If you’re planning a trip to Venice, you absolutely should not miss Burano Italy, an incredible colorful island nearby. Here’s everything you need to know about visiting Burano, including how to get there, what to do, and where to take the best photos!
When I was in Venice last summer, I was so excited to take a day trip to Burano. This colorful island near Venice has been on my bucket list forever. Finally getting to be here in person was honestly one of my favorite days ever. I could not stop taking pictures!
Venice to Burano — An Easy Day Trip
If you’re planning a trip to Venice, Burano is a MUST do. It would be a shame to get so close to this charming little island and miss seeing it! Visiting Burano is a super easy day (or half-day) trip from Venice.
Keep reading below for our tips for visiting this beautiful island!
How to Get to Burano Italy from Venice
The best way to get to Burano is by the vaporetto (water bus) that departs from Fondamente Nove “A” {GPS Location}. The number 12 line runs every 30 minutes and takes about 45 minutes to reach Burano. It also stops at Murano, so you can hop on and off here as well.
You can buy a 24-hour ticket that will give you unlimited rides on all the vaporetto lines in Venice for 24 hours.
Why are the houses so colorful in Burano Italy?
Not only are the rainbow colored houses super fun (and a photographer’s dream come true) but they actually serve an important purpose.
Burano is a fishing village. After a long day at sea, the fishermen would return in their boats to the narrow canals with lines of houses that all looked similar.
A tradition began to paint the houses in bright colors so they could easily find their way home (and distinguish it from their neighbor’s) after a long day of fishing.
If a homeowner in Burano wants to paint their house today, they have to submit an application first. Then the government will then respond with which colors the house is permitted to be painted.
Burano Italy — Still a Prominent Fishing Village!
Burano is still a prominent fishing village to this day. The fish sold daily at the Rialto Market in Venice is from the fisherman of Burano.
Best Things To Do in Burano Italy
Burano is less than one square mile in size, so it’s very easy to explore on foot. You can spend a couple hours wandering down the narrow streets, admiring the beautiful houses, and popping into the bakeries and lace shops.
1) Try Bussola in Burano Italy
Be sure to try Bussolà, a special kind of cookie that is shaped like an “S” and is only made on Burano.
2) See the Leaning Tower of Burano Italy!
Pisa isn’t the only town in Italy with a leaning tower! This former bell tower at San Martino Church dates back to the 15th century.
3) Try Gelato in Burano Italy
Gelato is a must in Italy, and there’s no place better for gelato that on a colorful island. There are several gelato shops in Burano that are worth stopping in for your daily serving of gelato!
4) Wander, get lost, and take pictures in Burano Italy!
Burano is a small island. You can walk down every street in less than 2 hours. Scroll down to see the best places to take pictures in Burano Italy. If you wander around Burano you will definitely see all these places! You can’t miss them.
5) Visit Murano, another island near Burano Italy
After a few hours exploring Burano, another fun island to visit is Murano. Murano is famous for their colorful blown glass. Murano became the hotspot for glass-making in 1291 when all the glassmakers in Venice were forced to move to the island because of the risk of fires. You can still visit the many factories and shops on the island today for a fascinating demonstration of glass making and blowing.
The water bus to get to Burano also makes a stop at Murano so you can hop off and spend the afternoon here before heading back to Venice.
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More Colorful Towns in Europe!
If you like Burano, you’ll also love:
- Santorini, Greece
- Copenhagen, Denmark
- Menton, France
- County Cork, Ireland
- Fjällbacka, Sweden
- Colmar, France
- Stein am Rhein, Switzerland
- Lucerne, Switzerland
- Cesky Krumlov, Czech Republic
- Ghent, Belgium
Do you have to make an appointment to see glass blowing demonstrations, or can you visit any shop to see one?
I had forgotten about the color of the house being for the fisherman. :-)
your photos are absolutely stunning, they are so bright and colourful, cannot wait to Burano. Thank you.
Have a great trip!! It’s one of my favorite places!! :)
Thanks, dear shared with us your experience.
Amanda these pictures are so vivid and colorful, I’m in love! Can’t wait to visit again! Usually, I visit Murano and all watch the beautiful glass blowing demonstrations, but your post made add Burano to my next trip. Can’t wait to read more of your blogs!
I love this post! These photos are pure magic!! So incredibly beautiful!!! I just love Italy, one of the best places in world!
yes of course itali is the best country espicialy venis .i hope see again venis that one of my dreames
We are going to Rome soon. Any must see ideas in or near the city? Thank you!