Venice Islands

The only way to visit Venice’s islands is by boat. Private motorboat tours enable you to make the most of your time on each island—visiting the glass factories on Murano, lace-making demonstrations on Burano, and the historic sights on Torcello—without having to navigate the complicated and crowded interisland public transportation system. Half-day tours are great when you're pressed for time. Full-day tours explore the Grand Canal and lagoon islands at a relaxed pace.

• Be sure to bring your camera to capture the picturesque glassblowing demonstrations on Murano and traditional lace-making on Burano.

• Murano glass and Burano lace are famous for their impeccable quality—and prices reflect that. Be wary of glass or lace shops that advertise “bargain” prices, which often means low-quality goods imported from outside Italy.

• Murano’s glass shops are known for their hard-sell techniques, so always book your Venice islands tour through a reputable company to avoid unpleasant strong-arming tactics.

From St. Mark’s Square (Piazza San Marco), take the vaporetto water bus ferry line #4.1 from the San Zaccaria stop, or a private water taxi from the Grand Canal boat launch near the Doge’s Palace to Murano. From there, local water buses or taxis run to Burano and Torcello.

The best times to visit are spring and early fall. Summers in the Venice Islands are less sweltering than in inland Italy but just as crowded. The crowds thin considerably from November through February, though chilly temperatures can mean a less pleasant boat trip across the lagoon.

Over the centuries, a number of artists, musicians, and Hollywood stars have famoulsy spent time on the quiet island of Torcello. American writer Ernest Hemingway, for one, wrote parts of the novel Across the River and into the Trees during his stay on the island in 1948.

Venice has more than 118 islands, but when people say "the Venice Islands," they are normally referring to the triplet islands of Murano, Burano, and Torcello. Murano is the best known and is famous for its glassblowing industry, but many boat tours also stop in Burano and Torcello.

Yes, the islands in Venice are worth visiting. Not only are they great for photos, but they are also excellent for enriching your knowledge of Venetian artistic traditions and history. Watch glassblowers in Murano, learn about lace in Burano, or visit the oldest cathedral in the area in Torcello.

Many people consider Burano the most beautiful island of the Venice Islands, and you may agree if you’re a fan of vivid colors. Many of the homes on this island are painted in vibrant hues, a tradition that started to help fishermen find their way home on foggy days.

You should visit Murano, Burano, and Torcello. Each has its own draw. Murano is good to buy fine Venetian glass (and watch it being made), while Burano is a favorite among photographers for its colorful houses. Tiny Torcello’s big attraction is its historic Cathedral of Santa Maria Assunta.

The best time of year to visit the Venice Islands is in spring or fall. While this time of year is generally less crowded than summer, you should still expect crowds. Also, know that Venice often floods in the cooler months, a phenomenon known as acqua alta (high water).

Yes, you can go to the Venice Islands on your own. The most expensive way is by water taxi. Going by vaporetto (ferry) can save you some money, but it will cost you time. For the perfect blend of convenience and cost-efficiency, tour all three islands.