Burano island, Venice

About Burano

Burano is a fishing island in the northern lagoon, 7 km from Venice, home to around two thousand people. Almost every house is painted its own bright colour — blue, pink, lemon, green, violet — supposedly so fishermen could spot home through the fog. Today it's tradition: you may repaint only in a shade approved by the city.

Narrow canals with boats and footbridges cross the island, and at its heart lies Piazza Baldassare Galuppi with the church of San Martino and its visibly leaning bell tower. It's one of the most photogenic places in Italy.

Burano lace

Since the 16th century Burano has been known for needle lace (punto in aria, "stitch in the air"), worn at Europe's royal courts. The craft nearly vanished in the 20th century, but the Lace Museum on the main square preserves it, with historic collars and veils and sometimes lacemakers at work. Much of the lace in shops is machine-made and imported; real handmade Burano lace takes weeks and costs accordingly.

What to see

• Coloured houses — along every canal.
• Piazza Galuppi — the main street and square.
• Leaning bell tower of San Martino.
• Lace Museum — on the main square.
• Casa di Bepi — the most dazzling house, painted in geometric patterns.
• Mazzorbo — the garden island with a vineyard, over the bridge.

Photographing Burano

The classic shots come from the footbridges over the main canal, where coloured façades ripple in green water; side lanes with washing lines, window boxes and boats by the doors are just as lovely. Morning sun lights one side of the canals and evening sun the other, so the scene changes through the day.

Remember people live here: don't peer into windows or doorways, sit on private steps or block narrow lanes with tripods. The best pictures are often a few lanes from the main street, where colours are brighter and crowds thin out.

Eating on Burano

As a fishing island, Burano cooks lagoon fish and seafood; try risotto di gò, made with small lagoon goby, and the island's bussolà biscuits shaped like rings or an S, sold in every bakery. Canal-side trattorias are cheaper than central Venice. Over a wooden bridge lies quiet Mazzorbo, with gardens and a revived old vineyard — a nice after-lunch stroll.

Is Burano worth it?

Yes — it's one of the most vivid memories of Venice, and children usually love it. The island is small and relaxed, easy to walk. Go in the morning, combining Murano on the way and Torcello next door, or in the evening to catch sunset over the lagoon.

Venice's islands: compare and choose

Islands and canals in Venice rated by YesGo. Click a column header to sort.

Nearby and on the way

30

Torcello

Venice, Italy

2 h · Free; cathedral paid · 25 min walk

Yes — add to my route: Torcello

How to do it right

• Line 12 from Fondamente Nove.
• Morning or sunset — fewer crowds.
• Bussolà biscuits are the local treat.
• Torcello is 5 minutes away.

Questions