Why Visit Murano and Burano?
______________________
Why visit Murano and Burano? If you are visiting Venice it would be a mistake not to visit Murano and Burano, if you have time. If you are in Venice for 3+ days take a day to travel to the islands and enjoy the uniqueness of each.
Murano is the island of glass factories and the most highly-crafted glassware in the world, but my favorite is Burano, an ancient fishing village with multi-colored homes, wash hanging from windows, lace shops, and great food. Both islands can be reached by taking vaporetto #12 from Fondamente Nove, on the north shore of Venice. The trip takes about 45 minutes one way, stopping at Murano 1st (15 minutes) and then 30 minutes to Burano from there. Vaporettos depart every 20-30 minutes. Hint: Go early in the day before the tourists arrive from the cruise ships and tours, have lunch and return. Details below.
If you’d rather take a tour. Here are a few that get great reviews.
Venice: Burano and Murano Boat Tour with Glass Factory Visit
From Venice: Murano & Burano Islands Boat Tour
Murano & Burano Islands Guided Small-Group Tour by Private Boat.
Murano
Why visit Murano? This is the main reason. Here is where the world’s greatest glass craftsmen reside and it is a pleasure to see them in action.
You may reach Murano from the Fondamente Nove vaporetto stop on the north side of Venice, and from there take the #12 vaporetto headed to Murano. (See our post on how to get around in Venice.) Wander through the glass shops and the factories on the island. The fine glass featured there will have the artist’s signature on the glass itself and they will offer to ship it home for you for free. Just be sure to have it insured. Also ask for a Certificate of Authenticity. Real Murano glass is expensive, so be prepared.
NOTE: You may be given a chance to ride a water taxi “free” to Murano. Beware that although the ride is free and convenient and features a visit to a glass factory to see the masters at work, a high-pressure sales pitch is attached. We mistakenly did this, and escaped only when one of our fellow travelers bought something at the factory. Whew!
Burano
I love Burano. Why? The lace, the colored houses, the food. Definitely worth the 45 minute trip to get there. Go early before all the tourists arrive and leave right after lunch.
Why visit Burano? Here is one reason. If you are a photographer, Burano is for not to be missed, as it features multi-colored houses with wash hanging from the windows, and technicolor fishing boats as well.
You will be astonished at the picturesque sights at every turn. Here are a few:
- Bepi’s House: Bepi was a local legend who loved embellishing his house with geometric shapes in various colors. It is easy to find his house by turning right onto Calle del Pistor from via Baldassare Galuppi.
- The Leaning Tower: Just about from every vantage point on the island, you can see the tower that is attached to the Church of San Martino. The “lean” is similar in angle to that of the Leaning Tower of Pisa.
- Lace shops and the Lace Museum. If you want to know about the history of Burano and the lace made there, the Lace Museum is the place to visit, located on the main square, Piazza Baldassare Galuppi.
Idea: Buy monogrammed lace handkerchiefs for your daughters or granddaughters for their wedding days. (I am so glad I did this!)
Hint: If you watched the Wedding Veil series on Hallmark, the lace shop featured is Emelia Burano in Piazza Galuppi.
- Food in Burano.
Cookies. Be sure to pick up some Bussolá di Burano: Venetian Cookies, an “O” or “S”- shaped buttery treat with a hint of lemon. Burano is famous for them.
Lunch or Dinner. We recommend Trattoria al Gatto Nero. (Michelin Recommended). Everything here is authentic Italian and homemade. Reserve in advance from home (at least a month or two ahead) by emailing them. [email protected]
These and many more are the reasons to visit Murano and Burano.
