Just a 40-minute vaporetto ride from Venice lies Burano, an island that looks like it jumped straight out of a coloring book. The moment I stepped off the boat, I was greeted by rows of houses painted in vibrant shades of pink, blue, yellow, and green. These create a photographer’s paradise unlike anywhere else in Italy. Burano Island offers visitors a perfect day trip experience with its rainbow-colored houses, traditional lace-making workshops, and peaceful canals away from Venice’s crowds.
Walking through Burano’s narrow streets feels like exploring an artistic masterpiece. Each home tells its own colorful story, originally painted bright so fishermen could spot their houses through the lagoon fog.
Beyond the Instagram-worthy scenery, Burano has a rich tradition of lace-making that dates back centuries. I spent part of my afternoon watching skilled artisans create delicate patterns with nimble fingers, keeping this beautiful craft alive.
The island actually consists of four smaller islands connected by bridges, making it easy to explore in just a few hours. Between photographing the colorful reflections in the canals and sampling Burano’s famous butter cookies called “bussolai,” I found myself completely charmed by this tiny slice of Italian paradise. If you’re planning a trip to Venice, don’t miss the chance to escape the city crowds and discover this technicolor treasure in the Venetian lagoon.
The Colorful Charm of Burano
Walking through Burano feels like stepping into a living rainbow, where every corner reveals a new splash of color against the backdrop of tranquil canals. The island’s unique personality comes alive through its vivid houses, bustling central square, and distinctive leaning bell tower.
Burano’s Vibrant Palette
The technicolor houses of Burano create one of Italy’s most photographable scenes. Each home sports a different bright hue—electric blues, sunset oranges, vibrant greens, and sunny yellows line the canals like a real-life box of crayons.
I was enchanted by the story behind these colorful facades. Local fishermen supposedly painted their homes in bold colors to recognize their houses while returning home through the lagoon’s thick fog. Each family maintains their traditional color, and changing it requires government permission!
The best photo spots are along the smaller canals where fewer tourists venture. Early morning light casts a magical glow on these rainbow-hued buildings, making it worth the early wake-up call to capture them before the day-trippers arrive.
Exploring Piazza Galuppi
Piazza Galuppi forms the heart of Burano’s community life. Named after composer Baldassare Galuppi, this central square buzzes with activity from morning until evening.
I spent hours people-watching from a café here, sipping espresso while locals went about their daily routines. The square hosts several lace shops showcasing Burano’s famous handcraft tradition dating back to the 16th century.
Don’t miss the lace museum on the square’s edge, where you can watch demonstrations by elderly women practicing this disappearing art form. The surrounding shops offer everything from small lace souvenirs to elaborate tablecloths and garments.
The square’s restaurants serve some of the freshest seafood I’ve tasted, caught daily by local fishermen.
The Leaning Bell Tower’s Tale
Burano’s leaning bell tower of San Martino Church stands as the island’s most recognizable landmark after its colorful houses. At 53 meters tall with a noticeable tilt, it’s impossible to miss on the skyline.
The tower’s distinctive lean (about 1.83 meters off-axis) developed shortly after construction due to the island’s soft, marshy foundation. Unlike Pisa’s famous tower, this one receives far fewer tourists despite its equally impressive engineering quirk.
I recommend climbing to the church’s entrance platform for a panoramic view of the multicolored houses and surrounding lagoon. The tower’s bells still ring out over the island, marking time as they have for centuries.
The adjoining Church of San Martino contains beautiful artworks, including a painting by Tiepolo, making it worth a brief visit before continuing your color-filled island exploration.
Navigating to Burano
Getting to Burano requires a scenic water journey across the Venetian Lagoon. The trip itself becomes part of the experience, offering beautiful views of Venice and other islands along the way.
Journeying by Vaporetto
The most common way to reach Burano is by vaporetto, Venice’s water bus system. I take Line #12 from Fondamente Nove in Venice, which stops at Murano before continuing to Burano. The journey takes about 40 minutes total, giving you plenty of time to enjoy the lagoon views.
The vaporetto runs regularly throughout the day, with departures approximately every 30 minutes. I suggest checking the ACTV schedule before your trip, as times can vary by season.
For the best experience, try to sit outside at the back of the boat. The breeze and panoramic views make the journey much more enjoyable, and you’ll get great photos of Venice receding in the distance.
Options for Excursions
If you prefer a more structured visit, guided excursions to Burano are plentiful. Many tours combine Burano with nearby Murano, famous for its glass-blowing traditions.
These organized trips typically include transportation, a lace-making demonstration, and sometimes a glass-blowing show on Murano. Many tours last about half a day, giving you enough time to explore both islands.
Families may find guided excursions particularly convenient, as they eliminate navigation worries and provide context through knowledgeable guides who explain the history of this colorful fishing island.
Self-guided visits offer more flexibility with timing. I sometimes purchase a 24-hour vaporetto pass, which allows me to island-hop at my own pace and stay on Burano longer to catch the perfect lighting for photos.
The Art of Lace Making
Burano’s lacemaking tradition dates back centuries and remains one of the island’s most treasured cultural arts. When I visited, I discovered this delicate craft isn’t just history—it’s a living tradition being preserved by dedicated artisans.
Visiting the Lace Museum
The Museo del Merletto (Lace Museum) sits in the heart of Burano, housed in a building that once served as the famous lacemaking school. I spent nearly two hours exploring the museum’s extensive collection of intricate lace pieces dating from the 16th century to modern times.
The museum displays include elaborate collars, wedding veils, and even a stunning altar cloth that took three artisans five years to complete! Most impressive are the samples showing the evolution of stitching techniques unique to Burano.
Don’t miss the demonstration area where elderly lacemakers work with lightning-fast fingers, needle and thread dancing across their bolsters. The museum offers guided tours in several languages, and I found the audio guide particularly helpful for understanding the detailed exhibits.
Discovering Lacemakers’ Secrets
Traditional Burano lace requires incredible patience and precision. Each piece involves up to seven specialized stitches with romantic names like “Venice stitch” and “rose point.”
I watched 17-year-old Ludovica Zane, one of the few young artisans learning the craft, demonstrate the basics:
- Pattern creation – Sketching the design on parchment
- Pinning – Securing the pattern to a round cushion
- Threading – Working with nearly invisible thread
- Stitching – Creating tiny, precise needlework points
A simple handkerchief can take over 40 hours to complete, while elaborate pieces like wedding veils might require months of dedicated work. The craft is facing challenges as fewer young people learn these time-intensive skills.
Burano Lace in Modern Fashion
Despite concerns about the tradition fading, Burano lace has found new life in contemporary fashion. I spotted several boutiques showcasing modern applications—delicate trim on linen dresses, statement jewelry incorporating lace elements, and even home décor.
High-end designers occasionally feature Burano lace in their collections, bringing renewed attention to the craft. One shop owner showed me photos of celebrities wearing custom pieces at red carpet events.
For souvenirs, authentic pieces come with certificates of origin and hefty price tags reflecting the hours of labor. Budget-friendly options include machine-made scarves inspired by traditional patterns. The lace making school also offers beginner workshops where I tried my hand at basic stitches (with humbling results!).
Culinary Delights and Local Eats
Burano’s food scene is just as colorful as its famous painted houses. The island offers a wonderful mix of fresh seafood, sweet treats, and authentic local cuisine that shouldn’t be missed during your visit.
Sampling Burano’s Seafood
Fresh seafood is the star of Burano’s culinary scene. I found that most restaurants serve catch-of-the-day specials straight from the lagoon. The risotto de gò (goby fish risotto) is a must-try local specialty you won’t easily find elsewhere.
During my visit, I enjoyed watching fishermen bring their daily catches right to restaurant doorsteps. Many places display their seafood offerings in front windows, so you can see exactly what you’ll be eating.
For the best seafood experience, try Da Romano or Trattoria al Gatto Nero. Both serve incredible fritto misto (mixed fried seafood) featuring tiny lagoon shrimp and calamari. Prices are generally lower than in Venice proper, with most seafood dishes ranging from €15-25.
Sweet Treats and Gelato Spots
Burano offers delightful sweet options to satisfy any sugar craving. The island’s signature dessert is bussolai buranei – butter cookies shaped like an “S” or a ring. I couldn’t resist buying a bag from Panificio Palmisano, a family bakery that’s been making them for generations.
Gelato shops dot the colorful streets, offering welcome refreshment during warm days. My favorite spot was Gelato Artigianale, where they serve creamy pistachio and fresh fruit flavors.
Don’t miss trying the traditional fritole during winter months – fried dough balls with raisins and pine nuts. Many cafés also offer excellent tiramisu made with authentic mascarpone that pairs perfectly with a strong espresso after lunch.
Authentic Dining at Trattorias
The island’s trattorias provide genuine local dining experiences away from tourist crowds. I loved the family-run spots where nonna (grandmother) still helps in the kitchen and recipes haven’t changed in decades.
Trattoria al Gatto Nero stands out for its authentic Burano cuisine. Their seafood pasta dishes use handmade noodles and sauces prepared with age-old techniques. Reservations are essential, especially during peak season.
For a more budget-friendly option, try Trattoria da Prima. The fixed-price lunch menu (€25-30) includes multiple courses and house wine. I enjoyed sitting outside, watching local life unfold while dining on spaghetti alle vongole (with clams).
Most trattorias close between lunch and dinner service (usually 3-7 PM), so plan your meals accordingly. Many offer complimentary grappa after your meal – a strong digestif that’s part of the authentic Burano dining experience.
Beyond Burano: Nearby Attractions
While Burano’s rainbow houses and delicate lacework captivate visitors, the Venetian Lagoon offers more treasures just a short boat ride away. Two neighboring islands provide completely different but equally fascinating experiences for travelers wanting to explore beyond Burano’s colorful streets.
Murano’s Glassmaking Excellence
I was mesmerized watching master craftsmen transform molten glass into delicate works of art on Murano island. This place has been famous for its glassmaking since 1291, when Venice moved all glass furnaces here to prevent fires in the main city.
The island is home to numerous glass factories. You can witness free demonstrations of traditional techniques passed down through generations. These displays typically last about 15 minutes and showcase incredible skill and precision.
Don’t miss the Glass Museum (Museo del Vetro) housed in an ancient palazzo. It displays pieces dating back to Roman times. The island’s canals and bridges offer charming views, though less colorful than Burano’s.
When shopping, look for the “Vetro Artistico Murano” trademark that guarantees authentic Murano glass products.
The Ancient Mysteries of Torcello
Stepping onto Torcello feels like traveling back in time. This peaceful island was actually the first settlement in the Venetian Lagoon. It was once home to 20,000 people before malaria drove residents away.
The haunting Cathedral of Santa Maria Assunta, founded in 639 AD, contains stunning Byzantine mosaics that took my breath away. The golden “Last Judgment” covering an entire wall dates from the 12th century and remains incredibly preserved.
Climb the bell tower for panoramic lagoon views that show how these islands connect to each other. The small archaeological museum displays artifacts telling Torcello’s ancient story.
I recommend visiting the “Ponte del Diavolo” (Devil’s Bridge), one of the few remaining bridges in Venice without parapets or railings. Ernest Hemingway spent time writing here, finding inspiration in Torcello’s mysterious quiet beauty.
