One of the most photographed islands in the Venetian lagoon, Burano swaps the ornate palaces of central Venice for candy-colored cottages that line its narrow canals. This tiny outpost has long been known for its intricate handmade lace, though just a few authentic ateliers still exist. Today, Burano is a top destination for island boat tours that also stop at nearby Murano and Torcello. Exploring the island’s cheery lanes to snap photos and browse the lace shops is the most popular thing to do in Burano by land.
The biggest draw on Burano is the technicolor homes reflected on the surface of its placid canals, so visit on a sunny, clear day to photograph this fairytale sight. Time your visit for the early morning or late afternoon to avoid the midday crowds, or make the trip to the island for Venice’s Carnevale festivities (celebrated 40 days before Easter) to catch costumed parades, concerts, and other events.
You can only explore this compact island on foot; it takes just a few minutes to cover its entire area. Vaporetti (public water buses) lines 12 and 14 travel between central Venice and Burano in about 40 minutes; note that some 14 vaporetti stop at Burano and some don’t, so check before boarding. You can also take a water taxi to get to the island faster (though at many times the cost).
Dozens of linen stores selling lace-edged tablecloths and bedspreads line the main shopping street on Burano, but most of their wares are imported and machine-made. For authentic lace handcrafted by the few skilled lacemakers left on the island, choose your shops with care. Those in the know head to La Perla Gallery, which carries intricate traditional lace with price tags that reflect the hundreds of hours of work it takes to create each piece.
