Welcome to isoladiburano.it, the official website of Burano, Italy — Venice's most colorful island, famous for its lace and painted houses. Home of great artists like Baldassare Galuppi, Remigio Barbaro and Pino Donaggio, Burano is consistently ranked among the top 10 most colorful places in the world.
The Colours of Burano
All visitors of Burano remain intrigued by its many colours and the colorful houses reflected in the green waters of the canals, by the leaning bell tower, and by the tranquility with which elderly ladies embroider original Burano lace on their tombolo (lace pillow), laughing and chatting in the squares. It truly seems like paradise — children darting freely on bicycles, balconies draped in multicolored flowers, fishermen hauling fresh fish from their traditional boats.
Just ashore from the ACTV ferry (buy water bus tickets to Burano), you'll find a green lawn with a solemn sculpture by Remigio Barbaro. Following the fondamenta you'll reach the heart of the island: Galuppi Square, where friendly shopkeepers invite curious visitors inside to admire Burano lace-making.
Although lacemaking is the island's main craft attraction, the Murano glass lamp-working technique is also enchanting — born on the nearby island of Murano and widespread throughout the Venetian Lagoon. Real glass factories in miniature, such as the shop at Fondamenta Giudecca 132 inside a typical small green house.
Burano is famous for its fish dishes. The most celebrated is the "risotto de gò": the broth is made from the goby, a fish typical of the Venice lagoon. Restaurants here maintain the genuineness of the old "trattoria buranella" while delivering quality service and fresh fish.
Short on time? There are pizzerias, bars for gelato, and pastry shops selling Burano's famous cookies — the "Bussolà" and the "Esse" — to enjoy while strolling to the end of Piazza Galuppi, where San Martino Bishop's Church stands. Inside is a celebrated painting by Giambattista Tiepolo, with the Santa Barbara Chapel alongside.
The same square holds the Lace Museum (Museo del Merletto), the Town Hall, a well in Istrian stone, and the statue of Baldassare Galuppi by Remigio Barbaro. Nearby stalls sell local souvenirs, a street market sets up every Wednesday morning, and the fish market is just two minutes from the centre.
Wandering through Burano's tiny streets you'll find stone capitals (capitelli) at calli entrances — and sooner or later you'll stumble upon the island's most famous house: "la Casa di Bepi Suà", painted in a mosaic of geometric shapes and bold colours.
The typical Burano house is square-shaped, two or three storeys tall: kitchen and living area on the ground floor, bedrooms above. The vivid colours that define the island today once served to mark property boundaries. An old legend adds that fishermen painted their homes to recognise them from the sea during long voyages.
Where is Burano, Italy?
Burano is an island in the Northern Venetian Lagoon, 11 km northeast of Murano and Venice, connected via the Canale Bisatto – Canale Carbonera – Scomenzera San Giacomo waterway. The boat journey from Venice takes around 45 minutes. It is also easily reached from Treporti (10 min) and Punta Sabbioni (30 min) in the Cavallino-Treporti municipality. The island is home to around 3,000 inhabitants.
For directions and transport options, see our full guide on how to get to Burano.
What to See in Burano
Isoladiburano.it has put together a comprehensive guide with a map of the main attractions in Burano. If you're not sure where to start, don't miss our page Things to do in Burano.
History of Burano
The inhabitants of Altino, fleeing the barbarian invasions, took refuge on the lagoon islands and named them after the six gates of their abandoned city: Murano, Mazzorbo, Burano, Torcello, Ammiana and Costanziaca. The name Burano derives from Porta Boreana — the northern gate, facing the direction of the bora wind.
The earliest dwellings were built on stilts with walls of woven reeds plastered with mud — single-room structures, light enough for the soft ground, with earth floors and beds of dry leaves. These were gradually replaced by brick buildings.
Some scholars believe Burano was not always where it stands today: ancient texts suggest the island was once closer to the sea and was abandoned due to strong tidal currents. Other sources argue its position never changed, and that the island's constant breezes even kept malaria at bay.
Since the time of the Venetian Republic, Burano was home to around 8,000 poor inhabitants living mainly from fishing and farming. The skill of its lace-makers allowed the island to grow economically and export its craft across the world.
The town is still divided into five quarters linked by bridges: San Martino Destro, San Martino Sinistro, San Mauro, Giucecca and Terranova, separated by the Rio Ponticello, Rio Zuecca and Rio Terranova canals. The island's last major transformation was the filling of the main canal to create the square now named after the composer Baldassare Galuppi.
Major Activities in Burano
Fishing was once the island's main livelihood; today tourism, retail and restaurants sustain the local economy. This website serves as a small guide to Venice and its islands — a starting point for anyone asking where in Italy is Venice or looking to explore the lagoon beyond the city. Read more about fishing in the Venetian lagoon.
Crafts in Burano
Burano is world-famous for its needle lace. The island also has a tradition of Venetian mask-making, and many residents work in nearby Murano producing precious glass objects. Plan your shopping with our guide to shopping in Burano and Venice.
Where to Eat in Burano and Venice
Isoladiburano.it has put together a section covering restaurants and casual spots — bars, cicchetterie, and snack stops. See our guide to eating out in Burano and Venice.
Where to Stay near Burano
Our accommodation guide covers the full range: inns, bed and breakfasts, apartments and hotels in Venice, as well as options in Mazzorbo, Torcello, Murano, Mestre, Cavallino Treporti, Jesolo and Abano Terme. You can also book a stay in a typical Burano house — once home to fishermen and lace-makers. Browse the full Burano accommodation and Venice hotels guide.
IsoladiBurano.it and all the inhabitants of Burano wish you a pleasant journey — and hope it becomes a real holiday in our corner of the lagoon.