Murano & Burano: Best Venice Day Trip to the Colorful Islands of the Lagoon

Venice isn’t the only group of islands in the Venetian Lagoon. North of the city, the islands of Murano and Burano make for an excellent day trip, easily reachable by vaporetto (ferry) and offering a breath of fresh air (and a scenic trip) from the tourist crush of Venice.

Murano

Just one mile north of the city, Murano has a similar layout to Venice, consisting of a group of man-made islands built atop wooden piles anchored into the muddy bottom of the lagoon, connected by a series of footbridges. Originally a small fishing village, the town’s development began in earnest at the end of the 13th century, when it became the focal point of Venice’s glassmaking industry.

Venice had a long-standing tradition of producing glasswares, but the production was shifted to Murano by royal decree, in the interest of preventing fires from breaking out in the dense city center where most structures were made of wood. The result was the development of Murano as a sort of artist colony dedicated to glass production, with a unique style that became highly coveted across Europe. Murano’s glass exports were both decorative and functional, with products ranging from multi-colored glass beads to chandeliers and mirrors.

Today, the islands are filled with stores selling beautiful, handmade glass creations, produced using the same techniques as the medieval artisans did. Take a leisurely stroll around the town, wandering its winding streets and scenic canals, maybe picking up some souvenirs along your way. If you need a bite to eat, grab a sandwich from Ristorante Il Bocconcino for a great pick-me-up.

Burano

A few miles north, surrounded by salt marshes and mud flats, the island of Burano feels like a window into the past, existing in relative isolation and relaxed tranquility at the far reaches of the lagoon.

The quiet streets of this old fishing village are lined with brightly colored houses along the canal, many with their doorways covered with striped curtains. This town also has an established artisan tradition, famous for its intricate lacework still produced to this day. Go for a lovely walk around and grab a sweet treat at Gelateria Crema.

Looking for more places to explore in the region? Visit our Veneto page here.