Murano & Burano Island Guide

A day trip to Murano and Burano is a highlight of any Venice visit. These islands in the Venetian Lagoon offer a completely different experience from the main city - world-famous glass-making on Murano and the rainbow-colored houses of Burano.

Getting to the Islands

Vaporetto Line 12: Fondamente Nove → Murano → Mazzorbo → Burano
From Venice to Murano: 15-20 minutes
Murano to Burano: 30-35 minutes
Ticket: Standard vaporetto ticket (€9.50) or day pass

Murano Island

Murano has been the center of Venetian glass-making since 1291, when the furnaces were moved from Venice due to fire risk. Today, you can watch master glassblowers create everything from delicate jewelry to massive chandeliers.

Top Things to Do on Murano

  • Watch a glass-blowing demonstration - Free shows at many factories, but you'll be expected to browse the showroom
  • Museo del Vetro (Glass Museum) - History of Murano glass with stunning examples from ancient times to present (€10)
  • Chiesa di San Pietro Martire - Beautiful church with works by Bellini and Tintoretto (free)
  • Lighthouse (Faro di Murano) - Landmark at the island's tip, great for photos
  • Shop for authentic glass - Look for the "Vetro Murano Artistico" trademark to ensure authenticity

Murano Shopping Tips

• Look for the "Vetro Artistico Murano" trademark
• Beware of "Made in China" glass sold as Murano
• Prices are negotiable, especially for larger purchases
• Shipping is available for fragile items

Burano Island

Burano is famous for its brightly colored houses and traditional lace-making. The colors were originally used so fishermen could find their way home in the fog. Today, it's one of the most photographed spots in the Venetian lagoon.

Top Things to Do on Burano

  • Photograph the colorful houses - Walk the main canals for the best views
  • Museo del Merletto (Lace Museum) - History of Burano's famous lace tradition (€5)
  • Chiesa di San Martino - Church with famously leaning bell tower
  • Eat fresh seafood - Try risotto di go (fish risotto) or fritto misto
  • Buy handmade lace - Authentic pieces are expensive but beautiful

Suggested Day Trip Itinerary

1

9:00 AM - Depart from Venice

Take vaporetto Line 12 from Fondamente Nove. Get there early for a seat.

2

9:20 AM - Arrive at Murano

Get off at Murano Colonna. Watch a glass-blowing demonstration and visit the Glass Museum.

3

12:00 PM - Ferry to Burano

Continue on Line 12 to Burano (via Mazzorbo).

4

12:45 PM - Lunch on Burano

Enjoy fresh seafood at a canal-side restaurant. Try Trattoria da Romano or Da Primo.

5

2:00 PM - Explore Burano

Photograph the colorful houses, visit the Lace Museum, and browse the shops.

6

4:00 PM - Return to Venice

Take Line 12 back to Fondamente Nove (40-45 minutes).

Optional: Torcello

If you have extra time, add Torcello to your itinerary. This nearly deserted island was once the most powerful in the lagoon. Today, it's home to the ancient Basilica di Santa Maria Assunta with stunning Byzantine mosaics. Take Line 9 from Burano (5 minutes).

Frequently Asked Questions

How much time do I need for Murano and Burano?
Allow at least half a day (4-5 hours) to visit both islands comfortably. With Torcello included, plan for a full day. You can do a quick visit in 3-4 hours, but you'll feel rushed.
Can I visit both islands in one day?
Yes, absolutely! Most visitors combine Murano and Burano in a single day trip. They're on the same vaporetto line (12), making it easy to hop between them. Add Torcello if you have time.
Is Murano glass actually made on Murano?
Authentic Murano glass must be made on the island. However, cheap imitations from China are sold throughout Venice and even on Murano itself. Look for the "Vetro Artistico Murano" trademark and buy from reputable workshops.
Why are the houses on Burano so colorful?
Legend says fishermen painted their houses bright colors so they could spot them through the fog when returning from sea. Today, residents must get government approval to repaint their houses and can only choose from an approved color palette.