Venice sees millions of visitors each year. But situated just across the Venetian Lagoon, are the lovely islands of Murano and Burano; world-renowned for their traditional artisan crafts. Though they are often overshadowed by its ever-so-popular neighbor island, Venice, these picturesque fishing villages have so much charm and beauty and they are absolutely worth a visit. A day trip is ideal for visiting both islands. Read along to find out more! And click here for a complete tour guide to visiting Venice!

Murano

If you are making a day trip out of it, I recommend stopping at Murano first. This picturesque island has been home to some of the world’s finest artisan glassblowers since the 13th century. Be sure to visit a local glassblower workshop to watch molten glass go through a combination of rolling, shaping with iron tools and blowing through a long metal tube. The shops usually close early in the afternoon so you want to get there before they do.

And before you go, be sure to stop by the Cometa di Vetro, a comet star art structure (made of blown glass, of course) and the Duomo de Murano Santi Maria e Donato.

Burano

After enjoying the lovely island of Murano, hop back on the boat for the scenic ride to Burano, where traditional lacemaking workshops are scattered amongst the island’s brightly colored homes. Burano is home to the elegant craft of lacemaking, a tradition that has thrived for centuries. You can even visit the Burano Lace Museum to learn about the history and exquisite quality of Burano lace.

And the lollipop-colored aesthetics of this fishing village is truly one of the best parts. The colors of the houses follow a specific system, dating back to the golden age. In fact, residents who wish to paint their home must first send a written request to the government, who will respond with a list of certain colors permitted for that lot! So be sure to wander and enjoy an outdoor aperitif at one of the many cafes.

Getting There

Whether you are coming from Venice or from a city on the coast of Italy, you will have to travel by boat or ferry to get there. The vaporetto is an easy and inexpensive way to arrive. A one-way ticket will set you back  7 euros but I recommend the daily passes which allow you to hop on and off as much as you like. A water taxi is another option though much more expensive, however way more convenient. And a tour is a convenient way to visit both islands and learn about the history; for a great tour company, check out Dark Rome.

Happy Travels!