After a short ferry ride, Burano is one of the most popular day trips from Venice. Though drawing crowds in the high season of summer when the Carnival hits the island, the heritage of needle lace making and the colorful waterfront buildings here still take center stage.
I originally planned to hop over to Murano first, but the summer crowds gave us other plans. From queuing in Venice to stashing our luggage in the hotel and then queuing up again for the boat, time slipped away. And now I’m here sharing the best things to do in Burano Island and how to get there from Venice.
If you’re about to hop over Burano for a day, this article gives you a heads-up.
Burano Island: A Splash of Colorful History
The hallmark of Burano is its vibrant houses that seemingly dance across the island, earning it the name “Color Island”.
Some say these bright hues are the result of fishermen’s wives painting their homes to guide their sea-faring husbands back when fog blanketed the lagoon. However, some argue otherwise.
Kickback to the Middle Ages when the lethal Black Death epidemic took Europe by storm, the disease put the lives of Burano fishermen at risk. A common practice came to the rescue. The local residents painted their walls white to keep the disease at bay as these walls were coated with slaked lime, a popular element used as a disinfection. To differentiate from those white-splashed houses, disinfected households painted their walls in vivid colors and signaled that their houses had escaped bubonic plague.
Today, Burano keeps this tradition alive, but with a twist. When residents paint their exteriors, they need the government’s green light. Thanks to government subsidies, a palette of colors is available for public selection.
And voila! The colorful houses stand tall as a living canvas, beckoning attention from visitors at a distance.
How To Get To Burano From Venice?
The ferry from Venice to Burano is called Vaporetto that runs on the line #12. It meanders through Murano before dropping you off at Burano’s colorful doorstep. Starting from Fondamenta Nova Ferry Terminal (F.te Nova), the voyage lasts half an hour.
To avoid queue time, come early and set aside an hour beforehand. The frequency is every half an hour. My recommended time to spend on Burano ranges anywhere from two hours to half a day. Tickets are available for purchase directly from the conductor when boarding the ferry.
3 Best Things To See And Do On Burano Island For A Day Trip
Be In Awe At The Church of Saint Martin Bishop
As you walk towards the Main Square, you’ll notice that the “Chiesa di San Martino” is delightfully askew. Dubbed as the lesser-known sibling to the Leaning Tower of Pisa, the bell tower of the church still adds character to the island’s watery foundation. This incredible sight juts out from the back of the church and can be seen from many different angles, both waterfront and by land, leaning several degrees out of the perpendicular.
The Church of Saint Martin Bishop has been around since the 16th century. On the inside, Giambattista Tiepolo’s painting of the Crucifixion remains intact for ages. You can also visit the Oratorio di San Barbara chapel next door to the church.
Indulge In The Shopping Galore
Burano is renowned for its handmade lace products, earning it the nickname “Needle Lace Island.” There are plenty of boutique stores and lace shops within a short walk from the Church of Saint Martin Bishop for you to find a keepsake.
For a better insight into the art of lace making, pay a visit to the Lace Museum, where you can explore various Venetian lace styles for a EUR 5 entrance fee. Right here, you will be in awe at the skillful hands of traditional artisans working on their masterpieces, despite the surge of machine-made lace that dominates today.
Savor Seafood Delights At Trattoria Da Romano
It’s been a while on foot, now is the perfect time to rest your tired legs and enjoy some lip-smacking island staples. Right here at Trattoria Da Romano, Anthony Bourdain famously endorsed their fish risotto as the best of its kind in Venice. Local delicacies like vinegar-pickled sardines, buttered cod with corn cakes, cuttlefish noodles, seafood risotto, and a variety of fried seafood are dished up with dignity.
Final Words: Is Burano Worth A Visit?
If you don’t mind the crowds, there’s no reason to give Burano a pass. The beautiful island serves as a great respite from Venice’s tourist hustle and bustle. When the crowds thin out during the off-season, the entire island is zen – and with only 3000 residents on the island, Burano always holds its charm.