A trip to Venice should not be limited to visiting its St. Mark's Square and the surroundings of Rialto. No, you have to know how to get away from the Grand Canal to explore the other islands of the lagoon. In particular that of Burano - not to be confused with Murano.
Discover Burano in photos… and in 7 questions to organize your visit to the island.
Why are the houses in Burano colorful?
Located north of the Venetian lagoon, the island of Burano is famous for its lace but also - and above all? - by its innumerable houses with very colorful facades. For some travelers, Burano is even the most colorful place in the world, just that!
Far from being a simple coquetry, the fact of painting these dwellings with such vivid colors has a logical explanation. The little story goes that it was the fishermen who had the idea to paint each house a different color., in order to be able to recognize it easily in case of fog - a very frequent meteorological phenomenon in this region in winter. Today, the colorful houses of Burano have become a symbol of the island so much that most locals give their facades a new lease of life every year!
Intense blue and red
Burano Island
How to get from Venice to Burano?
The island of Burano is located 7 km north of Venice. To go there, several solutions are available to you:
- Take the vaporetto : it is the most economical solution.
- Rent a boat: sailboat, catamaran, motor or river boat, the choice is vast. The major interest? To be able to discover the islands of Venice at your own pace! You will also have the option of taking a skipper or not.
Burano or Murano, which island to choose?
The islands of Burano and Murano are two must-see places in Venice. If you have the time, it is best to visit both as they have very different atmospheres. Renowned for its glassblowers, Murano offers visitors a pleasant getaway with its gardens, canals, houses with red ocher facades and palaces. However if you had to choose only one: go to Burano! Its houses in a thousand colors and its authentic atmosphere will not fail to charm you. Go for a walk along the canals, chat with the fishermen, sit on a bench to observe the daily life of the locals… a stopover not to be missed!
How to go from Murano to Burano?
You have started your exploration of the islands by Murano and want to reach Burano? It could not be easier : take vaporetto line 12 and in a quick jump you will be in Burano, since the journey only lasts 15 minutes. Warning: be sure to introduce yourself at the Faro de Murano stop, and not at the Colonna stop where you may have ended up. The ideal is to visit Murano in the morning, eat there for lunch and take the vaporetto to visit Burano the rest of the afternoon.
Colorful facades of Burano
The canals of Burano
Which vaporetto for Burano?
To get to Burano from Venice, take vaporetto number 12 at the Fondamente Nove stop. The 45-minute trip on the lagoon offers a very pleasant ride! A tip off the beaten track? Just before Burano, the vaporetto stops on the island of Mazzorbo. Get off here and reach Burano on foot, passing through fields, orchards and finally a small wooden bridge. A bucolic getaway to do if you have the time! Vaporetti leave every 20-30 minutes from Venice. For the return, the last ones spend very late in the evening in Burano, which allows you to make yourself a small restaurant before returning to your hotel!
The alleys of the island
Where to eat on site?
You will find everything you need to eat in Burano. Among the most famous restaurants you can enjoy Al Gatto Nero Da Ruggero, known for its seafood. It also offers dishes suitable for all tastes: vegetarians, pasta, soups etc. the Osteria Al Museo Burano, to taste a delicious risotto, do not hesitate to go to the Trattoria Da Romano. Gourmets in search of a sweet treat will find what they are looking for in one of the many pastries on the island. You will find a wide choice of Palmisano Carmelina cookies or succulent ice creams everywhere.
Where to sleep on the island?
In the evening, the island empties itself of the many visitors of the day. Now is the perfect time to enjoy it and live special moments with its inhabitants. On its own, the sunset over the small canals that lights up the colorful houses is worth staying overnight ... an unforgettable experience! There are many accommodation options: if you want to be in a hotel, the Casa Burano, with its nicely decorated rooms, is a perfect place for a romantic getaway. If you are with family or friends, prefer to rent an apartment, for example at the cozy Tiffany Home or a house like the very colorful Night Galleria.
Enjoy this wonderful island!
So, a visit to Burano inspires you? If you know the island, do not hesitate to share your tips in the comments!
Photos via Flickr – Martino Pizzol, O Palsson, Gerry Balding, MorBCN, Mathias Liebing, Raging Wire, Stefano Montagner, John Bugg, llyglad
