along Viale Marcello. Have fun checking out the street art and little galleries.
TRUSTED TRAVEL RESOURCES
STOP 3: FONDAMENTA SAN MAURA
Follow Viale Marcello until you reach a brick bridge that spans a canal. To the left, on either side of a canal are two streets; Fondamenta San Maura and Fondamenta degli Assassini. Follow this canal for next 500 meters or so (about 1/3 of a mile).
Little bridges attach the two streets at intervals along the canal. Cross at will. Along the way, admire the color of the houses and the restaurant terraces filled with tables and chairs. Stick your head in a few of the alleys and discover hidden courtyards tucked behind the store fronts.
All along the busy canal, boats are parked like cars in a lot. Multi-colored umbrellas dot the calles. The busy stretch hums with commerce, people watching, and window shoppers. Eventually Fondamenta San Maura and Fondamenta degli Assassini merge into one wider promenade, Via Baldassarre Galuppi.
STOP 4: PIAZZA GALUPPI
The promenade empties into Burano Island’s main piazza (square), Piazza Baldassare Galuppi. The square is named after a native son, composer Baldassare Galuppi (1706-1785). This major gathering space is usually crowded with merchants hawking souvenirs, food carts, and street performers.
In Piazza Galuppi find the Museo del Merletto (Museum of Lace) where you can learn about the art and history of lacemaking on Burano Island. Also, don’t miss a chance to visit the Chiesa di San Martino Church and its Leaning Bell Tower of Burano. Inside the interior of the 16th century church there are paintings by Tiepolo and Tintoretto.
If you haven’t stopped for a meal, do so now. Restaurants crowd the piazza featuring fresh seafood, pizza, and pasta. There are candy shops, gelaterias, and patisseries with rows of buttery Bussolai cookies and biscuits. Check out the shops featuring Murano glass and summery dresses.
THINGS TO DO: VENETIAN ISLANDS
STOP 5: COOPERATIVE SAN MARCO
When you are finished at Piazza Galuppi, turn to the left to leave the square. Head toward the water by taking Via della Vigna, (R) onto Campiello S. Vito, and a (L) onto Fondamenta Cao di Rio d Destra. Your destination is the Cooperative of San Marco.
The San Marco Cooperative is a historic fishermen’s association. In this area, watch local fishermen busy at port. As you meander along the stone walkways and piers you are apt to see boats unloading their catch and workers readying their vessels for the next day.
STOP 6: SHORE WALK TO BURANO FERRY TERMINAL
From the San Marco Cooperative take a relaxing walk along the Burano coast back to the Ferry Terminal. In this section, we list a few major streets that run around the perimeter of the island, but feel free to veer off and investigate the quiet neighborhood streets on your own.
Enjoy Burano’s romantic bridges and sleepy canals away from the crowds. See laundry drying, kids biking, and women shopping for groceries. Observe the patterned curtains hanging in open doorways that are used to balance ventilation with privacy.
The island is small, so if you stick to the shore line you will loop around to the ferry port. However, if you like to follow a specific route, take Fondamenta del Pizzo and Via Guidecco to the Tre Ponti. The bridge sits at the cross roads of three canals (intersection of Giudecca, Cao Moleca, and Cavenella streets).
From the Tre Ponti bridge, take Str. Di Corte Comare back to the Burano ferry terminal – where our walk concludes.
Ciao and auguri (good bye and good wishes), Laura and Randy
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