Burano Travel Guide

Tourist Guide

Burano
Burano
Burano
Burano showing heritage architecture, a house and a small town or village
Burano showing street scenes and a house
A collage of brightly coloured houses frame the picturesque canals in Burano—an enchanting island, celebrated for its delicate lacework.

While you may be reluctant to leave the glamour and charisma of Venice itself, the island of Burano offers its own enticements in a more secluded setting. Situated about eight kilometres north of Venice, you can catch a scenic 40-minute vaporetto (water bus) ride across the lagoon, and be greeted by a wealth of breath-taking sites.

The first landmark that is bound to catch the eye of any approaching visitor is the iconic leaning bell tower of San Martino’s Church. However the island is perhaps most famous for its houses, which stand proud along the water’s edge in a palette of vibrant colours.

According to legend, these small, square houses, with their pretty flower boxes and traditional shuttered windows, were originally painted in bright colours to enable fishermen to see them whilst out fishing. However it’s not just the picture-perfect houses that make Burano such a must-see—the island is also famed for the ancient craft of lace making. Even today you can watch the intricacies involved as talented artisans preserve a tradition dating back to the 15th century.

The best place to buy the wonderful lacework for which the island is so famed is along the main street, the Via Baldassare Galuppi. If you want to find out more about this intricate art, head to the south of the island, where you will discover the Lace Museum. With stunning collections from the Burano Lace School of the 19th century, as well as videos providing an insight into this skilled art, you are guaranteed to feel inspired.

Stop for lunch to sample some freshly caught fish and make sure you give in to temptation and sample some of Burano’s famous sweet dishes, such as Bussolà and the Burano esse.

Like Venice, Burano is made up of islands (four to be precise) which are conveniently linked by footbridges. In fact, it would take you just a few hours to explore these small islands on foot. Burano itself is home to around 3500 residents and as you wander past lace makers and fishermen, you’ll feel as if you’ve been transported to a bygone era. And when you’re ready to head back to Venice, there will be no long delays for the vaporetto, as they depart every half hour.

Hotel Montecarlo
Hotel Montecarlo
3 out of 5
Calle Specchieri 463 San Marco, Venice, VE
The price is AU$201 per night from 18 Mar to 19 Mar
AU$201
includes taxes & fees
18 Mar - 19 Mar
Stay at this 3-star family-friendly hotel in Venice. Enjoy free WiFi, breakfast (surcharge), and room service. Our guests praise the breakfast and the helpful ...
9.2/10 Wonderful! (1,197 reviews)
"Our train got delayed 2 hours and there gentleman at check in was externally kind and helpful — he let us go enjoy our reservation for the Basilica and he took care of check in for us and even brought our luggage to the room while we were away! First time ever that a hotel upgraded us room willingly ..."

Reviewed on 13 Mar. 2025

Hotel Montecarlo
Antico Panada
Antico Panada
3 out of 5
Calle degli Specchieri 646, Venice, VE
The price is AU$150 per night from 24 Mar to 25 Mar
AU$150
includes taxes & fees
24 Mar - 25 Mar
Stay at this 3-star hotel in Venice. Enjoy free breakfast, room service, and a 24-hour front desk. Our guests praise the breakfast and the helpful staff in our ...
7/10 Good! (1,014 reviews)
"Everything was excellent, except the beds and pillows were old."

Reviewed on 7 Mar. 2025

Antico Panada
Hotel Rialto
Hotel Rialto
4 out of 5
San Marco 5149 Ponte Di Rialto, Venice, VE
The price is AU$255 per night from 25 Mar to 26 Mar
AU$255
includes taxes & fees
25 Mar - 26 Mar
Stay at this 4-star hotel in Venice. Enjoy free breakfast, free WiFi, and room service. Our guests praise the breakfast and the helpful staff in our reviews. ...
8.8/10 Excellent! (1,001 reviews)
"Great place to stay convenient to everywhere"

Reviewed on 12 Mar. 2025

Hotel Rialto
Lowest nightly price found within the past 24 hours based on a 1 night stay for 2 adults. Prices and availability subject to change. Additional terms may apply.
Hu Venezia Camping in Town
Hu Venezia Camping in Town
3 out of 5
Via Giuseppe De Marchi 7, Marghera, Mestre, VE
Stay at this 3-star family-friendly campground in Mestre. Enjoy free WiFi, free parking, and an outdoor pool. Our guests praise the helpful staff in our reviews. ...
7.8/10 Good! (2,432 reviews)
"Great place!!!"

Reviewed on 6 Jan. 2025

Hu Venezia Camping in Town
Staycity Aparthotels, Venice, Mestre
Staycity Aparthotels, Venice, Mestre
Via Ca' Marcello 8L, Mestre, VE
Stay at this aparthotel in Mestre. Enjoy free WiFi, breakfast (surcharge), and a 24-hour fitness center. Our guests praise the helpful staff and the property ...
9.2/10 Wonderful! (658 reviews)
"Very nice hotel very clean and calm. Really close to the train station and bus station."

Reviewed on 19 Feb. 2025

Staycity Aparthotels, Venice, Mestre
San Marco Palace
San Marco Palace
4 out of 5
Piazza San Marco, Ponte dei Dai 875, Venice, VE
Stay at this 4-star residence in Venice. Enjoy breakfast (surcharge), room service, and a 24-hour front desk. Our guests praise the breakfast and the helpful ...
8/10 Very Good! (744 reviews)
"Thank you very much for making our stay in Venice unforgettable experience . The staff was great. Special thank's to Lilian from breakfast room. Would like to stay in your hotel in the future."

Reviewed on 10 Mar. 2025

San Marco Palace
Lowest nightly price found within the past 24 hours based on a 1 night stay for 2 adults. Prices and availability subject to change. Additional terms may apply.

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