Back in 2005, I visited Europe and Venice for the first time. The sometimes stinky alleyways and channels couldn’t take away from the romanticism in the air. Yet, Burano Island, the most colorful, magical Venetian island…is the one that got away…from me! And so, for my long-lost love, this special Travel Bucket List Wednesday post. I’ll come back to you, I swear!
Colorful alleyway of Burano Island, Venice, Italy (Saffron Blaze, Wiki Commons)
Burano Island, Venice, Italy: How to Get There
I don’t know what’s crazier: the fact that my high school group missed out on Burano or that I saw Burano Island photos for the very first time this summer. I mean, it’s only located 4 miles away from the center of Venice!
All it takes is a 40-minute ride on the water taxis or Venetian motorboats (vaporetti, Wikipedia). For instance, LN water bus departs from San Mark’s (€6.5 each way), stopping at Lido, Burano Island, Murano, and others.
Every time I remember I missed out on it, makes me want to cry…
Vaporetti along Ponte degli Scalzi, Venice by Gwenaël Piaser, Flickr
Burano Island, Venice, Italy: Things to Do
Bright, colorful architecture
Fun fact: residents of Burano Island must send an official request to the local government if they wish to paint their home, as the change must be pre-approved plus fit with the color scheme of their neighborhood. Crazy huh?!
Houses of Burano by Paul R, Tripadvisor
Fabulous lace shopping at Martina Vidal Venezia
Love lace? Martina Vidal Venezia [Via San Mauro 307] is the place to be. As with many other popular shopping districts, vendors here may be pushy, but just be firm and take in the culture.
Not into shopping? STILL go! Voice on the street says that Martina’s place is decorated impeccably, with beautiful views of Burano rooftops and the Venetian lagoon off the terrace. Take many, many pictures.
Martina Vidal Venezia rooftop photo by Arzana Agency
San Martino Cathedral and it’s leaning tower
Yes, it exists! If you got no time for Pisa, head to Burano Island and experience San Martino Cathedral’s 18th-century leaning tower [Via Baldascare Galuppi].
San Martino Cathedral and its leaning tower by Gerry Balding, Flickr
Burano’s canals
No visit to a Venetian island is complete without its canals. Make sure you capture that postcard image, including Burano’s colorful houses sprinkled throughout one of its many channels.
Burano Island, Venice canal by Rafal Kiermacz, Flickr
I have been to Italy 3 times, and I still have so much to see! Like Burano! Italy is so packed full of great places I would like to spend a year year at some point!
I wholeheartedly agree with you. I can’t wait to get back to Italy myself, just SO much history throughout the entire country!
I was in Venice two years ago, wish I had this info then! Stunning photos, love the color.
shocking how many of us miss it, no?!
love the colorfulness!
so bright and pretty and happy!
There is an (almost exact) replica of Burano island in Doha, Qatar. Bizarre but true! So if you’re ever on a lay-over in Qatar before making it back to Venice… 🙂
really?! That’s pretty amazing! Do you know what the neighborhood is called?! I might have to write a blog post about it on my travel the Middle East blog! 😉
BeauBeautiful little island. Just think you have a reason to go back! PS…writing in this comment box is a real challenge 🙂
really? What seems to be the issue with the comment box? would love to fix it, thanks for letting me know Nancie
Love those colorful buildings on Burano Island. It’s surprising that residents need to get the painting pre-approved, since they seem to represent such freedom of creative expression. I haven’t been to Venice, although I got close with a visit to the nearby Emilia-Romagna region. Although people mention the smelly canals, it doesn’t seem to affect how much they love the city.
I assume that, since scholars have become such icons of the region, the government wants to ensure they keep it intact. So even if it started as freedom of creative expression, doesn’t seem to be the case nowadays (fortunately or unfortunately…)
Those houses are so vibrant. I wonder what are the approved colors. Seems like it could be almost anything.
I assume certain squares or certain parts of a street are given a color? In order to keep the variety going, I believe. Quite interesting isn’t it?
How neat. I’ve been to Venice twice but missed this. It looks very special.
I host a weekly link party called “Oh, the PLACES I’ve been!” and would love to have you link.
– The Tablescaper
sounds excellent! Which day of the week is it held?
PS: it’s like we both have to go back to Venice! 😉
I’m taking a group of painters with me in less than 3 weeks! Can’t wait to paint her!
that sounds amazing! Do you run fine art tours or something? I would love to hear more about them!
I’ve been to Burano a few times (I live about a 3hr drive from Venice) and it’s never nearly as crowded as Venice proper. So very worth a visit.
really? It’s not that crowded!? I must say, that’s quite surprising (and extremely pleasant!)
I’ve visited all the other islands except for this one and I will definitely make an effort next time I go this October, thanks for sharing
October sounds like a perfect time to visit Burano Island, Noel. Have a wonderful trip, and please do get back here to tell us all about it! 😉
The colors of Burano have always called to me. I guess I just need to bite the bullet and get there. Love, love, love your photos!
why would you have to bite a bullet to get there?! It’s such a marvelous trip, you won’t regret a thing, I promise!
Very colorful. I’m surprised that they have to get permission but otherwise people might use whatever color they want, or use different shades.
you’re exactly right Marcia. They must regulate what colors are used so the “palette” Burano Island is so famous for remains intact. I believe it was a smart choice from the tourism ministry
Such colorful facades! I missed visiting this place during my trip to Venice.
it’s surprising how many of us have missed Burano Island on our trip to Venice, no?! my excuse is that I was young and stupid haha :p
Very beautiful city…