Burano Italy

Burano is a picturesque fishing island in the Venetian Lagoon of northern Italy, celebrated for its brightly colored houses and centuries-old lace-making tradition. Easily accessible by boat from Venice, it makes for a perfect day trip, offering tranquil canals, vibrant streets, and a leaning bell tower that adds to its unique charm and photogenic appeal.

Burano is an island in the northern Venetian Lagoon of Italy, situated near Torcello at the lagoon’s northern end. It is renowned for its vibrant, brightly colored houses and traditional lace-making craft. Today, tourism forms the backbone of Burano’s economy, attracting visitors from around the world.

Geography
Burano is located 7 kilometres from Venice and can be reached in about 45 minutes from St. Mark’s Square by vaporetto, the Venetian water bus. The island is connected to the neighboring island of Mazzorbo by a bridge. Burano has a current population of approximately 2,800 residents.

Originally, Burano consisted of five separate islands. Over time, a fourth canal was filled to create Via e Piazza Baldassare Galuppi, linking the former islands of San Martino Destra and San Martino Sinistra. Historically, Burano has been divided into five sestieri, corresponding to its original islands, with a sixth sestiere encompassing the neighboring Mazzorbo.

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History

Burano was likely first settled by the Romans and, in the 6th century, was occupied by people from Altino, who named it after one of the gates of their former city. There are two popular theories regarding the origin of the island’s name: one suggests it was founded by the Buriana family, while the other claims the first settlers came from the small island of Buranello, located about 8 kilometres to the south.

Although Burano quickly became a thriving settlement, it was initially administered from Torcello and lacked the privileges of Torcello or Murano. The island gained prominence in the 16th century when local women began producing intricate lace with needles, a craft introduced via Venetian-ruled Cyprus. Notably, when Leonardo da Vinci visited in 1481, he purchased a cloth from the nearby town of Pano Lefkara for the main altar of the Duomo di Milano.

Burano Italy Map

Burano is a charming island in the northern Venetian Lagoon, renowned for its vividly painted houses and centuries-old lace-making tradition.

Murano Burano Italy

Murano and Burano are two distinct islands in the Venetian Lagoon, both easily accessible on a day trip from Venice. Murano is renowned for its centuries-old glassmaking tradition, where visitors can watch skilled artisans at work and see exquisite glass creations. In contrast, Burano is famous for its vibrant, rainbow-colored houses and its longstanding tradition of intricate needle lace, making it one of the most picturesque and charming islands in the lagoon.

Murano

Glassmaking: Murano is world-famous for its master glassblowers and historic furnaces, where visitors can watch artisans craft exquisite glass artworks. Museum of Glass: The Glass Museum showcases a rich collection of glass artifacts, tools, and rare pieces that illustrate the island’s centuries-old glassmaking tradition. Location: Murano comprises nine small islands connected by bridges within the Venetian Lagoon.

Burano

Colorful Houses: Often called a “rainbow on earth,” Burano is renowned for its vibrantly painted houses, offering a truly unique and picturesque visual experience. Lace-Making: The island has a centuries-old tradition of needle lace-making, a craft passed down through generations of local women. Fishing Heritage: The brightly painted houses were originally designed to help fishermen spot their homes from a distance—a tradition that continues to this day.

Things to do in Burano, Italy

Explore Burano, Italy

Burano is a charming island in the Venetian Lagoon, famous for its vibrant, rainbow-colored houses, historic lace-making tradition, and scenic canals. A visit here is perfect for photography, cultural exploration, and experiencing local Venetian life.

Wander and Photograph: Stroll along Burano’s picturesque streets and canals, capturing the brightly painted houses that make the island a photographer’s paradise.

Discover Hidden Spots: Venture into quiet alleyways and secluded corners to find peaceful views and unique perspectives of the colorful architecture.

Burano Lace Museum (Museo del Merletto): Learn about the island’s centuries-old lace-making craft at the museum, housed in the former lacemaking school. Explore historical pattern books, lace samples, and traditional costumes.

Shop for Lace: Take home authentic lace products as souvenirs and support the local artisans who keep this historic craft alive.

Church of San Martino: Admire the island’s leaning bell tower, famously nicknamed the “Burano Leaning Tower.”

Piazza Galuppi: Explore the main square, named after composer Baldassarre Galuppi, and see his statue at the heart of the island.

Enjoy Local Food: Sample fresh seafood and other regional dishes at Burano’s charming restaurants and cafes.

Hotels in Burano, Italy

Burano, Italy, offers a selection of charming accommodations that immerse guests in the island’s vibrant atmosphere.

Casa Burano in Burano

Laguna Blu

Venissa Wine Resort

Hotel Danieli, Venice

Hotel Nuovo Cason

How to Reach Burano, Italy

To reach Burano, take the public vaporetto (water bus) Line 12 from either Fondamente Nove or San Zaccaria docks in Venice. Tickets can be purchased online in advance or at kiosks near the docks, and should be validated before boarding. The scenic journey takes about one hour and includes a stop at Murano, the island famous for its glassmaking.