Venice Islands Tours and Tickets

There are plenty of ways to experience the Venice Islands of Murano, Burano, and Torcello. Looking at ratings and reviews previously given by customers, these are the best tours available right now:

• Murano Glass Experience With a Visit to Burano Lace Island

• Venice Lagoon Islands: Murano & Burano Guided Tour

• Venice: Murano & Burano Islands Premium Guided Experience

• Venice Sunset by Typical Venetian Boat Rental With Prosecco

• Private Excursion by Typical Venetian Motorboat to Murano, Burano, and Torcello

To reach the islands, expect to pay €9.50 for a single-ride “vaporetto” (water bus) ticket from mainland Venice. If you have limited time and patience to figure out the vaporetto service, a half-day cruise may be the way to go; trips that cover all three islands start at €18.

Yes, the lagoon islands are worth visiting. They're known for their artisan heritage, with glassmaking and lace making still taking place on the islands, as they have for centuries. A trip to Murano and Burano offers not only the chance to escape the bustle of Venice, but an opportunity to see the workshops in action.

Per one customer who booked the Venice Lagoon Islands: Murano & Burano Guided Tour, "Great way to see the outer Venetian islands. Glass blowing, lace making, good food, lots of shopping!"

Venice, or the Venice lagoon, has more than 118 islands. But when people say "the Venice Islands," they are normally referring to the triplet islands of Murano, Burano, and Torcello. Murano is the best known and is famous for its glassblowing industry, but many boat tours also stop in Burano and Torcello.

Many people consider Burano the most beautiful island of the Venice Islands, and you may agree if you’re a fan of vivid colors. Many of the homes on this island are painted in vibrant hues, a tradition that started to help fishermen find their way home on foggy days.

You should visit Murano, Burano, and Torcello. Each has its own draw. Murano is good to buy fine Venetian glass (and watch it being made), while Burano is a favorite among photographers for its colorful houses. Tiny Torcello’s big attraction is its historic Cathedral of Santa Maria Assunta. If you’re interested in cemeteries, don’t miss the island of San Michele where the tombstones are etched with famous names including Ezra Pound, Luigi Nono, and Christian Doppler.

The best time of year to visit the Venice Islands is in spring or fall. While this time of year is generally less crowded than summer, you should still expect crowds. Also, know that Venice often floods in the cooler months, a phenomenon known as acqua alta (high water).

Yes, you can go to the Venice Islands on your own. The most expensive way is by water taxi. Going by vaporetto (ferry) can save you some money, but it will cost you time. For the perfect blend of convenience and cost-efficiency, tour all three islands.

There are tons of things to do when you're done visiting the Venice Islands. According to travelers, these are some of the top attractions in Venice:

• St. Mark's Basilica

• Doge's Palace

• St. Mark's Square

• Rialto Bridge

• Grand Canal  

View Viator's guide to all the best attractions in Venice.