Venetian Islands Italy: Murano and Burano
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In the Venetian Islands Italy, day trips to Murano and Burano from Venice are often bundled together. Murano Island, with its stone bridges and glassblowing factories, is a short vaporetto ride from Venice. Burano Island, a fishing village known for its lace making, is the next stop on the water bus. The islands, with their sleepy canals and rainbow houses, can both be seen in one day.
Our guide has all the information you will need to plan a stress-free day trip to Murano and Burano; two of the most colorful and visually stunning villages in Italy. Learn about how to get there, when to go, the best photo spots, and the best things to do in Murano and Burano.
VENICE ITALY TOURS
WHY VISIT MURANO AND BURANO ITALY
Visit Murano and Burano Islands to experience the rich history, culture, and color of Venice on a smaller, more intimate scale. Although the islands get busy with tourists at mid-day, they are a far removed from the frenetic bustle of St. Mark’s Square. On these working islands there is less of an atmosphere of grandeur, and more of real life.
On Murano Island, see a glassblowing demonstration at one of its world-famous factories and visit a trio of Renaissance churches. In Burano Italy, stroll narrow canals lined with multi-colored houses and shop for traditional hand-crafted lace. At both locales, enjoy charming Byzantine-Gothic architecture and Italian island cuisine.
WHERE ARE THE VENETIAN ISLANDS, ITALY
Murano and Burano are Venetian Island “frazioni” (villages) that are a part of the City of Venice. Murano is located about 1.5 kilometers north of Venice in the Venetian Lagoon; Burano is an additional 8 kilometers north of the city.
Murano Island, supporting a population of around 5,000 residents, is made up of 7 islets connected by a series of bridges spanning canals. Burano Island supports a population of around 3,000 residents. It is made up of 4 main islets connected by bridges over canals.
TRIP ESSENTIALS
For almost every travel destination, I find myself reaching for my Eddie Bauer Rainfoil Jacket, Frogg Toggs Hat, Merrell Hiking Boots, and Crocs Strappy Sandals (wear to dinner or the pool).
Other items I rely on include my Huk Sunglasses and Contigo Autoseal Water Bottle (no spills in the backpack).
But by far, my number one can’t-do-without essential is my Sony RX100 Compact Camera. It fits perfectly into a pocket. Or, mounted on a Mini-Tripod it slips into my Travelon Sling Bag.
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HOW TO GET TO MURANO AND BURANO
Note: On Murano and Burano Islands there are no roads for vehicles; or tracks for trains. The main modes of transportation are walking, biking, and water-based transit.
To get to Murano or Burano from Venice there are three common modes of transport: vaporetto (water bus); water taxi; and by private tour.
Vaporetto
Fondamenta Nova (Line 12) is the closest vaporetto stop for traveling to Murano and Burano (Fondamenta Nova – Murano (10 minutes) – Burano (45 minutes).
Be aware: lines at all stops can get long between 11am and 3pm, with wait times of 1-2 hours (particularly in the summer). Consult the ACTV app for current schedules and ticket prices.
Water Taxi
Click this link for information on reserving a water taxi to Murano or Burano:
By water taxi: Venice, Murano, and Burano Water Taxi Tour
MURANO AND BURANO TOURS
Murano and Burano are popular daytrips from Venice and tour operators have made it easy and economical to book excursions that include both islands (and sometimes the Island of Torcello). The tours typically include boat transportation with onboard narration. Many tours also include a glass factory demonstration.
If you don’t want to deal with the hassle of deciphering ACTV vaporetto schedules and/or standing in long lines, a guided tour can be a good alternative to the water bus. Try one of these well-reviewed Murano and Burano tours:
WHERE TO STAY IN THE VENETIAN ISLANDS
Murano and Burano buzz during the day. They are, however, primarily residential islands. There is little to do in the way of entertainment after dinner. If you prefer a livelier evening, book accommodations in Venice and daytrip to Murano and Burano.
Here are several Venice, Murano, and Burano hotels to consider:
Hyatt Centric Murano Venice - 4-star hotel in a former glass factory
Casa Burano: Charming guest house in Burano
Hotel Marconi: Value hotel near Rialto Bridge. (Venice)
Hotel Locanda Vivaldi: Boutique hotel overlooking Riva degli Schiavoni (Venice)
MAP OF MURANO ITALY
BURANO ITALY MAP
THINGS TO DO IN MURANO AND BURANO
Murano Island
Learn about glass blowing. Attend a factory demonstration, book a beginner glass blower workshop, and tour glass factory showrooms.
Try one of these workshops or tours:
Visit the Museo del Vetro (Murano Glass Museum) for fascinating facts about Murano glass from the Roman era to the modern day.
Stroll Fondamenta dei Vetrai, or the “Foundation of Glassmakers.” The car-free promenade runs along the western side of the Rio dei Vetrai canal. The street is lined with centuries old glass factories, shops, and restaurants.
Discover the island’s three main Byzantine-Romanesque Churches: The Basilica dei Santi Maria e Donato, the Church of Santa Maria Degli, and Church of San Pietro Martire.
Shop for Murano Glass. Peruse the island’s many glass factory showrooms and galleries for hand-crafted, one of a kind chandeliers, figurines, vases, lamps, and jewelry.
Enjoy lunch canal-side trattoria, in an open-air piazza, or a garden tucked behind a restaurant. Expect lots of fresh seafood and traditional Venetian pastries.
Relax in Murano’s main square, Campo Santo Stefano, with a view of the giant Blue Glass Comet. The famed artwork is by contemporary sculptor, Simon Cenedese.
Snap a selfie by the Faro Lighthouse: The 20th century active lighthouse is located on the southeastern tip of the island.
THINGS TO DO IN VENICE ITALY
Burano Italy
Wander. You can’t get lost in tiny Burano. Meander through the shops, bakeries, and galleries of the commercial district. Soak in the vibrant colors, graceful bridges, and leisurely boat traffic on Burano’s canals.
Immerse in Burano’s tradition of lace making. Check out the village’s many lace shops and stop by the Museo del Merletto di Burano (Lace Museum) to learn about the history of the art.
Make a stop at the San Martino Church to see paintings by Tiepolo and Tintoretto. Then, grab some photos of the church’s Camponile Storto – known as the “Leaning Tower of Burano.”
Spend some time in lively Piazza Galuppi. Ringed with eateries, boutiques, and souvenir kiosks, Burano’s main gathering space is always filled with vendors, street performers, and shoppers.
Enjoy a meal at an island osteria. Burano is a fishing village and the catch of the day is always fresh. Eat al fresco on the street, then enjoy some gelato, chocolates, or buttery Bussolai cookies for dessert.
PACKING ESSENTIALS
We rely on a combination of bags: Our Level-8 28” and Level-8 20” spinners are fun and stylish. Our Delsey Helium 28” hardshell is a workhorse. Our Tomtoc Backpack is great for short trips.
Randy doesn’t use them, but I swear by segregating items into Compression Packing Cubes and Wet Bags.
For security, we place an Apple Air Tag in each bag, and keep a supply of RFID Blocking Sleeves on hand.
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Slip away from Burano’s commercial streets to its quiet residential neighborhoods. In the blocks behind the main canals, find colorful houses with open doors (just a curtain for privacy). See porch gardens, hidden courtyards, and laundry drying in the sun.
Watch the local fishermen. Make your way along Fondamenta Cao di Rio a Destra to the San Marco Cooperative. The piers around the historic fisherman’s workers from the local fishing fleet are often repairing nets and unload their catch.
DAY TRIPS FROM VENICE
MURANO AND BURANO ITALY TIPS
To Support Local Artists:
Buy certified Murano glass that is signed by the artist and comes with a certificate of authenticity (labeled “Vetro Artistico Murano”).
Look for hand-crafted Burano lace. It will be accompanied by a certificate of authenticity and be much more expensive that the lace products that are mass produced by machines (and imported).
Be wary of “free” glass factory demonstrations (they are often associated with high pressure sales). Also, it is common to be ushered into factory showrooms after glass demonstrations. Do not feel obligated to buy.
If you plan to visit churches, make sure clothing covers your knees and shoulders (men and women).
Public restrooms and ATMs can be found scattered in high-traffic areas throughout Murano and Burano. Credit cards and cash are generally accepted.
At lunch and supper ask for the daily special or “menu del Giorno.” These menus are often handwritten on a chalkboard), and are usually the freshest, most affordable meals.
Those with mobility impairments may find the stone walks and many bridges challenging. However, most terrain on both islands are flat. Vaporetto boats are wheelchair accessible.
Italian is the native language. English is widely spoken in shops and restaurants.
TRUSTED TRAVEL RESOURCES
ICONIC MURANO AND BURANO PHOTO SPOTS
Murano and Burano are fun to photograph. Look for these iconic photo locations:
Murano: Campo Santo Stefano (and its striking blue Comet Glass Star); the Faro Lighthouse; Basilica dei Santi Maria e Donato; Murano Clocktower (Torre Dell’orologio); Palazzo da Mula.
Burano: Leaning Tower of Burano (Camponile Storto); Piazza Galuppi, St. Martino Church; Tre Ponte (Three Bridges; Bepi’s House and the colorful houses along the Fondamenta San Maura and Assassini Canals (for the colorful houses).
VENICE ITALY WEATHER
The weather in the Venetian Islands is hot in the summer (high 80’s F in July) and cool in the winter (high 40’s F in January). It frequently rains and/or is foggy. Humidity is high throughout the year. Statistically, the highest chance of flooding is between October and January.
BEST TIME TO VISIT MURANO AND BURANO
The best time of day to visit Murano and Burano is in the early morning (before 11 am) or later afternoon (after 3pm) – to avoid the biggest crowds and, in the summer, the heat of the day.
The best months to visit the islands are April, May, June, and September when the weather is pleasant, all businesses are open, crowds are below peak level, and there is less chance of flooding and fog.
Enjoy your time on the colorful islands of Murano and Burano, Laura and Randy
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