Burano

The Basics

Join a guided tour of the Venetian islands and stroll through the winding streets of this charming island to admire the brightly painted houses and watch a lace-making demonstration. A private tour of Burano, Murano, and Torcello islands is a fascinating way to explore the less famous corners of the Floating City by boat.

Things to Know Before You Go

• A boat trip to Burano is a must for photography buffs, who will love capturing the vibrant colors.

• Venice island tours require getting on and off a boat, so confirm wheelchair and stroller accessibility ahead of time.

• Burano lace, like Murano glass, is made entirely by hand and is very expensive. Don't be fooled by cheap industrial knock-offs sold at many souvenir shops.

• The island's main street is lined with souvenir shops, cafés, and restaurants.

How to Get There

From St. Mark's Square, take the 5.2 vaporetto from the San Zaccaria stop to Fondamente Nove, then transfer to the 12 to Burano. Boats run until late, but if you miss the last vaporetto, you’ll have to take what may be an expensive water taxi back to Venice.

When to Get There

Though the small islands outside Venice are less visited than sights like St. Mark's Basilica and the Doge's Palace, they can still get quite crowded. The best time to visit is in early spring or late fall. If you’re there in summer, head to Burano first thing in the morning.

Visiting Burano and Murano

Burano is often mistaken for Murano, the island known for its long history of glass blowing. You can easily visit both in a single day on a tour that combines them both. You’ll want to see Burano for the photo opportunities and lace-making and Murano for the glass-making demonstrations in the island's many glass factories.

What makes Burano different from other islands in Venice?

Burano is one of the most popular and distinctive islands in the Venetian lagoon. Long a center for traditional lacemaking, the UNESCO-listed island is especially noteworthy for its colorful houses. Small in scale and accessible on foot (once you’ve arrived by boat), Burano is worth going out of your way to explore.

How do I get to Burano from Venice?

The easiest and most direct way to travel from Venice to Burano is by water bus (vaporetto). Line 12 is the fastest and most direct route, departing from Fondamenta Nove in Venice. You can also take the water bus line 14, although it’s a slower route.

Why are Burano’s houses so colorful?

Burano is famous for its ultra-colorful houses. According to legend, the houses were painted in vivid colors to make them more visible in the mist-shrouded lagoon, helping fishermen to find their way home. Today, residents are assigned a specific color for their homes and are required to repaint regularly.

What are the best times of the year to visit Burano to avoid crowds?

Burano, like much of the wider Venice region, gets especially crowded during the summer high season. Visit during the autumn or spring shoulder seasons for a quieter experience and decent weather. It’s also advised to arrive early in the day, and to aim for weekdays if possible.

Can I buy lace products directly from artisans in Burano, and are they authentic?

Yes, you can buy lace from artisans and specialty shops in Burano. Be aware that some shops may sell inauthentic or machine-made lace, so look for places where lacemaking is taking place. The Lace Museum (Museo del Merletto) has a gift shop where you can buy authentic lace.

Are there any guided tours available for exploring Burano, and are they worth it?

Yes, there are a number of tours that explore Burano. A walking tour with a local guide will typically cover the history of Burano, including stories behind the landmarks and a chance to visit areas that tourists might otherwise overlook.

Ways to explore

Join a guided tour of the Venetian islands and stroll through the winding streets of this charming island to admire the brightly painted houses and watch a lace-making demonstration to learn why this handmade product is so expensive and sought after. A private tour of Burano, Murano, and Torcello islands is a fascinating way to explore the less-famous corners of the Venetian lagoon by boat. Photography buffs who get too wrapped up in capturing the island’s colorful waterways may also appreciate the flexibility that a private tour provides.

Accessibility

Burano offers partially limited accessibility to visitors using wheelchairs and strollers, primarily due to the steep bridges with stairs that cross its canals and narrow streets.

Age limits

None

What to pack

Seasickness tablets, camera, cash (some smaller businesses may be cash only)

What to wear

Comfortable walking shoes, light jacket, sunhat

Not allowed

This is a residential island, so avoid making noise at late hours and respect people’s private property.

Amenities

Restaurants, ATMs, parks, playgrounds

Address

Burano is an outer island in the Venetian Lagoon to the northeast of the city center. The only way to reach the island is by boat.

Driving

Travelers with cars should park in either Venice Mestre on the mainland, the parking lots of Santa Chiarra near the ferry terminal in Venice, or near the Punta Sabioni ferry terminal. You will then need to continue by vaporetto or water taxi.

Public transportation

From St. Mark’s Square, take the 5.2 vaporetto from the San Zaccaria stop to Fondamente Nove, then transfer to the 12 to Burano. From the mainland, take the 14 vaporetto from Punta Sabioni or Treporti.

Best times to visit

When traveling in high season, it’s best to head to Burano first thing in the morning.

Best days to visit

The early part of the week (Monday to Wednesday) is often quieter than the rest of the week, but Saturday is especially busy.

Best months to visit

Early spring and late fall offer a more serene experience in Burano and have pleasant weather.

Special events

Burano shares in Venice’s love of Carnival celebrations in February/March. Additionally, there's the Burano Regatta on the third Sunday of September.