Burano and Murano: An Easy Step by Step Itinerary from Venice

No holiday in Venice could be complete without a day trip to the wonderful islands of Burano and Murano! From the exquisite pastel alleys of Burano, to the endless crystal glassware of Murano, both islands stand to make an everlasting impression.

And although they are not your typical islands (with palm trees or sandy beaches), they both offer a picturesque scenery like no other! With their histories deeply rooted in artisanship, (from glassblowing to lacemaking), visiting Murano and Burano is a true cultural affair!

And as we’re in Italy, we couldn’t forget heavenly food and specialty shopping along the way of course!

So, let’s dive right into the itinerary for your visit!

Burano and Murano Itinerary – Day Trip from Venice

Here below I have crafted an itinerary of what an ideal day trip from Venice to Burano and Murano could look like.

I suggest visiting Murano in the morning, followed by Burano in the afternoon!

Why? Because glass masters are more active in the morning. You’ll see a lot more ‘action‘ in Murano in the morning. Plus, Murano is also a lot closer to Venice, so you won’t have to sacrifice precious sleep-time by waking up at the crack of dawn.

Furthermore, Burano in my opinion has a much better selection of restaurants, so it’s best to head there in the afternoon for a nice gourmet lunch!

Here is a quick overview of what your day trip to Murano and Burano could look like:

Daytrip Itinerary (by the hour)

Visiting Murano Island – Stop #1

So, for our first stop…Murano, the land of glassmaking! An island that has more glass factories than cafés, Murano greets with a sea of a thousand crystals.

But before jumping the gun and immediately heading for the shops, it’s important you take your time familiarizing yourself with what authenticity means when it comes to Murano glass. I recommend spending your first hour on the island visiting as many glass shops as you can to get an understanding of what goes on behind the glassblowing process– this way you can better recognize the difference between authentic Murano glass and fake knock-offs (more on this below).

How to get to Murano from Venice

But before shopping, we have to get to Murano first!

If you’ve already spent time in Venice, you’ll know that the public transportation system is super efficient. This is no different when it comes to getting around the other islands of the Venetian lagoon– it’s super easy!

Depending on where you are departing from, you can decide which water bus or ‘vaporetto‘ line to take. And the great news is that it only takes about 10-25 minutes to get to Murano from Venice (depending on which stop you depart from).

Vaporetto Lines for Murano

• From Venice (Fte. Nuove) to Murano: The vaporetto line 4.1 which takes approximately 10 minutes
• From Venice (Ferrovia train station) to Murano: The vaporetto line 4.1 which takes approximately 25 minutes.
• From Lido Island: No Direct line– You have to change at Fte. Nuove (see first line of this list)
• From Burano to Murano: The vaporetto line 12 which takes approximately 35 minutes

Which stop should you get off at? Murano Faro is the most common stop to get off at.

In terms of vaporetto tickets and fares, I recommend using a Venezia Unica City Pass. Check out my Venice post for more detailed information on discounted fares.

Things to do in Murano

So now that you’ve arrived on the island, first thing’s first– finding and choosing a trustworthy glass factory to tour and visit! I know that might sound overwhelming but with these few key points I list below, you can easily and confidently determine whether a glass factory is worth visiting or not.

1. Murano Glass Factory Visit

So, how do you verify if you’re in a credible glass factory?  Visit their shop first! Casually peruse through their glass products and verify whether they adhere to the following ground rules below. If they don’t, move on to the next factory. If they do, than you can safely proceed with a tour!

How to tell if a Glass Factory is Ripping you Off?

PRICE

The first and most evident variable to look at when perusing Murano glass is price. If the price is cheap, the product is cheap. The materials used in traditional glassblowing and the time and expertise needed in the process, make Murano glass expensive. Now this doesn’t mean you need to be spending thousands of euro but be mindful that cheap in this case is not a bargain. Compare prices of similar products from other shops to get an idea of what you should be spending.

UNIQUENESS

Murano glass is 100% hand-made, meaning each product is 100% unique. Although moulds are commonly used, you should still find little anomalies from one piece to the other. Bubbles inside the glass in this case are a good sign! Many times you can even find the little dent on the object where the glass was removed from the blow-pipe.

AUTHENTICITY TRADEMARK

Although the trademark Vetro Artistico® Murano is not mandatory (authentic pieces can be sold without the presence of this trademark), if the seal is present it certifies authenticity.

SIGNATURE

Sometimes glass masters will also sign their artwork. If you are looking at a piece that has a signature present, it is likely you have found a genuine Murano piece.

BACKGROUND INFO

Ask the shop-owner for information on the product. What technique was used and what furnace or master was it sculpted by? The sales clerk might not know but the shop-owner most certainly should have this information. If the shop-owner is vague and doesn’t seem to know much about the piece, I would advise changing shops.

2. Murano Glass Blowing Demonstrations

So, now that you’ve chosen a trustworthy glass factory, let’s move on to the fun stuff… seeing the glass blowing process at work!

Many furnaces perform free daily demonstrations of simple glass-blowing projects (some furnaces ask for a small fee). Usually they’ll quickly and exquisitely mold little animal statuettes (glass masters must work rapidly so as to not let glass cool down and harden). It is astonishing to watch them sculpt the most beautiful masterpieces in a mere 2 minutes!

If you are lucky, you might also get a chance to observe more complex projects such as chandelier-making. This type of project takes much more time and involves multiple masters, each with a different task.

3. Murano Glass Cathedral

Lastly, after you’ve shopped to your last dime, head over to the marvelous glass cathedral and unwind at their crystal bar with an incredibly chic aperitif.

Previously a monastery, the restored sanctuary of Santa Chiara now houses a working furnace on the lower floor. The juxtaposition of ancient stone walls and lavish crystal chandeliers makes for the most beautiful of sights. And if you still have an itch to shop, there is still a chance to purchase more glasswork from the dozens of beautiful pieces on display and/or for sale.

History of Murano Glass

Before wrapping up with our tour on Murano,  I think it’s important to briefly recount the glass history that put this island on the map in the first place! If you’re not a history nerd, no worries– skip to the Burano section.

So as you probably know by now, glass making has been at the heart of Venetian commerce for centuries. Starting from the 1200s, massive fires forced the entire production process out of Venice and onto the island of Murano. It is from here that the industry subsequently flourished!

With dozens of avant-garde methods, the brilliant glass masters of Murano soon uncovered a technique for rendering glass completely clear – what came to be known as the remarkable Venetian ‘cristallo‘. The discovery was GROUNDBREAKING and catapulted the island to the utmost fame. Anyone who was anyone had a collection of pieces from Murano (even King Henry the XIIIth himself had quite an assortment!)

Today, glass blowing still sits at the very core of the Venetian identity. Pupils generally start their apprenticeship around the age of twelve and usually spend 10 years mastering the meticulous craft (depending on the individual). From generation to generation the craft has wonderfully stood the test of time– it is a true privilege to be able to witness still to this day!

Visiting Burano Island – Stop #2

Next up, Burano! The colorful fisherman town that will absolutely steal your heart!

Upon arriving on the island, you’ll immediately find yourself swallowed amongst a swirl of pastels. As if you’ve stumbled onto a painter’s palate, exploring the island feels nothing short of a dream. With its hundreds of rainbow facades, the island’s cheery character instills a joy like no other island in the world.

How to get to Burano from Venice

So, how do you get to Burano? Here below I’ve listed the easiest ways to get to Burano without having to change lines (direct lines). If you’ve followed this itinerary you will want to take the vaporetto from Murano, as you will be coming from there.

• From Murano (Faro): The vaporetto line 12 which takes about 35 minutes.
• From Venice (S. Zaccaria): The easiest is to take the ‘motonave‘ line 14 which takes about 1.15 hour
• From Venice (Fondamente Nove): The vaporetto line 12 which takes about 45 minutes
• From Lido: The motonave line 14 which takes about an hour

Which stop should you get off at?

There is only one stop on the island of Burano (if you’re traveling on the n.12 and n.14 lines) – you can’t go wrong if you’re traveling on these lines!

What to do in Burano

Once on the island, you’ll soon uncover there are quite a few things to do in Burano.

As indicated in this itinerary, I suggest going first to lunch and saving the exploration for later. (See restaurant section below for recommendations).

After lunch, instead of hurriedly setting off to check off your list of places to see in Burano, try taking things slow.

Follow your eyes and let the island reveal itself to you, one vibrant alley to the next. Venture a bit further from the tourist areas and find warmth in the locals. From mother’s calling for supper from their doorsteps, to adorable grandmas laying out laundry to dry, Burano will remind you of a simpler time. As if the cheery facades themselves smile back at you, Burano truly welcomes and warms the soul.

Top Attractions in Burano

Once you’ve gotten a chance to absorb the island’s spirit, there are quite a couple attractions you can visit.

If you’re worried about time, the entire island is entirely walkable in about 2 hours depending on how many stops you make for photos.

Casa Bepi

Among the things to do in Burano, you can head over to Casa Bepi, the most colorful house in Burano! The owner of the house, the late Giuseppe Toselli, used to project movies for the children of Burano every summer.

Tower of Burano

You’ll also definitely not want to miss the leaning tower of Burano—it is over 1,5 meters crooked from the base!

Burano Lace Museum

You can also head to the Burano Lace Museum!  It’s very informative and a great way to get an understanding on what goes behind all the lacemaking you’ll find around the island.

Shopping for Lace? It’s a smart idea to familiarize yourself with needlework and the skillset required BEFORE heading to the shops. This way, not only will you have a deeper appreciation of the craft but you’ll also know what to look for when deciding on which pattern or shop to buy from. Like Murano glass, Burano lace is completely hand-made, so as a result it does not come cheap.

Burano Lace History

Before wrapping up on this post, I thought it essential to spend a few words on the history of needle lacemaking in Burano.

Since the 16th century, Burano lace has qualified as a sort of luxury textile. A craft so meticulous and precise, lacemakers spent months on even the tiniest of projects. The detailed patterns and hours of work attracted even the most affluent members of society (even King Louis XIV commissioned several designs!)

Unfortunately, as history goes, Burano lace was soon surpassed by quicker and cheaper methods of production. With time, its value in commercial trade dwindled.

Today however, the tradition is still alive as women continue to pass on their skills to their daughters (and granddaughters) so as to uphold and preserve the established craft. To this day, you’ll still occasionally find groups of women casually lacemaking in the alleys- it is such a moving experience to witness the craft first hand!

Burano Restaurants

Finally, the tasty stuff – food! I have personally eaten in both of the restaurants recommended below and found both to be absolutely exquisite.

Alla Maddalena

$$$ (Local Favorite) – Mazzorbo

Tucked away from crowds on the island of Mazzorbo (connected to Burano via wooden bridge), this charming family-owned restaurant is a local’s favorite. With excellent food at affordable prices, (not to mention its waterfront views), it’s the perfect choice for a quiet yet delicious lunch!

Al Gatto Nero

$$$ (Chef Recommended) – Burano

If you prefer staying in the heart of colorful Burano, Al Gatto Nero  is your restaurant. Not only is the location phenomenal, it has a cuisine (in particular seafood) to die for… even celebrity chef Jamie Oliver recommends it!

FAQ – Visiting Burano and Murano

Here below you’ll find answers to the most common questions regarding a day trip to Burano and Murano. 

Should I stay overnight in Burano and Murano?

The islands are quite small and as such are best done as a day-trip from Venice. To make better use of your time, I would urge you to book your accommodation in Venice.

What are the best days of the week to visit Burano and Murano?

If you have your heart set on seeing glass masters at work or are eager to shop for some lace or glass, don’t go to Burano and Murano on Sundays or Mondays! On Sundays most glass masters rest (although you might find some open furnaces operating solely for tourists – not the most genuine of experience!). While on Mondays most shops generally remain closed.

Because of this, the best days to visit both Burano and Murano are Tuesday through Friday!

If I only have time for one, which is better Burano or Murano?

It depends on what you’re looking for. If you love photography and are a foodie than I definitely suggest sticking to Burano. There are many more restaurant options and the colors of the picturesque island are a dream for any photographer. If instead, you are a fan of craftsmanship and are interested in shopping for local products, Murano is the better choice.

Other Islands around Venice

If you have more time in Venice then there are certainly quite a few other islands you can venture to. With over 40 lagoon islands, each island has its own unique story.

For those of you that love a good haunted story, there are quite a few islands around Venice linked to eery legends of ghosts and evil spirits.

Poveglia Island for example, known by Venetians as l’isola dei fantasmi or Ghost Island, is considered by many to be the most haunted island in the world. An island historically used to isolate and quarantine those suspected of or dying of the plague, the island has seen the blackest of deaths. Legends recount that mental patients of the asylum built there centuries later were incessantly tormented by the ghosts of the plagued.

There are yet larger islands like that of Lido di Venezia or Pellestrina.

If you’re fan of the Venice Film Festival, Lido Island hosts the glamorous cinematic event each September. I’ve been several times and spotted numerous celebrities (keep in mind that hotels are booked months in advance and can get quite pricey this time of year!)

If you love seafood, Pellestrina is where you’ll find the most exquisite gourmet delicacies and the freshest of fish. I recommend having lunch at Da Celeste! The restaurant is highly considered by locals – we had the most unforgettable lunch there.

So, there it is guys… an easy step-by-step itinerary for the perfect day trip to Burano and Murano! I absolutely love these two islands and feel that their visit is absolutely worth it when in Venice!

I did my best to craft an itinerary that would allow you to see BOTH islands at a leisurely pace in one day . You might have to watch your shopping time, but other than that, I feel you can comfortably fit everything in without feeling rushed.

I sincerely hope you find this guide useful and if I’ve missed any cool things to do, please comment below so I can improve or add to the itinerary.

Don’t forget to follow along on my adventures at @ladolcefitvita!

Buon Viaggio! Have a Fun Trip!

Interested in Other Islands around Europe? Here are a few guides for inspiration:

• GREECE – Crystalline Milos: Greece’s Best Kept Secret!
• ITALY – Procida: a Colorful Alternative to Crowded Capri
• ITALY – Beautiful Ponza: An Island Getaway from Rome!

Pin me for Later!

This blog post is intended for general informational and educational purposes only. Please read my full disclosure for further information.