Just a short boat ride away from the iconic canals of Venice lies Burano, a tiny island in the Venetian Lagoon known for its brightly colored fishermen’s houses and tranquil canals lined with boats. This picturesque island is not only a feast for the eyes but also a retreat into a simpler, slower way of life. Join us on a delightful journey from Venice to Burano and discover the enchanting world that awaits beyond the bustling streets and grand palazzos of Venice.
Getting to Burano from Venice: Boat Routes and Tips
Choosing Your Departure Point in Venice
Venice offers several points from where you can catch a public water bus, or vaporetto, to Burano. The most commonly used departure points for a direct route to Burano are from Fondamente Nove (abbreviated as “F.te Nove”). However, if you are near other major spots like the Rialto Bridge or Saint Mark’s Square, there are convenient ways to connect through other lines.
Vaporetto Line 12: Fondamente Nove to Burano
Line 12 is your direct link to Burano from Venice. Here’s how to catch it:
- Get to Fondamente Nove: This vaporetto stop is accessible from any part of Venice. If you are staying in central areas like San Marco or Cannaregio, you can walk or use a local vaporetto to reach Fondamente Nove. Fondamente Nove is served by several vaporetto lines (4.1, 4.2, 5.1, 5.2), so it’s relatively straightforward to get here from different parts of Venice.
- Board the Line 12 Vaporetto: Line 12 boats are large and designed to handle the longer distance and choppier waters of the lagoon. They run approximately every 30 minutes, starting early in the morning until late at night. The schedules can change depending on the season and day of the week, so it’s a good idea to check the latest timetable on the ACTV website or at the station itself.
- Relax and Enjoy the Ride: Once aboard, the ride to Burano takes about 45 minutes. The route offers scenic views of the Venice lagoon, passing other intriguing islands like Murano, known for its glass-making. You can sit back and enjoy the changing landscapes and the refreshing breeze.
Ticketing Information
Before you board the vaporetto, you’ll need to purchase a ticket. Here are some options and tips on buying your ticket:
- Purchase Tickets at Vending Machines and Booths: Tickets can be bought at automated vending machines found at larger vaporetto stops or from ticket booths manned by ACTV staff. These booths also provide free maps and schedules which can be very handy.
- Consider a Travel Card: If you plan to explore multiple islands or use public transport in Venice extensively, consider purchasing a 12-hour, 24-hour, 48-hour, or 72-hour travel card. These cards offer unlimited travel within their valid period and can be cost-effective.
- Validate Your Ticket: Before boarding, you must validate your ticket by tapping it at the provided machines on the docks. Validation marks the start time of your ticket’s validity period.
Private Water Taxis
If you prefer a more private and flexible journey, consider hiring a private water taxi. Though significantly more expensive, water taxis offer a personal and fast way to travel directly from your location in Venice to Burano. This could be particularly appealing if you are traveling in a group or have limited time to explore.
Exploring the Vibrant Streets of Burano
Upon arriving at Burano, you are met with a vibrant palette of colors, each home painted in a bright hue according to a specific system that has been followed for centuries. Legend has it that fishermen started this tradition by painting their houses in bright colors to see them from a distance during foggy conditions.
Wandering through Burano feels much like walking through a living canvas. Each turn offers a new perspective, another burst of color, and a charming display of quaintness only a small island village can offer. The leaning bell tower of San Martino Church with its distinct, slightly askew posture is a testament to centuries of history, standing proud amid the colorful houses that seem to crowd around it in protective reverence.
Visit the Museo del Merletto
After your fill of the warm and inviting streets, make your way to the Museo del Merletto (Lace Museum). Burano has a centuries-old reputation for producing some of the finest lace in the world. At the museum, you can explore exhibits detailing the intricate craft of lace-making that has defined the island for generations. Here, you’ll learn about the skill and dedication involved in creating lace. The museum not only educates visitors about the history of lace but also about the island’s cultural heritage, displaying exquisite pieces that are true works of art.
Lunch Amidst Colors: Culinary Delights in Burano
Once you’ve fed your soul with the beauty and charm of Burano, it’s time to treat your taste buds. The island might be small, but it boasts an impressive array of eateries ranging from casual trattorias to fine dining restaurants, each offering delightful menus that emphasize fresh, local ingredients.
Seafood is a staple here, and you’d be remiss not to try dishes featuring freshly caught fish from the surrounding lagoon. Traditional plates such as Risotto di Go (risotto with goby fish), a speciality of the Venetian lagoon, or a simple yet succulent grilled branzino (sea bass) reflect the culinary heritage that is tied deeply to the life of Burano’s fishermen. Another must-try is the Bussolà of Burano, a traditional buttery cookie that comes in either a ring or an “S” shape, perfect for pairing with a mid-afternoon coffee as you sit by the water watching boats glide by.
Dining here also means you’ll enjoy your meal surrounded by the vivid hues of Burano’s houses, an ambiance that cannot be replicated anywhere else. It’s sure to add an even more delightful layer to your meal.
Shop for Unique Handcrafted Lace
No visit to Burano would be complete without taking a piece of its artistic heritage home. Spend some time browsing the local shops for handcrafted lace products. From exquisite tablecloths and linens to delicate clothing and accessories, the lace items represent generations of artisan skills. These make for beautiful souvenirs or gifts that carry the essence of Burano’s artistic legacy.
After a bit of shopping, why not find a quiet spot by one of the many canals? It’s a perfect opportunity to relax and enjoy the quieter side of life in Burano. Watching boats glide by, you’ll see reflections of the colorful homes in the calm waters—a sight that is soothing and picturesque. It’s moments like these that truly allow you to connect with the pace and lifestyle of this unique island.
Evening Return to Venice: A Serene End to a Vivid Day
As the day winds down and the sun begins to set, painting the sky in colors that rival the houses of Burano, you’ll find that catching a vaporetto back to Venice in the early evening is a fitting end to your colorful escape. The returning trip lets you absorb the calm of the lagoon at dusk, often highlighted by stunning sunsets and the gentle lights of distant islands beginning to flicker on.
Back in Venice, the vivid images of Burano remain in your thoughts. This simple yet profoundly beautiful island offers a contrast to the grandeur of Venice, yet it is a quintessential part of the Venetian experience, sharing the same water but telling a different story—one of colors, crafts, and a close-knit community living amidst a lagoon they’ve colored so brightly. As you disembark from the boat, you carry with you a slice of Burano’s charm, its colors etched in your memory, promising to draw you back again.