Venice Italy: Things to Do in Murano
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In Venice Italy, visit the Island of Murano to immerse in its rich glassmaking tradition, intimate neighborhoods, and Renaissance architecture. A short boat ride from Venice, Murano offers a pleasing mix of gorgeous scenery, great shopping, and good food. Our article focuses on the many fun things to do in Murano Italy.
On Murano Island watch master craftsmen bring to life colorful Murano-glass creations. Attend a glassblowing demonstration, take a workshop, or hunt for a unique souvenir. Other things to do in Murano include walking the village’s colorful calli (streets), cruising its canals, visiting ancient churches, and sampling the local cuisine.
THINGS TO DO IN VENICE ITALY
WHERE IS MURANO ITALY
Murano Italy consists of 7 islets connected by car-free bridges and promenades. The island’s one-square mile landmass supports a population of around 5,000 residents. The centuries-old tradition of glassmaking is the island’s largest industry. Glass factories and showrooms dot the landscape.
One of the Venetian Islands, Murano is a frazione (village) that is part of the City of Venice. Most visitors will travel from Venice to Murano Island on a vaporetto (water bus), water taxi, or by private tour.
Try one of these:
Venice City Card: Waterbus and Mainland Bus Pass
Murano, Burano, & Torcello: Water Taxi Tour
MURANO AND BURANO TOURS
Murano is a very small island. You can see the highlights in 2-4 hours. Many people choose to bundle an outing to the Island of Murano with nearby Burano (Murano is famous for its glassmaking; Burano for its lacemaking). Several companies offer Murano and Burano tours (we enjoyed this combination).
Try one of these well-reviewed tours:
ISLAND OF MURANO ITALY HOTELS
For a quieter, lowkey Venice Italy experience, consider an overnight on the Island of Murano. Try one of these Murano Italy hotels:
Hyatt Centric Murano Venice - 4-star hotel, housed in a former glass factory
Murano Palace - 3-star hotel; quiet, romantic, overlooking canals
NH Collection Venezia Murano Villa - 4 star luxury, boutique hotel
VENICE ITALY WEATHER
Venice Italy has a humid, Mediterranean climate with temperatures ranging from the high 80’s F in the summer (July) to the high 40’s F in the winter (January). It often rains. June receives the most precipitation; but the highest chance of flooding is between October and January.
BEST TIME TO VISIT MURANO ISLAND
For the fewest crowds, visit Murano Island on a weekday in the morning. In general, the best time to visit Murano is during the shoulder months of April, May, June, and September. In these months the weather is warm, most businesses are open, and crowds are below peak.
VENICE ITALY TOURS & ATTRACTIONS
MAP OF MURANO ITALY
THINGS TO DO IN MURANO ITALY
See a Glassmaking Demonstration
Glassblowing developed on Murano Island in the 13th century. At that time, Venetian crafters were relocated to the island to decrease the risk of fire in the city, and to preserve craft secrets. Since then, the art has been passed down through the generations. Today, the Murano economy revolves around the business of glass.
While on Murano Island, we attended glassblowing demonstrations at the Guarnieri Glass Factory and Ellegi Glass Factory. Given on the factory floor, the informative shows included glassblowing techniques and a chance to ask questions of the artisans. Afterwards, we were ushered into showrooms to view the company’s creations.
Try one of these demonstrations:
Take a Glassblowing Workshop
The experience of watching a master craftsman manipulating molten glass into vases and figurines is fascinating. Would you like to try it? Learn from one of these masters at a hands-on workshop. Make a unique piece (often a paperweight, bulb, or colored beads) in a glassblowing class.
Look for a class marketed for beginners and take home a one-of-a-kind souvenir. Reservations usually required, so book ahead. Try one of these classes:
Explore Fondamenta Dei Vetrai
If you are short on time and can only explore a portion of the island, focus your time around Fondamenta dei Vetrai (aka “Street of the Glass Masters”). The canal-side pedestrian walkway is the village’s main promenade. The street is bordered by colorful villas filled with glass boutiques, cafes, and galleries.
Tour Murano’s Historic Churches
Visit Murano’s trio of Byzantine-Romanesque Churches. At the Basilica dei Santi Maria e Donato look for a 12th century mosaic floor and relics said to be the remains of a slain dragon. At the Church of Santa Maria Degli see a large glass chandelier and crucifix. At the Church of San Pietro Martire enjoy paintings by Bellini and Veronese.
Discover Murano’s Hidden Courtyards and Canals
Murano Island is best explored on foot. Discover the village's 7 islets and many bridges on a walking tour. Stroll from main street to the Murano Clocktower. Then, continue on to the cemetery and Faro Lighthouse.
Cross over fanciful bridges. See hidden courtyards and covered alleys (“soto portegas”). Observe laundry drying in the open-air, and a rainbow of boats lining the canals. As you travel feel the pulse of local life and island’s relaxed vibe.
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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Shop for a Treasure to Take Home
The exquisite glassworks created in Murano’s factories are on display throughout the village in local showrooms and shops. Murano glass is known for its vibrant colors and intricate craftsmanship. It often features gold foil or millefiori. As you wander, see chandeliers, bowls, vases, sculptures, and jewelry.
While shopping for your treasure be sure to look for real certified Murano glass (labeled “Vetro Artistic Murano"). To avoid fakes, look for pieces that are signed by the artist. Remember to venture off the main drag into the alleys to find smaller studios (and better prices).
VENICE TOURS & ATTRACTIONS
See Murano from the Water
Experience Murano’s pretty canals, bridges, and multi-colored houses from the water. Hire a private water taxi (motoscafi) to zigzag along the island’s rivers and loop its perimeter. Look for water taxi services at Murano piers by main island landing points (i.e., the Colonna, Faro Lighthouse, and Glass Museum).
Enjoy a Meal at a Local Trattoria
Treat yourself to an authentic Mediterranean meal at one of Murano’s traditional eateries. The island is full of cafes, trattorias, and specialty food stores. Enjoy fresh seafood, pizza, and Buranelli (buttery shortbread biscuits). Ask for the “menu del Giorno” (daily special) for the best value and freshest ingredients.
Two of our favorite restaurants are the canal-side Trattoria Valarana, and family-run Osteria al Duomo – with charming outdoor gardens.
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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Make a Stop at the Museo del Vetro
Located in the opulent Palazzo Guistiniano, learn about the history of glass making at the Murano Glass Museum (Museo del Vetro). Featuring the world’s most extensive collection of Murano glass, the museum displays ancient tools, Roman era glasses, and exhibits on the evolution of glassmaking.
Save Time for Photo Stops at Iconic Murano Landmarks
Murano is a photographer's dream with its rainbow of buildings set against the blue sky and salt water. Have fun snapping photos at some its most iconic sites:
In Campo Santo Stefano locate the striking blue Comet Glass Star by Simone Cenedese.
On the southeastern tip of the island find the soaring Faro Lighthouse.
By the Basilica dei Santi Maria e Donato see the Murano Clocktower (Torre Dell’orologio).
On the Grand Canal by Ponte Lungo discover the historic palace, Palazzo da Mula.
We hope you enjoy the many things to do in Murano Italy, Laura and Randy
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