The Island of Burano has been called the “cheeriest place on earth.” If not the “cheeriest,” it could be one of the most colorful, too! If you are taking a day trip to the Island of Burano, Italy, here are a few ideas for your journey.
1. Go For A Long Walk Or Boat Tour in Burano
Bring your walking shoes, or hop on a boat tour!
The island of Burano was designed for walking; since there are no cars on the island, the only way to see the island is by boat, bicycle, or foot.
Some people choose to take a boat tour of the island. This way, you can see the colorful houses and canals from the water and get a unique perspective of the island.
Travel sources like www.getyourguide.com offer boat tours from Venice daily.
There are also walking tours available if you prefer to explore on foot. Tours by local people can offer insight into locations that guidebooks sometimes may miss (and you can help the local economy).
Check out www.toursbylocals.com to find a walking tour in either Burano or Venice.
Or, my favorite way to see the Island is to get lost.
The island isn’t large and very easy to navigate.
2. Enjoy The Local Cuisine of Burano
Burano is an island built on water, making it a great destination for seafood lovers.
The Island is a working fishing village with plenty of fresh seafood dishes from local chefs. Shrimp, eel, clams, and fish are on most menus at the eateries on the Island.
If seafood isn’t your thing and you want more Italian pasta dishes, try the local bigoli. The bigoli [BEE-goh-lee] is fresh pasta from the Venetian region. They are long, like spaghetti, and thicker than traditional noodles.
Whatever your cuisine’s pleasure, come with an appetite and enjoy the local dishes! It rarely disappoints.
3. Watch A Lace Demonstration
Dating back to the 1500s, local women have passed down the tradition of lace-making to female island residents. It has become a big draw for tourists around the world.
You can visit the Lace Museum to enjoy many of the historical and beautiful pieces, but many local shops also offer beautiful works that you can enjoy. Lace makers are often displaying their talents in the shops for your enjoyment.
One-of-a-kind treasures are waiting on the Island of Burano for you to discover!
4. Photograph The Colorful Island
If you are a photographer who loves color, Burano Island is your place.
There are a few iconic spots, like the Tre Ponti Bridge or a shot from the boat upon arrival at the colorful island, that you can put on your list.
It’s also fun to choose a photo theme. Some photo projects on the island include colorful doors, windows, laundry hangings, canals, and rows of colorful homes.
Departing the island late in the day also makes for some great shots from the boat when the sun lowers in the sky.
Like Venice, Burano is a very touristy location, and getting photos without people will require getting on the streets at the crack of dawn or waiting for the crowds to leave in the evening hours.
5. Shop For Burano Souveniers
Burano offers many unique and beautiful gifts or souvenirs if shopping is on your travel agenda.
Although the island of Murano is famous for its glass, Burano does offer shops that sell handmade glass creations.
In addition, there are many lace shops and even the famous Venetian masks.
6. Indulge In The Local Sweets
At the end of a meal or while enjoying local sweet wine, check out the Bussolà Buranello cookies. These donut-shaped yummy treats are sold in bakeries and mini-markets on the island.
However, if you are more of a gelato fan, there are many great locations. What’s better than having Italy’s famous gelato on a colorful island? It’s a happy moment.
7. Chill At The Park
Are you tired of walking and want to enjoy a break while touring Burano? Head to a local park or green space and enjoy some nature. Head away from the busy canals, and you can find some neighborhoods with trees, lawns, and park benches.
It’s always fun to enjoy watching the locals go about their lives from a distance.
It’s a small island, and thousands of tourists come ashore daily to share this beautiful, iconic location with locals.
How To Get To Burano
Burano is about an hour’s boat ride from Venice and worth the journey.
The easiest way to get from Venice to Burano is to take the Vaporetto (water bus) from the Fondamenta Nova ferry terminal. Take the Route 12 water bus, which stops at Murano, Mazzorbo, Torcello, Burano, Treporti, and Punta Sabbioni.
Ferries leave every 20 – 30 minutes throughout the day.
The Island of Burano is a treat in so many ways.
Whether you are looking to escape for a day from the busy streets of Venice or go and enjoy life on a small Venetian island, I hope you find a little color or cheer on your visit.
All of my images from Italy are available as fine art prints and gifts in my Art Shop!
Buongiorno my friends!
XOXO
Marla