Murano is a series of islands linked by bridges in the Venetian Lagoon, northern Italy. It lies about 1.5 km north of Venice and measures about 1.5 km across with a population of just over 5,000 (2004 figures). It is famous for its glass making. It was once an independent comune, but is now a frazione of the comune of Venice.
All glass factories were moved to the island of Murano in 1295 to preserve the city from fires that often were caused by factories themselves. The island is also home to attractions such as the Church of Santa Maria e San Donato and the Murano Glass Museum.
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 di Castello). You can easily walk from San Marco to Fontamente Nove or take the vaporetto lines 41/42 or 51/52. The trip to Murano takes less than 45 minutes and you could spend 3-4 hours to see the biggest island of the venetian lagoon. There are two main vaporetto stops in Murano, the first is “Faro” and mostly suggested “Colonna”, both an easy walk to the main island.
As for hotels, there are many options available near Murano. Some highly rated hotels include MURANO Suites BOUTIQUE Apartments, Casa Sulla Laguna, Beocio Home (The hidden gem in Murano’s heart), casa dei nonni, Simone Cenedese Murano Apartments – Cristallo, and Hyatt Centric Murano Venice.
Some landmarks on the island include the Church of Santa Maria e San Donato and the Murano Glass Museum.
Murano has many great restaurants and places to eat. Some highly rated restaurants on the island include Murano gelateria, Ristorante La Fornace, Osteria La Perla Ai Bisatei, B Restaurant alla Vecchia Pescheria, Acquastanca Osteria, Trattoria Valmarana, and I’ Bacaro De’ Bischeri.
If you’re interested in food and drink tours, there are several options available such as a half-day boat tour with a fish dinner on board, a half-day tour to Murano and Burano with wine tasting, or fish shopping in Rialto and home cooking in Murano.