Venice, located right next to Burano, is one of the 27 must-see Italian sights, but don't stop at this romantic city! To the north of the Venetian lagoon lies an archipelago of 5 islands. Among them is an unmissable gem: Burano. Charming terraced houses lining the canal are adorned in a multitude of bright, shimmering colors, creating an atmosphere as cheerful as it is exotic. Famous for its lace, the island seduces visitors from all over the world with its unique, authentic charm. Let's discover the 11 must-do activities on Burano!
1. Stroll among Burano's colorful houses
Burano's narrow streets promise a complete change of scenery. There's no room for dullness here! Each house is more colorful than the next, like a vibrant call to joy and optimism. The ItalianDolce Vita is felt more than ever in this cheerful environment. The must: a stroll along the canals, themselves lined with colorful houses.
Why are Burano's houses so colorful? Legend has it that the fishermen of yesteryear painted their houses in bright colors, the better to spot them in the fog on their way home. The tradition lives on, but today it's the town council that decides on the colors!
2. Piazza Baldassare Galuppi, Burano's nerve center
Your stroll through the town center inevitably leads you to its social heart: Piazza Baldassare Galuppi, named after the famous opera composer. Surrounded by pretty buildings just as colorful as in the rest of the town, the piazza is also the meeting point for several interesting Burano tours. These include the Museo del Merletto ( Lace Museum ) and the Church of San Martino. A beautiful statue of the composer is also on site. If you're not sure where to start your stroll, this square seems ideal. A number of narrow streets lead off from here, allowing you to discover Casa Bepi and other island treasures.
Did you know? Cars and buses are not allowed on the island of Burano. Even bicycles are not allowed. So you can visit the island on foot, and enjoy the peace and quiet. To reach the island, take a vaporetto (not the vacuum cleaner... the boat!). All you have to do is stroll along in peace and quiet, with no engine noise. A dream come true!
3. A boat trip on the Venice lagoon
The perfect way to spend a romantic weekend on this charming Italian island! Whether you're planning a Valentine's Day trip or simply a romantic getaway, the magic of the canals will immerse you in a fairyland of colors. By small boat or gondola, you can spend several hours cruising around the Venetian lagoon. You'll navigate both the Burano and Venetian canals. This is a must-do activity in Burano for couples and families alike, and not to be missed under any circumstances! It's the perfect way to enjoy the Italian way of life, as you let yourself be carried along by the rhythm of the oars. Let yourself go: you're on vacation!
We recommend booking this boat cruise to Murano and Burano, which also includes a visit to a glass factory.
4. Casa Bepi, a typical Burano house
While all the houses in Burano are colorful, one in particular stands out from the rest. Casa Bepi was the home of Giuseppe Toselli, also known as "Bepi". A lover of painting and cinema, this man knew how to bring his passions to life! When the cinema where he worked closed its doors, he organized his own movie nights for the children of Burano, on a large white sheet in front of his house. Throughout his life, he continued to embellish his home with colorful geometric shapes. The result is still there today: a beautiful house of astonishing shapes and colors, which can be seen on every vacation photo!
5. Admire the history of San Martino church
It's hard to miss the Chiesa San Martino, whose leaning campanile catches the eye (but we'll come back to that in a moment). Inside the Chiesa San Martino Vescovo, you can admire Giambattista Tiepolo's remarkable painting, "The Crucifixion". It is characterized by a powerful combination of despair and moving faces, notably that of the fainting Virgin. The church's greatest asset, however, is the confessional of Pope Pius X (Giuseppe Sarto). He confessed the Buranelli family here, before becoming Pope in 1894. Quite an institution! Thanks to its fascinating historical and artistic elements, the San Martino church is a must-see in Burano.
6. The Leaning Tower, one of the town's most unusual buildings
Your visit to the church leads you to contemplate its bell tower, over 50 meters high. You can even see it from Venice! But what's most surprising is its steep (or very steep!) incline. I promise, the campanile of San Martino church won't fall on you! Like many campaniles in Italy, including the famous Leaning Tower of Pisa mentioned in this article, its foundations suffered from the outset of its construction. Consolidated several times, it is now risk-free, but remains Burano's most unusual feature, fascinating visitors.
7. Discover Burano lace, the local craft tradition
In Burano, lace has pride of place! Renowned for its expertise in this precision craft, Burano invites you to discover its Lace Museum, in Piazza Baldassare Galuppi. It elegantly traces the evolution of this art form since the 19th century. Burano lace gained renown thanks to Vincenza Memo, who in 1872 taught the art to revitalize the local economy. A successful gamble!
Today, the museum houses important collections of lace, mainly from the 16th to the 20th century. Although the school has closed, professional courses are still held there. You'll also be able to watch lace demonstrations: in front of you, craftsmen create magnificent embroideries with thread and needle.
Good to know each boutique also offers live demonstrations. All in all, a fascinating visit!
8. What to do in Burano Straddle its eight picturesque bridges
Just like Venice, Burano has many bridges. There are eight of them, linking several islands:
- San Mauro,
- Giudecca,
- San Martino Sinistra,
- San Martino Destra.
The most famous of these bridges is the Tre Ponti, whose astonishing structure links three of these islands. They may not be majestic, but they are utterly picturesque - and we love that! As you stroll around the island, you'll enjoy crossing bridge after bridge, wondering what surprise awaits you on the other side. Travelling with the family? The kids will love it!
9. Excursion to Murano, to discover glassmaking
Take a boat to Murano, another island just 5.8 km from Burano. Glass is to Murano what lace is to Burano: an age-old traditional skill!
There are many glassmaking stores, but we especially invite you to visit a glass workshop. The glassblowers practice their art before your very eyes, revealing a wealth of expertise. Some workshops also open their doors to visitors, allowing them to discover glassmaking from start to finish. Better still, you can even try your hand at glassblowing! Accompanied by a craftsman, you'll start with some simple exercises, before shaping your own Murano glass.
10. Stroll through Burano's fish market
Stroll over the famous Tre Ponti to Burano's famous fish market. You'll find it on the Fondamenta della Pescheria, a pretty square in San Martino Sinistra. Overlooking the canal leading to the salt lagoon, it offers a prime location for fishermen. You can't get fresher fish than this!
Open every day, it also offers fruit, vegetables, cheese, meat, cold meats and more. It's one of the liveliest spots on the island, and a must-do in Burano! Another fish market is not far away. This is the Pescaderia Vecia, located on the island of Giudecca.
11. What to do in Burano Taste its gastronomic specialties
One of Italy's must-try specialties, pizza is everywhere in this country, including Burano, as is pasta in all its forms. But don't limit yourself to these must-try dishes! Burano's real specialty is Bussolai. These S-shaped cookies are native to the island. Traditionally prepared for Easter, they've now become a must-try, and can be found in any good pastry shop. The story goes that these hearty cookies were originally prepared by fishermen's wives. A perfect accompaniment to their long outings at sea!
Like to discover local wines? Head for the vineyards of Mazzorbo ! The so-called "Venissa Estate" grows dorona, an ancient Venetian grape. Accessible in just fifteen minutes from Burano via the Via San Mauro bridge, this vineyard plunges you into the heart of an ancestral winemaking tradition.
Now it's on to Burano's best restaurants! You'll be able to sample a wide range of delicious pasta dishes, risottos and pizzas. Fish and seafood are also featured, sublimated by the expert skills of Buranelli chefs.
Where to eat in Burano
Burano is an ideal destination for a romantic weekend in Europe. As well as cozy hotels, there are plenty of great places to sample Italian cuisine.
- The most famous trattoria
With its terrace overlooking the canal, Al Gatto Nero is a veritable Burano institution! Excellent risottos with fish caught in the salty lagoon are on offer, as well as traditional pasta recipes. Discover one of the island's best addresses here.
- The most artistic restaurant
If the chef's culinary art is rivaled by that of his dishes, art is also to be found on the walls of the Trattoria da Romano. Famous artists have eaten in this famous lagoon restaurant, leaving their mark along the way. The walls, covered in paintings, create a pleasant setting in which to enjoy a good lobster risotto!
- Lagoon agriculture on your plate
Venissia Osteria & Ristorante 's gourmet cuisine is based on local produce. The wine served at table also comes from the vineyards of Mazzorbo. Such an initiative is highly commendable, and has earned the restaurant a Michelin Green Star for its commitment to sustainable practices.
What is a trattoria? A trattoria is a simple restaurant, often family-run and unpretentious. Dishes are typical of the region and served in a friendly, unpretentious atmosphere.
Less than 10 kilometers from Venice, the island of Burano invites you to explore the surrounding area. From its famous lace to its lovely bridges, your visit to the city promises to be full of charm. In addition to our tips for visiting Venice, and our must-sees in Venice, discover Italy's most beautiful villages to complete your little Italian tour! If you can, visit this pretty corner of Italy in May. It's an ideal time to enjoy long weekends, without suffering from the summer heat. To get the most out of the area, we recommend that you plan your visit in several stages. From Venice to Burano, via Murano and Torcello, you'll have time to visit the region from top to bottom!
Book in advance below for the hottest things to do on your visit to Burano:
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