Burano Island, Venice, Italy: The One That Got Away

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!

Burano Island photo, Venice

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…

Venice photos, vaporetti

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?!

things to do in Burano Island, architecture

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.

things to do in Burano Island, Martina Vidal Venezia

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].

things to do in Burano Island, leaning tower

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.

things to do in Burano Island, Venice canal photo

Burano Island, Venice canal by Rafal Kiermacz, Flickr

Got more photos or things to do in Burano Island? Share them below!

29 thoughts on “Burano Island, Venice, Italy: The One That Got Away

  1. 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!

  2. 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! 😉

  3. 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…)

    • 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?

    • 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! 😉

    • 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

    • 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

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