Burano, Italy just a short boat ride from Venice, is a colorful fisherman’s village known for lace making. This post will guide you on how to get to the Island from Venice, the best things to do, and places to eat. I have personally been 3 times to this colorful destination and it may very well be one of my favorite places in the world I’ve traveled. What attracts me is all the colorful homes, all specially painted one by one with the brightest colors. It’s so fun to wander and take photos on this happy little island.
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How to get to Burano, Italy
From Venice take line 12 from Fondamente Nove. It is a 45-minute Vaporetto ride (canal boat used for transportation) with a stop in Murano (known for glass making and worth seeing as well).
Tickets cost €7.50 unless you get a 24-hour pass for €20 euros which is a good deal if you need to travel 3+ times. There is also another island 5 minutes from Burano called Torcello. So I recommend visiting all three islands of Burano, Murano, and Torcello with the 24-hour pass.
Best things to do in Burano, Italy
1. Stroll through the colorful streets
Burano is a photographer’s paradise. Get lost on this small island and go photo crazy. Burano is famous for its brightly colored houses, so be sure to walk through the many photogenic streets and alleyways to soak up the atmosphere. You can also take a guided tour of Burano if you’d rather learn straight from a local.
2. Learn about the tradition of lace making
The island is famous for lace-making which dates back to the 16th century. If you have extra time, there is a Lace Museum worth checking out for €5 where you can learn about the tradition. The Lace Museum offers a fascinating insight into this craft, with displays of antique lace and techniques used to create the lace.
3. Shop in the many souvenir shops
There are many cute little shops in Burano. Most of them sell lace as you can imagine since the town is known for lace-making.
Some of the best shops include Martina Vidal Venezia which is located on the main street of Burano. You can shop for lace tablecloths, doilies, and shawls here. There is also a small museum where you can learn about the history of Burano’s lace-making tradition.
Atelier Martina is another specialty lace shop selling wedding veils, dresses, and accessories. The shop’s owner, Martina, is a skilled lace-maker who uses traditional techniques to create beautiful and intricate designs.
La Perla is also a wonderful shop to stop by and see the traditional lace being made and pick up some nice souvenirs.
5. Check out the Church of San Martino
The Church of San Martino dates back to the 16th century and is known as the Leaning tower of Burano. Similar to that of Pisa, it features a leaning bell tower right in the middle of the main square you will explore in Burano. The church also houses an impressive collection of artworks, including a painting by the famous artist Tintoretto.
6. Try the local cuisine
Burano is known for its seafood, particularly its risotto de gò, a dish made with local fish. There are also plenty of bakeries on the island that offer delicious sweets and pastries.
Be sure to check these restaurants out:
Trattoria da Romano: Anthony Bourdain ate here & it’s famous for its seafood risotto.
Trattoria Al Gatto Nero: This is one of the most famous restaurants on the island, and it’s known for its delicious seafood dishes, including spaghetti with clams and a mixed seafood grill.
Riva Rosa: This charming restaurant overlooks the canals of Burano and offers a range of seafood dishes, as well as pizza and pasta.
Trattoria da Primo: This cozy restaurant is located in a quiet square and offers a range of traditional Venetian dishes, including seafood risotto and grilled fish.
Panificio Pasticceria: Best bakery
7. See the neighboring islands of Torcello and Murano
Torcello is famous for its cathedral dating back to 639, Santa Maria Dell’Assunta as well as Byzantine mosaics. Murano, often confused with Burano is known for its glass-making tradition, which dates back to the 13th century. You can easily visit all 3 islands including Burano in a day with a tour like this one!
Where to stay in Burano, Italy
An overnight stay isn’t required if you just want to spend a few hours on the island but if you are obsessed as me with the cute town you might want to stay and have the opportunity to see the island when the tourists empty out after 7 pm.
This was my third time to Burano after visiting 5 years ago. I fell in love with the town and couldn’t wait to come back and spend more time there so I stayed at Casa Burano and LOVED my stay at this cute boutique-style hotel. They have apartments throughout the town making for a unique experience – if you ever dreamed of staying in one of the colorful homes of Burano, this is the best way!
Another option is staying at a wine resort called Venissa which is a short walk away from Burano on the Mazzorbo island.
Best time to visit Burano
If you’re like me, you’ll want to avoid the crowds as Burano which was once a hidden gem has become a massively popular destination. So, consider visiting in the shoulder seasons of April to June or September to November. You will also get milder weather during this time. Also, go early and stay overnight if you can. This will allow you to see Burano without the tourists – an amazing experience.
For more reading you may also like:
🎀 Comacchio, Italy: Burano’s Look-alike Town
🚣 How to spend a weekend in Venice
💎 30 Best Hidden Gems in Europe
🌈 Most Colorful Places in the World
🐪 The Colorful Nubian Village in Egypt
📸 Most Beautiful Cities in Europe
👩 Solo Female Travel Guide to Italy
🇮🇹 For more travel inspo visit my Italy section!
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