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On Burano Island in Italy, visitors can:
Burano, a small island under the jurisdiction of Venice, Italy, is about an hour's boat ride from the main island . It's a fishing village and a lacemaking community , and its inhabitants are descendants of fishermen. The local handmade lace and drawnwork, like the stained glass of Murano , are characteristic Venetian handicrafts.
The colorful houses here are next to each other, forming colorful alleys, sandwiched between the winding rivers. Boats of the same bright colors are quietly parked by the river. Coming here is like entering a fairy tale world.
The island's shops are overflowing with lacework. The canals are lined with houses painted pink and pale green, comforting the hearts of distant visitors. The island's women are busy weaving lace outdoors, while the men are absorbed in tending their fishing nets.
Burano is densely populated, with brightly painted houses lining its waterways, including the famous Palazzo Bepi. Via Baldasale Galluppi, named in honor of the renowned composer Burano, runs through the island. This street features a historic fish market, where vendors sell a variety of fish from open-air stalls.
Suitable for travel all year round, spring and autumn are the best
Recommended play time: 1-2 days
free
All day
Burano Island is famous for its colorful houses and lace-making tradition. It was historically a fishing village, and the colorful houses helped fishermen find their way home. The island is also known for its exquisite lacework, which dates back to the 16th century.
Burano is located in the Venetian Lagoon, about 7 miles from Venice. To get there, you can take a Vaporetto (water bus) from Venice, which takes about 40 minutes. Alternatively, you can take a private boat or taxi.
Burano Island is a public area with no strict opening hours. The best time to visit is during the spring and fall months when the weather is pleasant and the crowds are fewer. Early morning or late afternoon visits are ideal to avoid crowds.
There is no entrance fee to visit Burano Island itself. However, a Vaporetto ride from Venice costs around 7-8 EUR one-way. Tickets for the Vaporetto can be purchased online or at the Vaporetto terminals.
No, you do not need to book tickets in advance for Burano Island. However, if you plan to use the Vaporetto, it's recommended to buy tickets in advance, especially during peak tourist seasons.
A visit to Burano typically takes 2-3 hours, allowing time for a leisurely stroll, visiting the lace workshops, and enjoying a meal or coffee by the canal.
The must-see highlights of Burano include:
Guided tours are available in various languages, including English, Italian, and German. Audio guides are also available for rent at certain attractions, such as the Lace Museum.
The best photography spots on Burano include the canals lined with colorful houses, especially near the main square, and the view from the boat as you approach the island.
Start your visit by walking along the main canal to admire the colorful houses. Visit the Lace Museum, and then take a stroll through the peaceful side streets. End your day with a relaxing meal at one of the canal-side cafes.
There are no night visits or light shows on Burano. However, the island is charming in the evening, with fewer crowds, making it a peaceful spot for a quiet walk or dinner.
Burano is most crowded during the summer months and on weekends. To avoid the crowds, visit in the morning during the week, particularly in the spring or autumn.
Burano offers public toilets, cafes, small shops, and restaurants. There are also places where you can buy souvenirs, especially lace items.
Burano is fairly accessible for elderly and children, with flat, paved streets. However, some areas near the canals can be a bit tricky for wheelchair users due to uneven surfaces.
Many businesses on Burano accept credit cards and mobile payments. However, it's a good idea to carry some cash for small purchases, especially at local shops or food vendors.
There are several restaurants and cafes along the canals, offering traditional Venetian dishes such as seafood pasta, risotto, and pastries. Popular spots include Ristorante Da Romano and Trattoria al Gatto Nero.
Some restaurants on Burano offer vegetarian and vegan options. Halal food is less common, but you may find options in nearby Venice.
While there are limited hotels on Burano, you can stay in nearby Venice and take a Vaporetto ride to the island. Venice offers a range of accommodations, from budget to luxury.
Nearby attractions include Murano Island, known for its glass-making, and Venice itself, with its famous landmarks such as St. Mark’s Basilica and the Rialto Bridge.
There are many souvenir shops selling Burano lace, hand-painted ceramics, and Venetian masks. Lace items are especially popular and make for authentic, traditional souvenirs.
After visiting Burano, you can take a Vaporetto to other nearby islands like Murano or head back to Venice. Vaporetto tickets allow for easy transfer between islands.
