Burano Island is a photographer’s dream. The quaint fishing village, with its rainbow-coloured homes, wooden bridges, and canals, feels almost too picturesque to be real. But there is more to this stunning island than colourful streets. Burano is full of traditions and legends, a rich history of lacemaking, and even its own leaning tower.
Located about 45 minutes from Venice by Vaporetto, Burano can easily be visited on its own or combined with nearby Murano Island for a memorable day trip. Learn more: Exploring Murano Island.
There’s plenty to do in Burano, and what’s even better is how easy it is to explore. The island is compact, walkable, and completely free of cars and motorbikes, making it the perfect place for families to wander at a relaxed pace.
Here’s how our visit to Burano unfolded.
Get Lost in the Colours
When we first arrived, I was immediately struck by the rows of colourful homes lining the narrow streets and calm canals. Houses were painted every shade imaginable, from canary yellow to sky blue to pumpkin orange. The brighter, the better it seemed.
Curious about this cheerful display, we learned there are several legends explaining Burano’s brightly painted homes. The most common reason is that fishermen painted their houses in vivid colours so they could find them on their way back through the dense fog that often surrounds the island.
Another legend says fishermen painted their boats to match their homes so their wives could recognize them from shore.
Whatever the true reason, the result is beautiful, and wandering Burano’s colourful streets quickly became one of our favourite parts of the island.
Take That Perfect Picture
Burano is so photogenic that it’s almost impossible to take a bad picture. From colourful canals to quiet backstreets, there are endless places to stop and admire the scenery.
From the Water
If you can, snap a photo of Burano as you approach the island. Seeing the colourful homes reflected in the waters of the Venetian Lagoon is a beautiful first impression you won’t want to forget.
Tre Ponti
There are countless bridges in Burano, but Tre Ponti is one of the best spots for photography on the island. Standing on the bridge, with the canal framed by vibrant homes, creates the perfect postcard-worthy view.
A Deserted Street
If you visit during peak season, finding a quiet street can take a little patience. Wander away from the main canals and explore some of the quieter backstreets. Some of our favourite photos were taken in these peaceful corners of the island.
Pescaria Vecia
Near Tre Ponti sits the old fish market, or Pescaria Vecia. We were told this is one of the best places on the island to watch the sunset, especially after most day-trippers have left.
Walk Down Via Baldassare Galuppi
Via Baldassare Galuppi is Burano’s main street and the heart of the island. Lined with restaurants, lace shops, and souvenir stores, it’s a great place to stroll while soaking in Burano’s colourful atmosphere.
As you wander, keep an eye out for elaborate lace displays in the shop windows, a reminder of the island’s long history of lacemaking.
Visit Piazza Galuppi
At the end of Via Baldassare Galuppi sits Burano’s main square, named after the 18th-century composer Baldassare Galuppi, who was born on the island.
Today, the piazza serves as the lively centre of Burano and is surrounded by restaurants, shops, and historic buildings.
Chiesa di San Martino
Located beside Piazza Galuppi, the Chiesa di San Martino dates back over a thousand years, although the church standing today was completed in the 16th century after several restorations.
The church is best known for its leaning bell tower and for housing a painting depicting the legend of Burano’s patron saints, whose marble sarcophagus is said to have washed ashore on the island centuries ago.
See the Leaning Bell Tower of Burano
Not as famous as the Leaning Tower of Pisa, Burano’s leaning bell tower is still one of the island’s most recognizable landmarks.
Completed in 1714, the Campanile Storto di Burano rises 53 metres high and noticeably tilts due to the marshy ground beneath the Venetian Lagoon. One of the best viewpoints is from the marble bridge behind Piazza Galuppi.
Visit the Burano Lace Museum
Burano has been described as the birthplace of lacemaking, and the tradition remains an important part of the island’s culture today.
Legend says the art of lacemaking began when a fisherman resisted a mermaid’s song and was rewarded with a delicate veil woven with seafoam patterns. Inspired by its beauty, the women of Burano began recreating the intricate designs by hand.
The Burano Lace Museum offers a fascinating look into the art and history of lacemaking. The intricate craftsmanship of the delicate pieces on display was incredibly impressive, and the museum ended up being one of the highlights of our visit to Burano.
Travel Tip: The Burano Lace Museum is included in the Venice Museum Pass.
Try a Delicious Buranelli
Before leaving Burano, be sure to try a Buranelli cookie, a local delicacy originating on the island.
These buttery biscuits are traditionally shaped like an “S” or a ring and were once baked by fishermen’s wives for long trips at sea because they kept well for days.
They pair perfectly with coffee and make a delicious afternoon treat as you wander the canals.
Search for Famous Homes
Burano is full of unique homes with decorative archways, murals, and bold colour combinations.
Unfortunately, we ran out of time to search for them all, but here are a few famous homes worth keeping an eye out for:
Bepi Suà House: Likely the most famous home in Burano, this brightly painted house is covered in colourful geometric shapes. Its owner, Bepi Suà, was known for continually repainting the exterior with new designs until he passed.
Colourful Brick House: Located near Piazza Galuppi, this vibrant home resembles a giant Lego house with a colour block pattern.
Casa de Graffiti Artístico: This eccentric home features paintings inspired by Burano’s colourful homes, the leaning bell tower, and a record of recent Acqua Alta (high tides).
Getting to Burano
Burano is located about 45 minutes from Venice by Vaporetto and can easily be visited as a day trip. Many visitors combine a visit to Burano with a visit to nearby Murano Island, using Line 12, which connects the two islands in approximately 25 minutes. For detailed transportation tips and suggested timing, see our Murano and Burano Day Trip from Venice.
Why Burano Is Worth Visiting
With its colourful canals, relaxed atmosphere, and charming streets, Burano quickly became one of our favourite day trips from Venice. Whether you come for the photography, the lace-making history, or simply to wander without a plan, Burano is a place that’s hard not to love.
Ready to Explore Italy?
Check out these related posts to help plan your trip:
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• Inside the Colosseum: Touring Ancient Rome with Kids
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• Roaming Around Rome: A Walking Tour for Families
