If you’re visiting Venice, taking a day trip to the nearby islands of Burano and Murano is a must. Each island has its own charm and history, offering a more peaceful, colorful escape from the bustling city center. On our trip, we dedicated a day to exploring both islands, each distinct and captivating in its own way.
We started with Murano, known for its long-standing glass-making tradition, and then headed to Burano, famous for its vibrant houses and lacemaking. Here’s a detailed breakdown of our day, from the history to the must-see spots, and a fantastic seafood meal we had in Murano.
Murano: The Island of Glass
Murano is just a short vaporetto (water bus) ride from Venice, and stepping off the boat, it feels like entering another world. Known worldwide for its glass-making, Murano has been the center of Venetian glass production for centuries. In fact, it’s said that glassmaking on the island dates back to the 13th century. Over time, Murano became the hub of glass innovation, and artisans here became so skilled that the Venetian Republic exiled any glassmakers who were caught leaking their secrets.
Key Highlights in Murano
1. Glassblowing Demonstration
A trip to Murano wouldn’t be complete without witnessing the island’s famous glassblowing process. There are several glass factories that offer live demonstrations, where you can watch artisans blow and shape intricate glass sculptures. The skill and speed at which they work is awe-inspiring, and it’s amazing to see how raw glass is transformed into delicate chandeliers, vases, or animal figurines. Some factories even allow you to try your hand at glassblowing, though we opted to just watch and appreciate the craftsmanship.
2. Museo del Vetro (Glass Museum)
If you’re interested in the history of Murano glass, a visit to the Museo del Vetro is a must. The museum showcases the evolution of Murano glassmaking from its earliest beginnings to the modern-day masterpieces created by renowned artists. The exhibits are well-curated and explain the various techniques used in glass production, along with the historical context behind the art form. You’ll also see pieces that date back to ancient Roman times, highlighting the longevity of this Venetian craft.
3. The Island’s Picturesque Streets
After exploring the glass factories and museum, take some time to wander around Murano’s charming streets. Unlike the crowded canals of Venice, Murano is quieter and offers a more relaxed atmosphere. The canals here are equally picturesque, with colorful buildings lining the water, and small boutiques offering a wide range of glass pieces – from affordable trinkets to pricey works of art.
Lunch at a Wonderful Seafood Restaurant: Antica Osteria al Duomo
After a few hours exploring the island, we were ready for lunch. We made our way to Antica Osteria al Duomo, a seafood restaurant located right in the main square of Murano. The restaurant is a local gem, with a cozy atmosphere and a menu that showcases the best of Venetian seafood.
We started with fritto misto – a crispy fried assortment of squid, shrimp, and small fish, served with a tangy lemon wedge. For the main course, we had spaghetti alle vongole (spaghetti with clams), which was rich and flavorful, with just the right amount of garlic and white wine sauce. The grilled sea bass was equally delicious – perfectly cooked, tender, and served with a simple side of roasted vegetables. The seafood was incredibly fresh, and the meal was a true taste of Venetian coastal cuisine.
The restaurant’s location in the Piazza San Pietro Martire offered a lovely view of the square, with its peaceful vibe and quaint surroundings, making it the perfect spot for a leisurely lunch before continuing our journey to Burano.
Burano: The Island of Color and Lace
After lunch, we took the vaporetto to Burano, about 30 minutes away from Murano by waterbus. Burano is arguably one of the most picturesque islands in the Venetian Lagoon. What sets Burano apart from the other islands is its colorful houses. Every building on the island is painted in bright, cheerful colours – reds, yellows, blues, and greens – creating a vibrant and lively atmosphere that’s perfect for photography. The legend says that the fishermen’s wives painted their houses bright colors so their husbands could spot them easily when they returned home from sea.
Key Highlights in Burano
1. The Colorful Streets and Houses
Walking through Burano’s main street, you’ll find row upon row of brightly painted houses, each one more charming than the next. It’s hard not to stop and snap photos at every turn – each colorful house looks like something straight out of a postcard. The colors are so vivid and bold that it almost feels like a fairytale world. The island’s small size means that it’s easy to walk around and discover its hidden corners.
2. Burano Lace
Burano is also known for its lace-making tradition, which dates back to the 16th century. The delicate lacework is famous for its intricate designs, and you can find lace shops scattered throughout the island. The Lace Museum (Museo del Merletto) is a small but fascinating stop, where you can learn about the history of lace on the island and see examples of finely crafted pieces. It’s also worth picking up a small piece of handmade lace as a souvenir from one of the local shops.
3. The Church of San Martino
While Burano’s colorful streets are the main attraction, the Church of San Martino is also worth a visit. The church’s bell tower is famously tilted, much like the Leaning Tower of Pisa, and it’s a quirky and unexpected sight. Inside, you’ll find a beautiful altarpiece by the famous Venetian painter Giovanni Bellini, as well as other religious artwork that reflects the island’s rich cultural heritage.
4. Scenic Walks Along the Canals
After exploring the colorful houses and visiting the Lace Museum, we wandered along the small canals that crisscross the island. The reflections of the colorful buildings in the water made for some stunning photo opportunities, and the peaceful surroundings made it easy to forget that we were just a short boat ride away from the hustle and bustle of Venice. There’s also a quaint fish market near the canals, where you can see the catch of the day being brought in by the local fishermen.
Travel Tips for Visiting Murano and Burano
• Getting There: Both islands are easily accessible by vaporetto from Venice. The boat ride between Venice and Murano takes about 20 minutes, and Venice to Burano takes around 30 minutes. Make sure to check the vaporetto schedules in advance, as they can vary depending on the season.
• Time to Spend: We recommend dedicating a full day to exploring both islands. Spend about 2-3 hours in Murano, especially if you want to see a glass-blowing demonstration and visit the museum. In Burano, allow around the same amount of time to explore the streets, visit the Lace Museum, and enjoy a leisurely meal. You could do both islands a little quicker if you rushed – but they’re worth spending some time on!
• Shopping: If you’re interested in glass or lace souvenirs, Murano is the place to buy high-quality glass pieces, and Burano offers beautiful handmade lace products.
• Weather: The islands are great to visit year-round, but if you’re planning to take a lot of photos, the bright colors of Burano and the scenic canals of Murano are best experienced in the spring or summer, when the weather is clear and sunny.
Summary: Murano and Burano Day Trip
Our day trip to Burano and Murano was one of the highlights of our time in Venice. Murano’s glass-making tradition and Burano’s colorful houses provided a perfect mix of culture, history, and beauty. Whether you’re interested in art, history, or just want to experience some of the most photogenic places in Italy, these islands offer something for everyone.
From a delicious seafood lunch in Murano to the breathtaking views in Burano, this day trip was a wonderful way to escape the crowds of Venice and immerse ourselves in the quieter, more charming side of the Venetian Lagoon. We highly recommend it to anyone visiting Venice – it’s a day you won’t soon forget!
