Burano is an island in the Lagoon of Venice, located to the north of Venice and very near Torcello. It is famous for its lacemaking and colorful houses. The island has about 4,000 inhabitants and has a curious leaning bell tower that is visible from a distance.
The colorful houses of Burano are reflected into the green waters of channels, and the tranquility and calmness with which the elderly ladies embroider original Burano lace by their tombolo (or lace pillow) while they are laughing and chatting in squares among them is enchanting. Many international magazines include Burano among the top 10 most colorful cities in the world.
There are several ways to get from Venice to Burano. You can take the Vaporetto (water bus) #12, which will deliver you right to Burano. The journey takes about 45 minutes and costs 7.5 Euros each way. The vaporetto ferries to the northern lagoon islands leave from Fondamenta Nuove area in Venice (Line LN – Lagoon North), towards the north side (top) of the Castello district (sestiere of Castello). You can easily walk from San Marco to Fontamente Nove or take the vaporetto lines 41/42 or 51/52. To go back to Venice, you can either take LN line via Lido to San Marco, or the same way back via Murano to Fondamenta Nuove.
As for landmarks, one of the most popular things to do in Burano is to photograph the colorful houses. You can also shop for local lace, though most of the lace you’ll see for sale in Burano these days is made by machine or a hybrid of machine work and handmade touches.
Burano is famous for its fish dishes, the most famous of which is the “risotto de gò”. The broth in which the rice is cooked and creamed is extracted from the “gò”, a fish typical of the Venice lagoon, known in English under the name of “goby”. There are several restaurants on the island where you can try this dish, such as Al Gatto Nero Da Ruggero, Trattoria da Romano, and Trattoria da Primo e Paolo.
As for hotels, there are several options on Burano. Al Raspo de Ua is a family-friendly inn offering air conditioning in the rooms and free wifi 2. Casa Burano Experience by Venissa offers local designer furnishings and air-conditioned rooms.