The magical city of Venice is famous worldwide, but its surrounding lagoon holds equally fascinating treasures. Among the most popular are the islands of Murano and Burano, two distinct destinations that offer a perfect day trip escape from the main city. These islands embody the rich culture, history, and artistry of the Venetian lagoon.

Murano and Burano: Two Gems of the Venetian Lagoon

While often visited together, Murano and Burano each possess a unique character. Murano is steeped in the ancient art of glassmaking, a tradition that has earned it international fame. Burano, on the other hand, is renowned for its explosion of brightly colored houses and its delicate tradition of lacemaking. A visit to these islands provides a stunning contrast and a deeper understanding of the vibrant community that thrives just a short distance from Venice.

Murano: The Island of Glassmaking

No trip to the Venetian lagoon is complete without a stop at Murano island. Often referred to as “The Island of Glass,” it became the center of Venetian glass production in 1291 when the Republic of Venice decreed that all glass furnaces be moved there to mitigate the risk of fires in the densely populated capital. This move cemented Murano‘s status as the epicenter of exquisite, high-quality glass.

Visitors to Murano can witness the mesmerizing process of glassblowing firsthand in a local furnace or factory. This is a great way to appreciate the skill and artistry required to create the intricate objects, chandeliers, and jewelry for which the island is famous. Don’t forget to visit the Murano Glass Museum to trace the history of this thousand-year-old craft.

Burano: The Island of Colors and Lace

Prepare your camera when you step onto Burano island—it’s an explosion of color. Legend has it that the fishermen of Burano painted their houses in vivid hues so they could easily identify their own home through the dense lagoon fog. Today, this tradition creates an unforgettable, postcard-perfect scene. Stroll along the canals, photograph the brightly painted facades, and enjoy the lively atmosphere.

Burano is also historically known for its intricate lacemaking. While the tradition is not as widespread as it once was, you can still find specialized shops selling beautiful, handmade lace products and learn about the delicate craft at the Lace Museum (Museo del Merletto).

How to Get to Murano and Burano from Venice

Traveling from Venice to Murano and Venice to Burano island is straightforward using the Vaporetto (public water bus) service.

To get to Murano from central Venice, you can take various lines (like Line 4.1 or 4.2) from Fondamenta Nuove or Piazzale Roma. The trip is quick, usually under 20 minutes.

To reach Burano, you’ll typically need to travel from Fondamenta Nuove and take Vaporetto Line 12. The journey takes about 45 minutes and often stops at Murano first, making it easy to combine both islands into a single day trip.

What to See in Murano and Burano in One Day

A combined itinerary for Murano and Burano is easily manageable in one day:

Morning in Murano: Start by visiting a glassblowing demonstration. Afterwards, explore the Glass Museum and browse the local shops for authentic Murano glass.
Lunch & Travel: Take the Vaporetto from Murano to Burano island. Enjoy lunch at one of the picturesque trattorias.
Afternoon in Burano: Dedicate your afternoon to wandering the colorful streets, searching for the famous Casa di Bepi Suà (Bepi’s House), and visiting the Lace Museum.

These islands offer a delightful blend of artistry, color, and history, making Murano and Burano essential stops on any Venetian itinerary.