~ Carmen

Murano and Burano are two popular islands in the Venetian Lagoon off of the northeastern coast of Italy.  The most popular island being Venice (Read How to Spend 2 Days in Venice).  The lagoon provides a calm barrier between the Adriatic Sea and the Italian Coast.  From Venice, you can easily reach these islands by ferry boat in less than half and hour making them a perfect day-trip destination!  See the whole trip itinerary: 4 Days in Northeast Italy: Veneto Region.

Public Ferry Docking at Murano

How to Spend 1 Day in Murano & Burano, Italy

How to Get to Murano & Burano

There are several vaporetto (public water bus) lines that will get you from Venice to Murano.  If you walk to the Fondamente Nova (15 minutes from San Marco in Venice), take a #4.1 or #4.2. It is about 15 minutes to Murano-Colonna from there.  You can also take the #12 which makes a continual loop between the outer Venetian Lagoon Islands and Venice.  On the islands themselves, you can pretty much cover all of the major attractions by foot.

Murano

Murano is actually a group of 8 islands, criss-crossed together by a series of bridges.  At one time, Venetian officials required all glassmakers to move their businesses to Murano to reduce the risk of fire from the glass-blowing process.  In time, Murano glass was so revered that it became an act of treason for any glass workers to leave Murano.  Today, Murano artisans still practice their time-honored craft.  While on Murano, you will want to watch some of the artists demonstrate their glass-blowing techniques, which can easily been seen in any number of glass shops.  You can visit the Museo del Vetro (glass museum), and of course, you must shop for lovely glass souvenirs!  

One of the major canals in Murano

Don’t put much on your itinerary when visiting Murano. Spend your time, leisurely walking along the canals and window shopping.

Burano

From Murano, take the #12 ferry to Burano.  The ride is only about 25 minutes.  Between Murano and Burano, I’d spend the majority of my time in Burano.  In fact, I wish we had visited it first.  We arrived a little after lunch, and by that time, I was hot and tired, and didn’t have the energy to fully enjoy this picturesque little town.

The beautiful canals of Burano!

While Murano is known for its glass, Burano is famous for its handmade lace.  It even has a lace museum.  The canals are lined with brightly colored lace shops and cafes.  You could go crazy just trying to decide which area of Burano is the prettiest.  Just like Murano, don’t worry about your schedule.  Slow walking and window shopping are an attraction all in itself!

Give yourself plenty of time to walk the colorful streets of Burano!

One souvenir you need to buy when visiting Burano is their famous cookies.  Sometimes in a donut shape and sometimes in an “S” shape, these cookies have a shortbread taste.  Legend is that Burano wives would give the cookies to their fisherman husbands who were embarking on long voyages.  I may have eaten a bag or two myself!

Famous Burano Cookie

Have you been to the islands of Murano and Burano in Italy before?  We’d love for you to add your thoughts and recommendations.  Have any questions? Please ask by commenting below!  Keep up with all of our travel, camping, and cycling tips by following us on Facebook, Instagram, Twitter, and Pinterest.  Leave us your email (blue box at the bottom of the post) to subscribe to our weekly newsletter and never miss a post!

~Carmen

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