Millions of tourists filter in and out of Venice every year, each person arriving with dreams of gondolas and canals. While these dreams can surely become reality, not many tourists venture outside of the main island. Little do they know, one of the most beautiful and picturesque parts of Venice is a 40-minute boat ride away. And, it’s definitely worth the trip.
Nestled about 9 kilometers northeast of Venice lies the island of Burano. Once a small fishing village, Burano has now turned into a tourist attraction, visited for its brightly painted houses and scenic canals. Its area is only around 2 million square feet, which is roughly the size of Grand Central Station in New York City.
There are several theories as to why Burano's houses are so brightly colored. Originally a fishing port, some think that the bright colors were used to fishermen could easily see their path even in the thickest fog. Others think that each fisherman had a boat painted the same color as his house. This way, it was easy to tell which boat belonged to which household.
To get to Burano, you’ll need to take a vaporetto – a boat, and the local public transport – from the island of Venice. Keep in mind that there is only one line of vaporetti (line 12) that transport people to and from Burano. On a nice day, the line to get on the boat can take up to 2 hours. Remember to plan accordingly and buy your tickets early.
Tip – A one way ride on a vaporetto will cost you about 7 euros. If you’re planning on staying in the Venice area for more than one day or if you’re traveling to the other islands, it’s probably a good idea to buy a vaporetto pass. There are passes available for 12 hours, 24 hours and 72 hours which will run you around 18 euros to 25 euros.
The vaporetto trip will take about 40 minutes, if you leave from Venice's main island. However, this is no typically ferry ride. On the way to Burano, you'll be able to experience Venice's picturesque waterfront from the central canal, a sight that many tourists don't get to experience for less than 80 euros. You'll also travel past the island of Murano, where glass has been blown for centuries.
As you arrive in Burano, you can feel its majesty almost as soon as you step off the vaporetto. Houses in vivid colors line every canal, often spotted with planters of flowers in full bloom. The main streets buzz with tourists taking photos and restaurant owners promoting their freshest dishes.
Take a stroll down Via Galuppi, Burano’s main street. Here, you’ll find local restaurants offering freshly caught seafood. Although fishing isn’t the main industry anymore, you can clearly taste Burano’s history in its cuisine. Stop by Ristorante Ai Pescatori for their decadent fish risotto, made with fresh fish caught by locals. If you're looking to experience some local wine, Burano is most well known for its white wines. Ask about them at your restaurant - your server is sure to have some expertise!
After you’ve eaten (and hopefully had a few glasses of local wine), explore the side streets and canals of Burano. Although only a fraction of Venetian tourists make the trip to Burano, the island crowds easily due to its small size. The main streets are flooded with tourists, but one or two turns can send you back in time. You'll be able to see residents of Burano living beside the tourism, hanging clothes to dry outside their windows, or watering the flower beds next to their front doors. The inner parts of the island still mostly belong to locals whose homes have been in their families for centuries. You might even catch a glimpse of a fisherman bringing home his catch of the day.
Burano is also famous for its hand-crafted lace. This craft tradition has been alive in Burano since the 1500s. Typically, lace and embroidery were made by women living on the island while their husbands and sons would fish. Shops all over the island still showcase intricate handmade pieces. If you go inside, you'll most likely be greeted by the shop owner, who will be happy to tell you about the process of making the lace. She may even offer you a discount for your interest!
Burano now houses a lace museum, where centuries-old lace is on display. The museum is located in the building that used to be the Burano school of lace, in the Piazza Galuppi. Tickets are available online, so buy early don't bother waiting in the crowds!
Regardless of what you decide to do in Burano, you won’t be disappointed. The beauty of the island is unmatched by any other in the world. Make sure to explore everywhere you can and immerse yourself in a culture that is centuries old. You can definitely expect to leave with a full belly, heart and camera roll.
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