Day Trip To Venice Italy Burano 

If you’re thinking about a trip to Venice, definitely consider adding a Day Trip To Venice Italy Burano to your plans! Burano is such a charming and picturesque little island, and it’s only a short boat ride away from Venice! The colorful houses, splashed with pink, blue, yellow, and green, really give you the vibe of walking right into a postcard.

I had such a great time exploring this vibrant island during my visit! If you’re into photography, love fresh seafood, or just enjoy wandering through charming, peaceful streets, Burano has something special for you.

I’d love to share my experience, offer some useful tips, and explain why Burano is a place you really shouldn’t miss when you’re in Venice. You’ve got to believe me, it’s the ideal escape from the busy crowds in Venice!

Make the most of your trip by booking your travel ahead of time. I used Skyscanner to compare flights and find the cheapest offer. It’s an excellent tool for finding the most economical travel alternatives, allowing you to save money for other fun things in Venice and Burano!

Is Burano Worth Visiting?

Without a doubt! One of the most beautiful places I’ve ever been is Burano. The houses on Burano are painted in bright shades of pink, blue, yellow, and green. This is the first thing that hits you. It’s like walking into a live painting or a rainbow when you walk through these streets.

There is a beautiful scene around every corner, making it a great place for photographers and people who just enjoy beautiful pictures.

The local beauty of Burano is what makes it different from the busy city of Venice. I saw people drying their clothes on the streets, kids playing by the canals, and older people talking on their front steps as I walked through the quiet streets.

The island has a real, slow-paced vibe that is very different from how fast-paced Venice is. It was nice to see a more private and laid-back side of Venetian life.

Another great thing about Burano is its food. If you like fish, this is the place for you. Fresh fish, local risotto, and delicious Burano cookies are what the island is known for, and I highly suggest all of them. You won’t go away hungry because the tastes are so great, from the seafood pasta to the baked fish. I’ll talk more about the best places to eat below, so stay tuned.

So, should you go to Burano? Without a question, if you love bright streets, fun things to do in the area, and a calmer atmosphere away from the crowds of Venice, then yes! It’s a great place for a day trip. The best part? Since Burano is close to Venice, it’s a must-see for anyone who wants to get away from the city for a while.

Where is Burano?

Burano is this charming little island in the Venetian Lagoon, just about 7 miles (11 km) north of Venice. Even though it seems like it’s far away, it’s actually really close to the heart of Venice, making it a great spot for a day trip. Getting to Burano by boat takes about 45 minutes, and there are several routes you can choose from each day.

Burano is part of the Venetian archipelago, but it really has its own special charm that makes it different from the main island of Venice. It’s much quieter and not as crowded, plus it’s well-known for the bright and colorful houses that line the streets. If you want to find a quiet spot away from the hustle and bustle of Venice, Burano is the perfect place to unwind.

Getting to Burano is easier than you might expect. I was really surprised at how simple it was to jump on a Vaporetto (water bus) and take in the beautiful boat ride across the lagoon. You’ve got to trust me on this one; it’s truly an experience! The views of the surrounding islands are just amazing as you go along.

How to Get to Venice Italy Burano 

There are three main ways to get to Burano from Venice:

Public Water Taxi (Vaporetto):

The Vaporetto (public water bus) is the most popular and cost-effective means to reach Burano. I rode the Vaporetto Line 12 from Fondamenta Nove (a short walk from Rialto) to Burano. The journey costs roughly €7.50 one way and lasts about 45 minutes. The voyage provides spectacular views of the Venetian Lagoon, so choose a seat by the window for the greatest view.

Tip: If you want to visit neighboring islands, like as Murano or Torcello, consider purchasing a day pass. It’s less expensive and includes unrestricted travel on all Vaporetto lines for the whole day. This is very useful if you are jumping between islands!

Private Water Taxi:

If you want a more comfortable and speedier alternative, try a private water taxi. The cost of a one-way travel to Burano is between €115 and €150, depending on the carrier and departure place.

While I did not pick this option, it is ideal if you are traveling with a group or like a more customized, pleasant experience. The boat is speedier, so you’ll get at Burano in no time, but it costs more.

Group Tours:

For those who prefer a guided experience, group tours are an excellent way to explore Burano. Most tours combine Burano with nearby islands like Murano and Torcello, so you can visit multiple locations in one day. Plus, you’ll have a guide who will share interesting facts about the history, culture, and traditions of the islands.

Group tours typically last around 4-6 hours and are a great option for first-time visitors who want a hassle-free experience.

When to Visit Venice Italy Burano 

The best season to visit Burano are spring (April to May) and fall (September to early October). These months provide excellent weather, fewer visitors, and a more calm atmosphere. I went in early May, and it was simply fantastic. The weather was sunny but not too hot, and the crowd was just right—enough to feel vibrant but not overcrowded.

Spring and Fall: Ideal Conditions

• Spring (April-May): The island is blooming with flowers, and the temperatures are comfortable for strolling around. This is the best time for photography, as the colors of the buildings pop against the clear blue sky.
• Fall (September-October): The weather is still warm, and the island is quieter. This is a great time if you want to avoid the summer crowds while still enjoying mild temperatures and scenic views.

Summer (June to August): Peak Tourist Season

Summer brings more people to Burano, and while the island is stunning, it can get quite hot and congested, particularly between 11 a.m. and 3 p.m. The heat may make sightseeing less enjoyable, and finding a peaceful area to admire the surroundings becomes more difficult.

If you want to come during the summer, try to arrive early in the morning or late in the afternoon to escape the peak crowds and extreme midday heat.

Winter (December to February): A Quiet Escape

Winter, from December to February, is the best time to visit Burano if you want to be alone and have a truly peaceful time. During these months, the island is much quieter, making it a more peaceful place to be.

The fog that sometimes forms over the colorful houses adds to the charm and gives the area a mystery feel. This is a great time to travel because it’s not as busy as it is during peak tourist season.

How Long to Spend in Venice Italy Burano 

You don’t need a whole day to see everything in Burano; most people think 3 to 4 hours is enough time. You’ll have plenty of time to walk around the busy streets, take beautiful pictures, look around the cute shops, and enjoy a meal by the canal.

I was there for about 3.5 hours, which was just right. I walked through the picturesque alleyways, took pictures of the famous leaning bell tower, ate fresh fish at a nearby trattoria, and still had time to enjoy the island’s unique charm.

If you’d rather take things more slowly, though, you might want to extend your stay. By evening, when most tourists have gone home, Burano is a quiet, almost magical place. If you stay a little longer, or even overnight, you can see the island’s quieter side, meet more locals, and watch the sunset bounce off the brightly painted homes.

If you decide to stay for dinner, try a seafood risotto—Burano is famous for it!

Getting Around Venice Italy Burano

It’s very easy to get around Burano. There are only 0.2 square kilometers on the island, so the best (and only) way to get around is on foot. In fact, it only takes about 15 minutes to walk from one end to the other, making it perfect for tourists who like to wander around without a plan.

The streets are only for walkers since cars aren’t allowed. This makes it easy to wander through the colorful alleyways, find secret courtyards, and find quiet canals away from the crowds. Even though you might see people riding bikes or passing by in boats, walking is the best way for tourists to enjoy the island’s beauty.

Pro Tip: Wear comfortable shoes—those charming cobblestone streets may look pretty, but they can be a little uneven!

Things to Do in Venice Italy Burano

The little island of Burano is bursting at the seams with culture, color, and allure. If you want your visit to be truly memorable, you must accomplish the following:

1. Get Lost in Burano’s Colorful Streets

Wandering through Burano’s colorful lanes is the best way to see the island. At every turn, you can see a picture-postcard scene, from soft pink fronts to bright blue shutters. If you go off of the main streets, you’ll find quiet spots where you can take pictures without many people around.

2. Capture the Picture-Perfect Houses 📸

Photographers’ dream places are in Burano. The colorful pink, green, yellow, and blue paint on the island’s homes makes for an almost bizarre background. The legend goes that in order for other fishermen to quickly spot their dwellings at sea, the fisherman would paint them brilliant colors.

You will never run out of photos that are good enough for Instagram, whether you use a professional camera or just your phone.

3. Savor Fresh Italian Seafood & Pasta 🍝🐟

Burano is a great place to eat, especially if you like fish. People in the area love Trattoria al Gatto Nero, which is one of the best places to eat. They are famous for their rich fish pasta and rice.

If you have time, you should try the squid ink pasta (spaghetti al nero di seppia), which is a favorite of Venice and tastes great. For a great island meal, drink it with a glass of crisp white wine.

Take a Walking Tour with a Local

A walking tour with a local guide is a great way to learn more about Burano’s history, culture, and hidden gems. While I did not do this during my vacation, I have heard wonderful recommendations from other people who claim it is the best way to fully explore the island beyond its colorful façade.

A local guide may take you to hidden gems, tell intriguing anecdotes about Burano’s history, and even point out aspects you would otherwise miss, such as the significance of the island’s vibrant home colors or the traditions of its fishing population.

Many excursions include a lace-making demonstration, which provides an insight into Burano’s centuries-old artistry. Watching expert artisans make beautiful designs by hand is incredibly intriguing and renews your enthusiasm for this delicate art form.

💡 Pro Tip: If you’re visiting during peak season, a guided tour can help you navigate the busy streets more efficiently and ensure you don’t miss any must-see spots!

Try a Bussola, the Cookie of Burano

If you go to Burano, you have to try Bussolà, the island’s famous rich cookie. These golden treats are shaped like a “S” or a ring. They are rich, a little crunchy, and just the right amount of sweet. They’re great for a quick snack while you walk around the colorful streets.

I stumbled into a little bakery along the canal, where the warm aroma of freshly baked Bussolà filled the air. After just one mouthful, I realized why they’ve been a neighborhood favorite for centuries!

Fun Fact: Bussolà was created by fishermen’s wives as a long-lasting treat for their husbands to take to sea. Today, you can get them at practically every bakery on the island.

💡 Pro Tip: Buy extras to take home—they make great presents and mix well with coffee or dessert wine!

Shop For and Check Out Authentic Burano Lace

Burano is famous all over the world for its beautiful lace-making history that goes back to the 1600s. As you walk around the island, you’ll see lace shops on every street, selling tablecloths, scarves, and other items with detailed patterns. But not all the lace sold here is real; a lot of it is machine-made imports instead of the wonders made by hand that Burano is known for.

Emilia Burano is one of the few places left in the world where skilled artists still make lace by hand, so if you want to find real, hand-stitched Burano lace, you should definitely go there.

It was fascinating to see the women carefully make intricate patterns. It’s a real art form that takes years of practice, patience, and accuracy.

Real Burano lace costs more because it takes longer to make and is more carefully crafted, but it’s worth it if you want to keep something unique. Usually, if the price is too good to be true, it means that it was made in bulk and isn’t real.

💡 Pro Tip: If you’re interested in the history behind Burano’s lace-making, stop by the Museo del Merletto (Lace Museum) to learn more about this incredible tradition!

Admire the Murano Glass

You can still see beautiful Murano glass right here in Burano if you don’t have time to go to the nearby island of Murano, which is famous for making the best glass in the world. A lot of shops in the area sell jewelry, flowers, sculptures, and small figures made by hand out of glass.

Some of them are even decorated with 24K gold or sterling silver to make them look even more elegant.

I bought a small glass figure as a gift, and it’s one of my favorite things I have from Italy. Each piece feels truly unique because of the fine details and bright colors.

💡 Pro Tip: keep an eye out for shops in your area that show how to blow glass. It is mesmerizing to watch skilled artists shape molten glass into complex patterns right in front of your eyes.

Stop by Casa di Bepi Suà – Bepi’s House

Casa di Bepi Suà, also known as “Bepi’s House,” is one of the most beautiful houses in Burano. Most of the houses on the island are plain colors, but this one is painted with bright colors, fun geometric patterns, and other designs that make it a must-see (and must-photograph!) place.

Bepi Suà, the man who built this famous house, was well-liked in the area. He used to sell candy and was known for putting on movie nights outside for kids in the neighborhood.

He painted over and over again, adding new patterns and colors to make his house a work of art that was always changing.

Today, Casa di Bepi Suà is a famous building in the area that draws tourists who love its quirky charm. You can’t go inside, but it’s still worth the trip to take a picture and enjoy the imagination that makes Burano so unique.

If you want to take great pictures, go in the morning or late afternoon. There will be fewer people there.

Where to Stay Near Burano

Most people who visit Burano only stay for the day, but staying the night is a magical and rare experience. After the day tourists leave, Burano becomes a quiet place where you can enjoy the local way of life while walking along its brightly colored streets.

Because Burano is so small, there aren’t many places to stay, but these are some great options:

Venissa Wine Resort: A Treat for Your Senses

Check out Venissa, a beautiful boutique hotel surrounded by wineries, for a truly unique and high-class stay. It’s on the nearby island of Mazzorbo, which is only a short walk across a bridge from Burano.

This peaceful retreat has rooms that are tastefully decorated and a restaurant with a Michelin star where you can enjoy gourmet Venetian food with local wines.

Cute B&Bs and guesthouses

A neighborhood bed and breakfast or hostel right in Burano might be a good choice if you want something more personal and affordable. If you stay in a small, family-run place, you can experience the real charm of the island and wake up to peaceful rivers before all the tourists get there.

Tip: It’s important to book ahead of time because there are only so many places to stay on Burano, and they fill up fast.

If you stay the night in Burano, you can see the island at its most peaceful and beautiful, making it a memorable part of your trip to Venice.

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Frequently Asked Questions

Can I Drive from Venice to Burano?

Nope!  Burano is an island, so there are no roads that connect it to Venice. You’ll have to take a boat, either a public water taxi (Vaporetto) or a private water taxi. It’s part of the charm—you get to cruise through the lagoon on your way there!

What is the Best Way to Reach Burano from Venice?

The best way is to take the Vaporetto Line 12. It’s easy, affordable, and runs throughout the day. You can catch it from either Fondamenta Nove or San Zaccaria. If you want to visit Murano or Torcello, too, getting a day pass is the way to go. It saves money, and you can hop on and off as much as you like.

What Else Can I See on a Day Trip from Venice?

If you have more time, consider visiting Murano and Torcello. Murano is famous for its glass-blowing workshops, while Torcello has beautiful old churches and a quiet, laid-back vibe. You can easily visit all three islands in one day.

Can I Drive from Venice to Burano?

Nope! Burano is an island, so there are no roads that connect it to Venice. You’ll have to take a boat, either a public water taxi (Vaporetto) or a private water taxi. It’s part of the charm—you get to cruise through the lagoon on your way there!

Can You Do Venice and Burano in One Day?

Yes, you can! It’s quite common to spend the morning in Venice and head to Burano in the afternoon. The boat ride is only about 45 minutes, so it’s an easy day trip. If you want to visit Murano too, plan to spend less time on each island.

What is the Colorful Town Outside Venice?

That’s Burano! It’s famous for its bright, colorful houses and peaceful canals. It’s a short boat ride away from Venice and makes a perfect day trip.

Is It Worth Going to Burano From Venice?

Absolutely! If you love photography and food or are just exploring new places, Burano is a must-see. It’s a great way to escape the busy streets of Venice and enjoy a slower pace for a few hours.

What is Better, Murano or Burano?

It depends on what you’re looking for! Murano is best known for its glass-blowing workshops, while Burano is all about colourful houses and lace-making. If you want a vibrant, postcard-perfect setting, go to Burano. If you’re curious about glass art, Murano is your spot.

How Much Time Do You Need in Burano?

Most people spend around 3-4 hours on the island. That’s enough time to explore, eat, and take lots of photos. If you plan to shop for lace or want a slower, relaxed visit, consider staying a little longer.

How Do I Go From Venice to Burano?

Take the Vaporetto Line 12 from either Fondamenta Nove or San Zaccaria. The ride takes about 45 minutes and costs around €7.50 one way. Day passes are available if you plan to visit multiple islands.

What is the Most Colorful House in Burano?

The most famous colorful house is Casa di Bepi Suà, also known as Bepi’s House. It’s painted in bright, bold colours with geometric shapes all over it. Definitely a must-see when you visit!

What is the Colorful Beach City in Italy?

Besides Burano, Positano on the Amalfi Coast is another colourful beach city in Italy. The houses are built on a hill, all painted in lovely pastel colours, overlooking the sea.

Can You Go to Burano Without a Tour?

Yes! You don’t need a tour to visit Burano. It’s easy to get there by public boat, and the island is small enough to explore on your own. But if you prefer a guided experience, there are tours available.

How Long Will the Water Taxi Take You From Venice to Burano?

The public Vaporetto takes about 45 minutes to get from Venice to Burano. Private water taxis are quicker but much more expensive.

What is Burano Known For?

Burano is known for its colourful houses, lace-making, and delicious seafood. It’s a popular spot for photographers, food lovers, and anyone looking for a peaceful escape from Venice.

Section 16: Conclusion

So, there you have it! A day trip from Venice to Burano is an easy and fun way to see one of Italy’s most colourful places. From the bright houses to the delicious food, there’s so much to love. I hope my tips and experiences help you plan your trip and enjoy everything Burano has to offer.

Whether you’re going for the photos, the food, or to escape the busy streets of Venice for a few hours, Burano won’t disappoint. Have fun, and don’t forget to bring your camera!