Burano and Murano, Italy
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If you’re visiting Venice and have a little extra time, don’t miss a trip out to Burano and Murano, Italy—two of the most colorful and charming islands in the Venetian Lagoon. You can hop on a vaporetto (public water bus) to explore them on your own, or, if you want to save time and skip the stress of navigating, you can join a guided day trip like I did: Burano and Murano guided tour.
Murano, Italy
What Murano is Known For
Murano, Italy, is all about handblown glass. Murano has been home to master glassblowers for centuries. In fact, the glassmaking industry was moved here from Venice in 1291 to reduce the risk of fires from the blazing furnaces. Today, you can watch live glassblowing demonstrations that are just as mesmerizing as they sound.
Visit: Murano Glass Museum
With more than 4,000 pieces on display, the museum traces the history of glassmaking from the Middle Ages to modern day. It’s a must if you’re curious about the island’s craft.
Shop: Glass Factories
Many glassblowing studios offer free demonstrations, and of course, they also sell their creations. From tiny jewelry charms to elaborate chandeliers, there’s something to suit every budget. And if you’re worried about suitcase space, most shops offer worldwide shipping.
See: Faro di Murano
This striking 35-meter lighthouse is still in operation, though it’s not open to the public. It’s a great photo spot and worth a quick detour while exploring the island.
How to Get to Murano
Murano is closer to Venice than Burano, making it a quick and easy half-day trip. Vaporetti tickets are 7.50€ each way, or covered under a multi-use pass.
You can take lines 3, 4.1, 4.2, 12, or 13 from Venice to Murano. In summer, line 7 also runs. The ride takes about 30 minutes, with boats departing every 20–30 minutes.
Murano is actually made up of several small islands connected by bridges, and it has seven vaporetto stops: Murano Colonna, Murano Faro, Murano Navagero, Murano Museum, Murano Da Mula, Murano Venier, and Murano Serenella. The most commonly used is Murano Colonna, where many visitors begin their island stroll.
If DIY isn’t your thing, take the half-day Burano and Murano Tour that I took. The guide was fantastic, and it was wonderful not to have to think about the logistics of getting between the islands!
Burano, Italy
What Burano is Known For
Burano is famous for two things: its rainbow-colored houses and its traditional handmade lace. This tiny fishing island is easily one of the most photogenic places in Italy, and yes—those colorful houses are just as dreamy in person as they look on Instagram. But don’t stop at snapping photos!
Lacemaking is a centuries-old craft that is still practiced here, though sadly, it’s a dying art. Many of the women who create these intricate lace pieces are now in their senior years, and few younger artisans are taking it up because of the time and patience it requires. Step into one of the lace shops and you’ll see everything from delicate coasters to elaborate tablecloths being crafted by hand. It’s truly a piece of living history, so make sure you check it out while you can.
Eat: Capolinea Frito Misto
You can’t go wrong with fritto misto (fried mixed seafood) followed by a scoop of gelato. It’s the perfect Venetian snack stop while you explore Burano’s colorful streets.
See: San Martino Church
This 16th-century church is instantly recognizable thanks to its leaning bell tower. The inside isn’t particularly ornate, but since it’s free to enter, it’s worth stopping in while you’re wandering the island.
How to Get to Burano
The easiest way to reach Burano is by vaporetto. One-way tickets cost 7.50€ (or you can grab a multi-day pass if you’ll be in Venice for a while).
Take Line 12 from Venice, which runs directly to Burano in about 45 minutes. The island has one main stop: Burano. Alternatively, you can hop off one stop earlier at Mazzorbo, wander that quieter island, and then cross the pedestrian bridge over to Burano.
If you’re spending more than a day in Venice, a side trip to Burano and Murano, Italy, is absolutely worth it. Burano’s rainbow-colored homes and lace workshops, paired with Murano’s glassblowing heritage, offer a perfect balance of charm, history, and artistry. Together, these two islands show you a whole new side of Venice—one that goes beyond gondolas and St. Mark’s Square.
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Lori Barbely
Hi, I’m Lori, the Chief Travel Officer for Mostly Solo Travel! I created this site for solo (and would-be solo) female travelers. My goal is to inspire your trips, give you practical advice on how to plan, and to ease your fears so you can explore the world on your own.
