📍 Italy, Burano, Veneto

The Colorful Island of the Venetian Lagoon

Burano – a vividly colorful island in the Venetian Lagoon – enchants visitors with its cheerful houses and peaceful atmosphere. It's a perfect escape from the hustle of Venice for a day.

Burano is one of the most picturesque islands of the Venetian Lagoon, located about 7 km from Venice. It is famous for its brightly painted fishermen’s houses, which according to legend, were painted in vivid colors so that sailors could recognize them in the fog.

A short history

The history of Burano dates back to Roman times, but it flourished in the Middle Ages as a fishing hub. Since the 16th century, the island has been renowned for its intricate lacework, which was exported throughout Europe. Today, visitors can see the Lace Museum and shop for local handmade pieces.

A rainbow of houses

Each house on Burano has its own color, and homeowners must get official permission to repaint. This strict regulation creates a living postcard – a dream for photographers and travelers.

How to get there?

The easiest way to reach Burano is by vaporetto (water bus) line 12 from Fondamente Nove stop in Venice. The journey takes about 45 minutes, and a single ticket costs €9.50. Consider a 24- or 48-hour pass if planning more trips around the lagoon.

Vaporetto timetable

Line 12 departs daily:

First departure from Venice (Fondamente Nove): around 4:30 AM
Last departure from Burano: around 11:00 PM

Schedules may vary seasonally, so it’s recommended to check the latest timetable in advance.

Where to eat?

Burano offers several cozy trattorias and pizzerias. Local food specialties include:

Seafood risotto
Spaghetti al nero di seppia (squid ink pasta)
Fritto misto (mixed fried seafood)
Pizza with fresh lagoon ingredients

Shopping and souvenirs

A small grocery store is available on the island with basic food and daily items. Opening hours:

Daily: 7:00 AM – 8:00 PM

You can also shop for:

Handmade Burano lace – tablecloths, handkerchiefs, fans
Paintings of Burano’s colorful streets
Locally made crafts and jewelry

Camper parking before Venice

Before entering Venice by car, travelers in motorhomes can stay at the San Giuliano Venice camper parking area. It’s a fenced, lit site with bathrooms, toilets, and electricity hookup for about 100 campers.

Price: approx. €20 per day + €5 for electricity. Maximum stay is 48 hours.

Address:
Social Cooperative Society
Piazzale Zendrini, 7
30173 Campalto (Venezia)

How to get there:
From A57 (Mestre bypass), take the exit marked Venezia-San Giuliano-Treviso. At the roundabout, follow signs for Venezia and take SS14 (Via Martiri della Libertà).
At the end of the road (approx. 6 km), turn right and enter the large roundabout at San Giuliano Park. Go straight and at the end of the roundabout follow the sign to Parking Porta Gialla.

Visit the San Giuliano Venice parking website

Getting there by train or plane

The nearest airport is Marco Polo (VCE) – about 30 minutes by public transport from Venice. You can also reach Venezia Santa Lucia train station and transfer to the vaporetto from there.

About the locals

Burano has about 2,200 residents. The average age is around 65, reflecting the aging population as many young people move to larger cities for work and studies.

Fun facts

Painted houses: Colors are strictly regulated. Homeowners need permission to repaint, helping preserve Burano’s iconic charm.
Burano lace: Handmade lace from Burano is world-famous and crafted by local artisans – a tradition going back to the 1500s.
Leaning bell tower: The church of San Martino has a noticeably tilted bell tower – a quirky but iconic feature of the island.

Posted on: 2025-05-17 📅
Italy, Burano, Veneto 📍🌍
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