Burano

Famous for its lace and coloured houses, Burano is a picturesque island located to the north of Venice, near Torcello. It offers visitors a peaceful escape filled with unique charm, picturesque canals and fascinating local culture.

On this Ferryhopper page, you’ll find useful information about Burano’s top attractions, local cuisine and ferry connections. Start planning your perfect getaway and book Burano ferry tickets without hidden fees!

View of the picturesque Italian gem of Burano

Holidays in Burano

Situated in the Venetian Lagoon, 7 km from the San Marco square, Burano has become one of the most popular islands in the area. It’s actually an archipelago of 4 islands linked by bridges, creating a unique and picturesque setting. Known for its rainbow-colored houses and intricate lace-making tradition, this charming island offers a tranquil escape from the busy streets of Venice.

A holiday in Burano, Italy, allows you to take a leisurely stroll along its charming canals, visit historic churches and browse local artisan shops. Whether you're a solo traveler or visiting with family, Burano offers a relaxing yet culturally rich getaway.

How to get to Burano

Getting to Burano, Italy, from Venice is possible only by vaporetto (water bus) or ferry. Water buses to Burano leave from Fondamenta Nuove, Treporti, Punta Sabbioni or San Zaccaria, while ferries usually depart from Venice San Marco. For more information regarding ferries to Burano, check out our relevant section below.

What to do in Burano

Since Burano is regarded as one of the 10 most colorful places in the world, we recommend starting your trip by wandering through the narrow streets, lined with brightly-painted houses that make for a postcard-perfect scene. Make sure to admire the intricate lacework at the Lace Museum, which delves into Burano's rich lacemaking history. If you're looking for souvenirs, Via Galuppi, the island’s main street, is home to a number of lace shops where you can find beautiful handcrafted items.

Don’t miss the famous leaning bell tower of San Martino Church, one of the island’s landmarks, as well as Piazza Baldassare Galuppi, the heart of the village. The Town Hall and the statue of Baldassare Galuppi can also be found in the square.

For photography lovers, Burano’s picturesque canals, charming bridges and colorful homes provide endless opportunities for capturing stunning photos that reflect the island’s unique beauty. One of the most photographed spots is the Tre Ponti, meaning 3 bridges, offering a 360° view over the island.

Burano’s vibrant architecture and picturesque canals

Sightseeing in Burano

In addition to its vibrant houses, Burano also provides a diverse range of historical and cultural attractions. Visitors can enjoy the local traditions and stroll through its charming streets, making for an enriching experience beyond its picturesque views.

Some must-see attractions in Burano, Italy, include:

• Piazza Baldassare Galuppi, the only square in the village, where you can find cafes, shops and the statue of the famous composer, Baldassare Galuppi
• The Lace Museum (Museo del Merletto), featuring exquisite lace pieces from the 16th and 17th centuries, such as a lace-trimmed gown worn by Queen Margherita
• The church of San Martino, with a leaning bell tower and the beautiful interior, which houses a painting by Giambattista Tiepolo
• Calle Galuppi, the main street on the island
• Casa di Bepi, the island’s most colorful and famous house decorated with geometric forms
• The Venissa Estate, a walled vineyard just beyond the wooden bridge that connects the islands of Burano and Mazzorbo

View of Burano’s iconic leaning tower

Nightlife in Burano

Burano may not have a vibrant nightlife scene like Venice, but it offers a serene and charming atmosphere as the sun sets over the lagoon. The island transforms into a peaceful heaven once the day visitors from Venice and vaporetti leave, letting you to truly appreciate its beauty. 

A leisurely stroll around the canals is ideal at sunset. You can enjoy the tranquil ambiance while savoring a gelato or sipping a glass of wine at a local café. 

Tip: the island hosts Regata di Burano on the third Sunday of September. It’s part of the larger Voga alla Veneta (Venetian rowing) tradition and celebrates the rich maritime culture of Burano - you should definitely attend it if you’re visiting Venice during that time!

Food in Burano

Thanks to its location in the Venetian Lagoon, Burano’s cuisine is abundant in seafood and classic Italian flavors. Here are some local delicacies not to be missed during your visit to Burano:

• risotto de gò (a creamy risotto made with goby fish)
• sarde in saor (sweet and sour sardines with onions and raisins)
• moeche (soft-shelled crabs, typically fried)
• essi (the island’s traditional butter biscuits)

Tip: as a working fisherman’s island, you can enjoy incredibly fresh seafood here for a much lower cost than you would in Venice.

A delicious platter of fried seafood on the picturesque island of Burano

Useful information about Burano

Despite its small size, Burano has a number of services to guarantee a comfortable stay. In regards to accommodation, there are only a few options available on the island, including charming guesthouses and B&Bs. However, most visitors come to Burano as part of a day trip from Venice.

The island's main street, Via Galuppi, is dotted with seafood restaurants, bars and shops, where you can enjoy local cuisine and pick up souvenirs, including handmade lace. Basic amenities such as a pharmacy and mini-markets are also available. While there are no hospitals on the island, you can find clinics in nearby Venice for medical needs.

The best time to visit Burano, Italy, is during late-spring (mid-April to May) or early-fall (September to early October), when the weather is mild and pleasant. Arriving in the morning, ideally before 11:00, allows you to tour the island before the day trip crowds arrive. Keep in mind that Burano experiences severe flooding during winter.

Burano lace umbrellas with delicate details and intricate patterns

Transportation in Burano

Burano is a small island, with no cars, and you can easily explore it on foot. In fact, it will only take you 1-2 hours to walk around the entire island!

In regards to public transportation, the island forms part of the Actv waterbus network. The lines connecting Burano to Venice and the other islands are:

• 12 (Fondamente Nove - Murano Faro - Burano - Treporti - Punta Sabbioni)
• 14 (S.Zaccaria - Lido SME - Punta Sabbioni - Treporti - Burano)
• 9 (Burano - Torcello)

Useful info: purchasing a day or multi-day pass is worthwhile if you intend to use the vaporetto regularly.

Ports in Burano

Burano’s main docks serve as the primary entry point for visitors arriving by vaporetti (water buses) from Venice, Murano and Torcello. The main attractions of the island, such as Via Galuppi, are only a short stroll from the docks. Specifically, Burano "A" is typically used for vaporetti arriving from Torcello, while Burano "C" is the main dock where boats from Venice and Murano regularly arrive.

Burano ferry: schedules and tickets

Consorzio Vidali Group’s ferries to Burano depart regularly from Venice's San Marco, with connections typically stopping at Murano before continuing to Burano. The Venice to Murano ferry route lasts around 30 minutes and costs €7.50. The ferry to Burano from Murano takes another 30 minutes and also costs €7.50.

If you're heading back to Venice, there’s a direct ferry to Venice San Marco from Burano, which takes about 45 minutes and costs €7.50. These ferries run year-round, with 4 daily departures.

A rainbow of colors painting the island of Burano

Book ferry tickets online to Burano

Discover the vibrant charm of Burano by booking your ferry tickets on Ferryhopper today! Browse all Venice ferry connections on our Map of ferries and get ready for an unforgettable experience in the Venetian Lagoon.