burano free walking tour

Discover the Colorful Canals of Burano: Your Complete Guide to Exploring this Charming Fishing Village in Venice

If you’ve ever been researching travel to Venice , you would have more than likely seen the Instagrammable images of the rainbow-coloured houses of the island of Burano . But there is so much more to this island than just its brightly coloured facades. Behind every sidestreet is a hidden piece of Burano’s history and woven in the lacework, which originally made this town famous, are pieces of its people’s past. This walking tour will take you around all the famous photo hotspots and introduce you to the lace craftspeople who made this island so iconic.

How to Get There

Burano is located off the main island of Venice. To get there you can hop on the V aporetto line #12 . This ferry runs directly from the San Zaccaria dock near St. Mark’s square. The journey takes around 45 minutes and costs €6.50 per perso n. But if you bought a multi-day travel card this will be included so the trip won’t cost you a thing!

This island gets mobbed by tourists! Before Instagram, this island was a peaceful escape from Venice, and often overlooked in favour of Murano ‘s famous glass island. But these days it gets really busy. But let’s face it, we’re all going there for the same reason so you kinda have to take the tourists with a grain of salt. The best way to avoid the crowds is to go super early in the morning. The sunrise from the ferry over the water on your journey to Burano is gorgeous and a great reward for early risers.

History of Burano

Much like the citizens of Venice, the people who would begin to inhabit the island of Burano came here to escape the Barbarian invasions. The island was a refuge in the lagoon, protected from the attacks coming in from the Adriatic Sea. The name  “Burano”  was taken from the words  “Porta Boreana” , which meant  northern door of the city .

The island was inhabited mainly by poor fishermen and therefore there never were too many fantastical palazzos constructed here. Even when the lace trade was at the height of its popularity, lace workers were heavily underpaid so there continued not to be a huge amount of wealth coming into this city. But what you’re left with is an authentically preserved town that encapsulates the way everyday Italians would have lived hundreds of years ago.

Walking Tour | Start the Ferry Dock

After disembarking the Vaporetto you are immediately struck by how different this island is to Venice. The green grass which greets you upon disembarking is one of the most significant differences as the grass is almost impossible to find in Venice. Large trees seem to swell and protect pedestrians sitting on the benches below. People are mulling about as their every day begins, fishermen loading nets into their boats along the shore and women out for their brisk morning walk.

Remigio Barbaro Sculpture

In front of the ferry dock is a bronze sculpture of a naked woman with her arms behind her head, crying out as if in distress. Many fishermen who went out to sea would have lost their lives over the years and this woman represents their collective grief. The statue was made by  Remigio Barbaro,  a local Burano sculpture who is one of the most famous artists who lived on the island.

View this post on Instagram A post shared by Enrica B. Vadalá (@enryben) on Feb 13, 2020 at 2:09am PST

Strada di Corte Comare

Head westwards until you reach the Strada di Corte Comare . Turn up this street and as you take your first steps, you’ll be immediately amazed at the wonderfully colourful houses all around. I couldn’t stop saying “wow ” as I passed one brightly houses to another and the city started to weave its magical spell around me.

Colourful Houses of Burano

Walking along this street, imagine how fisherman, long before the advent of electricity or gas lightning would have found their way home during the misty winters that Burano was famous for. Sounds almost impossible right? White houses would simply disappear into the darkness. So, in order to see their homes from far away, fisherman began painting them these bright, sometimes only neon, colours.  

The typical Burano home is pretty narrow and is only two or three floors tall. The ground level is where you’d find the kitchen and toilets. The upper floors would be where the bedrooms would be kept, to prevent the beds from getting wet during the rainy season.

Colour Rules

But these houses aren’t just painted willy-nilly. Homeowners in Burano must write to the city council if they want to paint their house a different colour. The government will assess the area and let you know what colours are deemed ok for this area. I assume this is to prevent too many of the same coloured houses being painted in one area. Therefore making it more confusing for residences to find their home.

Supermarket Stop

When you approach the first opportunity to turn left, head down this side street until you reach the Supermarket on Via San Mauro . Stop in at this grocery store to pick up breakfast essentials. A picnic in one of Burano’s amazing parks is even better than sitting in a cafe. Grab some cheese, bread, and a beverage to enjoy once we reach the perfect little picnic spot!

Panificio Pasticceria Garbo

If you’d like a sweet treat for breakfast then be sure to stop in at Panificio Pasticceria Garbo . This bakery has been owned by three generations of bakers and sells all the amazing Italian treats you need to have a wonderful start to the morning.

View this post on Instagram A post shared by Yesha Bavishi (@yeshabavishi) on Jan 19, 2018 at 6:10pm PST

Corte Comare

Walk south along the Via San Mauro until you reach the large square called the Corte Comare at the end of the street. This is a down to earth fisherman’s square, where for centuries people have been meeting to discuss the news of the day and catch up with friends.

View this post on Instagram A post shared by Laurent Beuvain (@laurent_beuvain)

In this square take notice of the various doorways facing the square. The doorways and window sills in Burano are some of the most interesting anywhere in the world. In Burano, most people leave their doors open to help with air circulation. To keep the flies out, a large sheet is hung over the doorway. I love all the different colour combinations you’ll see all over the island.

There is a small park nestled on the south-east corner of the Corte Comare . Here you can sit on the grass and enjoy a great view of the waterfront. Watch the boats chug up and down the lagoon, bringing in their catch of the day!

Fondamenta di Cavanella

After finishing your breakfast, walk down the Fondamenta di Cavanella towards the first bridge crossing on your right. These bridges are usually pretty packed with tourists but if you’ve taken my advice and come early in the morning you’ll have it more to yourself.

Pescaria Vecia

Cross over the bridge and walk along the parallel street to the one we just came from, Fondamenta di Cao Moleca . At the end of the street is an old brick structure with a simple red tile roof. This was once the old Pescaria Vecia , or Fish Market . Fishermen have lived and worked in Burano since the moment they came to these shores. There were no areas where the land was fertile enough for farming so fishing was an essential source of food.

Early fishermen used nets and harpoons to catch the fish and eventually also used “chebe ” or cages. The cages would be used to catch bottom-feeding shellfish like crabs. Fishermen could trader fish for goods like wood and wine. It was the currency of the day in Burano. Today, catching fish is still one of the main occupations on Burano. There are over 450 different groups of fisherpeople who bring fresh seafood into the Rialto market and Venetian restaurants every day!

Via Giudecca #101

Backtrack back to the bridge and this time continues along Via Giudecca until you reach house #101. On the facade of the house is a bit of tile work which displays a beautiful quote about the colourful island. The words in Italian translates into; “ Color is like music. It uses shorter ways to come to our senses to, wake our emotions .”

Fondamenta della Pescheria

Cross the bridge and walk west along the Fondamenta della Pescheria . This is one of the busiest areas but the houses along here are amazing.  As you walk along, stop for a minute at the Campo della Pescheria . This is another one of the former outdoor fish markets. This was where the market was moved after a huge storm destroyed the previous one. Today the square is used on most days of the week as a pop-up market where local artisans come to sell their wares.

Leaning Tower of Burano

Standing in the square you have a gorgeous view of the famous leaning tower of Burano ! The tower is apart of the church of San Martino and was built in the 17th century. The shifting ground beneath the island has resulted in the tower starting to lean over the years. Some maintenance work was carried out in 1703 but the issue has yet to be remedied. 

Consider popping your head up a few sidestreets as you go. This is a great way to get away from the crowds and this narrow streets are always filled with such character.

Via Baldassarre Galuppi

Walk down the Campiello dei Squeri , which turns into the Calle Mastelletti. This will lead you over to the Via Baldassarre Galuppi. This street is definitely the most touristy area in Burano. But the history of the street is important. Baldassare Galuppi , for whom the street is named, was one of Italy’s most important composers. He was dubbed “ Il Buranello ” to honour his home in Burano.

View this post on Instagram A post shared by ホレタビ編集部 (@horetabi)

Galuppi loved music from the time he was born. His father was a mere barber but loved to play the violin in his spare time. Galuppi was surrounded by music as a child and inspired him to pursue this passion. Galuppi performed his first opera in Venice where he had been working as an organist. His first Opera performance was an utter failure, with Galuppi being booed off the organ by the audience. But he didn’t let one failure stop him and continued to practice and compose. Eventually, he started to be mentored by composer Antonio Lotti who would shape the rest of his career. Galuppi gained more and more success and became so famous he would preform his operas inside the great St Mark’s Basilica . 

View this post on Instagram A post shared by Marc de Haan (@everyday_memories_picture)

As its getting close to lunchtime, we better stop for something to eat. Eating a touch earlier or later in the day is a great way to avoid large crowds or waiting in line. Although many restaurants along this street are geared towards tourists, Da Primo is a worthy exception. Here you can eat like a local! One of the most famous dishes in Burano is the “ risotto de gò ” which is rice cooked in a rich fish broth. The fish broth is made from the “goby” fish local to the lagoons around Burano.

View this post on Instagram A post shared by Sara Memo (@smemo84) on Jun 3, 2015 at 11:09pm PDT

Dalla Lidia Merletti d’Arte

After all that food it’s time to walk those calories with a little bit of shopping. Lace is what first made this island famous. The practice is kept alive today, mainly by the tourism industry. One of the best shops to find traditionally made lace is  Dalla Lidia Merletti d’Arte   which is the oldest lace shop in Burano. The shop sells handmade lace in the form of linens, tablecloths, handkerchief, bedspread, nightgowns and most adorably, children’s baptism gowns.

The woman who runs the shop is the fifth generation of women to work here. She is wonderfully passionate about the craft and even if there to demonstrate how this lace is made. And while you can shop around for cheaper lace, you’re likely going to find it’s not handmade but machine made in China. It’s really worth splashing out for the real thing, and the prices at Dalla Lidia Merletti d’Arte are extremely reasonable! 

View this post on Instagram A post shared by Rima Kabbani Stait (@rimaevents) on Jun 28, 2018 at 9:30am PDT

Pasticceria Costantini

Walk up the street and turn to your right to grab a sweet treat for dessert. Pasticceria Costantini specializes in Burano’s local delight; the “ Bussolà “. The bussolà of Burano is an “s” shaped cookie. These hard cookies were first made by the fishermen’s wives for times when the fishermen were out on long journeys. While the traditional cookie is made with lemon, rum and vanilla, you can find them with chocolate as well. They are a “must-eat” item to have while on the island!

View this post on Instagram A post shared by Pasticceria Costantini (@pasticceriacostantini.burano) on Dec 11, 2018 at 1:25pm PST

Piazza Baldassarre Galuppi

Cookies in hand, walk over to the center of the Piazza Baldassarre Galuppi . This square is dedicated Baldassare Galuppi . In the middle of the Piazza, there is a monument in his honour, made by another Buranello, the sculptor Remigio Barbaro.  

View this post on Instagram A post shared by Enrica B. Vadalá (@enryben) on Feb 13, 2020 at 2:12am PST

Istrian Stone Well

Also in the center of the square is a large, Istrian stone well. This well dates all the way back to 500 BC! The well still to this day supplies water to the nearby water fountain.

View this post on Instagram A post shared by Andrea (@andreventu82) on Jul 6, 2020 at 9:44am PDT

San Martino

Dominating the square is the large San Martino church . This 16th-century, Roman Catholic church remains vastly unchanged from the day it was first built. While the exterior isn’t much to marvel at, take a quick peek inside. The interior features a large marble sarcophagus. Inside it is said that the remains of all island’s patron saints are laid to rest.

The Myth of the Fisherman

The myths goes that in the year 1000, a few fishermen in Burano saw a large marble coffin floating out in the water. Dozens of men tried to move it but none could get it to budge. Then four children came forward. The fisherman laughed at them at first but were shocked when the children moved it without almost any effort. It is said that the purity of the children was what allowed them to move these holy relics.

Also, keep your eyes open while inside for a plaque on the wall. This plaque is dedicated to the eight people who lost their lives when a huge storm blew the old Fish Market we saw previously. The storm destroyed 240 houses and killed these eight fishermen. It was one of the deadliest events on the island.

View this post on Instagram A post shared by Jake 🇹🇭 (@jporsh) on May 20, 2019 at 5:00pm PDT

Lace Museum

Opposite the church is the old Burano Lace School , whis is now the Lace Museum . This was where young girls were trained in the art of lace-making. The school was open from 1872 to 1970. After it closed down to teachings, it was transformed into a museum that provides visitors with a great introduction to the art of lace-making and its history on the island.

History of Lace in Burano

For more than 300 years, the island of Burano was known better as the “ island of lace “. According to long-told story, a sailor was out at sea and wanted to bring home a present for the girl he was in love with. While fishing, he found a beautiful plant which he called the  trina delle sirene or  mermaid’s lace and brought it home to her. She was enamoured with the gift and wanted to immortalize it forever. So she set to recreating the plant in fine threads. And that’s how lacework was born… or at least that’s their story.

The first lacemakers in Burano were women who worked in convents. The lace was exclusively made for the church to be used to decorate their vestments and altar cloths. These pieces of lacework were almost impossibly delicate, made with gossamer fine threads stitched together to form intricate patterns. Some of the women who made this lace would have spent their entire lives with their needle and thread, as women, especially in convents, were allowed to do little more than sewing. Spinsters and orphans would often be sent to a convent and find themselves making lace for the rest of their lives.

View this post on Instagram A post shared by Rujuta Rao (@rujutarao)

As lacework broke out of just being made for the church, lace guilds started to pop up all over Burano. The guilds were put in place to control the production. On this outlying island, away from the high society in Venice, merchants could get away with paying low wages to the women in these guilds. The 17th century was the heyday for lacework in Burano. It was seen as the very best lacework to be found anywhere in the world. They called it  punto in aria  or “points in the air” because of the almost impossibly fine formation of the threads, like that of a spider.

Lace as Status

Lacework was seen as a high-status symbol, and worn by many rich aristocrats. The finer the lacework, the more expensive the cost, and therefore the more you showed off. Much of this lacework was worn in portraits painted of noblemen, immortalizing the lace forever. Despite the high price of lace, the actual women who made these pieces never became wealthy themselves as most of the money went straight into the pockets of the merchants. The merchants lived in luxurious palaces in Venice, and the poor women of Burano who sometimes went blind from this difficult work continued living in poverty on the island.

Burano Lace Guilds

In the 18th century, the tradition of lacework began to lose popularity. Its association with noblemen was reviled by the Revolutionaries of the time. Merchants abandoned the guilds and women on Burano. But the tradition never really was abandoned by the lacemakers themselves. They continued to make lace on the island for themselves and passed down the skills to their children. Bobbin lace was invented by these new generations, a slightly faster way of making lace. Today on the streets of Burano you can still watch mothers and grandmothers making lace the same way it was done hundreds of years ago. Thanks to the tourist trade, this tradition lives on.

View this post on Instagram A post shared by Veronica Salami (@in_lens_veritas) on Apr 22, 2020 at 6:01am PDT

Merletti dalla Olga

After learning more about lacework, let’s visit another lace shop. Lace by Olga , or Merletti dalla Olga , specializes in turning lace into real works of art. One of my favourite things about this shop are the framed pieces of lace which cover the rich red walls. Even if you aren’t into wearing lace, you can find something that will look great on your walls. These beautiful framed pieces of lace, in the shapes of smaller items like butterflies or Saint icons cost between 12 and 18 euros which is really affordable and a great souvenir!

Terranova’s Marble Bridge

Crossing over the Terranova’s Marble Bridge , turn around. The view from the bridge or just behind the bridge has the most amazing panorama out towards the church of San Martino. Its framed on either side by the adorable multi-coloured houses iconic of this island.

View this post on Instagram A post shared by Tiger Oma (@tiger_oma) on Jun 23, 2018 at 6:31am PDT

House of Remigio Barbaro

Walk along the Calle Brolli which encircles the edge of the island. Walking along the water’s edge, you’ll come upon a brick house with a large forest in the yard (marked on the map). This is the house of artist Remigio Barbaro. Remigio Barbaro was born in Burano in 1911 and spent his event life here. He is greatly admired by the residents of the city for his beautiful sculptural works. He had wished for his house to be turned into a museum after his death but construction on the house has only continued and no museum has been opened yet. Hopefully, it will open one day but until then you can at least admire the beautiful location where the artists worked.

Fondamenta di Terranova

Cut down the side street after passing the Remigio Barbaro House and walk north along Fondamenta di Terranova . I love this stretch of sidewalk. This part of the city is very far away from the tourist hub and here you’ll almost always find locals on their way to get their shopping or just out for a walk. There is a real sense of peace here and the island suddenly feels less just like a tourist Disneyland and more like a real place.

Ponte della Vigna

I think the Ponte della Vigna is my favourite of all the bridges on the island. Because it’s so quiet here and less packed with tourists the bridge has a truly romantic quality to it. Vigna means vineyards in Italian as there once was a small grove of grape trees nearby. The grapes were harvested by the convents on the island to produce their altar wine.

Make your way from the bridge, west along with the Corte Romano Barbaro , then north up Corte del Pistro . These side streets are a photographers dream. They are almost devoid of tourists and they are also so picturesque. Laundry hangs outside the houses and across the streets, blowing in the wind. Just an idyllic scene in the middle of Burano.

Continue until you reach the unmissable Casa de Bepi . The house is one of those famous facades you’ll see plastered on dozens of postcards in the city. While all the other houses in Burano are painted one solid colour, Bepi’s was painted with a variety of bright colours in geometric shapes. Bepi was a real man who lived here who would entertain local children with his brightly coloured drawing. He continued adding to his house every day until his death. Today the city ensures the facade remains just as colourful as the day it was painted to keep the memories of Bepi alive.

View this post on Instagram A post shared by SL (@sonhoviagemcheck)

Fondamenta S. Mauro Bridge

Walking over the Fondamenta S. Mauro Bridge , look out east on the bridge towards the canal. The bend in the waterway here with the little boats lining the edge of the canal makes for a beautiful picture. This street is usually pretty empty making it look all the more scenic.

La Buranella

While there are dozens of cheesy souvenir shops in Burano, La Buranella is one of the only truly amazing shops which sells one-of-a-kind gifts. La Buranella specializes in colourful, hand made paintings of Burano landscapes. The man who paints them is also the owner of the shop and will happily chat with you about his amazing creations. There are items here for as little as 5 euros but made by someone right in the heart of Burano and not made in China. One of the best places to end out your day.

This brings us to the end of our tour. If you find the ferry dock busy with tourists, head over the island of Mazzorbo (just across the bridge). This is a great place to wander around and kill some times while taking in some beautiful green spaces.

Burano is such a vibrant and exciting place and well worth the mere 45-minute journey from Venice. If you bring your own food and skip the museum, the trip will cost you nothing more than the ferry ticket price. And if you’ve already purchased a multi-day travel card that’s covered too! I wish I could return here all the time when I’m feeling creatively drained as this colourful island just awakens all your senses and will revive anyone’s spirit. What are you most looking forward to seeing in Burano? Is it the lace or the houses ? Let me know in the comments!

Happy Travels Adventurers!

« The Complete Guide to Venetian Carnival Masks

A free self-guided walking tour of the haunted canals of venice », you may also like.

The Ultimate 24-Hour Guide to Hakone Japan

The Ultimate Self Guided Tour of Barcelona’s Gothic Quarter

The Ultimate Self-Guided Tour of Les Baux-de-Provence

Leave a comment cancel reply.

Your email address will not be published. Required fields are marked *

Pingback: Avoid These 10 Common Mistakes In Venice And Discover These Ultimate Activities Instead! - The Creative Adventurer on July 13, 2020

Copyright @ 2023 The Creative Adventurer | All Rights Reserved | Privacy Policy

Free Murano & Burano Tour Venice

Free murano & burano tour venice.

• Unlock the allure of the Venetian lagoon's vibrant islands — Murano and Burano —on this exhilarating tour.
• Explore Burano's colorful houses and intricate 'merletti' lace with a professional guide.
• Witness Murano's glass masters craft exquisite art right before your eyes.

Other Tours in Venice

See All Tours in Venice

Free Tours in Your Language

Free Tour - Free Tour Venice › Free Murano & Burano Tour Venice

Tour Calendar

THE 10 BEST Burano Walking Tours

Walking tours in burano.

• Cultural Tours
• Historical & Heritage Tours
• Walking Tours
• Sightseeing Tours
• Literary, Art & Music Tours
• Private Tours
• Hop-On Hop-Off Tours
• Skip-the-Line Tours
• Ports of Call Tours
• Archaeology Tours
• Wine Tours & Tastings
• Multi-day Tours
• Photography Tours
• Up to 1 hour
• 1 to 4 hours
• 4 hours to 1 day
• 5.0 of 5 bubbles
• 4.0 of 5 bubbles & up
• 3.0 of 5 bubbles & up
• 2.0 of 5 bubbles & up
• Likely to Sell Out
• The ranking of tours, activities, and experiences available on Tripadvisor is determined by several factors including the revenue generated by Tripadvisor from these bookings, the frequency of user clicks, and the volume and quality of customer reviews. Occasionally, newly listed offerings may be prioritized and appear higher in the list. The specific placement of these new listings may vary.

1. St Marks, Doges Palace, with Murano and Burano & Gondola Ride

2. Luxury Tour of Murano & Burano Boat

3. Half Day Murano and Burano Island Tour by Private Boat

4. Live Venice and its Islands, 7 magical itineraries

5. Murano and Burano Islands Semi-Independent Tour

6. Murano, Burano & Torcello Islands Full-Day Tour

7. Venice:Half Day Tour to Murano & Burano Islands with Wine Tasting

8. Island hopping tour: Mazzorbo, Burano and Murano

9. Islands Tour with a real local!

10. The Secret Corners of Burano

11. Private Tour: Murano, Burano and Torcello Half-Day Tour

12. Venice Islands Murano Burano with Glass Factory Private Tour

13. Private Day Trip to Murano, Burano & Torcello islands from Venice with a local

14. Venice audio guides: all the major attractions of the city and islands

15. Best of Venice in 4 days

16. Private Excursion by Motorboat to the Islands of Murano, Burano and Torcello

17. Venice in a day - luxury

18. Romantic Photoshoot in Burano

19. 5-day photography and gaze education course in Venice

20. Murano, Burano & Torcello Islands Private Tour

Keep the fun going with other experiences in the area.

Venice Street Food Tour with Local Guide with Local Food Market Visit

Venice Food Tour - Eat like a Venetian

Experience Venice Like A Local: Small Group Cicchetti & Wine Tour

Venice Murano Island Glass Factory Tour with Glass Blowing Demonstration

Tour of Venice in Doge's Palace and St Mark's Basilica

Murano Glass Factory Experience-a Workshop in Venice

Venice Private Food Walking Tour With Locals: 6 or 10 Tastings

Tasty Street Food Tour of Venice City Center with Cicchetti & Local Specialties

Your Evening in Venice

Highlights and Hidden Gems Night Tour in Venice

What travelers are saying.

• St Marks, Doges Palace, with Murano and Burano & Gondola Ride
• Luxury Tour of Murano & Burano Boat
• Half Day Murano and Burano Island Tour by Private Boat
• Murano, Burano & Torcello Islands Full-Day Tour
• Murano and Burano Islands Semi-Independent Tour

We have received your request correctly.

You will receive an email with a summary of your bookings.

Can't find it? Leave us your email and we'll send you a summary of your bookings.

Share it straight to social media with your campaign ID and name

Murano & Burano Free Tour

• 9.30 / 10 1,894 reviews | 17,335 travellers Everything was very good, our guide, Yasmina, was very nice and told us very interesting things. The very successful route. And the recommendation for eating is magnificent. 10 Javier Aparicio

With this free tour in English, we'll discover the charm of the islands of Murano and Burano, the most famous and colorful islands of the Venetian lagoon!

Description

At 9:15 am, we'll meet at Campo dei Gesuiti in Venice. From here, we'll head to the Fondamente Nove pier , where we'll take the vaporetto to Burano .

Get ready to be enchanted by Burano's  beautiful colorful houses ! During the walk through the center of the island, we'll see the  Church of San Martino and learn about the origin of the famous Burano lace , called " merletti ". We'll also hear about the most surprising legends of Burano ! After the tour of Burano, we'll take the vaporetto to Murano .

On this island, we'll stroll through its picturesque streets between canals . While we walk past the most emblematic points, we'll tell you some interesting facts about the island's past. Plus, you can visit a  Murano glass factory , if you'd like, and see firsthand how their master craftsmen work the glass!

At about 1:45 pm, we'll conclude the free tour in Murano. You can choose to stay longer on the island or return with the guide to Venice, where we'll arrive at 2:15 pm.

Transport card

To travel from Venice to the islands of Murano and Burano, you'll need the ACTV transport card . The price of this card for 1 day is € 25 ( US$ 26.70) per person.

This free tour doesn't admit groups of more than 6 people, even if they book the activity separately. If you're a larger group, we recommend booking our private excursion to Murano .

More Information

4 hours 30 minutes - 5 hours.

The activity takes place with a guide that speaks in English.

English–speaking guide

Not included

24–hour ACTV transport card: € 25 ( US$ 26.70) per person

Entrance to a Murano glass factory and demonstration: € 5 ( US$ 5.40) per person

When to book?

You can book up until 15 minutes before the activity as long as there are still places. Book now to guarantee your spot.

Type of voucher

Electronic. Show the voucher on your phone.

Accessibility

Not wheelchair accessible.

Sustainability

All services published on Civitatis are carried out in accordance with our Sustainability Code .

Our providers commit to:

• Provide a safe and satisfying experience.
• Reduce, reuse, recycle.
• Incorporate eco-conscious technologies.
• Uphold fair employment standards.
• Foster the growth of local communities.
• Preserve the integrity of local culture.
• Safeguard both cultural and environmental heritage.
• Ensure ethical treatment of animals.
• Operate with honesty and transparency.
• Encourage sustainable behaviors among customers and staff.

This particular activity contributes as follows:

• No printing of documentation required.

Itaka Tours Show more

Corporate name: Francisco Jesús Núñez Pizarro

Frequently asked questions

Q - Where can I buy the ACTV transport card?

A - The transport card can be purchased at any tobacconist or at the ticket offices and vending machines of the nearest piers such as St. Mark's Square, Rialto Bridge, Santa Lucia Train Station, or Piazza di Roma.

Q - Why do this activity with Civitatis?

A - At Civitatis we guarantee the best quality and prices, click here if you want to know how we select our activities.

Q - How to book?

A - To reserve the activity, choose the date and complete the form on this page. You will receive your confirmation immediately.

Q - Is a minimum number of participants required?

A - This activity requires a minimum of 4 participants. Should this number not be reached, we'll get in touch with you to offer alternatives.

If you have any other questions please contact us.

Free cancellation

Meeting point, where does the activity end.

Campo dei Gesuiti

Murano Colonna

You may also be interested in

Vivaldi's Four Seasons Concert

Venetian Galleon Cruise with Dinner

Offer: St. Mark's Basilica + Doge's Palace Tour

Login to add activities to your favorites and access them from any device

This site is reCAPTCHA protected and Google's privacy policy and terms of service apply.

Log in to rate the opinions of other travelers

• SAN FRANCESCO DEL DESERTO
• SANT'ERASMO
• LIDO OF VENICE
• CERTOSA ISLAND
• THINGS TO DO IN BURANO
• BURANO LACE
• SAN MARTINO CHURCH
• LEANING BELL TOWER
• VENICE MUSEUMS
• HOW TO GET TO BURANO
• BURANO TOURS
• ACCOMMODATION
• DRIVING AROUND VENICE
• A CRUISE TO VENICE
• MARRIAGES IN VENICE
• REAL ESTATE ADS
• WEATHER IN VENICE
• BEPI'S HOUSE
• BALDASSARE GALUPPI
• PINO DONAGGIO
• BURANO'S PICTURES
• VENETO'S WINES
• BURANO'S REGATTA
• REDENTORE IN VENICE
• CURRENT EVENTS
• BURANO SOCIAL

Burano Italy, a Venice's Island

Welcome to isoladiburano.it the Official Website of Burano in Italy , the colorful island of lace . Home of big artists like Baldassare Galuppi , Remigio Barbaro and Pino Donaggio , as well as inspirer of the Arte Buranella .

Many international magazines include Burano among the top 10 most colorful cities in the world , although it would be more appropriate to bring it within the first 10 most colorful places in the world or between the 10 most colorful locations in the world .

If you're planning to travel to Burano, read our guide on how to visit the island of Burano . Otherwise, keep reading.

The Colours of Burano

All visitors of Burano remain intrigued by the many colours and the colorful houses that are reflected into the green waters of channels, by the leaning bell tower , by the tranquility and the calmness with which the elderly ladies embroider original Burano lace by their tombolo (or lace pillow), while they are laughing and chatting in squares among them. It seems to be in paradise. Children who dart freely with their bicycles, balconies with multicolored flowers, fishermen who put up fresh fish from their traditional boats.

Just gone ashore from actv ferry ( purchasing Burano's water bus tickets ), you will be in a green lawn where a Remigio Barbaro 's solemn sculpture is placed.

Pursuing the shores you will arrive to center of the Island: Galuppi Square ; here neighbourly ladies invite the most curious visitors to come into their shops to admire the lace working .

Although in lacemaking in Burano is the main craftsmanship attraction, enchanting is also the " lume glass working ": a technique born in the nearby island of Murano , but also widespread in the other islands of the Venetian Lagoon . Burano is not an exception to this and it is quite easy to come across some little shops where you can admire this type of Murano glass processing . Real glass factories in miniature, such as the shop located in Fondamenta Giudecca 132, inside a typical and small green house.

If you search for a place to eat like a local , Burano is very famous for its fish dishes , the most famous of which is the " risotto de gò ": the broth in which the rice is cooked and creamed is extracted from the "gò" a fish typical of the Venice lagoon, known in English under the name of " goby ". The dishes of the Burano's cuisine are served in restaurants , who despite being known from the point of view of the quality of the service, in the kitchen maintain the genuineness of a typical old " trattoria buranella " (a Burano's tavern) and where you can still eat delicious fresh fish.

If your time is short, there are anyway several pizzerias or you can opt for a delicious icecream in a bar or a typical Burano's cookie (the most famous are the " Bussolà " and the " Esse ") in a pastry store , enjoying it until the end of Piazza Galuppi where San Martino Bishop's Church is located: inside, in addition to a lot of important works, there is a famous opera of Gian Battista Tiepolo . Sideways is located the Santa Barbara's Chapel.

Always in the same square there is the " Museo del Merletto " (Lace Museum), the Town Hall , a well made of Istria's stone and the Baldassare Galuppi's sculpture made by Remigio Barbaro , the well-known sculptor from Burano.

Sideways the church, some stands offer local souvernirs for a cheap price. Moreover every Wednesday morning not far from the church the street market takes place and two minutes far from the center you can take a look at the fish market, where to see the typical venetian lagoon sea-food.

Among Burano's tiny streets there are a lot of "capitelli" (capitals) placed in the calli entrances and, searching for them, surely you will bump into the most famous and coloured house in the island: " la Casa di Bepi Suà " (the house of Joseph Sweaty), painted with the use of many colors, divided into geometric shapes.

The typical Burano's houses are mainly squared-shaped and are divided into two or three floors. At the low ground there is the kitchen, the breakfast nook and the toilet. At the next floors there are the bedrooms.

The different colours of the houses, which today rappresent the our island main feature, at a previous time was useful to delimit the properties. Notwithstanding an ancient legend narrates that fishermen painted their houses to see them from long distance when they were far away for fishing.

Where is Burano in Italy?

Burano is an island in the Northern Venetian Lagoon , 11 Km northeastern far from Murano and Venice , to which it is connected by the Canale Bisatto - Canale Carbonera - Scomenzera San Giacomo's trail: this route from Venice to Burano takes 45 minutes by boat. This island is easily reachable also from Treporti (10 minutes) and Punta Sabbioni (30 minutes), two Cavallino-Treporti 's resorts which overlook on the lagoon. Today in Burano there are around 3000 inhabitants, while the total number of people living in Venice and its islands is about 60000.

If you're going to visit Burano , you can find all the necessary information and suggestions on the page " getting to Burano ".

What to see in Burano

isoladiburano.it has created an useful guide with a map depicting the major attractions in Burano . So if you're planning to visit Burano, but you're not sure where to start, do not miss our guide entitled " Things to do in Burano ."

History of Burano

The inhabitants of Altino , escaping from barbarian invasion, find refuge in the islands of lagoon, giving them the names of the six doors of their thrown over city: Murano , Mazzorbo , Burano , Torcello , Ammiana e Costanziaca.

The name "Burano" arise from "Porta Boreana" , the northern door of the city.

In these islands the first houses were build on palafittes, with walls made of woven canes and afterwards plastered with mud. They were very light buildings constituted by an unique room, because the ground was too tender. Beds were made of dry leaves.

Later these raw houses were changed with buildings made of bricks and the older ones were used like warehouses.

Some scholar believe that Burano was not risen where it is situated today. In some ancient text is written that the island was situated nearest the sea and that its inhabitants must escape from it because of the strong tidal wave.

Instead in other texts is written which the position of Burano was never changed and which it has saved the island from malaria.

Since the time of Venetian Republic , Burano had only 8000 poor inhabitants (now 3000) predominantly fishermans and farmers. Thanks to the craft of lace workers, the island grew economically, exporting its fantastic laces all over the world.

Today Burano is lotted into five joined by bridge quarters: "San Martino Destro" , "San Martino Sinistro" , "San Mauro" , "Giucecca" and "Terranova" , traversed by their mill runs "Rio Ponticello", "Rio Zuecca" and "Rio Terranova".

The last big change was the principal mill run's closing off to build the square, which takes its name from the famous musician Baldassare Galuppi .

What are the major activities in Burano?

Once time ago fishing was the main job in Burano , while today is tourism besides retail trade and restaurants. That's why this site is intended as a small tourist guide to Venice and its islands which can help you to find answers to simple questions about Venice Italy as "where in Italy is Venice" .

Does handcraft exists in Burano?

Burano is very famous for its needle lace . However on the island there is a production of venetian masks and many people work in the nearest Murano , creating precoius glass objects. A detailed section about shops will be very useful for you to plan your shopping.

Where can I eat in Burano, Venice and its islands?

Isoladiburano.it set a section in which you can find information about both restaurants and pubs where to snack.

How can I find accommodation in Burano, Venice and its islands?

We offer a section about accommodation in Venice islands and around them, which will follow you to choose the fitter resort for your holidays. A lot of inns , bed and breakfasts , apartments and hotels in Venice are available, such as resorts in Burano and in the nearest places like Mazzorbo , Torcello , Murano, Mestre , Cavallino Treporti, Jesolo and Abano Terme .

Recently you can also book apartments in Burano or your stay in a typical house of Burano , once inhabited by fishermen and lace makers, through the page holiday homes and apartments in Burano .

IsoladiBurano.it and all the inhabitants of Burano wish you a good navigation ....and they hope that it will become a real holiday in our places.

Burano Tours and Venice Tours

Boat Excursions to Murano, Burano and Torcello

Duration: starting from 4 hours

Period: available all year!

Enjoy a little taste of the timeless atmosphere that you breathe in these places through a convenient and economic boat trip to the islands of the Venice Lagoon.

Departing from Venice, can be complicated for a tourist reaching Murano, Burano and Torcello by public transport, so we thought about comfortable tours of the islands which depart from the Santa Lucia train station in Venice, from Piazza San Marco and, in summer, also from Punta Sabbioni, the end of the Cavallino-Treporti coastline.

In our catalog there are various boat tours options: starting from the classic excursion to Burano, Murano and Torcello , up to the excursion to Murano and Burano with a fish-based lunch in a typical restaurant in Burano.

A novelty are also the tour of Burano, Murano and Venice starting from Punta Sabbioni and the daily excursion to Venice and its islands starting from Jesolo Lido.

In short, if you want to visit Murano and Burano , as well as Torcello and Venice, without sacrificing comfort, seating, explanation on board .... book online the boat trip that's right for you.

Choose the visit to the islands that you prefer, by pressing the button below to have access to our online catalog.

Venice Travel Cards

If you are a "DIY tourist", who prefer to move freely without the comfort of our tours, you can get to Burano with the public vaporetto (Line 12). You can skip the line at the ticket offices buying the water bus tickets online.

Week end in Venice

Plan your weekend in Venice : take a ride in our section dedicated to museums, events, tours, attractions and hotels in Venice and lagoon islands. Compose online your holiday package in Venice , adding to cart individual services and booking them all at once!

All these services are offered by a Venetian tour operators.

Local Handicrafts

New Arte Fuga - Lume Glass Factory

Via Giudecca, 132 - 30142 Burano (Venice Italy)

The New Arte Fuga shop in Burano, which is also a small glass factory, offers exclusively original Murano glass objects of its own manufacture.

Inside this shop it's possible to enjoy for free the " glass lume processing ", typical of the area around Murano.

Download the coupon for "New Arte Fuga" by clicking on the button below: showing it in the shop you will be entitled to a discount or a freebie.

Burano Accommodation

Burano Bed and Breakfast

Calle Daffan, 379 - 30142 Burano

Book your room in Burano, in the heart of the Venice Lagoon. Stay directly in the quiet Piazza Baldassare Galuppi of Burano.

Venice Hotels

Holiday lettings, homes and apartments in Burano

Would you like to stay in a typical colorful house of Burano, once inhabited by fishermen and lace-makers?

• Want to become a guide?

Share my guruwalk

Free tour murano and burano from venice.

We are a group of tourist guides, accredited in Venice and Madrid, with extensive experience in the city, both historically and culturally, as well as in leisure and gastronomy. We will be delighted if you visit Venice or Madrid with us.

• Free booking and cancellation Free payment tour, no set price, booking and cancellation are free
• Accepts electronic payment This tour allows payment by electronic means or credit card

Tour description

On this tour we will visit the two most famous and interesting islands near Venice: Murano and Burano. The Island of Murano is known for the manufacture of blown glass. On the tour we will visit the Canal dei Vetrai, full of shops where they exhibit and sell the best samples of Muranese glass. In addition to glass, Murano offers us an important artistic and cultural offer, highlighting the Basilica of Santa Maria and San Donato, a masterpiece of Italian Romanesque or the Church of San Pedro Mártir, famous for its blown glass lamps. We will also go to a glass factory where, whoever wants it, can see an exhibition by a master glassmaker on how glass is blown. On the island of Burano we will find a small and beautiful fishing village that is characteristic because its inhabitants paint their houses in very bright and cheerful colors, giving the island a very picturesque appearance. There we will find the Tower of San Martín, with an obvious inclination or with the peculiar House of Bepi, an interesting and beloved inhabitant of Burano. The Bhutanese streets are full of shops where merletto, bobbin lace, is made. There will be no shortage of gastronomic and cultural recommendations on the tour. IMPORTANT: Aspects to take into account on the tour: 1. Transportation is not included, it would be necessary to previously purchase the 24-hour vaporetto ticket (€25) at any pier or tobacconist. 2. THE ENTRANCE TO THE GLASS FACTORY HAS A COST OF €5 PER PERSON. The tour ends next to the factory so that people who want to pay and access can do so. 3. Groups of more than 6 people are not allowed, EVEN IF THEY COME WITH DIFFERENT RESERVATIONS, the guide may refuse the admission of these groups on the tour. For groups of more than 6 we have private Tours for 150 that can be contracted directly with the guide.

You will find us in Campo dei Gesuiti, next to the Church of Santa Maria Asunta (Jesuit Church). You will recognize our guides because they carry a RED UMBRELLA and an official tourist guide accreditation.

How much does this tour cost?

Free tours do not have a set price , instead, each person gives the guru at the end of the tour the amount that he or she considers appropriate (these usually range from €10 to $50 depending on satisfaction with the tour).

Tour opinions

Tour opinions (370)

Muy entretenido

Muy agradable tour, guía muy simpática y amable, todo perfecto

El tour fue excrlente. El profesionalismo de la guía me.gustó mucho. Conoce su trabajo y lp hace con gusto. Lo recomiendo mucho. Gracias

Lo ha hecho muy ameno y divertido. Un 10!

Bien, vimos a artesanos de murano y burano, ademas de una pequeña isla vinicola. Ella te da un qr con recomendaciones. No recuerdo su nombre pero ella es española con uno de sus apellidos muñoz

Who is this tour for?

What should you know, others tours from this guru, others cities to visit after venice.

Find similar guruwalks in Venice

Where are you traveling to?

About the author:

a travel blog by renata green

MURANO – BURANO – TORCELLO: A Self-Guided Island Tour

Posted on 2023-06-25 2023-11-27 Author Renata 13 Comments

Sure, there is a lot to see in Venice’s Centro Storico, the   historic center, yet, there are also those smaller gems. In this guide, I show you how to visit Murano , Burano , and Torcello , comfortably on a self-guided tour. It’s actually pretty easy and inexpensive to visit these three islands on a day trip from Venice .

The Venetian Lagoon

Speaking about Venice, we are generally referring to the small, fish-shaped city center, the so-called Centro Storico .

However, that’s only one small island in the Venetian lagoon which spreads over 550 square kilometers and is located north of the Adriatic Sea. This lagoon emerged from the Brenta River and other waters from the Po valley around 4000 B. C. Only around 8 percent of the area consists of islands. The remaining surface consists of waters, mud flats, and marshland.

The lagoon forms the largest wetland connected to the Mediterranean Sea and has three outlets to the Adriatic Sea. This connection to the Adriatic causes strong water movements and spring tides. Therefore, the so-called acqua alta floods the Centro Storico regularly.

The northern part of the lagoon towards Torcello contains mainly fresh water. There is hardly any tidal range. It is therefore called laguna morta , which translates to dead lagoon. In contrast, the water level of the saltwater part – the laguna viva , hence, the living lagoon – rises and falls with the ebb and flow of the sea.

The Islands

As a matter of fact, there is a total of 120 islands in the lagoon. However, only 11 are permanently inhabited. Apart from the Centro Storico, there are at least three more islands you should not miss when visiting Venice:

Of all the islands in the Venetian lagoon, Murano is the third largest one – after the Centro Storico and the Lido . It has a size of a bit over one square kilometer and actually consists of seven small islets divided by eight channels and connected through bridges.

The island of Murano is located about 1.5 kilometers – or one mile – north of the Centro Storico. It once used to be an independent commune, but is now part of greater Venice.

Although there are some landmarks such as the Church of Santa Maria e San Donato, the Church of San Pietro Martire, and the Palazzo da Mula, most people visit Murano for the famous glass, sold in uncountable small stores. Another great attraction is the Murano Glass Museum, housed in the large Palazzo Giustinian.

In the 13th century, Murano was a summer resort for the Venetian aristocrats who built beautiful villas with orchards and gardens there. As the furnaces that were used for glass melting became a fire hazard to the Centro Storico, the Venetians outsourced the glass production to Murano.

This way, the island became Europe’s prime glassmaking center. The heyday of production was in the 15th and 16th centuries.

Heart of Glass

Murano wasn’t only famous for its outstanding quality. During the 15th century, the local glassmakers invented cristallo . It was almost transparent and became the world’s finest glass.

On the other hand, they also developed a white-colored glass, a milk glass called lattimo,  that looked like porcelain. Huge chandeliers, amazing mirrors, bowls and vases, jewelry, and beads were produced in large numbers.

To this date, glass is one of the most sought-after souvenirs among visitors to Venice.

In the 13th century, it took the nobles about an hour to row a boat from Venice to Murano – which, of course, they didn’t have to do themselves. Today, you can get there in about ten minutes.

Once in Murano, you need to

✔   learn about the history of glass making at the Museo del Vetro, Murano’s Glass Museum ✔   see some truly amazing contemporary art made from glass at the Fondazione Berengo Art Space ✔   attend a glass-working demonstration at the Former Church Santa Chiara – The Glass Cathedral  ✔   admire the paintings by Bellini at the Chiesa di San Pietro Martire ✔   enjoy a – yes, Bellini – on the Campo Santo Stefano under the Torre dell’Orologio

But there is much more to explore –  as you can read in my post .

Although Burano was already mentioned in 840, it remained a rather insignificant fishing island until the late Middle Ages. At that time, even Torcello and the neighboring island of Mazzorbo were more powerful.

Protecting Venice’s economic interests, fishing was heavily regulated although it was Burano’s main source of income. For instance, fishermen from Burano were only allowed to sell their catch on their own island and at the Rialto market. Trade with the mainland was banned. Obviously, this led to illegal business and smuggling.

At some point, Venice considered the security situation so pressing that Burano was divided into four quarters. It was prohibited to leave those by boat after dark under penalty of death. Hence, it’s no wonder that there were only two wealthy families on the island of Burano. The majority of the inhabitants were rather poor fishermen.

Nevertheless, men on Burano continued to make a living from fishing, while women dedicated themselves to lace embroidery. As a matter of fact, the lace school Scuola di Merletti picked up on this craft. Since 1872, it has created masterful copies of the old patterns and techniques.

In 1924, Burano became formally part of the municipality of Venice – despite the strong opposition of its residents.

Burano is located less than 10 kilometers northeast of Venice’s Centro Storico . Just like its big sisters Venice and Murano , Burano is actually a group of small isles – there is five of them – that are connected by bridges.

Today, with an area of ​​less than 2.5 square kilometers, Burano is one of the larger and with over 2700 inhabitants one of the most densely populated islands in the Venetian Lagoon.

Once in Burano, you need to

✔   learn about the history of lace making at the Museo dei Merletti, Burano’s Lace Museum ✔   take a souvenir picture in front of the colorful Casa di Bepi Suà ✔   take a good look around from the Tre Ponti bridge ✔   admiring Giambattista Tiepolo’s Crucifixion at the Oratory of Santa Barbara ✔   just stroll up and down Burano’s streets, getting dizzy from all those bold colors

As you visit the less than 0.5 square kilometers large island, it’s very difficult to imagine that Torcello gained importance as a center of politics and trade in the 7th century. Of all the important sacral buildings, today, only the Basilica of Santa Maria Assunta remains.

Yet, excavations exposed a village of wooden houses from the 10th and 11th centuries. The houses overlooked canals, and numerous furnaces indicate the production of glass. Amphorae with rests of olive oil and wine from the Mediterranean reveal trade with distant places.

After all, back then, Torcello had about 20,000 inhabitants and was wealthier than Venice.

After the 12th century, this prosperous era ended, and the island lost its significance. The lagoon around Torcello swamped, and malaria epidemics became a constant threat. As many inhabitants left the island for Venice or Murano , they took everything valuable or even useful with them.

Consequently, Torcello was almost completely demolished. Around 1860, there were only around 360 inhabitants left.

Very little remains of the once magnificent buildings on Torcello. During the island’s heyday, there were twelve parishes and sixteen monasteries, albeit including other islands in the northern part of the lagoon. Today, all that’s left are the Basilica Santa Maria Assunta and the Church of Santa Fosca.

Over the decades, Torcello’s population shrunk to an all-time low of 15 permanent residents.

Once in Torcello, you need to

✔   awe at the mosaics of the Basilica of Santa Maria Assunta ✔   visit the Chiesa di Santa Fosca ✔   trace the island’s history at the Museo Provinciale di Torcello ✔   dance on the Devil’s Bridge ✔   enjoy a snack and local wine at the Taverna Tipica

How to Get There And Around

While you can explore the Centro Storico, the fish-shaped historic center of Venice , by walking, this is not an option if you also want to visit the other islands scattered in the Venetian lagoon.

Fortunately, apart from public land transport, the ACTV transport company has also a comprehensive network of vaporetti , water buses, taking you to any place in the lagoon on a regular schedule.

There is vaporetto line #12 going from the stop Fondamente Nove on the northern edge of the Centro Storico to the islands I’m introducing in this post.

Vaporetto #12 makes its first stop at the lighthouse of Murano and continues in the early morning and late afternoon not only to Burano , but also to the island of Torcello. After 9 a.m. and before 5.30 p.m., it goes only to Burano. From there, you have to continue to Torcello by shuttle boat #9 . Conveniently, it’s going back and forth between those islands every 15 minutes.

Also, once the regular vaporetti are suspended, there is a nightly connection by line NLN ; hence, you never get stuck on any of the islands overnight.

ACTV has an excellent website and even an App for iOS and Android . To get an overview of your options, check out their very neat system map .

Which Ticket to Buy

While at 9.50 €uros, individual tickets are ridiculously expensive, there are travel passes that are actually not that bad. If you’re planning to visit the three islands from this post in one day, you definitely should opt for a day ticket.

However, the more days you buy, the cheaper are your rides. Here is a chart on how much you pay for a day pass in 2022:

Keep in mind that you can use the 24-hour ticket for two days. As a matter of fact, the clock starts ticking the moment you validate your ticket and lasts for 24 hours. With the other tickets, it’s the same, obviously.

Perfect Itinerary

Although it’s very touristy and can get really busy, a trip to the islands is a great addition to your Venice experience. Murano with its glass artisans, the fishing village of Burano with its lace industries, and the great church houses of Torcello are just beautiful.

As I said, especially during the high season, the islands can get really busy and the Vaporetti are packed with people.

You’ll have a much better and far more relaxed experience if you follow this itinerary: Take an early Vaporetto to Burano. Since most of the landmarks open only around 10.30 a.m., starting your trip around 9 should be fine.

If you’re already at the Centro Storico, you can hop on Vaporetto line #12 at the stop Fondamente Nove and go straight to Burano. However, if you’re coming from Piazzale Roma or the train station Venezia Santa Lucia, you’re better off taking the Vaporetto line #4.1 to the stop Faro on Murano and changing there to line #12 which takes you to Burano.

Once you’re on Burano, I recommend continuing to Torcello by Vaporetto #9 right away. You should arrive on the island around 10 a.m. The Basilica Santa Maria Assunta opens its gates at 10.30 a.m. so that you’ll be one of the first’n’few visitors.

On your way back, you spend a couple of hours in Burano before you end your day at Murano.

Following this itinerary, you strive a bit against the stream of visitors.

Getting There Organized

Another valid option is to visit the three isles on an organized tour. This option is even not more expensive than going by yourself. However, you have to stick to their schedule and itinerary which can be a bit of a drag. On the other hand, you don’t have to jiggle timetables and check out routes. You just hop on a boat and leave the planning and organizing to others*:

Which One is the Best?

As a matter of fact, I’m not a big fan of categorizing’n’comparing. We have different tastes and we like various things and enjoy distinct activities. So, I’d answer this question by “See for yourself”.

On the other hand, I understand that you’re in Venice for a couple of days and have limited time to explore. Therefore, I’ll give you an answer, and that would be Burano. The reasons are that it’s a bit of a drag to get to Torcello. Also, you have to go there via Burano, anyway. Unless you’re a historian and cannot live without seeing the admittedly amazing mosaics at the Basilica of Santa Maria Assunta, visiting exclusively Torcello would be a pretty bad effort-gain ratio.

Obviously, you can quickly cross the lagoon to Murano since this island is closest to the Centro Storico. However, to me, Murano is just a smaller version of the main island. So unless you want to see the cradle of the world-famous glass products, you won’t spot anything extremely different from what you see at the Centro Storico.

Burano, however, has a totally different architecture since it wasn’t home to wealthy families but to average fishermen. Instead of palaces, there are houses, and those come in all the beautiful colors of the rainbow.

Therefore, if you absolutely have to pick just one island, go to Burano.

What to Eat And Where to Sleep

Most visitors come to the smaller island on day trips which is fine with regard to the number of landmarks you’ll find there. Visiting Murano and Burano is mainly walking up and down alleys. In Torcello, visiting the landmarks takes about an hour and a half.

Yet, it is absolutely recommendable to stay the night as you get to know the places in a totally different atmosphere once the throngs of people are gone.

Here are links to some charming lodging options on Murano *, Burano *, and Torcello *.

Since the islands mainly cater to day-trippers, there are many restaurants serving all the nice treats you also get in Venice or on the mainland. Prices are approximately like in the Centro Storico.

Like in many places around Italy, you can save some money – and the environment more plastic – if you drink the water from the fountains you find in many places and on basically every square. Yes, for you Italy-rookies, those fountains might not look that trustworthy but don’t worry, unless there is a clear sign stating otherwise, it is tasty clean drinking water.

On this map, you see which places not to miss during your island hopping in the lagoon. Clicking on the slider symbol at the top left or the full-screen icon at the top right will display the whole map including the legend.

Pinnable Pictures

If you choose to pin this post, please use one of these pictures:

Did You Enjoy This Post? Then You Might Like Also These:

Cinque terre – the world’s most picturesque hiking trails.

A Day in BURANO: United Colors of Venice

LA SPEZIA and PORTO VENERE – Precious Gems on the Ligurian Coast

Complete Guide to COMO – a Lake to Like

Back to School: Italian Classes at the Scuola Leonardo da Vinci

location location location – my adventurous accommodation choices

ROME for first-timers, repeat visitors, and eternal admirers

Day Trip to the LIDO di VENEZIA. Breaking Away from Venice

Note: This post is being regularly completed, edited, and updated – last in November 2023.

By continuing to use the site, you agree to the use of cookies. more information Accept

The cookie settings on this website are set to "allow cookies" to give you the best browsing experience possible. If you continue to use this website without changing your cookie settings or you click "Accept" below then you are consenting to this.

• Lines & Tickets
• Experiences
• Boat timetables
• Contacts / Assistance
• Venetiana experience
• B2B agencies area
• Français

THREE ISLANDS TOUR: Murano, Burano and Torcello in one day

Explore Murano, Burano and Torcello by a comfy boat.  You will have the opportunity to see a demonstration at a glasswork factory. Get on at your preferred stop and enjoy panoramic views from the wide windows on the covered boat or from the open space. Kids 0-5 and pets travel for free. Family deals available.

Information on the tour:

Type of Experience : Enjoy the islands of the Lagoon in 1 Day

Departure :  Departure from Punta Sabbioni  main#openTimesPopup" href="#">see timetables

Duration :  6/7 hours

Audioguide :  Italian, English, German, Spanish, French

Single ticket : Adult 25,00 euro – Kids 13,00 euro – Children 0-5 free

Family Ticket (2 adults+2 children) : 67,00 euro

Special :  Free glass-working demonstration in Murano included.

• Indicative time planning; for detailed information please check the time planning of the specific season.
• Punta Sabbioni Stop is suspended during the winter season. See the timetable for more information

Departure from San Marco (9:50 AM) - Punta Sabbioni (9:45 AM)

Get on board Venetiana at San Marco or Punta Sabbioni and enjoy the beauties of Venice and the lagoon on a boat cruise . From San Marco you will sail alongside San Giorgio Island with the basilica of the same name designed by Palladio and run along Riva degli Schiavoni with world-famous luxury hotels. You will admire the gardens of the Biennale and immerse yourself in the lagoon landscape passing alongside the islands of Certosa and Vignole.

From Punta Sabbioni you will skirt the islands of Sant’Erasmo and Vignole with their crops and vineyards and you will admire the coast of Cavallino Treporti which for more than 30 years has been part of the UNESCO heritage together with the entire Venice lagoon.

Arrival in Murano: visit to the glass factory and walking tour (2 hours)

Get off in Murano , the archipelago of the Venetian lagoon north-east of Venice, made up of seven islands. Murano is renowned for glass working. The history of Murano glass begins in 1291, when by order of the Serenissima, all the glass masters of Venice had to move to the islands, since the furnaces of the workshops often caused fires in the city. Even today, Murano glass is produced in an artisanal way.

To discover the island, we recommend that you follow our Murano walking tour lasting about an hour, during which you can watch the demonstration of a master glassmaker inside a real furnace. If you visit Venice in the morning you can also have lunch on the island.

Departure from Murano (12:20 AM)

Leave the Murano jetty behind to sail towards the island of Torcello in the middle of the most famous lagoon in the world. Let yourself be captivated by the wonderful lagoon eco-system, the rich fauna and its many islands, including the "sandbanks", islets that emerge from the water depending on the tide.

Arrival in Torcello: Free sightseeing and Walking tour (1 hour)

Immerse yourself in the silence of this island which is traditionally considered the oldest in the lagoon, its origin seems in fact to date back to the fifth century AD when the glorious Altino populations took refuge here from the attack of the barbarian peoples.

The island of Torcello will take you to a timeless dimension: take the only road and immerse yourself in the cradle of Venice. On the way, discover the legends about "the Devil's Bridge", sit on the "Throne of Attila" and be sure to visit the Basilica of San Maria Assunta, the first church built in the Venetian Lagoon.

Departure from Torcello (2:30 PM)

The break in Torcello ends and you leave for Burano. The short stretch of navigation that connects the two islands will allow you to recharge before exploring the island of a thousand colors.

Arrival in Burano: Free sightseeing and Walking tour (1 hour)

Burano : the island of a thousand colors, the pearl of the lagoon. An ancient fishing village inhabited since the fifth century, Burano is characterized by colorful houses that create a fairytale landscape. The island is also famous for lace production, an artisan craft dating back to 1500 which is still famous throughout the world for the quality of the embroidery.

The route will allow you to visit historical places such as the House of Remigio Barbaro, a famous local sculptor, or the Church of San Martino Vescovo and magical places such as the House of Bepi Suà: a very colorful house, a true manifesto of the island of Burano and the residents' taste for color. Finally, taste the famous Bussolà : biscuits that were traditionally made by the fishermen's wives for long fishing trips. Don't eat too many because they are extremely caloric!

Departure from Burano to Punta Sabbioni (3:55 PM)

The stretch of navigation that connects Burano to Punta Sabbioni will make you discover stories of pirates and redemptions, the origins of the historical regatta and everything you need to know and see about the MOSE marine barriers.

From Punta Sabbioni to Zattere

Those who want to continue their visit remain on board our boat sailing up to Zattere.

You will skirt the island of Sant’Erasmo and the Vignole with their crops and vineyards and admire the coast of Cavallino Treporti which for more than 30 years has been part of UNESCO heritage together with the entire Venice lagoon.

Before arriving in Zattere you will pass by one of the oldest Jewish cemeteries in Europe, you will discover Shakespeare's obsession with Venice and admire Riva degli Schiavoni, whose name recalls the strongest and most faithful soldiers to the Serenissima and which today is one of the most beautiful and classic Venetian walks.

From Zattere to San Marco (20 minutes)

Once you have disembarked in Zattere, return to San Marco following our  "Unmissable Venice" walking tour which will allow you to visit the Accademia Gallery, the Accademia Bridge, Campo Santo Stefano and much more.

You might be interested in:

Venice and Murano Best Boat Tour and Glassblowing Experience

TWO ISLANDS TOUR: Half-day Murano and Burano

VENICE AND ISLANDS TOUR FROM PUNTA SABBIONI: The best of Venice, Murano e Burano in one day

MURANO AND VENICE FAMILY TOUR FROM PUNTA SABBIONI a treasure hunt for children and families in Venice and glass making in Murano

Boat Tour A: pleasant water cruises to discover Venice

All our experiences are included in the ticket!

From 29/03/2024 to 03/11/2024

We use cookies to ensure that we give you the best experience on our website. Accept and continue to consent to the use of all cookies. If you want to learn more or give consent only to certain uses click here . You can consult our updated Privacy Policy and Cookie Policy at any time.

ESSENTIAL COOKIE These cookies are required for the basic functionality of the site and are therefore always enabled. These are cookies that allow you to recognize the user who uses the site during a single session or, upon request, also in subsequent sessions and to solve problems related to safety and ensure compliance with current regulations.

MEASUREMENT COOKIE These trackers help us to measure traffic and analyze your behavior to improve our service.

MARKETING COOKIE These trackers help us to deliver personalized ads or marketing content to you, and to measure their performance.

• Destinations
• Tours in Venice

Hidden Secrets of Venice Free Tour (Jewish Ghetto)

Overview of the tour in Venice

Join our Hidden Venice tour to venture off the beaten path! Let’s get away from the crowd to discover picturesque corners, gems, and treasures and also an interesting insight into Venice past and present life (high tides and floods, how the city was built, food and drink culture, Venetian buildings, Carnival masks, the Jewish ghetto are just a few of the topics covered). While the many secrets, stories and curiosities which are behind this lesser known part of Venice are unveiled, you’ll breathe the atmosphere of the authentic local life walking along the peaceful alleys of Cannaregio, one of the most charming areas of Venice. From Campo San Geremia to Campo de l’Abazia, the tour starts by passing through the two main areas of the Jewish Ghetto, which has its typical “skyscrapers” and synagogues. It enters then a hidden part of Venice allowing you to discover some beautiful gems and treasures (such as the statues of Rioba and the Moors and the breathtaking Church of Madonna dell’Orto) along with an amazing view over the northern lagoon. The tour ends in Campo de l’Abazia.

This activity includes:

• Church of Madonna dell'Orto
• Cannaregio 4627
• Fosca Venice Rooms
• In Campo Del Ghetto Apartment
• English guide

Meeting point

Campo San Geremia

The Meeting Point is SAN GEREMIA Square. The guide will carry a RED FLAG.

Free Cancellation

You are free to cancel a booking anytime. We kindly remind you to cancel bookings you cannot arrive for. Being reported as absent decreases your customer level points and the benefits you can enjoy.

• Join Freetour
• Provider Sign In
• Affiliate Program
• Security & Privacy
• Terms & Legal
• Cookie policy
• Freetour Awards
• Ratings & Reviews powered by